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BOARD Meeting Agenda – December 7, 2023, 10:00 AM – NOON, Zoom Link https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84188479269?pwd=S0FBNy9pVm9Ubmp6U3AwYUpONmhKUT09 Meeting Call-In Number: 1 929 205 6099 Meeting ID: 841 8847 9269 Passcode: 101291 Directors are reminded that all Able Trust Board and Committee meeting are open and publicly noticed. Under Florida Sunshine Law, any meeting of 2 or more Able Trust Directors must be publicly noticed. Directors are prohibited from discussing Able Trust business outside of official meetings of the organization. Directors are reminded of conflict-of-interest provisions. In declaring a conflict, please refrain from voting or discussion and declare the following information: 1) Your name and position on the Board, 2) The nature of the conflict, and 3) Who will gain or lose as a result of the conflict.

I. II. III. IV.

Call to Order (5 Minutes) Roll Call and Establishment of Quorum Approval of Agenda – Action Consent Agenda – Action (5 Minutes) a. Acceptance of September Meeting Minutes b. Acceptance of FY24 Pettengill Donor Funds c. Acceptance of FY24 Family Endowment Funds d. Committee Reports November, 2023 Action Items (30 Minutes) a. FY 2024 1st Quarter Finance Reports – Action b. FY2023 Audit Report - - Action

Laurie Sallarulo, Chair Chip Byers, Secretary Laurie Sallarulo, Chair pp. 3-6 p. 7 p. 8 pp. 9-12

Laurie Sallarulo, Chair

pp. 13-18 pp. 19-55

Allison Chase, President & CEO Allison Harrell, Thomas Howell & Ferguson

VI.

VII.

VIII.

IV.

Legislative Research Study (30 Minutes) a. Presentation of Findings b. Use of Report in 2024 Session DSO Strategic Plan Updates (30 Minutes) a. Youth Program Expansion, Collective Impact, VR Staff Support b. Grant Committee Recommendations – Action Information Items (5 Minutes) a. Project Venture: April 9, 2024, 2:30 – 5:00 PM Jacksonville b. Conflict of Interest and Ethics Statements – sign and return by December 15th Mission Moment – Florida Blue DEAM Video

Public Comment Next Board Meeting: March 7, 2024, 10:00 AM – NOON SAVE THE DATE: Annual Board Retreat, May 15-16, 2024 Adjourn

pp. 56-112

Tony Carvajal, Consultant Todd Jennings, Committee Chair Alan Suskey, Shumaker Advisors

p. 122-123

Allison Chase, President & CEO Joey D’Souza, SVP Dr. Mavara Agrawal, Committee Chair

pp. 113-115

Laurie Sallarulo, Chair pp. 116-121 Donna Wright, VP Marketing & Development Stephanie Westerman Laurie Sallarulo, Chair

Please Note: Agenda subject to revisions and additions per the discretion of the Chair of the Board of Directors. Notification will be sent of any such revisions or changes. Members of the Public: Please notify Arnaldo Ramos at Arnaldo@AbleTrust.org if you wish to make public comment on particular agenda items no later than 1-hour prior to beginning of the meeting.

DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT AWARENESS MONTH To learn about highlights and successes from DEAM, visit

https://www.abletrust.org/deam-highlights/

We were pleased to have the Op-Ed authored by Doug Hilliard published in the Orlando Sentinel. Feel free to share the link to the article by visiting www.abletrust.org/deam-highlights

We had a great turnout at the DEAM Kickoff and appreciate our board members’ participation. Check out photos on our website, and we have additional photos available to anyone who would like copies.

If you would like to see a short video of part of the panel discussion from the Kickoff in Tampa, visit the DEAM highlight webpage.

A second DEAM event was held at Monin and also included a tour of the facility. We were pleased to have a few High School High Tech students attend and learn more about Monin’s business.

