Florida ARF ISSUES FORUM BREAKING NEWS

Volume 5, Issue 2

February 20, 2007

Top News

Florida ARF Winter Quarterly Meeting Described as Informative

Tallahassee, Florida (February 16, 2007) "One of the most informative meetings we've attended" was a comment we heard several times at the February 6-8, 2007, Florida ARF Winter Quarterly Meeting.  The agenda was packed with excellent speakers and a healthy amount of dialogue occurred between the presenters and attendees.   Many of you were there and it was great to see so much networking and enthusiasm.  To review detailed reports and hand out materials, login as a member at www.floridaarf.org and click on the forum directory to select the forum you would like to review.

The next quarterly meeting is the April Fly-in in Tallahassee.  We look forward to seeing you then!   
 
Welcome to Our Newest Member!
 
We are pleased to welcome our newest member, Key Training Center (aka Citrus County ARC).  Key Training Center offers a myriad of outstanding programs and services that foster individual self-worth for individuals with developmental disabilities.  Each year, more than 300 participants receive daily living and social skills, job training, life-sustaining care and residential services from the Center.   Key Center is also home to WYKE DT TV, Channel 47.  The Executive Director of the program is Chet Cole who has been at the Center for more than 35 years.  The Center operates the Key Center Foundation under the daily guidance of Melissa Walker, Director of Development and Community Relations, who coordinates the "Annual Run for the Money" fundraising event.  The "Run for the Money" starts at the Capitol steps in Tallahassee on a Monday and ends the following Saturday in Lecanto with a huge celebration.  Further, Key Training Center works collaboratively with the Key Pine Village ICFDD.  To find out more about this impressive program, please visit their  website.  Welcome aboard Key Training Center!
 

Community Agency Spotlights:

spotlight on:


 Sunrise Community, Inc.

Sunrise Community, Inc.Sunrise Community is a multi-million dollar, not-for-profit organization that operates under the principle that all people want and have a right to a full and productive life, including a home, family, work, and participation in community activities.   Sunrise provides a broad range of services for thousands of people with disabilities in more than 12 not-for-profit agencies in five states.   Their services include:  Adult Day Program, Supported Living, Residential Homes, Foster Care, Supported Employment, Adult Social Groups, After-School Care, Respite Care, Behavioral Analysis and Assessment, Physical Therapy, Nursing, Environmental Modifications, Speech Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Companion Services, Infant Stimulation, In-Home Training, Wheelchairs & Adaptive Equipment, and Transportation.   

While Sunrise has a national reputation as a provider of quality services, this month’s spotlight features their extraordinary education and advocacy efforts that have assisted all community agencies in Florida with the achievement of their common goal – to provide quality services for individuals with disabilities.  Over the last three years, Sunrise, under the direction of Les Leech, Jr., (President and CEO) and Dr. Jim Weeks, (Vice President, Corporate Secretary/Treasurer) have given generously of their time and resources to support the mission of Florida ARF and the members it represents.  Dr. Weeks has provided countless hours reviewing Medicaid Waiver and ICFDD claims data and has frequently represented your interests before executive and legislative officials and staff as well as provided expert testimony during litigation cases.  Thank you Sunrise Community for all that you do to help Florida ARF member agencies achieve their missions.  Your efforts have greatly improved the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities in more ways than we can even begin to describe!
 
Children's

Agency for Workforce Innovation (AWI) Reports a Lack of Participation in the Voluntary Prekindergarten Program

The Voluntary Prekindergarten law creates "a program to prepare 4-year-olds for kindergarten and to build a strong foundation for their continued educational success."  Early learning coalitions administer this program throughout the state through providers in both the public and private sector.  Parents can choose from two programs: a school year program (540 hours of instruction) or summer program (300 hours of instruction).

The AWI, Office of Early Learning, Office of Program Effectiveness and Analysis has released Report: # 07-02 regarding the lack of participation for the voluntary Pre-K Program.  According to AWI, 106,000 children were served in Florida’s Voluntary Prekindergarten in its first year of operation.  Approximately 700 parents of children that did not participate in the free program were surveyed.   The main reasons for non-participation were identified as availability of the program and lack of public awareness/information.  Other reasons included: insufficient program hours, lack of transportation, and parents caring for their child at home.  Read Report.

