APD Florida
The Agency for Persons with Disabilities in Florida (ADP) plays a crucial role in providing the necessary resources, support, and advocacy to help individuals with developmental disabilities live fulfilling, independent lives.
The Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) is a state agency in Florida that is responsible for providing services and support to individuals with developmental disabilities. Their goal is to assist people in achieving independence, self-sufficiency, and inclusion in their communities. APD serves individuals with a broad range of disabilities, including autism, cerebral palsy, intellectual disabilities, spina bifida, and more.
Disabilities Covered by
APD Florida
You can apply for services through one of the APD regional offices if you have one of the following disabilities, (for resources at the end of this post):
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Autism
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Cerebral palsy
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Spina bifida
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Intellectual disabilities
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Down syndrome
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Prader-Willi syndrome
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Phelan Mcdermid syndrome
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Children age 3-5 who are at a high risk of a developmental disability
What does APD do?
APD offers services that help individuals with developmental disabilities live fulfilling and independent lives. Their services are tailored to meet the unique needs of each person, and they provide resources that support personal growth, community integration, and overall well-being.
Here are some of the key things APD does:
Eligibility Determination
APD determines eligibility for services based on an individual’s diagnosis and functional limitations. To qualify for services, an individual must have a developmental disability that began before the age of 18 and is likely to continue indefinitely.
Case Management and Support Coordination
APD provides case management services through support coordinators who help individuals and their families navigate the complex system of care. These coordinators assist with creating individual plans, finding resources, and ensuring that services are delivered properly.
Residential and Day Programs
APD helps individuals access residential services such as group homes, independent living facilities, or other community-based living options. It also provides funding for day programs that offer employment training, skill-building activities, and socialization opportunities.
Waiver Programs
APD operates Medicaid Waiver programs that provide funding for services such as personal care assistance, transportation, therapy, employment support, and respite care. The two main waiver programs are:
Developmental Disabilities Waiver (DD Waiver): Offers a range of services to individuals with developmental disabilities who require assistance to live in the community.
iBudget Waiver: A funding system that allows families to receive a personalized budget for services based on their individual needs.
Employment Services
APD supports individuals in finding and maintaining meaningful employment, providing job coaching, skills training, and assistance with job placement. The agency works to ensure that individuals with disabilities are included in the workforce.
Family and Caregiver Support
APD offers resources for families and caregivers to help them care for loved ones with disabilities. This includes training, respite care, and information on navigating services.
Community Integration
APD promotes the inclusion of individuals with developmental disabilities in their communities. This includes assisting with transportation, recreational activities, and ensuring that people with disabilities have access to public spaces, education, and social events.
Advocacy
APD advocates for the rights and needs of individuals with developmental disabilities at the state and national levels. The agency works to ensure that policies and practices support inclusion, equality, and opportunity.
How to Apply
Apply For Medicaid Waiver*
*To be eligible for services from the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, you must be a Florida resident. Contact information for each office can be found by clicking on the map located at: http://apdcares.org/region/.**
**If you are NOT in Florida, go to MedicaidWaiver.org to find your state.
Sources: APD Florida, CDC, & MedicaidWaiver.org
