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State Plan

October 1, 2006 - September 30, 2011

Florida Developmental Disabilities Council Revisions to State Plan 2006-2011

This document was revised 6-18-08, to reflect a more user friendly version of proposed changes.
(strikethrough reflects deletions; and underline reflects additions)

Download Acrobat Reader Version of Plan [PDF]

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

By 2011, there will be an increase in the percentage of students with disabilities participating in a regular education class for 80% or more of their school day.

Outcome Indicator: By 2011, 60% of five year old students with developmental disabilities will spend at least 80% of their school day with non disabled peers.

Outcome Indicator: By 2011, 66% of students with disabilities ages 6-21 will spend at least 80% of their school day with non-disabled peers.

Education Objective 1.1: By 2011, at least three colleges or universities in Florida will adopt standards requiring all students in teacher education programs to take and pass classes on exceptional student education as part of required coursework.

Strategies will include one or more of the following:

Invite leadership from each post secondary institution in Florida to participate in a discussion about preparing all teachers to work with students with developmental disabilities in inclusive environmentsCollaborate with the state Department of Education and post secondary institutions to promote coursework within teacher and administrator preparation that supports the development of knowledge and the understanding of the benefits of inclusion for students with disabilities

Educational Objective 1.2: 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 at both the state level and the local district level.

Educational Objective 1.3: By 2011, provide training and technical assistance related to the protections and rights guaranteed under the Individual with Disabilities Education Act in a minimum of 10 locations across Florida.

Strategies will include one or more of the following:

Identify and disseminate information on evidenced-based practices that support inclusion of students with developmental disabilities
Collaborate with state and local organizations to create and disseminate information related to parent choice and inclusion to families of children preparing to transition into kindergarten
Provide training to families and professionals related to the protections guaranteed by the Individual with Disabilities Education Act

EDUCATION GOAL 2: By 2011, increase the percentage of students with disabilities that are employed or enrolled in a post secondary institution within one year of leaving school

Outcome Indicator: By 2011, at least 37% of students with developmental disabilities that exited the school system the previous year will be found employed.

Outcome Indicator: By 2011, at least 12% of students with developmental disabilities that have exited the school system the previous year will be enrolled in continuing education.

Education Objective 2.1: Collaborate with Florida Department of Education and other stakeholders to increase the options for vocational skills training and placement as well as post secondary education for students with disabilities

Education Objective 2.2: By 2011, pilot evidence-based transition programs for students with disabilities in at least three school districts

Education Objective 2.3: By 2011, develop and implement a statewide action plan to increase post secondary opportunities for students with disabilities

Education Objective 2.4: By 2011, collaborate with stakeholders to advocate for community based educational and vocational options for students with disabilities ages 18-22

Strategies will include one or more of the following:

Complete a comprehensive review of various programs and strategies focused on vocational skills training and vocational placement being used in Florida
Complete a comprehensive review of current post secondary options available in Florida
Develop and disseminate a comprehensive model for student transition to cover a wide array of areas, including but not limited to employment, continuing education, finance, transportation, housing, and health care
Expand the reach of the Partners in Transition technical assistance program
Facilitate the development of partnerships between local school districts, community colleges, and technical schools which results in opportunities for students with disabilities to participate in college, technical school, or other community based options
Review existing state education policy relative to college and technical school entry requirements and make recommendations for modifications and accommodations that would result in increased access for persons with disabilities.

FORMAL AND INFORMAL SUPPORTS

Formal and Informal Supports (CS) Goal 1: Individuals with disabilities and their families will have increased access to community supports, resources and services that will improve their quality of life.

Formal and Informal Supports (CS) Objective 1.1: Expand opportunities for consumer directed care in CDC+ Program and the Waiver Programs.

