Our guests are Brian Rothey, who is the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) Community Liaison, Paula James, the Chairperson for the Suncoast West Family Council.  We are discussing programs and resources available in our community to help those with disabilities reach their full potential. The APD is the organization responsible for the med-wavier program. This program is the government's way to reduce the cost of taking care of those with special needs. Instead of automatically being institutionalize this gives families flexibility in caring for members with special needs. The Family Care Council represents the customers (families and individuals) who receive support through APD.

For information about the Medicaid Waiver, Supported Employment, Supported Living Services, and other programs click here - Frequently Asked Questions <http://apd.myflorida.com/about/faqs.htm> . Looking for APD approved providers? Click here <http://resourcedirectory.apd.myflorida.com/resourcedirectory/>  for APD's Resource Directory.

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Julie Ames

Special Needs Family Hour