APD just attended Family Café in Orlando on June 6-8, and it is good to report that it was a great success! Hundreds of attendees came by our booth to inquire about APD programs, Billy Joe Rish Park, and their Medicaid waiver services. Regional staff from the Central Region were more than happy to speak with APD customers and answer their questions.
APD hosted 12 information sessions, including one with Director Barbara Palmer. APD customers and stakeholders were able to engage in a question and answer session with the director and hear about the coming year at APD.
Governor Rick Scott also attended the Café and announced that for the first time in the history of the program there is enough money in the budget to move everyone with critical needs off the waiting list. This brought loud applause and cheers from the crowd. It was so thrilling to hear him talk about this past Legislative Session and all the successes it will bring to our agency.
Family Café annually draws thousands of individuals with disabilities and their families to Orlando. They are greeted by hundreds of vendors and more information session than one could possibly attend. The information provided at the Family Café is invaluable in helping people with developmental disabilities in living, learning, and working in their communities.
Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities 