Family Care Council Hosts 25th Anniversary and Community Awareness Event

FORT MYERS, Fla. - Sept. 5, 2018 - PRLog -- The Family Care Council Area 8 will host a 25th Anniversary and Community Awareness event on Tuesday, September 18, 2018, from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott, 7090 Cypress Terrace, Fort Myers, 33907.

Michael Taylor, Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) Deputy Regional Operational Manager, and Brian Rothey, APD Liaison, will provide an update on issues important to area families.  A local waiver support coordinator will give a brief presentation on person-centered planning.   Our Voices Together Florida Coalition will give an update on their efforts to increase awareness and create a community for all that support individuals with disabilities.  Current goals of the coalition include an increased budget for individuals with disabilities; increased rates for services, and more accessible and affordable transportation options. The event is sponsored by APD Cares, Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida, LARC and Community Resource Network of Florida.

The mission of the Family Care Council Florida is to educate, advocate, and empower individuals with developmental disabilities and their families, partnering with APD, to bring quality services to individuals with dignity and choice. The Council was created in 1993 by the Florida Legislature in each service area of the Agency for Persons with Disabilities to advise the agency, develop a plan for the delivery of family support services within the local area, and monitor the implementation and effectiveness of services and supports provided under the plan.

While APD has the responsibility for the welfare and dignity of individuals with developmental disabilities, the Family Care Councils are governor-appointed volunteers who advocate for people with developmental disabilities and their families.    There are 15 Councils throughout Florida, each is made up of 10-15 members that reflect the geographic area, the disabilities, ethnicities and ages served by APD.  . The membership is comprised of individuals with developmental disabilities, parents, siblings, grandparents, and guardians of people with developmental disabilities who qualify for APD services.

The Area 8 Council serves Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry, and Lee counties and partners with other local organizations and partner to provide community forums and events to benefit individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.  Meetings are held the third Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at The Center for Independent Living, 7011 Cypress Terrace, Suite 103, Fort Myers, 33907.

For more information about the 25th anniversary event or Family Care Council Area 8, contact Patricia Oglesby, chairperson, Area 8 Family Care Council at 1-800-470-8101.  Email patriciaaoglesby@aol.com or visit www.fccflorida.org.