This year, we held successful series of webinars to highlight various aspects of disability employment. All webinar recordings are online and if you were not able to attend, visit www.abletrust.org/webinarwednesday to view the recordings and feel free to forward to anyone who might benefit from this important information.

DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT AWARENESS MONTH To learn about highlights and successes from DEAM, visit

https://www.abletrust.org/deam-highlights/

We had great engagement through our DEAM social media campaign including some of our High School High Tech students. To view a few of our social media champions, visit the DEAM highlights webpage.

THANK YOU SPONSORS! We are excited that we exceeded our sponsorship goal for Disability Employment Awareness Month! This graphic illustrates the companies who provided support and helped make DEAM a success.

To illustrate the benefit of sponsoring Disability Employment Awareness Month, we developed a quick deliverables recap. We appreciate the support of our sponsors and this graphic is an example of how we highlighted how they were recognized during DEAM.

Florida Endowment Foundation for Vocational Rehabilitation, dba The Able Trust DRAFT - Meeting Minutes Board of Directors Meeting – September 7, 2023 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Virtual Meeting Members in Attendance

Lauri Sallarulo, Brent McNeal; Mavara Agrawal; Lori Fahey, Brent McNeal, Stephanie Westerman; Chip Byers

Members Absent

Doug Hilliard, Alexis Doyle; Todd Jennings; Bethany McAlister

Staff in Attendance

Allison Chase, President; Arnaldo Ramos, Office Administrator and Executive Assistant to the President; Donna Wright, Vice President of Development & Marketing; Joseph D’Souza, Vice President, External Engagement; Justin Adams, Communications Manager; Leanne Rexford, Director of Partner Relations

Others in Attendance Item

Action/Discussion

Call to Order

Laurie Sallarulo, Board Chair called the meeting to order at 10:04a.m.

Roll Call and Establishment of Quorum Approval of Agenda – Action

Chip Byers, Board Secretary completed roll call and a quorum was established at 10:07a.m. Motion to accept/approve the agenda, first by Director Lori Fahey, and seconded by Director Mavara Agrawal, motion unanimously carried.

Action Items (30 Minutes) a. Approval of Agenda – Action

Consent Agenda approved, first motioned by Director Brent, and seconded by Director Chip Byers, motion carried.

b. Finance Report President & CEO, Allison Chase, presented the finance report with the following i. Acceptance of th FY23 4 Quarter highlighted details: • Line 5a – The Able Trust received a charitable remainder trust, “Cantwell P&L Statement – Family Endowment - $190,000” , which has been invested in an investment Action account with Wells Fargo. • Line 9 – Grants, we had budgeted for $100,000 and rose to $197,651.67, which is a large part of that is the amount received from being awarded by Visit Orlando. • Line 13 – State Appropriations or other Federal/state/local sources, this is the revenue provided by the legislature for HSHT and, budget was $799,000, payment is pending from the state at this time. • Line 98 – Expected expenditures budgeted were for an estimated amount of $3,548,301.70, we only spent $2,861,587.41. We did not expend as much as initially expected due to realigning with DVR last fall to ensure we are supporting DVR as best as possible.

ii.

Acceptance of FY23 4th Quarter Balance Sheet Action

• • •

Line 8 – The First Reserve account shows a negative of $24,000, due to entering a cash sweep program to protect funds deposited over $250,000. Line 29 – Total Other Current Assets, slight decrease due to stock market performance during 2022. Line 60 – Total Endowments has had a slight increase as well.

First motion made by to approve both the P&L and Balance Sheets by Director Stephanie Westerman, seconded by Director Lori Fahey, the motion carried.

