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Read more about the article Medicaid Managed Care

Medicaid Managed Care

  • Post published:February 14, 2025
  • Post category:Medicaid

I’m writing to express my frustration with the recent changes in Florida Medicaid and share some insights that might help you if you’re facing a similar situation. Florida Medicaid has…

Continue ReadingMedicaid Managed Care
Read more about the article Misuse of Power of Attorney (POA): A Critical Concern

Misuse of Power of Attorney (POA): A Critical Concern

  • Post published:February 11, 2025
  • Post category:Guardianship/Legal/Trusts

The misuse of a Power of Attorney (POA) poses a significant risk, particularly for vulnerable individuals such as those with disabilities, cognitive decline, or aging-related issues. While many individuals believe…

Continue ReadingMisuse of Power of Attorney (POA): A Critical Concern
Read more about the article The Villages Charter School Opens Autism Center Amid Concerns Over Long-Term Housing Solutions

The Villages Charter School Opens Autism Center Amid Concerns Over Long-Term Housing Solutions

  • Post published:January 12, 2025
  • Post category:Autism/Education

In January 2025, The Villages Charter School in Florida inaugurated an Autism Center dedicated to educating students on the autism spectrum. Initially serving kindergarten through 5th grade, the center plans…

Continue ReadingThe Villages Charter School Opens Autism Center Amid Concerns Over Long-Term Housing Solutions
Read more about the article Self-Settled Special Needs Trust: Advantages and Disadvantages

Self-Settled Special Needs Trust: Advantages and Disadvantages

  • Post published:December 20, 2024
  • Post category:Trusts

A self-settled special needs trust (SNT) is often considered to preserve public benefits for individuals receiving personal injury settlements. However, this may not always be the optimal choice. Disadvantages of…

Continue ReadingSelf-Settled Special Needs Trust: Advantages and Disadvantages
Read more about the article The State of America’s Direct Support Workforce Crisis

The State of America’s Direct Support Workforce Crisis

  • Post published:December 20, 2024
  • Post category:Disability News/Medicaid

The 2024 report by the American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR) highlights a severe crisis in the Direct Support Professional (DSP) workforce, essential for assisting individuals with intellectual…

Continue ReadingThe State of America’s Direct Support Workforce Crisis
Read more about the article Inclusive Air Travel: Supporting Passengers with Disabilities

Inclusive Air Travel: Supporting Passengers with Disabilities

  • Post published:December 19, 2024
  • Post category:Disability News/Disability Rights/Government/Transportation

The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) has commended the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for implementing comprehensive regulations to enhance air travel for passengers with disabilities. These new…

Continue ReadingInclusive Air Travel: Supporting Passengers with Disabilities
Read more about the article Become a Partners in Policymaking Participant

Become a Partners in Policymaking Participant

  • Post published:December 13, 2024
  • Post category:Uncategorized

The Partners in Policymaking (PIP) program - hosted by Florida Developmental Disabilities Council - offers advocacy training and skill-building workshops for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their family members,…

Continue ReadingBecome a Partners in Policymaking Participant
Read more about the article Challenging Inequality: Labor Department Pushes to End Subminimum Wage for Disabled Workers

Challenging Inequality: Labor Department Pushes to End Subminimum Wage for Disabled Workers

  • Post published:December 4, 2024
  • Post category:Disability Rights/Government/Federal/Disability News/Legal

For decades, workers with disabilities have endured an unjust reality: earning far below minimum wage because of an obscure legal loophole. However, change may finally be on the horizon. The…

Continue ReadingChallenging Inequality: Labor Department Pushes to End Subminimum Wage for Disabled Workers
Read more about the article Charting a Confident Future for Individuals with Disabilities

Charting a Confident Future for Individuals with Disabilities

  • Post published:November 24, 2024
  • Post category:Medicaid/APD/Social Security

The future can feel uncertain and overwhelming for families supporting individuals with disabilities. For families and professionals alike questions about resources, long-term planning, and navigating complex systems often bring a…

Continue ReadingCharting a Confident Future for Individuals with Disabilities
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Copyright 2025 - Advancing Families & Individuals Needing Assistance (AFINS) | OceanWP Theme by OceanWP

🗓️ Wednesday, September 10, 2025

🕙 10:00 AM – NOON

🧑🏻‍💻 GoToMeeting


You may also attend:

  • 📍 FCC Wildwood Office: 901 Industrial Drive, Suite 100, Wildwood, FL 34785 or
  • 📞 Access Code: 332-704-773 |Toll Free: 1 (866) 899-4679 | United States: +1 (571) 317-3116

Agenda:

  • Roll Call and Welcome: Paula Whetro, FCC Area 13 Chair 
  • Budget Awaiting Approval                                                                                                                  
  • APD Update
  • Forum Update
    • Date: Saturday, October 11, 2025 – 
    • Location: Lake Deaton United Methodist Church, 6500 Wesleyan Way, Wildwood, FL 34785
    • Time: 09:00 AM – NOON 
    • Vendors needed: Contact Kristin Schuttz
  • Old/New Business                                             
    • Ordered meeting info flyers, Forum flyers and postcards to mail to persons on the 
    • Pre-enrollment list. 
    • New Requirements from HB1103
  • Moving Forward: Reorganizing Area 13 Council

🗓️ Monday, September 1, 2025

🕕 06:00 PM – 07:45 PM

📍 Captiva Recreation Center


Friends Gathering: Enjoy relaxing, socializing and table games.

Giving to the Homeless: The Fantastic Friends Social Club has partnered with the Action Club of Lady Lake to provide the less fortunate families with essential items. The foundation supporting these families has compiled a list of items, and they are seeking 50 of each:

  • Bathroom Cleaners 
  • Kitchen Cleaners 
  • Dish Soap 
  • Bar Soap
  • Laundry Detergent 
  • Paper Towels 
  • 4pk Toilet Paper 
  • Air Freshener 
  • First Aid Wipes 
  • Bandaids 
  • Baby Wipes 
  • Hair Combs

Safety Planning Considerations for Survivors with Disabilities

🗓️ Tuesday, August 26, 2025

🕑 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM

🧑🏻‍💻 Webinar


Safety planning is an important tool for survivors of domestic violence, used to ensure that the survivor has a plan in place under a variety of circumstances when an abuser may become dangerous. Survivors with disabilities experience a number of unique factors that advocates must take into consideration while safety planning to be effective. For instance, abusers use unique tactics that are often not accounted for when planning for safety within the relationship. Additionally, survivors with disabilities who escape the relationship experience limited community resources – such as transportation options and accessible shelter – which need to be accounted for in their safety plan.

In this webinar, we will explore the unique dynamics experienced by survivors with disabilities and how they factor into their safety plan. We will review strategies for supporting survivors with disabilities to create safety plans that respond to these dynamics.

The webinar will be presented by Sandra Harrell, Senior Managing Director of Survivor Advocacy Initiatives at Activating Change.

Register Today

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