 “Individuals
with disabilities deserve a more simplified way to access the services
and information they need, and this new hotline is another step in
shaping a disabled-friendly Florida,” said Governor Bush. “This
toll-free number is one way we can improve the quality of life for
Florida’s disabled by providing them with quick and easy access to
information about the resources, health benefits and wide-range of
programs and referral services available.”
Beginning next week the
toll-free number, 1-877-ADA-4-YOU, will provide callers with information
that is currently available in the clearinghouse database. The Governor
and Legislature approved $250,000 to fund the hotline, which is being
phased-in over the next year. The goal of the clearinghouse is to
consolidate information on state and community programs for the disabled
and to reduce the barriers they face in their day-to-day lives. At full
implementation, the clearinghouse will offer alternative formats to
assist those who are hearing, visually and/or speech impaired and a
comprehensive automated database to assist citizens in navigating the
often-complicated process of acquiring services and equipment to meet
their specific needs.
Governor Bush is committed to
making Florida a national leader in ADA compliance. Under his direction,
the Governor’s ADA Working Group has evolved into a group of true
representatives of the ADA community, rather than simply government
staffers. Recently the state submitted a $3 million Real Choices grant
proposal to the federal Department of Health and Human Services. If
received, these funds will help disabled Floridians access the services
they need to live and work in their homes and communities and avoid
institutional care. The grant request results will be announced in
September.
In addition, working with the
Legislature this year, the Governor provided nearly $2 million in
funding for a new “Ticket to Work” program, which allows disabled
persons to pursue work opportunities and continue to receive Medicaid
benefits. Under current law, if a disabled person on Medicaid returns to
work and has earned income greater than $7,740 (90% of the federal
poverty level), they will become ineligible for Medicaid benefits. Under
the “Ticket to Work” program in Florida, individuals could earn up
to $21,475 (250% of the federal poverty level) annually, and still
receive Medicaid benefits.
Since taking office, Governor
Bush and the Legislature have increased funding for persons with
developmental disabilities by $377 million, a 74 percent increase. These
funds are sufficient to serve over 41,000 developmentally disabled
Floridians. When Governor Bush took office, fewer than 10,000
developmentally disabled had their needs fully met by our developmental
services program.
|
