At STARability Foundation, we are a family bound together by having someone very special to us with a developmental or intellectual disability. Families started the organization 40 years ago to support one another and create opportunities for their loved ones. Continuing that tradition, we offer semiannual Family Forums, featuring engaging presentations, open discussion, and valuable takeaways.

You are invited to our next Family Forum on the important topic of the Medicaid Waiver. You’ll learn how to access Medicaid Waiver services through Florida’s Agency for Persons with Disabilities. Topics will include:

Eligibility requirements
Application process
The wait list/pre-enrollment list and the importance of being on it
What funding can be used for and how to identify service providers
What the Consumer Directed Care Plus (CDC +) program is and how to connect with a Waiver Support Coordinator
Legislative issues related to Medicaid funding
ARC advocacy activities

Each forum features a topic of interest involving different areas of community resources, information and opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Together, we’ll explore resources, issues and pathways to enhance the quality of life for these individuals and their families.

The deadline to register for this free event is Friday, Sept. 22 at noon.

Guest Speakers

Keynote Speaker
Barbara Braun
President
A Team Approach Inc.

Barbara Braun has been an advocate for individuals with disabilities for over 20 years. She was a Waiver Support Coordinator for 16 years for Florida's HCBS Waiver program and WSC agency owner in the Suncoast region for 7 years. She is currently working as a consultant to assist families with navigating the Florida Waiver program, including enrollment into the program and resolving issues individuals and families have within the program. Barbara is also working with programs within the state to build affordable quality housing for individuals with developmental disabilities. Barbara believes that information is power and that it is important that all families and individuals are educated on their rights, so they are able to live the life they want as independently as possible.

Donna M. Fain, MS
Senior Management Analyst II
Agency for Persons with Disabilities

Donna Fain has served with the Agency for Persons with Disabilities in various roles for 17 years, including Pre-Enrollment Supervisor, Crisis Coordinator, QSI Assessor, and most recently, leading the Suncoast Region’s Forensic and iConnect Training Team. She is committed to assisting consumers with transitioning into the community as they desire to lead independent lives while also ensuring providers are equipped to render optimum services with the use of iConnect. Prior to her career with the agency, she served 6 years in the United States Air Force.  Donna received her Bachelor of Art Degree in Sociology from the University of Florida and her Master of Science in Business Organizational Management from the University of La Verne.

Alan Abramowitz, JD
Chief Executive Officer
The Arc of Florida

Alan Abramowitz is the CEO for The Arc of Florida. The Arc is the largest national community-based organization advocating for and with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Arc of Florida serves as the grass roots advocacy arm of the organization ensuring the voices of those with disabilities and their families are heard. The Arc has chapters from Pensacola, Fort Myers to Miami-Dade meeting the needs of those with disabilities throughout Florida. Prior to this, Alan served as the gubernatorially-appointed Executive Director of the Statewide Guardian ad Litem Program from 2010 to 2021. During this time, he directed Florida’s legal advocacy for children in foster care leading more than 12,000 volunteers, attorneys and social workers. Mr. Abramowitz previously spent ten years at DCF serving different roles from chief legal counsel to director of regional and statewide offices. He has argued before the Florida Supreme Court on behalf of the Florida Bar Juvenile Rules Committee, chaired the Florida Bar Legal Needs of Children Committee and is Board Certified in Juvenile Law. Mr. Abramowitz holds a Juris Doctorate from Florida State University. In 2020 he was named “State Director of the Year” by the National Court Appointed Special Advocate Association. In 2021 FSU College of Law recognized Alan with the Exemplary Public Service Career Award. Mr. Abramowitz is now the CEO of The Arc of Florida advocating for individuals with disabilities.

Family Forum (Sept. 2023)

By STARability Foundation

Family Forum (Sept. 2023)

Hosted by STARability Foundation | In-person & online