Describe progress made in achieving the objectives and goals outlined in the most recently approved SPIL. Discuss goals achieved and/or in progress as well as barriers encountered.
This State Plan for Independent Living reflects the State’s commitment to carry out an Independent Living Plan under Chapter 1 of Title VII of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (Chapter 1), and also the State’s planning and implementation activities related to the plan. The State Plan objectives provide the opportunity for people with disabilities in the state of Florida to maximize opportunities which allow for integration and full inclusion in the
mainstream of society in all aspects of daily life. This is accomplished by promoting community integration via consumer-controlled community-based services and advocacy in the areas of transportation, housing, voting, emergency management, access to health care and youth transition. The Council, Centers and the Designated State Unit continue to collaborate in these efforts.
Item 2 - SPIL Information Updates
If applicable, describe any changes to the information contained in the SPIL that occurred during the reporting year, including the placement, legal status, membership or autonomy of the SILC;
the SILC resource plan, the design of the statewide network of centers; and the DSU administration of the SILS program.
The Council continues to work cooperatively with both the Division of Blind Services and the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation in ensuring that the State Plan for Independent Living meets the requirements set by RSA.
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Section B - Significant Activities and Accomplishments
If applicable, describe any significant activities and accomplishments achieved by the DSU and SILC not included elsewhere in the report, e.g. brief summaries of innovative practices,
improved service delivery to consumers, etc.
The Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) continues to meet monthly via teleconference and two times annually in conjunction with the Council’s quarterly meetings. The Committee continues to assist the Network of Centers and the Council in the State Plan’s youth transition activities and who brings a new and exciting energy to all. The YAC’s have developed and coordinated
activities such as: expanding the network of youth within their Center catchment areas, accepted three new members whom the Council has voted upon favorably, developed their own Bylaws, application process, membership and responsibilities. FILC staff, Council Members attended APRIL’s National Conference on Rural Independent Living in conjunction with several Youth Advisory Committee members. The YACs were selected to do a panel breakout session titled
“How a SILC Can Implement a Youth Advisory Committee”. The breakout session was a success with standing room only. After much practice (and settling of nerves) the YACs did an outstanding job at conveying the message that SILCs can and should have an emphasis on youth with disabilities. There were 27 people who filled out a “sign-in sheet” in order to obtain the presentation materials electronically. Those materials included the YAC Bylaws, Application, Score Sheet, Power Point and YAC brochure. Ms. Dennis composed that list and the information was emailed on October 28, 2014. The YACs were prepared with materials in alternate formats for the breakout session as well. The “Nothing About Us Without Us, Ride for Independence”
held last August raised approximately $4,000 in by various Veterans groups and subsequently donated to the YAC.
The YACs continue to advocate within their respective Centers for services such as diploma options, disability history, and transition from school-to-life activities. At least four members of YAC has applied to the Governor for membership on the Council.
The Council has referred dozens of consumers to appropriate Centers throughout Florida for information and referral requests.
The FILC Executive Director continues to participate in the NCIL Reauthorization of the Rehabilitation Act Subcommittee teleconferences and participates in all of the APRIL Board of Directors meetings. The Florida Inclusive Housing Corporation Housing Stakeholders’ Task Force Meeting has invited the FILC Executive Director to participate in future meetings of the Task Force.
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Section C - Substantial Challenges
If applicable, describe any substantial problems encountered by the DSU and SILC, not included elsewhere in this report, and discuss resolutions/attempted resolutions, e.g., difficulty in outreach efforts; disagreements between the SILC and the DSU; complications recruiting SILC members;
complications working with other state agencies or organizations within the state.
Florida’s Governor appoints members to the Council. Potential nominees for the Council must complete applications that are reviewed by Council’s Nominating Committee before
recommendations are forwarded to the Governor’s office. Historically, the Council has had difficulty obtaining timely appointments by Florida’s Governor; however, the Florida SILC has all vacancies filled for voting members. At least one ex-officio appointment remains on the desk of the Governor.
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Section D - Additional Information
Include any additional information, suggestions, comments or explanations not included elsewhere in the report.
Subpart I Administrative Data
Section A Sources and Amounts of Funds and Resources
The financial data in this section includes the total Part B funds and state funding for the Independent Living Program. Of the Part B funds, $850,263 are DVR funds and $176,503 are DBS funds. Of the state government funds, $1,618,649 are DVR funds and $472,171 are DBS funds. All other funds in this section are DVR funds.
Subpart I Administrative Data
Section C Grants or Contracts Used to Distribute Title VII, Chapter 1, Part B Funds
All funding provided to the CIL of Polk is included in the agreement with the CIL in Central Florida.
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Subpart VII - Signatures
Signatures
Please type the names and titles of the DSU directors(s) and SILC chairperson and indicate whether the form has been signed by each of them. Retain the signed copy for your records.
As the authorized signatories we will sign, date and retain in the files of the state agency(ies) and the Statewide Independent Living Council this 704 Report and the separate Certification of Lobbying forms ED-80-0013 (available in MS Word and PDF formats) for the state independent living program (IL Part B)
SILC Chairperson
Name and Title John T. Davis, President
Signed
Date Signed (mm/dd/yyyy) 12/15/2014
DSU Director
Name and Title Aleisa McKinlay, Division Director, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
Signed
Date Signed (mm/dd/yyyy) 12/12/2014
DSU Director (Blind Program)
Name and Title Robert Doyle, Division Director, Division of Blind Services
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Signed
Date Signed (mm/dd/yyyy) 12/19/2014