Disabilities Stakeholders Praise Rick Scott's Florida Families First Budget

Gov. Rick Scott today shared his proposed 2013-2014Florida Families First budget,which provides $36 million in funding to people on the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) waiver waiting list, during Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day at the Capitol.

According to a release issued by Scott's office, more than 22,000 people are on the APD waiting list. The $36 million increase will allow individuals on the waiting list to enroll in the APD Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Medicaid waiver so they will receive services in their local communities. This new funding is part of the $1.1 billion budget being proposed for APD in the coming year.

TheFlorida Families First budgetalso includes $2.5 million to assist people on the waiver waiting list who have indicated that they want to be employed. The funding will pay for job internships and supported employment job coaches for about 1,000 people with developmental disabilities.

We are working to make sure every Florida family has the opportunity to get a job and a great education, and from our efforts its working," Scott stated. "Since December 2010, Florida has created around 200,000 private-sector jobs and our unemployment rate continues to drop. Our commitment to helping people on the APD waiver waiting list, as well as assisting people who want to work, is another step in our plan to ensure that every Floridian has an opportunity to live the American Dream."

We greatly appreciate GovernorScotts support of our work to improve the agency," APD Director Barbara Palmer was quoted."We have been meeting with families and stakeholders to determine the best approach to begin serving people on our waiting list. We hope the Legislature will also see the importance of this critical funding for the agency. The additional money for employment opportunities will help individuals to become self-sufficient, enhance their quality of life, and benefit their families and Floridas economy.

I am very pleased with the governors budget proposal for APD for the upcoming fiscal year," Scott's statement quotedLou Ogburn, chairperson of the Tallahassee Family Care Council and mother of a daughter with a disability. "This funding is much needed. I am particularly pleased to see that money is being directed to the waiting list. While it doesnt eliminate the list, it is a step in the right direction. In todays society, providing tax dollars to support individuals with disabilities so they may live in the least restrictive environment and be a viable part of their community is the right thing to do.

Scott awarded Sarasota resident Korinne Kaliher the Fourth Annual Idelio Valdes Leadership and Advocacy award. Kaliher was honored for her "exemplary personal achievements and her efforts in promoting disability awareness throughout her community."

Kaliher, a student at the Academy for Community transition at Oak Park in Sarasota, is a member of the Developmental Disabilities Committee of the Community Alliance of Sarasota County, and has spoken on disability awareness issues to the Girl Scouts of Gulf Coast, Florida and the Home Depot store in Sarasota.

Korinne has a positive outlook and is always encouraging people with disabilities to get out in the community and become active, participating members of society, stated FDDC Chair Kathy McAllister.She believes in making the world a better place and sharing her message of valuing and accepting persons with disabilities, emphasizing ones ability rather than their disability. She has found her niche as a public speaker and has a wonderful message to share with everyone she meets.