Kristen Conlin

The two-day meeting addressed several critical areas for the Council's operations and legislative strategy. Key discussions included the adoption of the current agenda and the minutes from the May 2025 meeting. The Executive Director reported on operational changes, including personnel adjustments, increased remote work, reduced office space, and outreach efforts, noting the high view count for 'Our Care Matters' videos. A major focus was establishing the legislative platform for 2026, resulting in the adoption of Medicaid long-term services as the top priority. The Council also reviewed and adopted the Budget to Actual, Profit and Loss statements, and the 2026 budget as recommended by the Finance Committee. The Executive Committee brought forward recommendations adopted by the full Council, including the implementation of the Qualified Small Employer Health Reimbursement Arrangement (QSEHRA) effective January 1, 2026, adoption of the Executive Director's performance evaluation, and renewal of the Executive Director's employment agreement. The Council also adopted recommendations from the Bylaws Task Force, including establishing a secretary position and including the Florida Department of Children and Families as an additional state agency appointment. The second day was dedicated to the adoption of the proposed new Five-Year State Plan Goals and Objectives for FY 2027-2031, including specific goals for Access to Services, Behavioral Health, Aging Families, Self-Advocacy Leadership, and Community Inclusion, with various modifications incorporated.

This document outlines the current strategic initiatives of the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council (FDDC), a non-profit organization established to fund, advocate for, and educate on behalf of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The strategic direction focuses on initiatives in transportation, employment, elementary through post-secondary transition, self-advocacy, housing, and direct care workforce. The overarching goal is to enhance independence, productivity, inclusion, self-determination, and full participation, fostering systems change and an inclusive, integrated workforce.

The schedule details two days of council activities commencing on Thursday, January 22nd, with committee meetings for Public Policy, State Plan, Finance, and Executive Committees. Day 1 of the Full Council Meeting includes an introduction, adoption of the agenda, reports from the Chair/Vice Chair and Executive Director, reports from State Agencies and Sister Agencies, and a period for Public Comment. Day 2 of the Full Council Meeting focuses on recommendations from the committees (State Plan, Public Policy, Finance, Executive) for full council discussion and adoption, followed by a session concerning the council's message, titled 'Our Voices Matter'.

This document is a Dual Diagnosis Study prepared by the National Association for the Dually Diagnosed for the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council. It presents research findings and recommendations for a Florida statewide strategic plan aimed at supporting the social and emotional wellness of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and mental health conditions (IDD/MH). The study identifies key areas for improvement, including training, service innovation, and systems/policy considerations, with a focus on enhancing collaboration, education, and person-centered approaches to crisis prevention and intervention.

The committee addressed financial matters, including modifications to the 2020-2021 State Plan Budget, which involved increases to the Employment, Housing, Broad Systems Change/Emerging Needs, and Self-Advocacy Leadership Goals, offset by a reduction in the reserve fund. The new 5 Year Administrative Budget for 2022-2026 was approved, covering program staff wages, benefits, and overhead allocation. Additionally, a Capital Purchases Request was approved for technology, cloud computing, electronic automation, and equipment purchases, funded by unutilized 2021 Administrative funds. The Administrative Expenditures Budget to Actual Report was reviewed, and an update was provided on a grant award increase due to unspent funds by the Puerto Rico DD Council.