Fwd: Free bus to Rally in Tally on Wed., April 6 from Orlando

[Guest guest]

Great news. free rides on a Mears bus to Tally from Orlando. See below for details.

Regards,

Ven Sequenzia

President

Autism Society of America

State of Florida Chapter

Free bus to Rally in Tally on Wed., April 6 from Orlando

PLEASE FORWARD

Dear Florida leaders,

The following email has gone out in the past few days in response to the most recent emergency budget cuts. If you know of someone who would like to join us for the day in Tallahassee, the DSACF has chartered a bus from Meares Transportation that will depart downtown Orlando at 5:30am and return around 7pm Wednesday evening. It is a 55-passenger bus and we would like to fill it with families, self-advocates, providers, ANYONE impacted and concerned, so I ask you to share this with your contacts. Cost to riders: FREE!

To reserve a spot, please email info@... and include “Rally†in the SUBJECT line—hope to see you there!

I will send a confirmation email to everyone reserving a spot by 9pm tomorrow night, Tuesday, April 5.

Amy Van Bergen

Executive Director

Down Syndrome Association of Central Florida

204 N. Wymore Road

Winter Park, FL 32789

CELL

FAX

www.dsacf.org

Join us for our next General Meeting on Handwriting without Tears on Friday, April 22 and sign up for our 1/2 day HWT workshops on Sat., April 30!

Announcement From

The Florida Developmental Disabilities Council

Rally In Tally

The information below was provided by Ven Sequenzia, President of the Autism Society of America, State of Florida Chapter. Although Mr. Sequenzia represents the Autism Society, his message and call to action applies to all those who care about the developmentally disabled.

Dear Advocates, Providers and Families,

Based on emails I have received since Thursday's APD cuts announcement, the real cuts are far more than 15% for some. If you utilize Adult Day Programs, In Home Supports, Companion Services, etc. (see entire list below) and you are currently receiving those services from an agency provider and not a solo provider then your rates were cut 30 - 45%. The Governor, APD and AHCA implemented this reduction and the 15% that was announced. Interesting how they failed to mention this in their statements to the press or public.

Also, I have been notified that three programs have already announced closing that provide these services. This is only one day after the cuts were announced. These providers cannot keep their doors open if they are cut 30 - 45% immediately. I will ask the question I asked on Friday: What is it going to take for you to become outraged?

The APD text below explains the services that are affected with the worst cuts. Residential Habilitation is listed, but the issue really refers to the hourly version; not the version most groups home bill under. So Residential Habilitation here would probably affect in home services (so I am told).

"There are certain services that have an agency rate (for those providers who are agencies and hire employees to provide waiver services) and independent rates (solo providers that do not have employees). Current service rates for agency providers are substantially higher than service rates for independent providers. Agency service rates would be adjusted closer to the independent service rates. The services that would be reduced include the following: behavior analysis, companion, dietician services, in home support, private duty nursing, residential habilitation, residential nursing, respite, skilled nursing, specialized mental health, supported employment, and supported living."

Join us for the Rally and let the Governor and Legislature know that this action will not be tolerated

..

When: Wednesday, April 6

Time: 10:30 AM

Where: The Capitol - Tallahassee, FL in the Senate Portico

Regards,

Ven Sequenzia

President

Autism Society of America

State of Florida Chapter