Welcome to The Florida Association of Rehabilitation Facilities!

Florida ARF is a 501(c)(3) organization and represents Community Human Service Provider Agencies making a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities across the sunshine state.  Florida ARF does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to either political campaigns or candidates.

Saturday January 28, 2012

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!”

Florida ARF Welcomes New RESPECT of Florida Executive Director

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

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.

Florida ARF Welcomes the End of the 2011 Session and Says Thank You

Tallahassee, FL (May 10, 2011)  On Saturday, May 7th, the 2011 Florida Legislative Session ended. Overall, Florida ARF realized several successful outcomes for member agencies and the individuals they serve. Of major importance was the funding of a $166 million deficit within the Agency for Persons with Disabilities waiver program. We are now working with stakeholders and APD to ensure that quality services and supports remain in tact for the individuals we serve in spite of limited resources for next fiscal year. As the 2011 session closes, Florida ARF offers a “thank you” to our Government Relations team led by Ron Book and Kelly Mallette, with the assistance of Susan Goldstein. Also, we would be remise if we did not thank our members for their tireless efforts during the Session. Finally, we wish to acknowledge the support of Representative Matt Hudson who was truly a Champion for individuals with developmental disabilities during the 2011 Session. Thank you Representative Hudson and staff!

Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day 2011

Tallahassee, FL (March 23, 2011) Nearly 1,000 professionals, self-advocates, and family members from across the state celebrated Developmental Disabilities Day at the Capitol on Wednesday, March 23rd.  This year the event was co-sponsored by The Arc of Florida and the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council.  Governor Rick Scott attended and addressed the crowd.  Senator Anitere Flores presented the second annual Idelio Valdes Leadership and Advocacy award to Kara Tucker a board member of New Heights of Northeast Florida.  Participants visited legislators and shared the message of “no more cuts.”  Florida ARF thanks all the member agencies, families, and self-advocates that attended the events on behalf of Floridians with disabilities.

Honoring the Super Heroes of RESPECT

Tallahassee, FL (February 28, 2011) Recently RESPECT of Florida redesigned its kiosk in the Florida State Capitol building.  This years theme: Super Heroes of RESPECT.  Currently highlighting RESPECT's 2010 Award Winners: Jonathan Berger from Gulfstream Goodwill Industries, Inc.; Lorene Woods from Brevard Achievement Center; Terri Sloan from Brevard Achievement Center; and Reginald Daniels from Goodwill Industries Big Bend Services, Inc.  When you are in Tallahassee, please visit the RESPECT kiosk on the lower level of the Capitol next to the cafeteria.

We commend the great heroes that make RESPECT of Florida a success!

Florida ARF Hosts Quarterly Meeting in Clearwater Beach

On January 25 and 26, Florida ARF hosted its winter quarterly meeting at the Marriott Suites on Sand Key in Clearwater Beach, FL.  The theme of the meeting was “New Times, New Challenges.”   On day one, members heard pertinent industry news including: Updates on the Agency for Persons with Disabilities iBudget system, how to create sustainable funding for nonprofits, expansion of Managed Care in the Medicaid program, Therap automated record management, ICF/DD funding , and forming partnerships with the Children’s Multidisciplinary Assessment Teams (CMATs) to meet the needs of medically, fragile children who also have developmental disabilities.  The Florida Insurance Trust (FIT) also discussed the benefits of buying insurance through the Trust and sponsored a reception following the day one agenda.  On day two, members heard legislative updates from our Government Relations consultants, reviewed legislative strategies, and attended the Employment Forum meeting which featured Vocational Rehabilitation program updates and discussion regarding Supported Employment concerns.  Following the forum meetings, the Board of Directors met and addressed Association business.   Members also said good bye to a very dear and well-respected colleague (Ann Stork President & CEO Jim McGuire who is pursuing new career endeavors) and welcomed three new member agencies along with two new President & CEOs of existing member agencies.  From the comments received, the meeting was deemed very successful and responsive to member agency needs.