The Able Trust Mission Moment (10 Minutes) c. 2023 USF College of Nursing Career Camp

d. DEAM

Report from VR Director (15 Minutes) a. Comments from Director

HSHT Director, Coleen Agner, spoke on the success of the USF College of Nursing Career Camp which took place on July 14th, 2023. The HSHT students from the Tampa Bay Area accompanied by their parents visited USF Nursing Campus and took a tour guided by existing USF students and instructors. The HSHT students learned the different pathways of a Nursing career, received hands-on learning as well as scrubs and a stethoscope as well. In addition, the HSHT students received some guidance on how to enroll in college as well. Florida Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (“DVR”) Counselor also attended and presented to the HSHT students and parents to inform them of what supports DVR can offer them. Sr. Vice President, Joseph D’Souza, spoke regarding DEAM and our DEAM Kits. Members of the board also unboxed their DEAM Kits, which includes coffee sleeves showing off our new logo, DEAM posters, vinal stickers, local coffee, along with the DEAM social media instructions to promote DEAM during the month of October. Joseph also spoke on the scheduled DEAM Webinar Wednesdays starting on Wednesday, September 27th, 2023, followed by our DEAM Kick-Off Event in Tampa Marriott Water Street on September 28th, 2023. DEAM promo video was shared at the board meeting. All HSHT programs, the DVR Field Offices, as well as our sponsors will be receiving a DEAM Kit to join in on the celebrating DEAM.

Director Brent McNeal shared the following updates at DVR: • Salary Initiative, over 400 salary increases for the frontline workers working to help Floridians with disabilities become employed. • Implementation of the AWARE Case Management System on August 28th, 2023. One of the benefits of launching the AWARE System is rapid engagement and expedited enrollment which up the enrollment process for potential DVR clients. • Service providers and vendors rate study to consider better ways to incentivize this group that is vital to the work done by DVR. • DVR is also looking at ways to better monitor service providers and vendors to ensure they are providing quality service.

b. Q & A

Discussion Items – Full Board (1 Hour 15 Minutes) a. Marketing & Development Discussion (15 min)

b. 2024 Legislative Research Study (20 min)

c. Collective Impact & Career Camp Pilot Projects Update (30 min)

VP of Marketing & Development, Donna Wright, opened by thanking everyone for their participation in the recent survey sent to them regarding Bord Fundraising & Engagement. Director Stephanie Westerman, who is part of the Marketing & Development Committee, then took over to discuss questions on the survey along with the results. After sharing the survey results, Stephanie wrapped up by sharing tips and resources that are available to the board in functioning as ambassadors. President & CEO, Allison Chase, opened for Tony Carvajal sharing with the board regarding the legislative research report Senate Bill 240. The Able Trust has been meeting with legislative staff to ensure we are reporting on the appropriate information requested. Tony Carvajal shared with the board: • The report is due December 1st , 2023 • This report is to understand the incidents, challenges face, inefficiencies in the legislature, as well as cataloging operations or the process from schooling to employment or secondary education for people with disabilities. • Elements have been added that are more specific to the transition process to employment. Like the accountability metrics for Employment First. Currently we are in the process of condensing the current 80-page report to include historical information as well as the findings for a concise comprehensive document that clearly identifies the area’s where best practices can be implemented to advance employment initiatives for people with disabilities. Tony invited the board to participate in providing feedback and reviewing the report. Director Mavara Agrawal and Joseph D’Souza provided an update on the Collective Impact Pilot Projects. Thus far this project has been a success and has reinforced a lot of the hypothesis we had initially. Each area office included in this project within the Tampa area is receiving individualized attention to support them with their specific needs. There is a also a great desire from the DVR staff to further their education and professional development with resources and knowledge that helps the counselor be a better resource and support for persons with disabilities seeking employment. The 2nd Collective Impact Retreat has been postponed to October 3rd, due to hurricane Idalia. Our goal is to identify the current challenges DVR and providers are facing and strategically find solutions together to continue to bridge the gap in employment for persons with disabilities. Sr. Vice President, Joseph D’Souza state that our goal is to hold four career camps across the state focused on introducing those rapid growing industries to the HSHT students in the summer of 2024. Director Mavara Agrawal also spoke on HSHT regarding the closure of one of the sites due to performance and student participation, and how we are adding two sites, one in Polk County and another in Duval County. Hernando County is also an area for a prospective new HSHT site.

President & CEO, Allison Chase provided an update regarding the report completed with LightCast which is set to be released this coming Monday, September 18th. Highlighting that we are using information from the report on identifying the growing industries that offer a variety of career pathways.

d. Board Retreat – Input on Content, Guest Speakers, and Experiences (15 min)

Board Chair, Laurie Sallarulo, spoke on the board retreat and requested feedback related to connecting the retreat to a program or Able Trust event. A lot of board members agreed with combining planned events and the board retreat. President & CEO, Allison Chase suggested setting up the board retreat in the Tampa area where the Collective Impact Project efforts are taking place. Laurie also asked the board for suggestions and feedback to provide the Able Trust guidance on setting up the retreat to possibly include guest speakers. A survey will be sent to the board members to provide their feedback regarding structuring the retreat.

Information Items New Business Next Board Meeting

Virtual Board Meeting on December 7, 2023, from 10am-12pm

Adjourn

Board meeting adjourned at 12:07p.m.

Respectfully submitted, James “Chip” William Byers IV, Secretary

FY2024 Private Endowment Funds for Able Trust Programs – For Board Approval, December 7, 20223 Staff Recommendations

McKeon (for agencies serving individuals with visual impairments)

Collective Impact

$44,690

Ward (for agencies providing employment services for PWD)

HSHT Lite Grants

$30,449

Hibbard (for agencies in the FL panhandle)

HSHT Operations

$22,344

LeRoy (for agencies in Leon County)

HSHT Operations

$9,051

Cantwell (for agencies providing employment services for PWD)

HSHT Lite Grants

$11,970

Cantwell (10% hold out per endowment agreement)

Collective Impact

$19,000

Total Staff Recommendations

$137,504

Collective Impact Expenses:

Career/Industry Camp Expenses:

Grow Group Contract $25,000

HSHT Lite Grants $42,419

VR & Provider Retreats $15,000 EDGE Training & Coaching $14,690

HSHT Operations (Leon, Gulf, Wakulla, Okaloosa, Escambia) $31,395

Board of Directors FY2024, 2nd Quarter Committee Reports Legislative Committee, 11/8/2023 • The committee met to review new information from the Dept. of Education regarding their support of The Able Trust entering a contract for lobbying services for FY24. • Allison informed the committee that an RFP would not be required as our procurement policies allow for a three-year term for lobbying contracts. • The Committee voted to recommend to the full board that we enter a third-year contract with Shumaker and Associates. • The full board met the following day and voted to approve this recommendation.

Grant Committee, 9/16/2023 • The Committee approved the disbursements from the private family endowments. o Pettengill Ability Fund: list provided by Pettengill of organizations to be funded. o McKeon Fund: serves agencies serving visually impaired. o Ward Fund: for agencies providing employment services to PWD. o Hibbard Fund: for agencies serving PWD in Florida panhandle. o LeRoy Fund: for agencies in Leon County. o Cantwell Fund: for agencies providing employment services to PWD. • The Committee approved a grant to the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations to assist with the expansion of youth programs throughout Florida to support students with disabilities (6th-12th grade) explore career and education pathways, career technical education and getting connected to Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR). The grant award is for $75,000 which is anticipated to fund 10 programs around Florida serving 200-300 students. • The Committee approved a grant to Broward College to assist with a comprehensive system mapping analysis of students with disabilities as they enter high school and transition to postsecondary through educational attainment and employment. The analysis hopes to identify opportunities for The Able Trust to invest their resources to support students with disabilities at integral steps along the education to employment path. • The Committee received an update on the conclusion of the Collective Impact pilot held in Tampa. The pilot involved Area 4 DVR staff and local employment service providers. The Able Trust was able to gather a lot of rich information and data. The pilot empowered local employment service providers to create a group for them to share ideas/learn from/and support each other. The Able Trust is continuing to support this group through building their capacity through ongoing training in relationship development. The Able Trust identified several supports to provide to DVR staff: professional development, emerging leaders training program, and employee morale. The Able Trust will begin testing these supports in Quarter 3 with Area 4 staff and then a phased rollout out statewide starting in FY25.

Marketing and Development Committee 11/14/23 • In this meeting Chair Doyle and Staff Wright covered fundraising and development updates and needs with the committee including: o FY 24 goals and progress o DEAM Recap and momentum o Upcoming initiatives, Project Venture, and committee/staff needs •

FY24 Fundraising goal $900,000 Identified: $883,000 Need to ID: $17,000 o (that includes HSHT funding, artCIE revenue, Grants, sponsorship and unrestricted) o Grants in process this quarter (If awarded would total $160k) • Lightning Community Heroes • Orlando Magic Youth Foundation • Vystar Youth Foundation • Community Foundation of North Florida • Batchelor Foundation: awarded $15,000 • GiveWell Foundation Sponsorships and Unrestricted: • $35,000 secured • $40,000 goal for Project Venture with $25k ID/committed to date • Staff Wright updated committee on communications and marketing including o Social Media /Website traction o HSHT Ambassador Program o DEAM 2023 success o Project Venture 2024 (Action requested from Committee) ▪ Ensure Date of April 9th on your calendar for Project Venture • Arnaldo can send Calendar invites to you ▪ Commit to inviting a minimum of 5 people/companies to Project Venture. Donna can get you all the info you need for that invite if you wish o Board resources page on website and resources for Board Members • Staff Wright recognized the outstanding engagement from many board members for going the extra mile in helping with fundraising and development

ARK TI

UPDAT ABL TRU T OR B

’ R

This webpage offers Board of Directors information and resources that may be helpful in meetings or other activities related to The Able Trust. To access, visit https://www.abletrust.org/boardresources/ and if you would like something added, please contact Tracey Lowe at tracey@abletrust.org

Disability Employment Awareness Month: To learn about highlights and successes from DEAM, visit the link below and feel free to share this information. https://www.abletrust.org/deam-highlights/

TH ABL TRU T OCIAL I

, 97 26 : 80

/X A

DIA A ALYTIC

→ → → →

7 97 , 0 48 →

(+ 8 2%) (+6 9%) (+133 %) (+ 4 8%) 30 0 (+

8 73%) A

ACTION ITEMS: 5 Easy Ways to Support our Mission 1. Attend an Able Trust event and invite prospects ▪ Commit to inviting 5 people/prospects to Project Venture ▪ Help promote sponsorship opportunities 2. Give a speech in your community 3. Invite The Able Trust team to join you for a meeting with your connections 4. Email introductions to Allison or Donna 5. Share our message with your support: Newsletters, social media, slides

The Able Trust Profit & Loss Budget to Actual 7.1.22 - 6.30.23 Actual 1 Cash on Hand prior FY @ 6/30/23 2 Cash on Hand 600.101 1,080,000.00 3 Sinking Fund 250,459.00 4 Cash in Public Investment Accounts 300,000.00 Ordinary Income 5 Endowment & Bequests 6 Managed Account Contributions 602.301 50,000.00 7 Fees Earned for Managing Family Funds (1.5%) 603.016 6,491.05 8 Grants 9 New Grants 603.017 54,125.00 11 Project Based Revenue 600.105 25,000.00 12 Sponsorships & Unrestricted Gifts 603.003 11,900.00 13 State Appropriations or Other Federal/State/Local Sources 603.006 0.00 14 Investment Income 15 Investment Income (including sales): State 603.117 270,000.00 16 Investment Income (including sales): Private 661.100 137,504.00 17 Total Income 2,185,479.05

18 Expense 19 DVR Support & Activities 20 DVR Staff Events 780.000 21 Grants & Other Support to VR 781.000 ArtCIE Federal Grant Project (includes Grant Mgmt) 22 Grants, Support & Sponsorship 23 Grants & Capacity Building 802.000 24 Donor Directed Grants 802.010

Budget

$ Over Budget

% of Budget

1,080,000.00 176,720.00 300,000.00

75,000.00 45,000.00

-25,000.00 -38,508.95

66.67% 14.42%

100,000.00 2,041,462.00 100,000.00 1,018,000.00

-45,875.00 -2,016,462.00 -88,100.00 -1,018,000.00

54.13% 1.22% 11.90% 0.00%

1,080,000.00 137,504.00 6,153,686.00

-810,000.00 0.00 -3,968,206.95

25.00% 100.00% 35.51%

7,960.87 19,097.46 17,400.00

60,000.00 300,000.00 1,891,462.00

-52,039.13 -280,902.54

13% 6%

11,783.55 0.00

300,000.00 75,000.00

-288,216.45 -75,000.00

4% 0%

25 Sponsorships 803.303 26 Programs and Projects 27 High School High Tech 28 Grants to Sites 807.100 29 HSHT Annual Training 807.150 30 Project Venture 807.200 31 HSHT Educational Materials 807.140 32 HSHT Supplies & Postage 807.145 33 HSHT Travel 807.121 34 DEAM (Disability Employment Awareness Month) 807.600 35 Inclusive Florida 36 Research/Data Analysis 808.601 38 Content Experts 808.604 42 Travel 808.602 43 Fundraising & Donor Development 44 State License Registration 805.122 45 Endowment Funds & Investment Management 46 Investment & Bank Account Charges 730.000 47 Marketing & Communications 49 Website 805.135 50 Marketing & Support Materials 805.110 51 Board Related Expenses 52 Board & Committee Meetings 793.050 53 Board Retreats 793.001 54 CEO Program Management (see 413.615(9)j FS 55 CEO Travel 794.010 56 CEO Memberships & Registrations 794.030 57 Operations & Overhead 58 Amoritization Expense 59 Interest Expense 60 Office 776.100 61 State Storage Facility (or destruction)776.101 62 Furnishings, Equipment & Software 64 Computers & Equipment 750.000