Strategies may include but are not limited to the following:

Increase the number of opportunities for participation in the Consumer Directed Care Plus (CDC+) by collaborating working with the Agency for Persons with Disabilities and the Agency for Health Care Administration and stakeholders 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).Centers for Medicaid and Medicare services for expansion of the CDC+ Medicaid State Plan Option.
Advocate for increase flexibility within the waiver programs to allow families to effectively manage their supports and services
Provide individuals with developmental disabilities and their families with consumer directed and person centered training and technical assistance
Provide service providers with consumer directed and person centered training and technical assistance
Work with State Agencies and key stakeholder groups to identify ways to increase opportunities for consumer-directed choices for services, supports and resources.

Outcome Indicators:

By 2011, Consumer Directed Care Program will expand enrollment by 100% from its current level of approximately 960 participants to 1920 participants.
By 2011, the Waiver Programs will include Consumer Directed Care principles that allow individuals greater self-direction and control of how service dollars are expected.

Formal and Informal Supports (CS) Objective 1.2: Individuals with developmental disabilities and their families will have increased community partnerships and networks that promote expansion of consumer directed choices for services, supports and resources.

Strategies will may include but are not limited to the following:

Work with State Agencies and key stakeholder groups to identify ways to increase opportunities for consumer-directed choices for services, supports and resources.
Work with vendors and service providers to identify ways to increase opportunities for consumer directed-choices for services, supports and resources (including but not limited to, durable medical equipment, assistive technology, electronic and information technology).
Work with local communities to build coalitions to increase awareness of and access to community services and supports.
Expand the pool of qualified waiver service providers.
Identify and disseminate recruitment, selection, training and retention practices to increase the availability of qualified service providers.

Outcome Indicators: By 2011, three local community coalition pilots will be initiated that promote access to community services and supports.

Formal and Informal Supports (CS) Objective 1.3: Provide educational/training opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities, their family members and their advocates to learn about directing and managing their supports and services.

Strategies will include but are not limited to the following:

Develop informational materials and resources about directing and managing their support and services that will increase the knowledge and skills of individuals with developmental disabilities.
Disseminate information materials and resources about directing managing their support and services that will increase the knowledge and skills of individuals with developmental disabilities.
Develop trainings on awareness of and access to individuals with developmental disabilities, their families and their advocates to durable medical equipment, assistive technology, electronic and informational technology

Outcome Indicators: By 2011, a wide range of informational education/training materials will be provided and distributed throughout Florida on directing and managing supports and services for individuals with developmental disabilities

Formal and Informal Supports (CS) Objective 1.4: Work with individuals with developmental disabilities, their families and their advocates, leadership development programs, cross disability leadership coalitions, state agencies and key stakeholders to promote statewide policies that support individuals with developmental disabilities living in the community.

Strategies may include but are not limited to the following:

Educate local communities throughout the state about the need for authentic opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities to actively participate in their community, in the areas of health, employment, education and volunteerism.
Promote statewide policies that will expand the availability of support services for individuals with developmental disabilities living independently in the community.
Promote statewide policies that will expand the availability of support services for individuals with developmental disabilities in family based settings.

Outcome Indicators: By 2001, statewide policies will reflect the importance of supporting individuals with developmental disabilities to live in the community.

QUALITY ASSURANCE

Quality Assurance (QA) Goal 1: Increase the ability of state agencies to indentify the service needs of individuals on the wait list.

Objective 1.1: Work with state agencies and other key stakeholder groups to identify a wait list survey that can be utilized to plan for individual needs and statewide planning efforts.

Strategies may include but are not limited to the following:

Work with state agencies and other key stakeholder groups to develop a survey instrument to identify service needs for short and long term statewide planning for the APD wait list.
Identify sources of planning information, data needs and collaborative community resources that could assist APD in controlling costs while reducing the waiting list.
Using the results of the waitlist survey instrument, work with Agency for Persons with Disabilities and other key stakeholders to develop an on-site evaluation process to include home/environmental controls and vehicle modifications, durable medical equipment and assistive technology training for personal care attendants (i.e. parents, caregivers, guardians and their advocates).

Outcome Indicators: By 2011, the supports and service needs of individuals on the APD waiting list will have been assessed.

