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State Plan
October 1, 2006 - September 30, 2011
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MISSION
The Florida Developmental Disabilities Council encourages and advocates opportunities for persons with developmental disabilities and their families to enhance their quality of life within their communities.
The Council is committed to prevention activities that either eliminate or reduce the factors that cause developmental disabilities in individuals.
The Council will accomplish its mission by conducting innovative initiatives that demonstrate new approaches to enhance the independence, productivity, inclusion, and self-determination of individuals with developmental disabilities in all facets of community life.
NOTE: Versions of the State Plan in Spanish and Braille are being readied. If you would like a copy in either, please email admin@fddc.org with your request.
The state plan, which has been approved by our funders, is based on the requirements of Public Law 106-402, October 30, 2000, The Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act. The plan requires that the Council develops five year goals, objectives and strategies on the programs and activities that we will undertake for the next five years.
The purpose of this law is to assure that individuals with developmental disabilities and their families participate in the design of and have access to needed community services, individualized supports, and other forms of assistance that promote self-determination, independence, productivity, and integration and inclusion in all facets of community life through culturally competent programs.
This plan, now approved and being implemented, was developed through a process which included research, public forums, state agency input, and stakeholder organization and provider input, and Council reviews.
The Council Members and Staff of the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council, Inc., would like to thank everyone who took the time to write and comment on the plan. Your contributions are valuable and have added to the value of the Plan.
FINAL STATE PLAN GOALS & OBJECTIVES
October 1, 2006 - September 30, 2011
EDUCATION
EDUCATION (ED) GOAL 1: Ensure inclusion, optimal skill development, accountability, transition services, and evidence based practices for all students which results in an inclusive quality of life to include: competitive/integrated employment, post secondary education, and life long learning.
Education Objective 1.1: By 2011, facilitate the development and adoption of a year-to-year outcome based school and student performance accountability system which tracks student progress related to academic achievement, life skill learning, and competitive employment preparation.
Strategies will include one or more of the following:
- Advocate for school performance accountability, and compliance under the federal "Individuals with Disabilities Education Act" I.D.E.A. and the state of Florida Education Regulations and Standards.
- Facilitate cooperative partnerships among education stakeholders (educators, parents, and students) which support excellence in school performance.
- Identify evidence based practices examples of parent/school accountability partnerships and documents and disseminate for replication.
- Provide advocacy and due process training for parents on I.D.E.A.
- Advocate for the adoption of an external school performance monitoring system which holds each school accountable for year-to-year exceptional student academic progress. (Additional suggested clarification)
Outcome Indicator: By 2011, a student and school performance accountability system will track student progress related to self-determination, academics, community participation, customized employment and access to post secondary education.
Education Objective 1.2: Pilot evidence based practices applications of univer sal assessment and evidence based instruction.
Strategies will include one or more of the following:
- Identify and disseminate evidence based practices info rmation related to evidence based and universal assessment practices.
- Identify and disseminate evidence based practices info rmation related to evidence based instruction and learning.
- Provide technical assistance to replicate evidence based practices evidence based instruction approaches.
- Partner with the State Department of Education in the dissemination of evidence based instruction and assessment information, and develop demonstration(s) pilot project(s) which replicate evidence based practices.
- Based on evidence based practices and demonstration pilot findings, develop public policy and legislative recommendations which promote statewide approaches for measuring student and school performance.
- Advocate for the development and adoption within the "Sunshine Standards" of a "Univer sal Design" approach to alternate assessments.
Outcome Indicators: By 2011, demonstration project(s) which apply evidence based practices evidence based instruction and assessment will be identified, piloted, and information related to the results will be disseminated with replication and policy recommendations.
Educational Objective 1.3: By 2011, facilitate the development of educational policies, standards, practices and requirements in Florida to insure students receive services within an inclusive setting.
Strategies will include one or more of the following:
- Analyze state education policy and make recommendations for changes that would increase inclusion practices on the local district level.
- Partner with the state Department of Education and universities to promote course work within teacher and administrator preparation and certification requirements, which support the development of a professional knowledge base for implementing successful student inclusion.
- Identify and disseminate evidence based practices info rmation related to school and classroom inclusion.
- Advocate with the state Department of Education to develop outcome oriented inclusion criteria with the "Sunshine Standards".
Outcome Indicators: By 2011, students with developmental disabilities will receive educational services for increased lengths of time within inclusive settings.
Educational Objective 1.4: By 2011, insure that all students with developmental disabilities receive transition services which result in opportunities for continuing education and competitive employment.
