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Florida ARF Hosts Spring Quarterly Meeting
Florida ARF & RESPECT of Florida Celebrate Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
Florida ARF & Members Say Thank You Tallahassee, FL (March 13, 2012) On Friday, March 9th, the 2012 Florida Legislative Session ended at 11:59 p.m. Florida ARF realized numerous successful outcomes for member agencies and the individuals they serve. Of major importance is the additional funding for the Agency for Persons with Disabilities waiver program, restoration of the Adults with Disabilities Fund within the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, and revisions to reimbursement rate methodologies for ICF/DDs. As the Session closes, Florida ARF and its members say “thank you” to our Government Relations team led by Ron Book and Kelly Mallette and joined by Susan Goldstein. We also acknowledge the support of Representative Matt Hudson, Representative Denise Grimsley, Representative Will Weatherford, Representative Dean Cannon, Senator Joe Negron, Senator JD Alexander, and Senate President Mike Haridopolos who are truly Champions for individuals with developmental disabilities
Florida ARF Members Advocate for Individuals with Disabilities
Florida ARF Members, Families, & Self-Advocates Advocate During Session Tallahassee, FL (January 27, 2012) During the 3rd week of the 2012 Legislative Session, Florida ARF members, self-advocates, and families came to Tallahassee to advocate for the needs of individuals with disabilities. A number of advocates shared concerns on funding for APD as well as the system changes proposed in SB 1516 with their local legislators and the Governor. Individuals in attendance also provided compelling testimony before the Senate Health & Human Services Appropriations Committee and the Senate Children, Families, and Elder Affairs Committee. Florida ARF appreciates everyone sharing their views with the Florida Legislature and the Governor.
Florida ARF Staff Offer 2012 Greetings and Best Wishes!
Tallahassee, FL (November 2011) In late October, Florida ARF Board Chair Clint Bower, President & CEO Suzanne Sewell, and Government Relations Consultant Susan Goldstein visited more than 15 Congressional House members in their Washington, D.C. offices. The Florida ARF team discussed the need for continued Medicaid funding, the need for state flexibility in providing Medicaid services to individuals receiving residential supports, and the importance of continuation of commensurate wages to ensure that individuals with severe disabilities continue to have employment options. The Congressmen were responsive to the issues and were interested in hearing about the needs of their constituents. Florida ARF Celebrates National Disability Employment Awareness Month
In Florida, an individual receiving services from the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) spoke before Governor Rick Scott and the Florida Cabinet on October 4 explaining the importance of including people with disabilities in the workforce. Attorney General Pam Bondi introduced the Cabinet resolution declaring October as Disability Employment Awareness Month in Florida. Florida ARF is pleased to celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness month and recognizes all of our member agencies who work diligently to assist individuals with disabilities in achieving their employment goals. Florida ARF & FADSP Celebrate Direct Support Professionals (DSP) Recognition Week Tallahassee, FL (September 15, 2011) During the week of September 11-18, Florida ARF & the Florida Alliance for Direct Support Professional (FADSP) proudly celebrated DSP Recognition Week. DSPs across the state were featured who represent the backbone of our direct care service system. Their stories clearly communicate the loving attitude and dedication of so many DSPs who give so freely of themselves to serve others. Governor Rick Scott signed a letter recognizing the Association for raising awareness of the DSP profession during Direct Support Professional Recognition Week. Scott stated “direct support professionals provide invaluable assistance for many Floridians with disabilities. These dedicated professionals help citizens by increasing their independence, providing a means of communication to family and friends and offer support and encouragement on a daily basis.” We could not agree with Governor Scott more. To all the DSPs across Florida, we offer a hearty “Thank you for all that you do!”
Tallahassee, FL (August 29, 2011) Florida ARF is pleased to announce John McBride has been appointed as the RESPECT of Florida Executive Director. Mr. McBride comes to us from the Florida Department of Transportation where he was employed as a Senior Contract Auditor. John brings a strong management, business, communications, and administrative background to the RESPECT program and has experience working with government agencies, businesses, and professional associations. John also brings a strong entrepreneurial spirit, a life-long commitment to community service, and a desire to connect individuals with disabilities with employment opportunities. We look forward to many exciting new developments within the RESPECT program under John's leadership. RESPECT Employment Model Proves Successful for Participants Tampa, FL (July 25, 2011) Merle Vick began working at Panther Medical Company in July. While receiving day and employment services at MacDonald Training Center (MTC), a Florida ARF member and certified RESPECT of Florida Employment Center, he had tirelessly advocated for community based employment. Despite challenges, Merle has been adamant about his desire to work and live independently in the community. After training on the SUNPASS contract through RESPECT, Merle learned real work skills, had a credible resume, and was able to obtain a position at Panther Medical. After only a few weeks, his hours and responsibilities were increased and he received a substantial raise complete with benefits. Despite years of coming to MTC, Merle happily signed on to become a self-sufficient full time employee. Best of all, his competency and work ethic encouraged the firm to seek out and hire another person that had gone through the same training. Billy Jean West, “B.J.” to her friends, also was very motivated, and very interested in community based employment. Incredibly polite, despite being raised in a notoriously rough part of Tampa, B.J. is the first one to offer assistance when anyone around her needed help. She has an amazing recall of names and detail pertaining to persons, places, or things. She would often take people under her wing, making sure that they understood how to do a task. For many years, B.J. had been a part of the “Enclave” team that went out as a group to local firms on an as needed basis. B.J. was always the first one ready and willing to go wherever there was an opportunity to work. When a position opened at Panther Medical, B.J. asked for a chance and they gave it to her. Today, they both have their own independent work areas at Panther Medical. They are part of the team that packs and distributes sample kits that are sent to doctor’s offices throughout the Tampa Bay area. When doctors and their staff open the kit, they find alcohol wipes and small items, packaged with pride and precision. Each kit showcases many new items from Panther Medical and also highlights the many accomplishments of Merle and B.J. and their unwavering commitment to live and work independently.
Florida ARF Attends 13th Annual Family Café
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Tallahassee, FL (March 20, 2012) On February 20th, Governor Rick Scott proclaimed March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. In response to the proclamation, a celebration was hosted by the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) on March 20th at the Florida Capitol. As part of the festivities, Attorney General Pam Bondi introduced a resolution at the March 20th Florida Cabinet meeting and proclaimed March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. Florida ARF attended the Cabinet meeting and Courtyard activities, and RESPECT of Florida exhibited on employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities on the 3rd floor of the Capitol. President & CEO Suzanne Sewell thanks Governor Scott for acknowledging the dozens of partner organizations and thousands of private sector and community providers who provide supports for individuals with developmental disabilities. Sewell said: "While the day was all about individuals with developmental disabilities, we are grateful the Governor and his staff remembered to acknowledge the efforts of those who work daily to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities."
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Tallahassee, FL (February 24, 2012) Florida ARF’s Government Relations Chair (Katie Porta) and I want to thank all of our member agencies, families, and advocates who traveled to Tallahassee during the 7th week of the 2012 Legislative Session. A number of you traveled many miles and shared concerns with your local legislators regarding funding for the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) and the Adults with Disabilities program within the Vocational Rehabilitation program. Many of you also expressed your concerns about proposed APD program changes within SB 1516 and SB 1990. As the 2012 Session comes to a close, we are pleased that the Florida Legislature listened to and funded the APD Home and Community Based Services waiver at an appropriate level. Also, we are pleased to announce that the Adults with Disabilities program funding will continue. Florida ARF truly appreciates the fact that our members and the individuals they served, along with advocates, made the effort to Tallahassee to communicate your need and share your views with the Florida Legislature and policy makers. Because of your efforts, many individuals with disabilities will receive the services they need during FY 2012-13. Again, thank you for your efforts and all that you did to achieve successful outcomes for individuals with disabilities! ---Clint Bower, Florida ARF Board Chair
Orlando, FL (June 3, 2011) Florida ARF is pleased to have attended the 13th Annual Family Café’ conference in Orlando, FL, on June 3-5. Thousands of families and self-advocates participated in this year’s event. Our Government Relations Consultant Susan Goldstein hosted a very successful Friday evening advocacy program. Goldstein was joined by Florida ARF Government Relations Consultant Ron Book who inspired participants to become actively involved in the legislative process. The audience also heard from distinguished panel members including Senate President Mike Haridopolos, Dr. Stephanie Haridopolos, House Appropriations Committee Chair Denise Grimsley, Justice Appropriations Chair Rich Glorioso, and Dan Marino Foundation President and CEO Mary Parton. A special thank you goes to Lori Fahey, Family Café Executive Director, who encouraged Florida ARF members to participate in the 13th annual Family Café.