Quality Assurance (QA) Goal 2: Reduce the number of individuals who are placed in institutions.

Objective 2.1: Promote the identification of appropriate community placement for individuals with developmental disabilities who are living in institutions.

Strategies may include but are not limited to the following:

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.

Objective 2.2: Promote the development of appropriate community placements for individuals with developmental disabilities living in the community who are at risk of being placed in institutions.

Strategies may include but are not limited to the following:

Support the identification of appropriate placement for individuals with developmental disabilities who are at risk of placement in institutions.
Provide information, resources, and support for consumers individuals who choose to have a home of their own or choose supported living options other than the group home.

Outcome Indicators: By 2011, there will be a reduction in the number of children and adults living in institutions who could live in community settings with supports and services.

Quality Assurance (QA) Goal 3: Promote options for protecting the legal rights of individuals with developmental disabilities.

Quality Assurance (QA) Objective 3.1: Information and training related to the protection of legal rights including but not limited to guardianship and guardianship alternatives will be disseminated.

Strategies may include but are not limited to the following:

Legal rights and guardianship information will be disseminated to individuals with developmental disabilities, their families and their advocates.
Legal rights,guardianship and guardianship alternatives training will be provided to individuals with developmental disabilities, their families and their advocates.
Training will be provided to attorneys and state court systems to create a pool of professionals who understand the specific rights and needs of individuals with developmental disabilities.
Community collaboration and networks will be established to identify sources for affordable and accessible guardianship, guardianship alternatives and legal services.

Outcome Indicators: In 2011, individuals, families, attorneys, and other stakeholders will have access to information on guardianship, guardianship alternatives and sources of legal assistance/protection for individuals with developmental disabilities within the state. In addition, professionals, who work with individuals with developmental disabilities and others, will have a more comprehensive understanding and application of legal protections for individuals with developmental disabilities.

TRANSPORTATION

Transportation (TR) Goal 1: Work to create consumer directed transportation to provide choices and options and improve accessibility, safety and independence for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Transportation Objective 1.1: Promote systemic reform coordinating state and federal funds that will facilitate increased choices and options including the provision of assistive technologies that will increase access to transportation for individuals with developmental disabilities across the state and develop recommendations for a consumer directed choice model in regards to Transportation Disadvantaged systems and services.

Strategies may include but are not limited to the following:

Conduct a transportation feasibility study that identifies innovative transportation options including real choice voucher models used in other states. Identify cost efficient viable alternatives for rural and urban areas and explore potential alliances for development of statewide cooperative networks.
Collaborate with state agencies, disability organizations and key stakeholder groups to advocate for the use of state and federal funds to purchase transportation services for medical and non-medical activities including employment and activities of community living.
Work with Transportation Disadvantaged Systems and other stakeholders to identify a mechanism for standardizing eligibility determination so that individuals receive statewide approval for TDS services.

Outcome Indicators: By 2011, there will be recommendations for statewide policies and statutory changes to promote greater access to transportation services for community inclusion.

Transportation (TR) Goal 2: Work to promote the adoption of statewide policies that increase the quality and scope of transportation options that are available to individuals with developmental disabilities across the state.

Transportation Objective 2.1: Work with the Transportation Disadvantage officials and key stakeholders to identify statewide standardized evidence based practices, policies and procedures.

Strategies may include but are not limited to the following:

Identify or develop curriculum content and training opportunities for transportation providers that raise the quality and safety of transportation services provided to individuals with disabilities.
Identify innovative transportation practices and procedures and disseminate to transportation providers.
Coordinate a pilot project with state agencies, disability organizations and key stakeholders for the purchase of transportation services through a real choice voucher or other innovative systems.
Collaborate with state agencies, disability organizations and key stakeholders to advocate for implementation of evidence based practices, policies and procedures.

Outcome Indicators: By 2011, recommendations will have been identified to promote the adoption of statewide policies that increase the quality and scope of transportation options that are available to individuals with developmental disabilities across the state.

