Welcome to our newest colleagues Pine Castle, JARC Florida, and STARability Foundation. The word colleague comes from the Latin word collaborare, meaning “to labor together.” Each one of you has focused so much energy on improving the lives of those with intellectual and developmental disabilities; we need to continue to work together to ensure this population can live in their community and up to their fullest potential. When we come together and join voices, we will create a legacy in our community of understanding the value of those we serve and love. The Arc of Florida created our Colleague Category as a way to work collectively for those we advocate for each and every day. This partnership doesn’t put any provider in direct competition, but brings choice to those we serve and lets us share our best practices. A big part of this collaboration will focus on transparency in our advocacy in a way so policymakers and families can embrace it fully. This means creating opportunities to  “Be Prepared, Be Counted and Be Heard.” 
The Tipping Point: The main question many ask is why the State of Florida still has approximately 22,000 individuals on the Waiting List and not enough capacity so that all can use the services and support they need.
 
One thing is certain, the less funds available for the iBudget Waiver, the more families and caregivers have to step up to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We all understand that a parent’s role, and expectation, is to take care of family members when they can’t themselves, but at times this causes a financial burden. This impacts the community when family members leave the workforce so they can support their loved ones and allow them to live in their family home or community. Although not a legal responsibility, it is a sacrifice most families are willing to make. Most of these individuals are likely to be 20, 30, 40 or 50 years old. The iBudget dollar amount is a decision the Legislature makes based on their perception on how much to invest in this vulnerable population. As families struggle, public policies provide support to ensure funding is adequate. Moving individuals from the Waiting List to the iBudget Waiver, and building capacity in our community for families, will reflect the State’s values in supporting families and loved ones of individuals with developmental disabilities.  
Dental Program – at the Starting Gate. While we currently aren’t approving dental treatment plans, we are working to start this process as efficiently and effectively as possible. We pride ourselves on providing this valuable service to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities on the Waiting List and the iBudget Waiver, and have their best interests in mind. Many have submitted applications and dental plans. If you would like to discuss your status, please email dental@arcflorida.org.  As soon as our Dental Program starts, we will let you know. This much-needed care is a priority and we thank you for your continued patience.
 
The Florida Legislature added $8.5 million for this fiscal year for dental services for our population in addition to the $3 million allocated to The Arc of Florida for our Dental Program. This is great news since there is a huge need. The Legislature and Governor understand the dental needs of our population and The Agency for Person with Disabilities has put in a “request for information” to get some ideas on how to pursue services for money earmarked for these services.
Thank you for your advocacy! If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our CEO Alan Abramowitz at alan@arcflorida.org or 850.241.3232.