We hear from some of your collegues that Voluntary Pre-K funding has been proven to be a valuable funding source that meets the needs of many children with disabilties.

Children's Announcements:

  • Jessica Lunsford Act Update

    Tallahassee, Florida (January 26, 2007) Senator Nancy Argenziano filed Senate Bill 988: Relating to High-risk Offenders, which includes the exemption for certain instructional personnel who are required to undergo level 2 background screening under s. 393.0655 or s. 402.305.  Get a copy of the bill.  Get a copy of the Florida ARF White Paper.
     
  • Children’s Week Assistance Requested

    Tallahassee, Florida (February 6, 2007) The organizers of Children’s Week are requesting that colorful cutouts of children’s hands be sent to Kids Incorporated of the Big Bend by March 22nd for use in the Capitol Rotunda. Get More Information.
     
  • Healthy Start Looking for Additional Dollars

    Tallahassee, Florida (February 6, 2007) Governor Crist’s proposed budget does not include increases for Healthy Start.  However, for FY 07-08 a group of lawmakers are calling for a $6.3 million funding increase for Healthy Start, which is the first installment of a total $37.5 million increase to be allocated over the next five years.  Read More...
     
  • Florida KidCare Program: Organizational Streamlining and Administrative Simplification

    Tallahassee, Florida (January 25, 2007) In October 2006, the Senate Committee on Health Policy issued Interim Project Report 2007-131 which recommended further incremental approaches for organizational streamlining and administrative simplification of the Florida KidCare Program.  In follow, SPB 7008 has been introduced.
     
  • FICCIT Meeting Announced

    Tallahassee, Florida (February 5, 2007) The Florida Interagency Coordinating Council for Infants and Toddlers (FICCIT) will hold their quarterly meeting in Tampa on April 24-25, 2007.  Get more information.
     
  • Early Steps Abbreviations/Acronyms

    Tallahassee, Florida (January 25, 2007) The Department of Health, Children’s Medical Services, Early Steps Program has released an approved list of abbreviations and acronyms for Early Steps records.      Get the list.
     
  • Cuts in After-School Funding

    Tallahassee, Florida (February 5, 2007) President Bush has proposed $981 million for the federal 21st Century Community Learning Centers afterschool initiative in FY 2008.  In 2007 the No Child Left Behind Act authorized $2.5 billion for afterschool, but a year later the President's proposal would provide less than 40 % of that funding.  Currently campaigns have begun to encourage legislators to increase afterschool funding next year.  Learn More...
     
  • Grants Available for Childrens' Programs

    Tallahassee, Florida (February 14, 2007) The Innovating Worthy Projects Foundation was founded to provide financial grants for structuring, developing or modifying special-needs children’s programs of organizations recognized as charities by the US Internal Revenue Service.  More information.

    The RGK Foundation awards grants in the broad areas of Education, Community, and Medicine/Health.  Human service programs of particular interest to the Foundation include children and family services, early childhood development, and parenting education.  More information.
     
  • “Confronting Ableism” in Educating Students with Disabilities

    Tallahassee, Florida (February 9, 2007) In the linked article, Thomas Hehir discusses the negative attitudes towards disabilities that still exist in our society and how the attitudes can undermine the opportunities for all individuals to participate in school and society.  Real life stories from individuals with disabilities and the challenges they faced in our culture are shared throughout the article.
     
  • Public Review of Florida's FFY 2007 Renewal Application for Funds under Part C of IDEA

    To meet the public participation requirements under §441 of the General Education Provisions Act (GEPA) at 20 USC 1232d(b)(7)(B)) and Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) at 34 CFR §§303.110 through 303.113), the Florida Department of Health, as lead agency for implementation of Part C of IDEA in Florida is publishing the renewal application for Part C of the IDEA. Review the Part C Application: Comments will be accepted until March 22, 2007 and can be submitted by emailing to     EarlySteps@doh.state.fl.us
Community Supports

Going Forward...

