2013 Florida Legislative Session Better Than Others For Floridians with Developmental Disabilities

The Arc of Florida Stresses More Work Must Be Done

May 3, 2013

Tallahassee, FL (May 3, 2013) – The 2013 Florida Legislative Session was the best one in five years for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and the agencies that serve them.  The Arc of Florida successfully worked to expand and protect services across the state.

“It’s important for us to recognize that Governor Rick Scott and the Legislature are listening to the people we serve,” said Michele Poole, president of The Arc of Florida.  “Many good things happened during this session for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.”

Highlights include:

• The Legislature approved an increase in funding for Florida’s Medicaid Waiver program, which means 750 – 800 people will come off of the waiting list that some individuals have been on for more than ten years. 

• The Legislature approved an increase in funding for Adult Day Training providers, a service that has not had a rate increase in ten years.

• The Arc of Florida successfully convinced lawmakers to remove language that was quietly slipped into the back of a bill approving the development of a managed care system.  Managed care could have overturned an entire service system that many individuals rely on to be productive members of society.

• The Legislature approved carrying forward funding that was awarded to The Arc of Florida in a special appropriation last year to provide much needed dental care to individuals with I/DD.  Many people with I/DD have significant dental problems because they cannot afford to go to the dentist.  The Arc of Florida was able to provide pain relief to hundreds of individuals this year because of the appropriation.

• The Legislature unanimously passed Senate Bill 142, the Intellectual Disabilities Bill.  It will remove the phrase “mental retardation” in state statutes and replace it with “intellectual disabilities.”  Sen. Thad Altman (R-Melbourne) and Rep. Janet Adkins (R-Fernandina Beach) sponsored the legislation.  The measure is headed to Governor Scott for his signature.

While The Arc of Florida is encouraged by progress made during this year’s session, Poole cautions that this is only a step in the right direction.

“Florida consistently ranks among the lowest funding levels for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, so we still have a lot of work to do,” said Poole.  “The managed care proposal that was sneaked into legislation toward the end of session would have been devastating for our families.  It will likely come up again.  The Arc of Florida will remain vigilant as we continue to protect our clients and families moving forward.”

Other developments during the 2013 Legislative Session that will benefit individuals with I/DD include $3 million in funding for the Early Steps program, $77 million for the construction of charter schools and $10 million for residential projects for people with developmental disabilities through the Florida Housing Finance Corporation.  The budget still needs to be approved by Governor Scott.

Floridians with Intellectual Disabilities ask Governor Rick Scott to Sign Intellectual Disabilities Bill and End the R-word in Florida

Florida Legislature Passes Senate Bill 142 Unanimously

April 30, 2013

Tallahassee, FL (April 30, 2013) – Floridians with intellectual disabilities are asking Governor Rick Scott to sign the Intellectual Disabilities Bill into law after the Florida House of Representatives unanimously passed the measure today.  It will remove the phrase “mental retardation” in state statutes and replace it with “intellectual disabilities.”

“I’m excited about the changes,” said Brittany Norman, a woman with Down Syndrome from Leon County who testified in favor of the bill at a House committee meeting earlier this month.  “Over the years, many people have called me a retard, and it makes me feel empty inside.”

Norman was in the House gallery when the final vote was taken.  “Thank you Sen. Altman, Rep. Adkins and the entire Legislature,” said Norman.  “You are my heroes.”

Senate Bill 142 was sponsored by Sen. Thad Altman (R-Melbourne.)  House Bill 1119, which was replaced by SB 142 after unanimous passage in the Full Senate last week, was sponsored by Rep. Janet Adkins (R-Fernandina Beach.)

“We launched the End the R-word in Florida campaign after so many people we serve asked for a change,” said Michele Poole, president of The Arc of Florida.  “Governor Scott has an opportunity to do something that at least 39 other states have done.  He can sign this bill into law and help end the bullying that thousands of Floridians with intellectual disabilities face every day.”

Once considered a valid medical term, the R-word has become a hurtful slang that promotes negative stereotypes of people with intellectual disabilities.  The American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and American Psychiatric Association changed their official diagnoses from "mental retardation" to "intellectual disability." 

