April Activities
By Director Barbara Palmer
It has been an exciting and passion-filled Legislative Session. The House and Senate will need to return to Tallahassee before July 1 to agree on a final budget. We will provide you with details once it has been approved. The month of April was exceptionally busy for me and the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD). I met with dozens of legislators on APD issues. I also made several appearances to share information about APD with the public. On April 9, I presented at Miami-Dade County Days at the Capitol. I shared the progress we have made in serving more people with the iBudget waiver due to funding to enroll new individuals from the waiting list to the waiver.
I participated in Senior Day on April 15 for the first time as part of a Town Hall meeting (click here for story). I joined other agency leaders who work with elders to answer questions from the public. There was a large enthusiastic crowd at the Capitol wanting to learn about programs to help those who are aging.
On April 16, the Law Enforcement Torch Run ceremony was held in the Capitol Courtyard (click here for story). Hundreds of law enforcement officers are running throughout the state to carry the Torch of Hope to Orlando for the Special Olympic State Summer Games on May 15. In Tallahassee, there were many Special Olympic athletes in the crowd. What an exciting event!
State government hosted lots of children on April 23 for Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day. About a dozen children visited the APD State Office for the day (click here for story). I spoke to children at our office, then went to the Capitol and spoke to children whose parents worked there. We were excited to see Senate President Andy Gardiner bring his three children to work—Andrew, Joanna, and Kathryn.
A disaster briefing was held on April 24 at the State Emergency Operations Center to help state agencies prepare for Hurricane Season which starts June 1. APD works to be ready for disasters by reviewing our emergency plans. Everyone needs to review their disaster plans (http://flgetaplan.com) and supplies at home so they are ready once the storm season begins.
Being involved in activities like these helps me to stay in contact with our partner agencies and the communities we serve. The more I am able to share issues and concerns involving people with disabilities, the more we are educating the public and creating more awareness. I am honored to represent each of you and work to improve our state in the future.
Tweet