On February 8, 2007, the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) testified before the Senate Health and Human Services Committee.  APD, using an Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) methodology, projected a $104 million deficit.  The primary reason for the deficit is alleged to be because of utilization engrossed by existing clients being served.  As indicated earlier, Florida ARF believes the deficit will not be as high as projected, that it is controllable, and that the utilization factors used by AHCA are misleading. 

The APD presentation outlined "Going Forward" steps to respond to the projected deficit by conducting a “top to bottom” program operation review that will consider:

  • Service utilization - are services appropriate to the needs of each individual?
  • Establishing incentives for Waiver Support Coordinators to align care plans to appropriate service needs and create efficiencies in the system.
  • Review of Prior Service Authorization policies to ensure efficiencies & adherence to medical necessity guidelines.

APD also wants to consider transitioning the program to a "capitated" service delivery model, amending the existing Medicaid Waiver, adding a personal responsibility (client contribution) component, imposing service (utilization) and/or spending caps, and reviewing the accuracy and effectiveness of the medical necessity determinations.

As part of the "Going Forward" strategy, on February 16, Florida ARF was asked to present a predictable cost model proposal to APD staff, AHCA staff, Support Coordinator representatives and advocates.  Prior to the presentation, APD Interim Director Barney Ray indicated the following principles must be used to develop systems changes.

  • Consumer centered care planning,
  • Living within appropriations,
  • Serving more people, and
  • Continuing quality of services to people served.

Get a copy of Florida ARF's presentation.  Following the presentation, APD announced it is initiating a stakeholder workgroup to review the DS waiver system and to recommend methods to make the system more efficient and effective.  Representatives have been invited from the Family Care Council (1 self advocate and 1 parent/guardian), ARC Florida & Florida ARF (1 representative each), FASC / FISCA (1 representative each), and AHCA (1 representative).  The first meeting will be held on February 23, 2007, and weekly meetings will continue until the end of March when recommendations will be finalized.  Florida ARF will be representing your interests at these workgroup meetings.  We encourage you to submit your concerns and suggestions to Suzanne Sewell at ssewell@floridaarf.org. 

Our assessment is that "Going Forward" strategies will be pursued in the near future and will ensure cost predictability and control.  The following articles provide the federal direction that will likely fuel state actions.

  • Government Accounting Office (GAO) Provides Testimony on Health Care Spending

    Washington, D.C.  (February 15, 2007)  GAO representatives provided testimony before a House Committee.  The testimony concluded that the federal budget is on a path that is fiscally unsustainable, in large part because of growth in spending for Medicare and Medicaid.  Read More...
     
  • Center on Budget and Policy Priorities Reports the Administration again Proposes to Shift Federal Medicaid Costs to States
     
    Washington, D.C. (February 14, 2007)  In an article posted on its website, The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities examines the Administration's FY 2008 Budget and comes to the conclusion that the budget would make the nation's fiscal problems worse and further widen income inequality. This is a must read if you want to understand potential federal influences on State Medicaid programs!

Community Supports Announcements:

  • Florida ARF to Serve on Interagency Quality Council (IQC) Abuse / Neglect Work Group

    Tallahassee, FL (February 15, 2007) Florida ARF will serve on an IQC Abuse/Neglect work group that will review reporting procedures for abuse / neglect of individuals with disabilities.  The group will review how Delmarva will be evaluating agency responses to abuse / neglect.  The workgroup begins meeting during the week of February 19-23, 2007.  If you have comments or suggestions, feel free to forward them to Suzanne Sewell.
           

  • AHCA Presents on Healty Seniors
     
    Tallahassee, FL  (February 6, 2007)  Today, Deputy Director for Medicaid Tom Arnold and Bureau Chief Beth Kidder presented to the House Committee on Healthy Seniors.  The Senior Care waiver is being watched closely since it is a Medicaid Reform proposal that stresses nursing home diversion.  The findings from this waiver may influence future diversion strategies for DS Program.  The presentation may be found here.  (The presentation provides good information about the Florida Medicaid program - Slides 1-12)
     

  • Florida DD Council Announces Transportation Guide RRP (RFP # 2007-TR-5500)

    Tallahassee, FL (February 14, 2007)  The primary purpose of this project is to educate people with developmental disabilities and their families on best practices and strategies on how to access public transportation.  Through the development of a training guidebook for individuals with disabilities who are interested in utilizing public transportation systems in their communities. To learn more, go here.
           