Federal health, education and labor policy statutes were changed in 2010 when Congress passed and President Obama signed "Rosa's Law."  The Social Security Administration recently announced its intent to make the change to its official "Listing of Impairments."

For more information on the End the R-word in Florida campaign, visit www.norword.org.

Intellectual Disabilities Bill Closer To Final Passage

April 29, 2013

Tallahassee, FL (April 29, 2013) – The Florida House of Representatives read the Intellectual Disabilities Bill today for the second of three readings.  Rep. Janet Adkins, sponsor of House Bill 1119, withdrew her bill and replaced it with Senate Bill 142, which passed the Full Senate unanimously last week.  Senate Bill 142 is sponsored by Sen. Thad Altman.

The Intellectual Disabilities Bill removes the phrase “mental retardation” from state statutes and replaces it with “intellectual disabilities.”  A final vote is expected to take place on Tuesday.  Once the measure passes the Full House, it goes to Governor Rick Scott for his signature.

The Arc of Florida Thanks Lawmakers For Protecting Florida Families From Last Minute Attempt To Destroy Services

April 28, 2013

Tallahassee, FL (April 28, 2013) – Thousands of families served by The Arc of Florida were relieved to learn that lawmakers protected their future by removing language that was quietly added to legislation last week that would have implemented a managed care program across the state.  A massive overhaul of Florida's developmental disabilities service system could have destroyed many of the programs individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) rely on to be contributing members of society.

"Our families are grateful to Senate President Don Gaetz, House Speaker Will Weatherford, Senator Joe Negron, Representative Seth McKeel and the Legislature for protecting their loved ones," said Michele Poole, president of The Arc of Florida.  "As the parent of an 18-year-old daughter with a developmental disability, I know how frightening this past week has been for many Florida families."

The Arc of Florida spent the week educating legislators about the harmful effects managed care programs would have on Floridians with I/DD and their families.  Under the proposal that has now been removed, small and independent providers would not have been able to become members of Provider Service Networks (PSN) across the state because those networks would have required them to pay such large fees. As a result, families would have had fewer care options to select from. Providers in PSNs would not necessarily offer the highest quality services. They would just be the companies who could afford to be in the networks.

"The Agency for Persons with Disabilities says its budget will be balanced for the first time in many years," said Poole.  "Let's give the system a chance to work correctly before we blow everything up and harm these families."   

The Arc of Florida will continue to monitor activity at The Florida Capitol and work to protect Floridians with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  Florida has one of the lowest funding levels in the United States for persons with I/DD.

The Arc of Florida Fights To Protect Families From Last Minute Proposal That Could Destroy Their Services

April 26, 2013

Tallahassee, FL (April 26, 2013) – The Arc of Florida was disturbed to learn of a last minute attempt during the 2013 Legislative Session to execute a massive overhaul of Florida’s developmental disabilities service system that would devastate families already struggling to care for loved ones with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  (I/DD)  The proposed changes come in the form of language quietly added to legislation that would implement a managed care program across the state.  

The Arc of Florida has worked with legislators this week to let them know how harmful this mandatory move, which would only benefit a few large providers, would be for Florida families and why the language must come out.  The proposed legislation comes in the middle of the roll out of Florida’s new iBudget system.  Some families agreed to the iBudget system, despite losing a significant portion of the limited funding they had in the past.  

“Many of these families voluntarily gave up funding in their cost plans out of consideration for the greater good,” said Deborah Linton, executive director of The Arc of Florida.  “They were told by the Legislature that if the iBudget balanced the Agency for Persons with Disabilities budget, they would not be forced into more restrictive managed care plans.”

The Agency for Persons with Disabilities announced this winter that its budget will be balanced for the first time in years.  Under the new proposal, small and independent providers would not afford to become a member of Provider Service Networks (PSN) across the state because those networks would require them to pay such large fees.  As a result, families would have fewer providers to select from.  Providers in PSNs would not necessarily offer the highest quality services.  They would just be the companies who could afford to be in the networks.

