FLORIDA INDEPENDENT LIVING COUNCIL, Inc. “Independence Worth Preserving” 1018 Thomasville Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32303-6271 Suite 100A Toll Free (877) 822-1993 (850) 488-5624 V/TDD (850) 488-5881 Fax Volume 1, Issue 9 November 2006 FILC Invited to Washington The Florida Independent Living Council was honored to be invited to meet with the Office of Domestic Policy in Washington D.C. on September 3, 2006. Representing FILC was Molly Gosline, Executive Director, Chip Wilson, President of the Florida Independent Living Council and Don Dawkins, Advocacy Coordinator. FILC attended the meeting in the Executive Office Building with Ollegario Cantos, Associate Director of the Domestic Policy in the White House. This meeting was an unprecedented and historic opportunity for FILC officials to discuss issues that affect Floridian’s that live with a disability. Over the course of a five hour meeting, FILC representatives discussed a wide range of topics that directly affect persons with disabilities in Florida. Much attention was given to disaster preparation, specifically ADA shelter accommodations, transportation preceding evacuation and housing and health care following a hurricane or disaster. In addition, Mr. Cantos provided a briefing on President Bushes Freedom Initiative. Mr. Cantos also emphasized the tactic of persons with disabilities infiltrating positions of political and community authority in order to implement change. “It is essential that we as people with a disabilities be involved in the political process” Mr. Cantos said. The FILC representatives came away from this meeting with additional resources and a renewed commitment to providing increased choices and opportunity for all people with a disability in Florida Money Follows the Person FILC would like to thank the Agency for Health Care Administration and Governor Jeb Bush for their support and efforts in applying for the Money Follows the Person demonstration grant offered by CMS. The funding from this grant will have a dramatic impact on assisting in transitioning people out of nursing home facilities and back into a community setting in the next five years. Martin Luther King once said “it aint what it should be and it aint what it’s going to be but thank God it ain’t what it used to be”, this quote has never been more relevant then at this time in history. FILC was invited by ACHA to participate in the application process that resulted in submitting this critically important grant that will affect hundreds of disabled Floridians in a very positive manner. FILC is one of several agencies representing persons with disabilities named in the proposal to partner with AHCA in the development and implementation of the Money Follows the Person should Florida be awarded the grant. FILC thanks CIL’s Much thanks are given to the Centers for Independent Living (CILs) that are coordinating with FILC in the development of the 2007-2010 State Plan for Independent Living, (SPIL) The focus groups, which include consumers and staff of the CILs have provided feedback that is invaluable and essential in writing this document. Don Dawkins, FILC Advocacy Coordinator, recently attended a local meeting at the Independent Living Resource Center of North East Florida and was impressed by the commitment and energy of the focus group membership. Mr. Dawkins stated, “The group exemplified what the CIL movement stands for. Commitment and involvement in the fabric of America and never accepting the status quo.” Governor Appoints New Council Members The office of Governor Jeb Bush recently announced the appointment of four new individuals to the Florida Independent Living Council, Inc. Ashley Skellenger of Tallahassee, Holly Miles of Tampa, Nancy Peters of West Palm Beach and Rebecca Forsell of Tampa were selected by the Governor to fill vacant positions. The Florida Independent Living Council, Inc. welcomes the appointees and looks forward to working with them toward implementing FILC goals and objectives. Welcome to the independent living movement. Advocacy Coordinator Travels Don Dawkins, who recently assumed the position of Advocacy Coordinator for FILC has been traveling throughout the state to discuss disability related issues with CIL Executive Directors in order to better work cooperatively and understand the needs and issues that affect the Centers. Mr. Dawkins said, “It would be very presumptuous of me to think that I have a better understanding of consumers and centers local needs then a community CIL.” Mr. Dawkins also met last week with AARP (American Association of Retired People) officials to discuss working together cooperatively on legislative issues that have common ground. Advocating for our civil rights is a task for everyone with a disability. FILC encourages every disabled Floridian to become well educated on issues and policy relating to people with disabilities. We need to become better acquainted with legislators and staffers in their home districts, and write and call in concerns. Remember, “nothing about us, without us.” Darlene Maynard’s Term Ends Farewell to Darlene Ms. Maynard has served on the Florida Independent Living Council, Inc. since December 2000. Her expertise, dedication and tireless efforts will be missed. Please Note Call FILC @ 850-488-5624 prior to teleconference for call in number. December 4-6 , 2006 Planning Meeting December 13, 2006 GRF Points Committee Teleconference FILC Office Suncoast Center for Independent Living,Sarasota Coalition for Independent Living Options,W. Palm Beach Center for Independent Living of Broward,Tamarac Disability Resource Center,Panama City Center for Independent Living of the Florida Keys,Key Largo Center for Independent Living of North Central Florida,Gainesville Self Reliance, Inc., Tampa Center for Independent Living of South Florida,Miami Independent Living Resource Center of northeast Florida,Jacksonville Center for Independent Living of Southwest Florida,Ft. Myers Center for Independent Living of Northwest Florida,Pensacola Caring and Sharing Center for Independent Living, Largo Activities initiated/hosted by the Florida Independent Living Council are open to the public. For information about these or any other FILC events please contact the FILC office @ (850)488-5624. Officers Chip Wilson President Peter Sachs, Esq. 1st Vice President Rose Lee Archer 2nd Vice President Wendy Herzman Treasurer Kristi Chapman Secretary Elizabeth Howe Network of Centers Board Members William Gordon Doug Hall Darlene Maynard Jeff Oatley, Ph.D. Roberta Van Sickle Nancy Wilbur Holly Miles Ashley Skellenger Nancy Peters Rebecca Forsell Staff Molly Gosline, Executive Director Don Dawkins, Advocacy Coordinator Jenny Bopp, Office/Fiscal Manager Please submit information you would like to contribute to this publication to Molly Gosline at mg@polaris.net It is the mission of the Florida Independent Living Council to assist and advocate for people with disabilities in achieving equal opportunities. Our vision is to foster change via leadership, collaboration and visibility. Please feel free to distribute this letter to any other persons/organizations that may be interested.