HOUSING

Housing (HO) Goal 1: Increase knowledge of individuals with developmental disabilities on self-direction, advocacy and collaboration for affordable, accessible and safe housing.

Housing Objective 1.1: Individuals with developmental disabilities will have access to resources that promote self-direction, advocacy and education for affordable, inclusive, accessible, safe housing.

Strategies may include but are not limited to the following:

Develop and disseminate information about creative approaches for developing and supporting homeownership and affordable rental options.
Develop and implement trainings and training materials for individuals with developmental disabilities, their families and their advocates on strategies to access affordable, accessible and safe housing.
Provide leadership training to individuals with developmental disabilities, their families and their advocates on effective housing advocacy strategies.

Outcome Indicators: By 2011, additional resources will be made available to individuals with developmental disabilities, their families and their advocates about affordable, inclusive, accessible, and safe housing options.

Housing (HO) Goal 2: Increase participation of individuals with developmental disabilities in statewide efforts to self direct, advocate and collaborate in support of affordable, accessible and safe housing.

Housing (HO) Objective 2.2: Create opportunities for Individuals with developmental disabilities, their families and their advocates to work towards implementation of a wider variety of choices of affordable, accessible and safe housing.

Strategies may include but are not limited to the following:

Develop and facilitate grassroots and statewide partnerships that initiate efforts to advocate, collaborate and implement a wider variety of choices of affordable, accessible, self-directed and safe housing.
Develop and implement an innovative pilot housing project.
Identify and target groups needing similar housing supports and identify ways to collaborate.
Facilitate partnerships and practices that support life-long communities and universal design for development of communities accessible to all people.
Advocate for the use of state funds for housing subsides 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 individuals with developmental disabilities.

Outcome Indicator: By 2011, fifty percent of individuals with developmental disabilities who have been trained (under Housing Goal 1) will be actively participating in statewide efforts for accessible and affordable home ownership and rental options.

HEALTH CARE

Health Care (HC) Goal 1: All persons with developmental disabilities will have improved access to adequate public and private health care.

Health Care (HC) Objective 1.1: By 2011, the Council will have developed and identified a strategy to promote a statewide definition and review proess of “medical necessity” based on optimal functioning and community inclusion standards.

Strategies will include one or more of the following:

Identify other agencies and facilitate partnership toward development of an optimal functioning definition of medical necessity.
Maximize the availability and development of technologies to support the provision of health care and promote access and optimal functioning for persons with developmental disabilities.

Outcome Indicators: By 2011, the Council will have proposed a medical necessity standard based on optimal functioning for the state of Florida and distributed this information to stakeholders, and governmental decision makers.

Health Care Objective 1.2: the Council will have identified and promoted innovative public and private models for financing health care.

Strategies will include one or more of the following:

Develop partnership opportunities that will expand Medicaid eligibility for individuals with developmental disabilities and families so they may seek employment without loss of health care benefits.
Promote the availability of sufficient health care options, within the statewide Medicaid Reform initiative to meet the individualized health care needs of both children and adults with developmental disabilities.
Identify innovative public and private models for financing health care for individuals who are not Medicaid eligible.

Outcome Indicators: developed strategic partnerships and provided information to State Agencies and Legislators to support access to health care insurance for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Promote the improvement of a coordinated system of health care services for all persons with developmental disabilities.

By 2011, the Council will work with strategic partners to promote best practices and evidence-based strategies where available for individuals with developmental disabilities that facilitate improvements to behavioral health, oral health, and health care transitions across the lifespan.

Strategies will include one or more of the following:

Promote individualized transition practices during lifespan transitions (birth through childhood, childhood through young adult, and adult to old age).
Promote cultural and linguistic competency in development of supports for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
Identify and disseminate information that supports evidence-based and best practice information on behavioral health medication and treatment practices for individuals with developmental disabilities.
Identify and disseminate information that will result in better oral health care for individuals with developmental disabilities.Identify ways for families to develop supports and modify medical interventions to assist individuals with developmental disabilities who do not have medical insurance and/or are awaiting waiver services.