“Families have already lost so much,” said Linton.  “They are extremely frightened that this last minute overhaul will mean fewer, lower quality services at their expense.  We hope Florida’s lawmakers will protect them from this horrible proposal.”

The language inserted into the proposed legislation says:

The Agency for Health Care Administration, in consultation with the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, shall develop a plan for serving Medicaid recipients with developmental disabilities in a comprehensive managed care program that integrates managed medical assistance and long-term care benefits. The managed care program must be mandatory for all eligible recipients, competitively procured, and operated by comprehensive long-term care provider service networks for persons with developmental disabilities (PSNs/DD) which must be fully risk-bearing. The comprehensive long-term care PSNs/DD must be majority owned and operated by not-for-profit providers of home and community based Medicaid waiver services for persons with developmental disabilities with at least ten years of experience in providing these services. The plan shall be submitted to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives no later than December 1, 2013.

(Appropriations Conference Committee on Subcommittee on Health and Human Services/Healthcare Tuesday, April 23, 2013 8:00 a.m.  Senate offer #1 AHCA proviso page 21 of 25, section 235, paragraph 4.)

Florida has one of the lowest funding levels in the United States for persons with I/DD.

Florida Senate Passes Intellectual Disabilities Bill Unanimously

April 24, 2013

Tallahassee, FL (April 24, 2013) – The Florida Senate passed the Intellectual Disabilities Bill unanimously on Thursday. Senate Bill 142 is sponsored by Sen. Thad Altman and co-sponsored by Sen. Rob Bradley and Sen. Eleanor Sobel.

The Intellectual Disabilities Bill would remove all references to "mental retardation" in state statutes and replace them with "intellectual disabilities." House Bill 1119, sponsored by Rep. Janet Adkins, heads to the Full House next for consideration. If the House passes the bill, it will be sent to Governor Rick Scott for his signature.

Seven Additional Legislators Sign On as Co-Sponsors of Intellectual Disabilities Bill

April 11, 2013

Tallahassee, FL (April 11, 2013) – Seven additional Florida lawmakers have signed on as co-sponsors of House Bill 1119, the Intellectual Disabilities Bill. This brings the total number of House sponsors to 27.

The Intellectual Disabilities Bill would change references to "mental retardation" in state statutes to "intellectual disabilities." House Bill 1119 and Senate Bill 142 have received unanimous support in each committee. The next stop for each bill is the full House and full Senate.

The newest co-sponsors of House Bill 1119 include:

Rep. Travis Cummings (R) Dist. 18 Orange Park

Rep. Joseph "Joe" Gibbons (D) Dist. 100 Pembroke Park

Rep. Tom Goodson (R) Dist. 50 Titusville

Rep. Gayle Harrell (R) Dist. 83 Port St. Lucie

Rep. Keith Perry (R) Dist. 21 Gainesville

Rep. Jake Raburn (R) Dist. 57 Valrico

Rep. Ronald "Doc" Renuart (R) Dist. 17 Ponte Vedra Beach

Here is list of previously announced sponsors:

Senate Bill 142 - sponsored by Sen. Thad Altman:

Sen. Rob Bradley (R) Dist. 7 Orange Park

Sen. Eleanor Sobel (D) Dist. 33 Hollywood

House Bill 1119 - sponsored by Rep. Janet Adkins:

Rep. Larry Ahern (R) Dist. 66 St. Petersburg

Rep. Lori Berman (R) Dist. 90 Boynton Beach

Rep. Mike Fasano (R) Dist. 36 New Port Richey

Rep. Clay Ford (R) Dist. 2 Pensacola

Rep. Bill Hager (R) Dist. 89 Boca Raton

Rep. Shervin Jones (D) Dist. 101 West Park

Rep. Dave Kerner (D) Dist. 87 Palm Springs

Rep. Mike LaRosa (R) Dist. 42 Saint Cloud

Rep. Larry Lee, Jr. (D) Dist. 84 Fort Pierce

Rep. Debbie Mayfield (R) Dist. 54 Vero Beach

Rep. Jared Evan Moskowitz (D) Dist. 97 Coral Springs

Rep. Mark Pafford (D) Dist. 86 West Palm Beach

Rep. Jimmy Patronis (R) Dist. 6 Panama City

Rep. Cary Pigman (R) Dist. 55 Sebring

Rep. Sharon Pritchett (D) Dist. 102 Miramar

Rep. Kevin Rader (D) Dist. 81 Boca Raton

Rep. Holly Merrill Raschein (R) Dist. 120 Key Largo

Rep. Ray Wesley Rodrigues (R) Dist. 76 Fort Myers

Rep. Patrick Rooney (R) Dist. 85 Palm Beach Gardens

Rep. Charles Van Zant (R) Dist. 19 Palatka

Intellectual Disabilities Bill Passes House and Senate Committees Unanimously

April 10, 2013

Tallahassee, FL (April 9, 2013) – House Bill 1119, the Intellectual Disabilities Bill, unanimously passed the Health and Human Services Committee of the Florida House of Representatives  today.  Senate Bill 142, the Senate version of the Intellectual Disabilities Bill, also passed the Florida Senate Rules Committee unanimously. 

Self-advocates Brittany Norman from Tallahassee and Tyler Creamer from Panama City testified for The Arc of Florida’s End the R-word in Florida campaign at Tuesday’s House committee meeting.  Both shared stories of being bullied and called the R-word while growing up.

“They called me a hog and a retard,” said Norman, referring to an incident in her school lunchroom.  “It makes me feel down.”

Creamer told committee members that people have used the R-word with him his entire life.  He recalled vivid memories of a bad experience with another student on a school bus.  “One of them said, ‘I don’t want to sit with this kid because this kid is a retard.’” 

The next stop for House Bill 1119 is the full House.  Senate Bill 142 heads to the full Senate for a vote.

To watch Tyler Creamer’s story, click here:

http://bit.ly/ZCqpqK

For more information on the End the R-word in Florida campaign, visit http://www.norword.org/

Raising Awareness About the R-word at Florida's Cabinet Meeting

April 3, 2013

Self-advocates from The Arc of the St. Johns raised awareness about the End the R-word in Florida campaign outside Tuesday's meeting of the Florida Cabinet in St. Augustine. Governor Rick Scott, Attorney General Pam Bondi, Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam and Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater were in attendance.

Intellectual Disabilities Bill Passes Senate Committee Unanimously and Senator Signs On To Co-Sponsor

April 1, 2013

The Senate Criminal Justice Committee unanimously passed Senate Bill 142 on Monday. Its next stop is the Senate Rules Committee. During the committee meeting, Sen. Rob Bradley (R-Orange Park) announced he is signing on as a co-sponsor.

Photo:  Sen. Rob Bradley toured The Arc of Bradford County in February

Lawmaker and Advocate of Floridians with Disabilities Remembered

March 20, 2013 

The Arc of Florida mourns the passing of our dear friend and supporter, Representative Clay Ford.  Representative Ford was an advocate for Floridians with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  He sponsored or co-sponsored numerous bills related to disability issues, including Child Safety Devices in vehicles, Seclusion Restraint issues in public schools, group homes for people with disabilities, the Intellectual Disabilities Bill and the Developmental Disabilities Savings Plan (House Bill 3398), which is his signature issue he’s worked on for a number of years.

Representative Ford received The Arc of Florida’s “Representative of the Year” award and Florida Family Council’s “Defender of the Family” award in 2010.  The developmental disabilities community has lost a true friend in the Florida Legislature.     

