A First Conversation Toward Lasting Change

Yesterday, AFINS (Debbie Beaucaire, Debbie & Kevin Jenkins, Gregg Dooley), Kristy Sullivan (President of My Special Place), caregiver Corinna Cox, Waiver Support Coordinator Matthew Bramm, and TJ and Meriah McCoy (owners of Master Caregiver Provider) had the privilege of meeting with Robert “Bob” Asztalos, the newly appointed Director of the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD).

This was our first opportunity to come together, share our experiences, and hear directly from Director Asztalos about his vision for the future.

Director Asztalos’ Commitment to Listening and Action

From the very beginning, Director Asztalos demonstrated a strong commitment to listening, transparency, and collaboration. His attentive note taking highlighted his dedication to truly understanding the needs of individuals with disabilities and their families, and his passion for developing meaningful solutions gives us hope for lasting change.

Key Topics Discussed

Our discussion focused on three key areas:

Housing & Workforce Stability

• We addressed the urgent need for safe, affordable housing for the Intellectually and Developmentally Disabled (IDD) community in The Villages, as well as the importance of a stable, well-trained workforce. Director Asztalos acknowledged these challenges and expressed a strong interest in exploring innovative solutions.

Current System Challenge

• Participants shared real-world concerns about APD application process, long waitlist, service hours, managed care, and the complexity of navigating various categories of support. Director Asztalos listened carefully and asked thoughtful questions, reflecting a genuine willingness to address these ongoing frustrations.

A Shared Path Forward

• We concluded the meeting with a spirit of collaboration. Director Asztalos emphasized that progress will require the collective effort of families, advocates, providers, and APD leadership working together toward shared goals.

Next Steps and Ongoing Collaboration

All participants were invited to monitor APD’s progress on the topics discussed over the next 30 days and provide direct feedback to Director Asztalos personally.

Looking Ahead

This meeting was more than just an introduction — it was a reminder that when leaders take time to listen to those directly impacted, real change is possible. AFINS remains committed to partnering with Director Asztalos to help shape a stronger, more inclusive future for individuals with disabilities across Florida.

Story written by Debbie Jenkins