Health Care (HC) Objective 2.2: By 2011, the Council will promote collaboration between health care providers, professionals and state agencies to promote access to early identification, screening, and early intervention services necessary for the improvement of a coordinated health care system for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Strategies will include one or more of the following:

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.
Identify and disseminate information related to best practices and 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.Develop training opportunities for health care professionals and early childhood specialists 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 developmental information.,/li>

Outcome Indicators: By 2011, the Council will have developed strategic partnerships and provided information to health care and medical organizations, state agencies and other stakeholders to support best practices for utilizing standardized screening tools for early identification of developmental disabilities and referral protocols.

Health Care (HC) Objective 2.3: By 2011, the Council will promote activities emphasizing the importance of maternal infant health care as it relates to prevention and the potential for decreasing the incidence of developmental disabilities.

Strategies will include one or more of the following:

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.
Promote community based programs that support prevention of illness and disabilities.

Outcome Indicators: By 2011, the Council will have worked with strategic partners on activities to promote maternal and infant health care and prevention.

EARLY INTERVENTION

Early Intervention (EI) Goal 1: Collaborate with relevant partners to expand and increase opportunities for children with developmental disabilities to participate in inclusive early care and early education settings.

Early Intervention (EI) Objective 1.1: By 2009, determine approximate number of children with developmental disabilities receiving inclusive services in early care and early education settings.

Early Intervention (EI) Objective 1.2: By 2010, identify current barriers to successful inclusion in public and private early care and early education settings.

Early Intervention (EI) Objective 1.3: Develop and implement plan to eliminate and/or reduce barriers to inclusive opportunities in early care and early education setting for children with developmental disabilities in Florida

Strategies will include one or more of the following

Collaborate with Expanding Opportunities Workgroup and TATS-FSU to collect data on children with developmental disabilities in early care and education settings.
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 and education practices 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 to provide programs for children with developmental delays and disabilities to receive services in inclusive settings
Advocate for change in minimum qualifications for early care and education providers.

Outcome Indicators: By 2011, there will be an increase in the number of children with developmental disabilities participating in inclusive early care and education programs.

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:

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 individuals with more severe disabilities.
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.

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:

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.

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:

Develop and disseminate information 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.

Outcome Indicators: By 2011, individuals with developmental disabilities, family members and other will have knowledge and receive training on self-employment and micro enterprises.

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:

Work with Developmental Disabilities Councils in other states to advocate for provisions to the Social Security Act to remove the disincentives to achieve self-sufficiency.
Expand and support 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.

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:

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.

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 self-advocacy and leadership skills for individuals with development related to community living, employment, health and education.

Cross Cutting (CC) Objective 2.1: Increase the number of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families who are participating in advocacy and leadership development activities.

Strategies may include but are not limited to the following:

Provide education and training to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families and guardians and guardian advocates through the Partners-In-Policy Making program and other programs sponsored by the Council.
Provide funding to allow individuals with developmental disabilities and family members to attend conferences, work groups, and to participate in policy development.Provide support to self advocacy organizations that are led by individuals with developmental disabilities.

Outcome Indicator: By 2011, there will be an increased number of individuals with developmental disabilities and families that receive self advocacy education and training through Partners in Policy Making, the Council’s conference and training initiatives and the Council’s self advocacy grassroots initiative.

Cross Cutting (CC) Goal 3 4 : Advocate for the revision of the State of Florida’s definition of developmental disabilities to reflect the definition within the Developmental Disabilities Act.

Cross Cutting (CC) Objective 3.1: Promote the adoption of the federal definition of developmental disabilities as the standard state definition.

Strategies may include but are not limited to the following:

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 federal definition for developmental disabilities across all state agencies.

Outcome Indicators: By 2012, the policy and practice benefits associated with the adoption of the federal definition of developmental disabilities will be disseminated.

Cross Cutting (CC) Goal 4: 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 4.1: 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:

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 Indicator: By 2011, a wide range of information will be distributed throughout Florida on developmental disability issues.