Kristin Vandagriff

The council meeting agenda includes committee meetings covering state plans, finance, and executive matters. Discussions are planned regarding the Aging Summit, a presentation on project access to services, and updates on the 5-year plan and procurement strategies. The meeting also features a website redesign tour, standing committee recommendations and voting, a legislative outcomes report, and outcomes for Developmental Disabilities Day 2026. Additionally, reports will be provided by various state and sister agencies, followed by a time for public comment.

This document is a transcript of Senator Aaron Bean's address during Virtual DD Day 2021. The speech highlights the importance of making Florida accessible for individuals with health challenges, emphasizing the need for continued support and resources for the developmental disabilities (DD) community, especially given financial constraints. Senator Bean urges accountability from lawmakers to ensure the DD community's needs are met, aiming to make Florida a supportive environment for all.

This document outlines a strategic approach to transition planning for students with developmental disabilities. It emphasizes the importance of early, collaborative, and creative planning, advocating for high expectations and a focus on individual strengths, interests, and preferences. The primary objective is to facilitate meaningful employment and independent adult lives within the community, fostering strong partnerships between schools, families, and the broader community.

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.