Strategies will include one or more of the following:
- Facilitate the statewide implementation of the Partners in Transition Plan.
- Expand transition training opportunities and support for parents.
- Develop and disseminate a comprehensive model for student transition to cover all aspects of adult life to include employment, continuing education, finance, transportation, housing, leisure and socialization, health care, assistive technology or the transfer of assistive technology.
- Facilitate the adoption of monitoring and accountability systems which track and measure student progress year-to-year toward transition.
- Advocate for the establishment of a dedicated state supported revenue resource to insure funding availability for extended support to individuals who are transitioning from school to competitive employment.
- Partner with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation to identify and disseminate systemic barriers that are barriers to DVR Counselor participation in transition planning meetings.
- Initiate pilot initiatives which encourage the development of in-school resources and supports to facilitate access to DVR services.
- Initiate pilot demonstration programs which engage students in part-time work while in school.
- Increase opportunities for students, ages 18-21 with developmental disabilities, to enter community colleges, technical schools or state universities.
Outcome Indicators: By 2011, students with developmental disabilities will receive comprehensive transition services, which support an increase in continuing education and competitive employment outcomes.
Educational Objective 1.5: By 2011, increase opportunities for post secondary educational and technical skill learning for persons with developmental disabilities.
Strategies will include one or more of the following:
- Identify and disseminate evidence based practices post secondary education and vocational preparation learning models.
- Facilitate the development of partnerships between local school districts, community colleges, and technical schools and the transfer or provision of assistive technology devices and services, which result in college and technical school learning for students between the ages of 18 and 21, who have developmental disabilities.
- Review existing state education policy relative to college and technical school entry requirements and make recommendations for modification and accommodations that would result in increased access for persons with developmental disabilities.
- Advocate for uniform requirements across all state and local agencies related to the jurisdiction, investigation, and oversight of allegations of abuse or neglect of persons with developmental disabilities.
- Identify practices from within the educational system in other states related to the role of law enforcement in the jurisdiction, investigation and oversight of allegations of abuse and neglect of persons with developmental disabilities, and disseminate findings.
- Increase the number of opportunities for participation in the Consumer Directed Care Plus (CDC+) by collaborating with the Agency for Persons with Disabilities and the Agency for Health Care Administration to obtain approval from the federal government to offer the CDC Plus as an option to all individuals who are enrolled in the HCBSW (Home & Community Based Service Waiver).
- Develop and disseminate informational materials and resources that will increase the knowledge and skills of individuals who choose consumer directed care.
- Provide consumer directed and person centered training and technical assistance targeted to reach all levels of agency management and service delivery to include members of agency boards and governing bodies, executive and senior leadership staff that are responsible for direct service delivery.
- Partner with the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, the Agency for Health Care Administration and the Department of Elder Affairs, with the active participation of persons with disabilities and families, to develop and disseminate a uniform protocol of rules, procedures and standards which govern the CDC Plus program and practices of the fiscal intermediary.
- Disseminate info rmation about service options, choices, and resources available through the HCBS, FSL, and CDC Plus waivers uniformly throughout the state, targeting persons with disabilities, family members and support coordinators.
- Advocate for increased flexibility within the three waiver programs (HCBS, FSL, CDC) to allow families to purchase supports from non traditional sources.
- Advocate for parity between the in-home supports and residential habilitation rates paid under the waiver programs.
- Identify innovative and cost effective waiver service and support delivery options through the utilization of non traditional provider resources, for example; family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors.
- Advocate for the development of a streamlined provider eligibility, application, and approval process which encourages the development of waiver service and support providers from within each person's network of support.
- Identify and disseminate direct support staff recruitment, selection, training, and retention practices to ensure continued employment of people who are person centered and committed to practices which respect the dignity and personal development of every individual.
- Create a partnership initiative with the Agency for Person with Disabilities.
- Organize a committee of public/private partners to oversee the needs assessment project.
- Develop a profile instrument that identifies family support, transition, employment, housing, transportation, and health care needs which can be used as a model for use by APD.
- Obtain approval for initiation and piloting within a selected APD district.
- Pilot the use of the profile instrument.
- Disseminate results with recommendations for statewide utilization.
- Support the institutional closure plans of the Agency for Persons with Disabilities.
- Identify and disseminate uniform evidence based practices discharge planning as standard procedures across all residential settings, including the state institutions.
- Identify the pathways into institutional placement for individuals with developmental disabilities and promote practices that will result in children being supported within families and in the community.
- Provide information, resources, and support for consumers who chose to have a home of their own or chose supported living options other than the group home.
- Guardianship and rights information will be disseminated to persons with developmental disabilities and families.
- Training will be provided to persons with developmental disabilities and families.
- Provide training to attorneys and create a knowledge pool of professionals who understand the specific rights and guardianship needs of persons with developmental disabilities and options that are available.
- Develop a pilot for the purchase of transportation services through cash or voucher system.
- Advocate for the inclusion of allowances within the HCBS and FSL waivers for the use of waiver funds to purchase transportation services for non-medically related activities that include recreation, socialization and employment.
- Develop training materials and disseminate to families, persons with disabilities, and support coordination to increase knowledge and awareness of transportation resources, and access requirements.
- Identify and disseminate info rmation about innovative transportation practices which are being used in other states and within Florida .
- Partner with the Transportation Disadvantage System to promote effective high quality transportation practices.
- Identify or develop curriculum content and training opportunities for transportation vendors and drivers that raise the quality and safety of transportation services provided to persons with disabilities.
- Identify and disseminate innovative transportation practices that are being used in other states and within Florida to transportation vendors and drivers.
- Advocate for the use of HCBS and FSL waiver funds for housing subsidies and start-up expenses.
- Advocate for mandated set asides and practices, within all state and federal housing programs, to require targeted use of funds to support the development of affordable home ownership and rental options for people with developmental disabilities.
- Facilitate and advocate for the process of the development of not-for-profit housing development agencies, which are separate from service providers that can specialize in creating affordable housing opportunities for persons with disabilities.
- Develop and disseminate info rmation about creative approaches for developing and supporting homeownership and affordable rental options such as: asset development, bridge funding, subsides, start-up expenses, emergency funding, and non-traditional qualifying income practices.
- Facilitate partnerships and practices within county public housing authorities that increase housing opportunities for persons with disabilities.
- Improve access to forgivable grants and loans to allow individuals with developmental disabilities to own their homes.
- Develop a "white paper" that communicates a conceptual and financial model to convert the Florida public health care system to one which conforms to an "optimal functioning and community inclusion" standard.
- Conduct a national review of medical necessity standards and definitions currently applied or proposed.
- Propose a model medical necessity standard for the State of Florida .
- Disseminate to all stakeholders, for review, the proposed model medical necessity definition.
- Incorporate into the Council 's legislative agenda proposed statutory and regulatory authority that would be required to support the adoption of the proposed model medical necessity definition.
- Identify evidence based practices or best practice models, and the elements within those models, which achieve a successful continuum of care, and promote service delivery which assures competency, choice and continuity.
- Advocate for the development and adoption of the medical home model.
- Disseminate info rmation related to evidence based practices or best practice for providing a coordinated system of health care.
- Ensure that currently available health care services to persons with developmental disabilities are continued and expanded within the Medicaid reform initiative.
- Initiate legislative policy and practice activities that provide individuals with disabilities control over their health care services and financial resources so that they can utilize quality services, supports and therapies of their choice.
- Identify and disseminate info rmation on cultural and linguistic competency evidence based practices or best practice in training and service provision.
- Facilitate educational practices, within professional training programs and continuing education courses which improve the health care workforce's knowledge and application of cultural competency skills.
- Develop initiatives that include the direct involvement of persons with disabilities and family members, as consultants and resources of cultural competency training, for health care provider.
- Expand the availability of "Center for Dental Excellence."
- Identify public and private financing options to sustain the "Center for Dental Excellence."
- Expand the Florida Access to Oral Health (FAO) dental network.
- Provide training and continuing education to ensure high quality dental care for dental care professionals to persons with developmental disabilities.
- Facilitate cooperative partnerships across state agencies and service systems that promote the integration of health care transition planning as early as possible in a young person's life, and thereafter.
- Undertake a review of current transition practices and support best health care transition practices, and disseminate info rmation for replication.
- Facilitate practices which achieve collaboration between the pediatric and adult system of health care.
- Identify and disseminate health care financial resource information to support youth through the transition to the adult health care system.
- Expand the availability of choice counseling to assist and support persons with disabilities and their families through the health care transition process.
- Facilitate the development and distribution of health care transition choice and related info rmation, which is written in consumer friendly language to assist youth in the health care transition process.
- Advocate for expanded opportunities for "Medicaid Buy-In" models to facilitate access to health care services.
- Advocate for Medicaid payment or other third party co-payments to provide incentives for families to obtain and retain private health care insurance.
- Disseminate info rmation related to successful financing models and practices which improve access to health care for persons with developmental disabilities.
- Collect and disseminate info rmation related to the clinical circumstances which support the appropriate use of psychotropic medications for persons with developmental disabilities.
- Identify and disseminate evidence based practices or best practice info rmation for meeting the needs of persons with developmental disabilities who have mental health, chemical dependency, and other clinical behavioral health diagnosis.
- Initiate an evidence based practices or best practice demonstration model for behavioral health services for individuals with developmental disabilities.
- Facilitate the evidence based practices or best practice and standard use of "positive behavior supports" for individuals with developmental disabilities.
- Provide evidence based practices or best practice training for behavioral health care specialist and professionals on the treatment of behavioral health care issues for individuals with developmental disabilities.
- Disseminate evidence based practices or best practice info rmation on behavioral health care to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
- Identify emerging technology resources and applications in the provision of health care.
- Catalog existing technology resources in health care.
- Disseminate info rmation related to current and emerging technology resource applications for health care.
- Identify barriers to the use of Assistive Technology (AT) and promote strategies to optimize appropriate use of AT.
- Pilot the use of selective technologies to improve health care access and delivery.
- Encourage the inclusion of information related to developmental disabilities in settings where pre-natal care is promoted and provided.
- Promote collaboration between health care providers, professionals, and state agencies to increase the identification of pregnant women at high risk for the birth of a child with developmental delays and/or disabilities.
- Advocate for evidence based practices for home visit programs that include education for pregnant women at high-risk for the birth of a child with developmental delays and/or disabilities.
- Promote community based programs that support prevention of illness and disabilities.
- Promote programs that follow the national recommendations for quality infant screening.
- Identify and disseminate information related to evidence based practices screening and assessment tools
- Develop training opportunities for health care professionals and early childhood specialist on the characteristics and features of recognized developmental disabilities, in the culturally and linguistically competent use and interpretation of standardized screening and assessment tools, and communication with parents related to
- Partner with professional health care organizations to gain support and endorsement in the use of screening and assessment tools by primary care providers, within routine well-child protocols.
- Support the development of a financial mechanism to support a comprehensive and systemic approach to early childhood screening and assessment.
- Advocate for the selection and use of standardized developmental and infant mental health screening and assessment tools in all public and private health, child care, and pre school settings.
- Support the allocation of sufficient financing to support the delivery of early intervention services within the natural environment.
- Provide training for both parents and early intervention providers on the benefits and rationale for providing services within a natural environment model.
- Facilitate the process for the adoption of functional standards for determining medical necessity which recognizes both the treatment and maintenance needs of children with developmental disabilities.
- Identify and promote the addition of parent satisfaction feedback instruments to improve and strengthen early intervention services.
- Partner with state agencies to enhance, improve, and strengthen early intervention services.
- Identify and disseminate information on successful natural environment models and practices.
- Develop an independent evaluation of early intervention services provided within the natural environment model and disseminate results.
- Initiate the development of technical assistance to build capacity and provide early intervention services within the natural environment.
- Research funding areas that impact early care and education instruction and inclusive child care for children birth to 5 and develop strategies to understand the use of the funding and how state systems can work together to maximize the funding opportunities.
- Provide training and resources to parents to prepare for Part C transition to pre-school education, including information on the role and responsibilities of the education system.
- Identify and disseminate evidence based inclusive pre-school and early care education to parents, pre-school educators, and pre-school/child care program providers.
- Provide technical assistance on evidence based practices to pre-school educators and early care and education program providers.
- Advocate for a uniform payment system for supported employment which provides incentives to support long term employment and eliminates the current disincentives for providers to work with more severely disabled individuals.
- Expand training and technical assistance initiatives to increase capacity and improve access to customized employment services and competitive employment outcomes.
- Identify evidence based practices and fund demonstration initiatives that can become sustainable and result in competitive integrated employment.
- Provide technical assistance to ensure replication of evidence based practices models and the success of these models.
- Advocate for standards for One-Stop Centers to ensure that a full range of effective, integrated and accessible services are provided for individuals with developmental disabilities.
- Include representation from the Agency for Workforce Innovation as a resource within the Council to promote partnership opportunities.
- Promote partnerships with the One-Stop Centers throughout the state to provide comprehensive resources to support customized employment services for persons with developmental disabilities within a single resource location.
- Expand the awareness of Florida Statute requiring the transfer or provision of assistive technology devices and services.
- Expand awareness of One-Stop Centers and resources among consumer, families, and service providers including school system and teachers.
- Continued to expand and develop the Business Leadership Network.
- Develop partnership initiatives with the Chamber of Commerce.
- Initiate apprenticeships and internships with employers to increase their awareness of how customized employment and the transfer or provision of assistive technology devices and services can meet their employment needs.
- Develop resource material for use by Human Resource professionals in both the private and public sectors, to increase their knowledge and understanding about the employment of persons with developmental disabilities and how best to support their participation within the general workforce.
- Expand media initiatives that educate the public on the value of people with developmental disabilities as employees in a competitive workforce.
- Advocate for statewide policy and contracting procedures to establish employment opportunities within state and local governments for persons with developmental disabilities.
- Encourage direct contracting with employers for training and co-worker support.
- Develop and disseminate info rmation regarding micro enterprises to parents, persons with developmental disabilities, vocational counselors and support coordinators.
- Train supported employment staff in micro-enterprise development.
- Engage small business owners to serve as mentors to individuals with developmental disabilities who want to start their own business.
- Partner with the Small Business Development Center on initiatives which support self-employment opportunities for persons with developmental disabilities.
- Work with Developmental Disabilities Council s in other states to advocate for provisions to the Social Security Act to remove the disincentives to achieve self-sufficiency.
- Expand and support the use of Freedom Accounts for asset development and advocate for broader eligibility to include persons enrolled in the Home and Community Based Waiver.
- Continue to include the Work Incentive Improvement Act as a legislative priority.
- Develop and disseminate information on the impact of employment on benefits and entitlements.
- Develop resource and reference materials for the use of individuals with developmental disabilities, family members, and professionals on the impact of benefits from non exempt income.
- Train support coordinators and other professionals on benefit counseling.
- Expand the availability of benefit counseling to locations across the state.
- Advocate at the Federal level to index the income disregard to inflation.
- Support the concept of asset development and matched savings accounts for individuals with developmental disabilities.
- Insure that legislators and legislative staff are provided with input from the Council and the people it represents.
- Insure that agency decision makers are provided with input on policies, rules and regulations from the Council and the people it represents.
- Identify issues that need to be addressed through legislation and other public policy arenas and take action in addressing the issues.
- Assist legislators in crafting appropriate and effective language for proposed legislation which impacts persons with developmental disabilities.
- Educate the public on legislation affecting individuals with developmental disabilities.
- Develop a legislative newsletter for distribution to legislators, agency decision makers, individuals with developmental disabilities and their families, and stakeholders and stakeholder organization.
- Partner with stakeholder organizations to advocate for and pass legislation that will positively affect individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
- Initiate and support a statewide advocacy organization for persons with developmental disabilities.
- Provide education and training to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families and guardians through the Partners-In-Policy Making program and other programs sponsored by the Council .
- The Council will provide funding to allow individuals with developmental disabilities and family members to attend conferences, work groups, and to participate in policy development.
- Improve and expand the availability and choices of family centered support services which strengthen the capacity of primary caregivers to support children with developmental disabilities in family based settings.
- Develop a statewide network throughout Florida of parent support and self-advocacy groups.
- Expand the availability of family centered resources for persons with developmental disabilities and families.
- Facilitate a review and analysis of practices across state agencies related to the definition of developmental disability which impact service eligibility, availability, access and continuity in care and support.
- Disseminate findings and promote the adoption and use of a more uniform definition for developmental disabilities across all state agencies.
- Develop, print and disseminate brochures, booklets, videos and other materials on disability issues.
- Maintain and update a Council website with accurate information on issues of developmental disabilities, resources, and links; develop an input mechanism in the web site to obtain input from the stakeholders and general public.
- Develop outreach activities.
- Conduct and support activities to assist communities to respond positively to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families and guardians.
- Facilitate activities that help eliminate barriers to access and use of community services by individuals with developmental disabilities.
- Support and conduct activities to educate the public about the capabilities, preferences, and needs of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families and guardians.
- Develop coalitions that support the policy agenda of the Council .
- As directed by the Public Policy and Advocacy Committee and/or its coordinator, provide and disseminate information to policy makers.
- Provide and disseminate information from studies, analyses, model policies and procedures, strategies, findings, conclusions, research and recommendations to one or more of the following: individuals with developmental disabilities and their families and guardians, stakeholders, stakeholder organization, legislators, Executive Office of the Governor, local and state agencies and the general public.
Outcome Indicators: By 2011, students with developmental disabilities will have greater choices and more access to post secondary educational and vocational education.
Education Objective 1.6: By 2011, the reporting and investigation requirements involving allegations of abuse and neglect which occur within education facilities will be amended to include the notification and participation of law enforcement authorities.
Strategies will include one or more of the following:
Outcome Indicators: By 2011, allegations of abuse and neglect, involving children with developmental disabilities in school settings, will be reported and investigated on uniform standards, jurisdiction and oversight to include the involvement of local law enforcement agencies.
FORMAL AND INFORMAL SUPPORTS
Formal and Informal Supports (CS) Goal 1: Persons with disabilities and their families will have increased capacity to directly manage their supports and services.
Formal and Informal Supports (CS) Objective 1.1: By 2011, expand opportunities for consumer directed care.
Strategies will include one or more of the following:
Outcome Indicators: By 2011, consumer directed care will be expanded opportunities and supports for consumer control of services within the CDC Plus, HCBS and FSL Waivers will be available.
Formal and Informal Supports (CS) Objective 1.2: Expand the pool of qualified waiver service provider options.
Strategies will include one or more of the following:
Outcome Indicators: By 2011, individuals with developmental disabilities will have increased flexibility and choice in the selection of their service and support providers.
QUALITY ASSURANCE
Quality Assurance (QA) Goal 1 - Implement a model for an annual and multi-year needs assessment process of all persons on the developmental disabilities waiting list which drives development of services to meet identified consumer needs.
Objective 1.1: By 2011, pilot the development of a service need profile of all persons requesting services from the Agency for Persons with Disabilities to include info rmation related to family support, school transition, employment, housing, transportation, and health care.
Strategies will include one or more of the following:
Outcome Indicators: By 2011, a pilot needs assessment will have been developed and tested which results in a database of information which describes the needs of those who are on the APD waiting list. Recommendations for statewide use will be published.
Quality Assurance (QA) Goal 2: Effect a decline in the rate of institutional placement.
Objective 2.1: By 2011, support the closure of institutions, provide evidence based practices community transition and support the placement needs of individuals within community and family settings.
Strategies will include one or more of the following:
Outcome Indicators: By 2011, there will be a significant decline in the institutional rate of placement for children and adults with developmental disabilities.
Quality Assurance (QA) Goal 3: A range of options for protecting the legal rights of persons with developmental disabilities, which include decision making guardianship opportunities, will be available.
Quality Assurance (QA) Objective 3.1: By 2011, info rmation and training related to the protection of legal rights and guardianship will be disseminated.
Strategies will include one or more of the following:
Outcome Indicators: In 2011, consumers, families, attorneys, and professionals, who work with persons with developmental disabilities and others, will have a more comprehensive understanding and application of legal protections for persons with developmental disabilities.
TRANSPORTATION
Transportation (TR) Goal 1: Promote options for consumer directed/controlled transportation.
Transportation Objective 1.1: By 2011, partner with the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, the Transportation Disadvantage System, and the Agency for Health Care Administration to develop a consumer directed purchase of service model for transportation services.
Strategies will include one or more of the following:
Outcome Indicators: By 2011, transportation services in Florida will be more accessible to individuals with developmental disabilities.
Transportation (TR) Goal 2: Standardize and increase the quality of the statewide transportation system in Florida .
Transportation Objective 2.1: By 2011, the Transportation Disadvantage system will adopt statewide standardized evidence based practices policies and procedures.
Strategies will include one or more of the following:
Outcome Indicators: By 2011, the Florida Transportation Disadvantage System will have evidence based practices information (to include training, quality and safety practices) available to support the standardization of transportation services for individuals with developmental disabilities.
HOUSING
Housing (HO) Goal 1: Individuals with developmental disabilities will have access to affordable, inclusive, accessible, and safe housing, to include home ownership opportunities and affordable rental options.
Housing Objective 1.1: By 2011, affordable, inclusive, accessible, and safe housing options will be available to individuals with developmental disabilities.
Strategies will include one or more of the following:
Outcome Indicators: By 2011, individuals with developmental disabilities will have more choices for home ownership and affordable rental options.
HEALTH CARE
Health Care (HC) Goal 1: All persons with developmental disabilities will have access to adequate public and private health care.
Health Care (HC) Objective 1.1: By 2011, promote the development of a revised definition of "medical necessity" which is based on optimal functioning and community inclusion standards.
Strategies will include one or more of the following:
Outcome Indicators: By 2011, the Council will have proposed a medical necessity standard for the state of Florida and have distributed this info rmation to stakeholders, and governmental decision makers.
Health Care Objective 1.2: By 2011, promote the establishment of a coordinated system of health care services for all persons with developmental disabilities.
Strategies will include one or more of the following:
Outcome Indicators: By 2011, the Council will have facilitated the establishment of a coordinated system of health care services for all persons with developmental disabilities.
Health Care (HC) Objective 1.3: By 2011, promote the availability of sufficient health care options, within the statewide Medicaid reform initiative, to meet the health care needs of both children and adults with developmental disabilities.
Strategies will include one or more of the following:
Outcome Indicators: By 2011, there will be sufficient health care options within the state Medicaid Reform Initiatives in Florida to meet the health care needs of both children and adults with developmental disabilities.
Health Care (HC) Objective 1.4: By 2011, promote cultural and linguistic competency among health care providers.
Strategies will include one or more of the following:
Outcome Indicator: By 2011, cultural and linguistic competency training will have been provided to at least 2 groups of health professionals and resources will be available to support continuing training initiatives.
Health Care Objective 1.5: By 2011, expand the availability of dental health care providers.
Strategies will include one or more of the following:
Outcome Indicators: By 2011, oral health resources will be available in all counties throughout the State.
Health Care Goal 2: Persons with developmental disabilities will have access to adequate health care choices during lifespan transitions (birth through childhood, childhood through young adult, and adult to old age).
Health Care Objective 2.1: By 2011, ensure that health care transition needs are addressed as early as possible and at each lifespan stage.
Strategies will include one or more of the following:
Outcome Indicators: By 2011, lifespan health care transition info rmation and support will have been provided to persons with developmental disabilities.
Health Care (HC) Goal 3: Identify innovative public and private models for financing health care.
Health Care (HC) Objectives 3.1: By 2011, conduct a national review of health care financing models and identify practices which improve access to affordable health care for persons with disabilities who are not Medicaid eligible.
Strategies will include one or more of the following:
Outcome Indicator: By 2011, a national review of health care financing models and the identification of practices which improve access to affordable health care for persons with disabilities will be identified.
Health Care (HC) Goal 4: Promote access to comprehensive and evidence based practices or best practices behavioral health care for individuals with developmental disabilities.
Health Care (HC) Objective 4.1: By 2011, identify and disseminate evidence based practices info rmation related to behavioral health care within each sub-population of persons with developmental disabilities.
Strategies will include one or more of the following:
Outcome Indicators: By 2011, individuals with developmental disabilities, their families and professionals will have access to evidence based practices or best practice information on behavioral health care.
Health Care (HC) Goal 5: Maximize the availability and development of technologies to support the provision of health care and to promote access and optimal functioning for persons with developmental disabilities.
Health Care (HC) Objective 5.1: By 2011, identify current practices and applications in the use of technology and assistive devices related to health care access and delivery, and promote the development of new technologies.
Strategies will include one or more of the following:
Outcome Indicators: By 2011 new practices and applications in technology related to health care and assistive technology will be identified, disseminated throughout the health care community, and demonstration applications will be implemented.
PREVENTION
Prevention (P) Goal 1: Ensure that appropriate maternal infant health care is a critically important factor in the prevention of developmental disabilities.
Prevention (P) Objective 1.1: Promote activities emphasizing the importance of maternal infant health care as it relates to the potential for decreasing the incidence of developmental disabilities in newborns.
Strategies will include one or more of the following
Strategies:
Outcome Indicator: By 2011, activities emphasizing the importance of maternal infant health care will be developed.
EARLY INTERVENTION
Early Intervention (EI) Goal 1: Ensure the earliest possible identification of developmental delays and/or disabilities from birth to five years.
Early Intervention (EI) Objective 1.1 - By 2011, a standardized developmental screening and assessment tools will be used in all public and private health, child care, and preschool settings.
Strategies will include one or more of the following
Strategies:
Outcome Indicators: By 2011, an evidence based practices developmental assessment and screening tool will be available and used by the health care and child care systems which routinely come in contact with infants, toddlers, and pre-school children.
Early Intervention (EI) Goal 2: Children who receive early intervention services will receive the level and quality of service they need to achieve their optimal level of development.
Early Intervention (EI) Objective 2.1: By 2011, children will receive early intervention services within inclusive and natural environment, and in a manner which supports the needs of families.
Strategies will include one or more of the following
Strategies:
Outcome Indicator: By 2011, early intervention service opportunities within natural environments will be increased and include evidence based practices that meet the needs of the children and families served.
Early Intervention (EI) Goal 3: Pre-school educators and early care and education program providers will provide services in a manner which maximizes inclusive opportunities and support for families.