16 Additional Lawmakers Support Legislation That Would End the R-Word in Florida

March 18, 2013

Tallahassee, FL (March 18, 2013) – The Arc of Florida is pleased to announce that 16 legislators have signed on to co-sponsor the Intellectual Disabilities Bill.  They include:

Senate Bill 142 - sponsored by Sen. Thad Altman:

Sen. Eleanor Sobel (D)  Dist. 33  Hollywood

House Bill 1119 - sponsored by Rep. Janet Adkins:

Rep. Larry Ahern  (R)  Dist. 66  St. Petersburg

Rep. Lori Berman  (R)  Dist. 90  Boynton Beach

Rep. Mike Fasano  (R)  Dist. 36  New Port Richey

Rep. Clay Ford  (R)  Dist. 2  Pensacola

Rep. Bill Hager  (R)  Dist. 89  Boca Raton

Rep. Mike LaRosa  (R)  Dist. 42  Saint Cloud

Rep. Larry Lee. Jr.  (D)  Dist. 84  Fort Pierce

Rep. Debbie Mayfield  (R)  Dist. 54  Vero Beach

Rep. Jared Evan Moskowitz  (D)  Dist. 97  Coral Springs

Rep. Jimmy Patronis  (R)  Dist. 6  Panama City

Rep. Cary Pigman  (R)  Dist. 55  Sebring

Rep. Holly Merrill Raschein  (R)  Dist. 120  Key Largo

Rep. Ray Wesley Rodrigues  (R)  Dist. 76  Fort Myers

Rep. Patrick Rooney  (R)  Dist. 85  Palm Beach Gardens

Rep. Charles Van Zant  (R)  Dist. 19  Palatka   

Floridians with Intellectual Disabilities Ask Lawmakers to End the R-word in Florida

March 7, 2013

The Arc of Florida Launches Campaign to Pass Intellectual Disabilities Bill

Tallahassee, FL (March 7, 2013) - Individuals with intellectual disabilities from across Florida gathered in The Capitol today to launch a statewide campaign to End the R-word in Florida.  The Arc of Florida, a non-profit organization that advocates on behalf of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, called on lawmakers to pass the Intellectual Disabilities Bill.

 "When I was growing up, kids picked on me.  Today, I'm an adult, but it still happens.  People call me the R-word," said Moira Rossi, a self-advocate from Jacksonville with Down Syndrome.  "It makes me feel sad and bullied, but we have an opportunity to change that."

Senate Bill 142, sponsored by Senator Thad Altman (R-Melbourne) and House Bill 1119, sponsored by Representative Janet Adkins (R-Fernandina Beach) would remove all references to "mental retardation" in state law and replace them with "intellectual disability."

"Once considered a valid medical term, the R-word has become a hurtful slang that promotes negative stereotypes of people with intellectual disabilities," said Altman.  "We must work to change this harmful environment and the Intellectual Disabilities Bill will help us do that."

The American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and American Psychiatric Association changed their official diagnoses from "mental retardation" to "intellectual disability."  Federal health, education and labor policy statutes were changed in 2010 when Congress passed and President Obama signed "Rosa's Law."  The Social Security Administration recently announced its intent to make the change to its official "Listing of Impairments."

"Thirty-nine other states have already changed their laws," said Adkins.  "People with intellectual disabilities deserve respect, and this bill is one way to give them that respect."

"For far too long, Floridians with intellectual disabilities have been subjected to teasing and bullying when people call them the R-word," said Michele Poole, president of The Arc of Florida.  "We are grateful to Senator Altman and Representative Adkins for taking a stand and working on solutions to this important issue."

For more information on the End the R-word in Florida campaign, visit www.NoRword.org.

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The Arc of Florida, Inc. is a non-profit organization whose mission is to improve the quality of life for persons with developmental disabilities.  Working with local, state and national partners, The Arc of Florida advocates for local chapters, public policies and high quality supports for people with developmental and other disabilities to be fully included in all aspects of their community.  Find out how to get involved by visiting www.arcflorida.org.

The Disabled Children's Relief Fund

February 7, 2013 

The Disabled Children's Relief Fund (DCRF) is a nonprofit organization that provides children with disabilities assistance to obtain wheelchairs, orthopedic braces, walkers, lifts, hearing aids, eyeglasses, medical equipment, physical therapy, and surgery.  

Children with cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, spastic quadriplegia, encephalitis, rheumatoid arthritis, spina bifida, Down's syndrome and other disabilities are eligible to receive assistance. DCRF focuses special attention on helping children throughout the United States that do not have adequate health insurance.  

DCRF grant applications are available online between April and September. Applications may be submitted by families (parent or legal representative) for an individual child or by a nonprofit organization for a small group of children.  

For additional information on DCRF, visit www.dcrf.com/ordereze/default.aspx or call 516.377.1605. 

Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day Announced

January 22, 2013

The Arc of Florida, Florida Developmental Disabilities Council and Agency for Persons with Disabilities are teaming together for Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day at The Florida Capitol on March 7, 2013.  This is an opportunity to meet with your elected leaders, educate them about the challenges people with developmental disabilities face and encourage them to be part of the solution by supporting this year’s legislative priorities.  To read The Arc of Florida’s 2013 Legislative Priorities, click here.

Exhibitor booths will be on the Second Floor Rotunda of The Capitol.  For more information, contact Jay Schleuning at 850.921.0460 or  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Help People with I/DD Learn about the EITC

January 22, 2013 

Friday, January 25, 2013 is the Seventh Annual Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Awareness Day helping generate awareness among taxpayers who may qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit but who do not claim it on their tax return. The IRS is reaching out to underserved taxpayers to make sure they are aware of the credit and how to claim it. The EITC can increase federal income tax refunds from $1 to more than $5,891, depending on individual circumstances which can include workers with disabilities and workers in non-traditional situations such as grandparents raising grandchildren. The IRS offers a toolkit for helping organizations spread the word about the tax credit. Find out more at EITC Central. 

New Online Services Available with a "My Social Security" Account

January 22, 2013

The Social Security Administration is expanding the services available with My Social Security personalized accounts. Social Security beneficiaries and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients can now access benefit verification letters, payment history, and earnings records instantly using their online account. Social Security beneficiaries also can change their address and start or change direct deposit information online. People age 18 and older can sign up for an account at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount. Once there, they must be able to provide information about themselves and answers to questions that only they are likely to know. After completing the secure verification process, people can create a My Social Security account with a unique user name and password to access their information. 

Condolences and Concerns in the Wake of the Connecticut School Shooting

December 17, 2012

Protect the Civil Rights of Vulnerable Children

November 29, 2012

Letter to the Editor by Michele Poole, president of The Arc of Florida

The Miami Herald – Sunday, November 18, 2012

The Arc of Florida was horrified to read in The Miami Herald that the U.S. Department of Justice accuses Florida of warehousing hundreds of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) in nursing homes for years. What is particularly troubling is the DOJ's most recent allegation that Florida will not cooperate with its investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney General Thomas E. Perez says the Justice Department visited nursing homes in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Tampa and St. Petersburg. During those visits, it discovered that some children have lived in these facilities for a decade or longer, including several who entered them as toddlers. He alleges the state failed to meet its obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Isolating children with I/DD in nursing homes violates their civil rights. The U.S. Supreme Court was clear about this in its 1999 Olmstead v. L.C. ruling, which affirmed that individuals with developmental disabilities are protected by the ADA from being institutionalized. The Arc of Florida believes the healthiest environment for an individual with I/DD to live in is one's community. Institutionalizing them in nursing homes places them at an increased risk for physical and emotional health problems. That's why our organization has worked for nearly 60 years to keep them out of institutions.

The investigation by the DOJ suggests that Florida could actually save money by moving these children out of nursing homes. The state has made significant cuts to community-based programs in recent years that would allow people with I/DD to live outside institutions, while increasing the funding to warehouse these individuals in nursing homes. Perez cited one mother who felt she had no choice but to place two of her children in a nursing home because she couldn't get funding for adequate community-based services.

Sadly, this is not a new issue. President Ronald Reagan spoke out against ill-conceived expenditures in 1981 when he learned of a regulation that required Katie Beckett, a girl with I/DD, to be institutionalized for $6,000 a month, when she could have been treated at home for $1,000 each month. When changes were made on the federal level, Beckett was able to move home and lived many years longer than doctors originally predicted.

While this administration didn't cause these problems, it has an opportunity to correct them. As Florida's legislators begin discussing priorities for the upcoming legislative session, we hope they will take a closer look at this issue and work to ensure that civil rights of Floridians with I/DD are not violated.