"I am deeply committed to increasing opportunities for persons with disabilities to live independently," Crist said. "The Family Café has a long history of helping people learn about services that are available to meet their needs and the needs of the families. Later this summer, I will appoint a Commission on Disabilities that will build on the success stories we find at Family Café."
The three initiatives announced by Governor Crist include creating a Governor's Commission on Disabilities, establishing a statewide disabilities coordinator and approving three new state-owned special needs shelters for persons with disabilities.
Governor's Commission on Disabilities
Later this month, Crist will issue an Executive Order creating the Governor's Commission on Disabilities, which will become active on July 1, 2007. The group will replace the Americans with Disabilities Act Working Group that is set to expire on June 30, 2007. He will appoint group members who represent state agencies and major disabilities organizations as well as individuals from the disabilities community.
The commission will hold regional summits across the state to gather stakeholder input and recommendations; and will focus on maximizing the independence of Floridians with disabilities, with an emphasis on employment, transportation, education and independent living.
"We will bring together a wide variety of disability advocates to increase dialogue and openness within Florida's disabilities community," Crist said. "I am confident that the commission will help us better identify and address unified concerns."
Statewide Disabilities Coordinator
Crist directed the Agency for Persons with Disabilities and the Florida Division of Emergency Management to collaborate on the appointment of a statewide disabilities coordinator within the Florida Division of Emergency Management. The two state agencies will develop an outline for their collaboration on emergency preparedness issues and post-disaster response relating to persons with disabilities.
"It is important for Florida to have an emergency-management professional looking out for the unique disaster-related needs of persons with disabilities," said Craig Fugate, director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management. "Hurricanes or other disasters may disrupt every person's routine activities, but these disruptions can be life-threatening for individuals with disabilities. For that reason, we must do all we can to encourage preparation within the disabilities community."
The statewide disabilities coordinator will ensure that the agency and local service providers have continuity of operations plans to be implemented during a threat of imminent disaster. Disasters include weather-related or manmade disasters, including hurricanes, tornadoes, civil disturbances, contractual disputes, epidemics, massive migrations, fires, nuclear power plant accidents, train derailments, terrorism, floods and bio-terrorism.
Special Needs Shelters for Persons with Disabilities
As part of the state's emergency preparedness plan, the three special needs facilities operated by the Agency for Persons with Disabilities will serve as centrally located shelters designated for persons with disabilities. The three facilities -- located in Marianna, Gainesville and Fort Myers -- will be better equipped than typical special needs shelters to accommodate the unique needs of up to 7,000 persons with disabilities. Additionally, all three facilities are self-sufficient with electric generators, independent water sources and food service.
Typical special needs shelters are available in every county for individuals who depend on electric-powered medical equipment and require basic medical assistance and monitoring. However, special needs shelters are not usually equipped with advanced medical equipment or medications, nor are they staffed to provide advanced medical care.