Early Intervention (EI) Objective 3.1: By 2011, expand the opportunities for pre-school children with developmental disabilities to receive inclusive pre-school and early care education and for educators and providers to deliver these services.
Strategies will include one or more of the following
Strategies:
Outcome Indicators: By 2011, there will be expanded opportunities for pre-school educators and early care providers to provide program for children with developmental delays and disabilities to receive services within inclusive settings.
EMPLOYMENT
Employment (EM) Goal 1: Develop a range of customized employment services that meet the needs of individuals as well as employers and insure individuals with developmental disabilities are successful in competitive, integrated employment of their choice.
Employment (EM) Objective 1.1: By 2011, improve the capacity of the statewide infrastructure to provide customized employment services and the transfer or provisions of assistive technology devices and services for individuals with developmental disabilities.
Strategies will include one or more of the following:
Outcome Indicators: By 2011, employment services for individuals with developmental disabilities will be expanded and result in increased opportunities and choices for competitive employment.
Employment (EM) Goal 2: Provide competitive, integrated employment opportunities, for all individuals with disabilities, which include self-employment, job advancement opportunities, choice and job satisfaction.
Employment (EM) Objective 2.1; By 2011, engage public and private employers to hire individuals with developmental disabilities in a living wage position and at all levels within their companies.
Strategies will include one or more of the following:
Outcome Indicators: By 2011, individuals with developmental disabilities will have employment opportunities and choice in an employment or self employment environment that promotes self advancement and job satisfaction.
Employment (EM) Objective 2.2: By 2011, promote self-employment and micro enterprise for individuals with developmental disabilities.
Strategies will include one or more of the following:
Outcome Indicators: By 2011, individuals with developmental disabilities, family members and other will have knowledge and receive training on self-employment and micro enterprise.
Employment (EM) Goal 3: Protect individual entitlements, rights, services and supports to enable individuals with developmental disabilities to attain and retain their benefit resources while employed.
Employment (EM) Objective 3.1: By 2011, enable individuals with developmental disabilities to attain and retain their financial and benefit resources while employed.
Strategies will include one or more of the following:
Outcome Indicator: By 2011, individuals with developmental disabilities will have progressed in retaining entitlements, financial resources, rights, supports and services and retained their employment.
CROSS CUTTING
Cross Cutting (CC) Goal 1: Insure and advocate for a comprehensive and cohesive public policy and governmental systems consistent with the mission of the Council .
Cross Cutting Objective 1.1: By 2011, increase the developmental disability-related education and knowledge of public policymakers in local, state and federal positions.
Strategies will include one or more of the following:
Outcome Indicator: By 2011, public policy will reflect the input of the developmental disabilities Council and the people it represents, and will protect the rights of individuals with developmental disabilities.
Cross Cutting (CC) Goal 2: Develop coalitions and/or programs that support self-advocacy education and leadership skill development.
Cross Cutting (CC) Objective 2.1: By 2011, increase the number of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families who are effective and knowledgeable self-advocates and advocates.
Strategies will include one or more of the following:
Outcome Indicator: By 2011, there will be an increased number of graduates from the Partners in Policy Making trainings that are educated on self-advocacy.
Cross Cutting (CC) Goal 3: Promote a statewide policy which supports children that live at home or within another family setting.
Objective 3.1: By 2011, partner with the Department of Children and Families, Agency for Persons with Disabilities, Department of Education, Department of Juvenile Justice, and the Family Care Council s to promote policies and practices which support families as the primary source for support for children/adults with developmental disabilities.
Strategies will include one or more of the following:
Outcome Indicators: By 2011, policies and practices will have been developed which support families as the primary source for the support of children/adults with developmental disabilities.
Cross Cutting (CC) Goal 4: Expand and standardize the State of Florida definition of developmental Disabilities.
Cross Cutting (CC) Objective 4.1: By 2011, promote the adoption of the federal definition of developmental disabilities as the standard state definition.
Strategies will include one or more of the following:
Outcome Indicators: By 2012, the policy and practice benefits associated with the adoption of the federal definition of developmental disabilities will be understood by state agencies and others, and recommendations for a more uniform standard will be completed.
Cross Cutting (CC) Goal 5: Provide information to public and private agencies, stakeholders, stakeholder organizations and the general public to educate, advocate and inform them on policies, laws, programs, and issues affecting individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
Cross Cutting (CC) Objective 5.1: By 2011, insure that accurate and timely information is provided throughout Florida on issues affecting individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
Strategies will include one or more of the following:
Outcome Indicator: By 2011, a wide range of information will be distributed throughout Florida on developmental disability issues.