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  WHO WE ARE
Step Up is a coalition
of individuals, families, support providers and community
agencies advocating for valid assessments, consumer-driven
choices and adequate funding of critical and vital services
for Floridians with developmental disabilities.
Step
Up believes individuals with developmental disabilities and
their families should be allowed to choose what quality supports
and alternative services will help that person achieve their
full potential. Step Up members also support Community Agencies
that provide assistance for individuals to lead independent,
self-sufficient, integrated lives.
Step
Up supports the new Agency for Persons with Disabilities and
its goal of inclusive employment and independent living for
those who are able. However, weıre concerned these gains for
higher functioning individuals will come at the expense of
those who have higher levels of need.
Coalition
members want a say in the development of public policy regarding
developmental disability issues in Florida.
WHO
SHOULD STEP UP
The
State of Florida should step up to provide people with
developmental disabilities quality service options based on a
valid assessment of their individual needs. These vital services
must be appropriately funded.
State
budget cuts to community agency reimbursement rates for
residential habilitation and adult day training in November 2003
forced several providers to shut their doors or limit these
critical services and supports. As a result, needs are not being
met. Persons with developmental disabilities and their families
who relied on these community agencies are now suffering the
consequences.
Step
Up was formed to bring attention to the devastating effects of the
budget cuts on these critical services for persons with
developmental disabilities and to the unintended consequences of
public policy to increase inclusive employment and independence.
Step Up also wants the state to consider additional training for
support coordinators who make decisions on what services
individuals with developmental disabilities receive. In some
cases, a support coordinatorıs recommendations for service could
be the difference between life and death for the client. Proper
training and input from the clientıs family members and
providers are critical for valid assessments.
Overall,
Step Up is concerned the state is creating an environment that
will limit choices for people with developmental disabilities who
have varying levels of need. As the new agency moves forward,
itıs leaders and policymakers should remember - One size does
not fit all.
Thank
you for your support of Step Up and Floridians with Developmental
Disabilities
Copyright ©2006. All rights reserved.
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