People with Developmental Disabilities Are Part of Our Communities

By Director Barbara Palmer

Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month will officially be declared on March 7 by Governor Rick Scott and the Florida Cabinet.

During March, I feel it is important to share the wonderful accomplishments that Floridians with developmental disabilities are achieving in our state. People with special abilities have much to offer when given the opportunity. Attending the Cabinet meeting in Tallahassee will be people with developmental disabilities who will share their successes with these notable officials.

The Cabinet members will hear from Susan Mikesh who has cerebral palsy. Susan has been employed for 23 years at Creative Preschool in Tallahassee helping babies and toddlers begin their educational journey. She lived in her own apartment for 20 years receiving supports funded by APD. Recently, she decided to move into her sister’s home while still receiving assistance from APD after falling in her apartment. The injury has limited her mobility more. Temporarily, she had a job coach at the school to help her continue to be successful in her job with additional limitations in her mobility.

Susan is a great example of how people’s needs change throughout their lives, and APD’s iBudget Medicaid waiver is flexible enough to allow money to be shifted around to meet their unique needs.

Governor Scott is a great advocate for people with disabilities. The Governor has included two important funding proposals in his Securing Florida’s Future Budget which proposes $1.4 billion to serve Floridians with developmental disabilities. Some of the investments include:

$18.1 million to offer enrollment to approximately 900 individuals with developmental disabilities who are in crisis into the APD waiver program. This funding will serve individuals who are in a crisis situation, in extended foster care, or those in foster care who are adopted or reunified with their families.
$1 million to provide employment services for approximately 800 individuals with developmental disabilities who are ready to work.

During this special month of March devoted to promoting the abilities of those APD serves, we hope the Legislature will support funding for APD to meet the needs of our vulnerable citizens. When we all come together for the greater good, we can help fulfill dreams for Floridians like Susan Mikesh.

Susan Mikesh