Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 1, 2006
CONTACT: Contact: Lindsay Hodges (850) 414 - 7551
BUSH/JENNINGS BUDGET REFLECTS A CONTINUED FOCUS ON FLORIDIANS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES
TALLAHASSEE - Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) Director Shelly
Brantley today applauded Governor Jeb Bush and Lt. Governor Toni Jennings for their ongoing
commitment to serving persons with developmental disabilities. The Bush/Jennings 2006-2007
budget includes more than $1.3 billion to serve persons with disabilities, in addition to
new funds to serve as many as 3,000 Floridians with developmental disabilities currently
on the waiting list for agency programs.
"This budget reflects the Governor and Lt. Governor's ongoing commitment to strengthening
support and services for Floridians with developmental disabilities, while promoting
community inclusion and fostering independence," said APD Director Shelly Brantley.
"Governor Bush’s exceptional leadership means more persons with developmental disabilities
will get the medically necessary supports and services offered through state programs."
Governor Bush is a leading advocate for the rights of individuals with disabilities. The
Agency for Persons with Disabilities was established in 2004 to support Floridians with
developmental disabilities in working, learning and community living. During the last
eight years, Governor Bush has increased funding for developmental disabilities by
$833.3 million or 165.7 percent.
The Bush/Jennings budget recommendations for 2006-2007 include:
Enrollment Expansion for APD Services: $48.6 million increase
This recommended increase in funding for home and community-based supports and services
helps as many as 3,000 persons with developmental disabilities who are currently on
the waiting list for agency programs. Home and community-based supports includes supported
employment, physical therapy, respite, nursing services, supported living coaching services,
in-home supports and environmental accessibility adaptations.
Crisis Enrollment: $7.6 million
The Bush/Jennings recommended budget allocates $7.6 million to provide waiver services
to individuals with developmental disabilities in crisis situations, meaning an
individual is homeless, a danger to self or others, or the individual's caregiver
is no longer safely able to provide care to the individual.
Support Coordination: $6.4 million increase
This recommended increase provides for a 10 percent rate increase for support
coordinators that serve persons with developmental disabilities. Support coordinators
act as liaisons between clients who are served through a waiver program and providers
to identify, develop, coordinate and access supports and services on behalf of or
assisting an individual or family.
Mentally Retarded Defendant Program (MRDP): $2.7 million increase
This recommendation provides funding for an additional 18 beds in the Agency's forensic
unit. APD's forensic system is a set of facilities and programs serving individuals
with mental retardation and autism who have been charged with felony crimes but were
determined by the court to be incompetent to proceed in the legal system due to those
disabilities. The MRDP program provides housing and rehabilitative services to individuals
determined by the courts to pose a danger to themselves or others while awaiting the
resolution of the question of their trail competency.
Information Technology: $5.2 million
This recommended allocation supports the initial redesign planning for the agency's
Allocation, Budget and Contract Control (ABC) computer data system that maintains
client records and files. The system tracks consumer enrollment in the program and
eligibility for specific programs, provides for transmission of consumer specific
expenditures, and documents Medicaid Waiver expenditures. The ABC system is used
for budget and planning purposes.
"Governor Bush and Lt. Governor Jennings have outlined a clear vision of continued enrollment
efforts coupled with enhanced program opportunities," said Brantley. "The agency remains
committed to supporting persons with developmental disabilities in living, learning
and working in all aspects of community life."
For more information about the Bush/Jennings budget recommendations, visit
www.myflorida.com or
http://apd.myflorida.com.
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