  • Florida Alliance for Assistive Services & Technology (FAAST) Announces Lifting Moratorium on Vehicle Loans
     
    Tallahassee, FL  (January 19, 2007)  The FAAST Alternative Finance Program is pleased to announce that during the January 19, 2007 meeting of its Board of Directors, the moratorium on vehicle loans was lifted.  FAAST loans allow individuals to overcome barriers to independence education and employment by providing individuals the tools and technology that would allow them to experience the highest degree of inclusion possible. Individuals can borrow from $500 to $20,000 to purchase vehicles or home modifications, adaptive computer equipment, scooters, etc.  Get further information.
     

  • DCF Thanks Legislative Budget Commission for Funding of Mental Health Treatment Beds

    Tallahassee, FL (January 6, 2007)  Today, DCF Secretary Bob Butterworth publicly thanked the Legislative Budget Commission, the Agency for Healthcare Administration, and partners in the criminal justice and judicial systems for their commitment to resolving the need for additional mental health treatment beds.  With the additional $16.6 million, DCF will add a projected 373 mental health treatment beds and fulfill their statutory obligation for prompt treatment of incarcerated individuals with mental illness.

 

  • Department of Children & Families (DCF) Unveils New Method to Report Elder Abuse

    Tallahassee, FL  (January 8, 2007) DCF has announced a new method to report child and adult abuse. Floridians can now visit the Department's Web site and file an abuse report online. The secure website is available to report suspicions of child abuse, abandonment, and/or neglect, and the abuse, neglect and/or exploitation of disabled adults and the elderly.   To file an abuse report online, visit the Department of Children and Families website.
     

  • NIDRR Announces New Grant Opportunities in Emergency Management and Disability

    Washington, D.C.  (February 14, 2007)  The National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) in the U.S. Department of Education invites applications for two new research grants in the areas of: "Emergency Evacuation and Individuals with Disabilities" and "Emergency Management Technologies."  These are three and five year grants with projected funding at $450,000 and $950,000 per year.  Read More...
     
  • The Ethel Louise Armstrong Foundation, Inc. (ELA) Announces Availability of Grants 

     Washington, D.C.  (February 11, 2007)  The ELA Foundation has a vision of “Changing the Face of Disability on the Planet” and seeks to accomplish this through their grant and scholarship programs.  The ELA Foundation grants funds for established programs in the areas of arts and advocacy to nonprofit US 501(c) (3) organizations, which are led by or support adults with disabilities who are 22 or older.  ELA encourages distinctive, cutting edge programs that impact the lives of people with disabilities by changing the face of disability in a community.   Program grants range from $1,000 to $5,000 and must demonstrate support by other foundations, corporations and individuals in the local community.  Get further information.
     
  • Therap Services Announces Release of Version 7.0

    Waterbury, CN (February 11, 2007)  Therap Services, LLC, was founded to improve the quality of life for people with developmental disabilities by providing cost-effective information, communications, and technology services tailored to the specific needs of service providers, service managers, health professionals, and regulators.  Therap provides data management for several of our members.  Therap is pleased to announce the release of Version 7.0 which introduces 5 (five) modules on supported employment tracking, staff scheduling, attendance, ISP Library, click here to read more.
     
  • $2.5 Million in DOL Grants Available to Address Long Term Care Workforce Challenges
     
    Washington, D.C.  (February 16, 2007)  The Employment and Training Administration has announced a grant competition for approximately $2.5 million to be invested in training for the healthcare industry's long-term care sector. The Virtual Prospective Applicant Conference will review the Solicitation for Grant Applications and answer questions from prospective applicants. For more information, please visit.

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