In October 2004, the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) became an agency separate from the Department of Children and Families, specifically tasked with serving the needs of Floridians with developmental disabilities. Prior to that time, it existed as the Developmental Disabilities Program.
APD works in partnership with local communities and private providers to assist people who have developmental disabilities and their families. APD also provides assistance in identifying the needs of people with developmental disabilities for supports and services.
Agency Mission:
The agency supports persons with developmental disabilities in living, learning, and working in their communities.
Agency Priorities:
Our new Director, Barbara Palmer, has identified four priorities for APD.
Agency Initiatives:
- Fiscal Accountability
- APD operates within the limits set forth in the General Appropriations Act.
- Quality Services
- Ability to measure and track performance to ensure the highest quality care.
Community Initiatives:
- Employment
- People with developmental disabilities who desire work are competitively employed.
- Waiting List
- APD adopts national and local best practices to serve people on the waiting list efficiently and effectively.
Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities 