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.