The Arc of Florida Dental Program Applications have been posted for the upcoming fiscal year (July 1, 2022 - June, 30, 2023) and are available on our website. Applications will be accepted beginning July 1, 2022. Clients who were approved last fiscal year but did not spend all their approved funding will need to reapply because funding can’t be carried over year to year. We look forward to serving consumers in the upcoming fiscal year. Please visit our website to learn about the program, find a dentist who is part of The Arc of Florida network, and learn about the history of the program. When you apply, you will get a return email indicating that we received your application. https://www.arcflorida.org/dental

The Arc of Florida Comments to Proposed Amendment for iBudget Waiver: The Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) submitted a request to amend its iBudget Waiver, which operates under Section 1915(c) of the Social Security Act, to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The purpose of the amendments is to come into compliance with the HCBS Settings Rule. The Arc of Florida submitted the following recommendations:
 
ACHA should request an extension to come into compliance with the Rule. 

The amendments should not reduce options or choices, contrary to the goal of the Rule. 

ACHA should review all guidance from CMS since the Settings Rule was promulgated. 

In its definition of Day Habilitation, ACHA should add a reference to prevocational or vocational training, and life skills to acquire job opportunities, and not remove the reference to employment.

ACHA should change the term “Adult Day Care Center” to “Adult Day Training or Care Center” or “Day Habilitation” which fairly represents all options of day service.

ACHA should change the time-limit on Prevocational Services from “36 months” to “48 months with the option to renew.”

ACHA should keep the federal language of “optimal outcome” (not change the language to “successful outcome.”) Additionally, ACHA should add that the “optimal outcome is defined by the person.” 
 
For those who want to see the entire slate of comments that The Arc of Florida filed with AHCA, please email ceo@ArcFlorida.org. The Arc of Florida has offered to assist AHCA/APD in making sure Florida’s compliance with the Settings Rule meets the objectives of the Rule to provide individuals with choices and ensure their rights and opportunities for integration.
Prayers to the families and friends of Bill Fuller and Frank Mann.
The Arc family lost two individuals that epitomized advocacy and selfless giving. Bill Fuller (pictured) passed away on June 2. Bill and his wife Marilyn Yon cofounded Pyramid Inc., one of our Arc Chapters. Former Leon County Commissioner Gary Yordon said, “Most of the community knew Bill as a newspaper man, but some witnessed his sprawling heart as a tireless advocate for exceptionally abled artists at Pyramid. He reminded us that everyone has a contribution to make to the great good. That’s a pretty cool legacy.” One tribute to both Bill and Marilyn was by voting unanimously to give Marilyn a vote on The Arc of Florida Board. 

Frank Mann, state Representative and state Senator from Ft. Myers, passed away in June. Frank represented The Arc of Florida for many years before the legislature and executive branch. He was instrumental in securing passage of legislation that prohibited execution of people with intellectual disabilities. This predated the later ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court. Here is a link to Frank Mann discussing being the chief spokesman for The Arc of Florida for 18 years.