4,000.00

30,000.00

-26,000.00

13%

341,000.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 817.46 5,051.80

990,000.00 30,000.00 30,000.00 1,000.00 1,000.00 15,000.00 25,000.00

-649,000.00 -30,000.00 -30,000.00 -1,000.00 -1,000.00 -14,182.54 -19,948.20

34% 0% 0% 0% 0% 5% 20%

35,000.00 4,500.00 8,262.10

60,000.00 60,000.00 13,000.00

-25,000.00 -55,500.00 -4,737.90

58% 8% 64%

0.00

350.00

-350.00

26,450.51

110,000.00

-83,549.49

24%

1,250.00 1,697.45

7,140.00 16,500.00

-5,890.00 -14,802.55

18% 10%

163.06 0.00

500.00 14,000.00

-336.94 -14,000.00

33% 0%

713.38 586.12

20,000.00 2,500.00

-19,286.62 -1,913.88

4% 23%

0.00 0.00 12,978.00 0.00

0.00 0.00 60,000.00 1,000.00

0.00 0.00 -47,022.00 -1,000.00

0% 0% 22% 0%

24.00

9,000.00

-8,976.00

65 Copier 776.104 66 Depreciation 738.000 67 Software & Licenses 750.100 68 Insurances - non-health 69 BOP & Business Auto 758.100 70 Directors & Officers 758.300 71 ERISA Bond-401K 758.500 72 Liability Umbrella 758.200 73 Worker's Compensation 758.400 74 Staff Memberships & Registration 710.000 75 Staff Training & Development 710.500 76 Staff Travel & Outreach 711.000 77 Telephone & Internet 790.000 78 Printing & Mailing 775.000 79 Office Supplies 770.000 80 Staffing & Consultants 81 Salaries 701.002 82 Benefits 83 Health Insurance 703.001 84 Dental Insurance 703.002 85 Life Insurance 703.102 86 Short Term Disability/Long Term Disability 703.101 87 401(k) Match & Expenses 704.000 88 Payroll Taxes & Expense 89 Payroll & Unemployment Taxes 702.000 90 Payroll Processing Fees 701.200 91 Consultants & Contractors 92 Finance & Record Keeping 701.250 93 Grant Writing 791.000 94 Audit & Tax 766.000 95 IT Support 790.100 96 Lobbying 765.200 97 Legal 765.000 98 Total Expense

391.81 0.00 9,219.01

5,000.00 4,500.00 18,500.00

-4,608.19 -4,500.00 -9,280.99

8% 0% 50%

2,577.33 2,003.28 666.08 0.00 4.00 3,235.60 7,577.01 536.83 523.83 595.25

6,896.26 2,703.75 1,000.00 6,896.26 2,703.75 20,000.00 10,000.00 32,000.00 5,000.00 6,000.00 5,000.00

-4,318.93 -2,703.75 1,003.28 -6,230.18 -2,703.75 -19,996.00 -6,764.40 -24,422.99 -4,463.17 -5,476.17 -4,404.75

37% 0% 200% 10% 0% 0% 32% 24% 11% 9% 12%

186,036.39

766,500.00

-580,463.61

24%

14,293.74 543.26 138.60 563.96 8,071.62

67,722.52 4,797.67 1,359.44 7,476.89 38,278.30

-53,428.78 -4,254.41 -1,220.84 -6,912.93 -30,206.68

21% 11% 10% 8% 21%

13,719.91 93.00

66,927.84 1,260.00

-53,207.93 -1,167.00

20% 7%

12,510.00 15,000.00 225.00 356.25 6,249.91 0.00 783,867.43

75,000.00 42,000.00 31,447.50 18,000.00 54,000.00 2,500.00 5,425,922.18

-62,490.00 -27,000.00 -31,222.50 -17,643.75 -47,750.09 -2,500.00 -4,642,054.75

17% 36% 1% 2% 12% 0% 14%

Net Ordinary Income

1,401,611.62

727,763.82

-673,847.80

193%

Investment Income/Expense Other Income 603.015 · Gain/Loss Investments-Private 662.001 · Realized Gain/Loss Invest-Priva 661.001 · Unrealized Gain/Loss Inv Privat Total 603.015 · Gain/Loss Investments-Private 602.001 · Endowments & Bequests 602.101 · Endowment Contrib-Private Accts 602.196 · Account Contribution McKeon 602.197 · Account Contribution Pettengill Total 602.101 · Endowment Contrib-Private Accts Total 602.001 · Endowments & Bequests 661.000 · Endow. Unrealized Loss/Gain 663.001 · Invest Private Endow Int/Div 663.194 · Invest Private-Int/Div-Gallimor 663.195 · Invest Private Int/Div-Hibbard 663.196 · Invest Private Int/Div-McKeon 663.197 · Invest Private Int/Div-Petteng 663.198 · Invest Private Int/Div-Thomas 663.199 · Invest Private Int/Div-Ward 663.192 · Invest Private Int/Div-LeRoy Total 663.001 · Invest Private Endow Int/Div Total Other Income Other Expense 730.501 · Managed Account Fees 730.502 · Managed Acct Able Trust Adm Fee Total Other Expense Net Other Income

0.00 -105,258.79 -105,258.79

0.00 50,000.00 50,000.00 50,000.00 -593,801.30 3,496.41 1,544.79 3,154.00 162.61 4,837.40 2,093.81 1,613.24 16,902.26

The Able Trust

Balance Sheet

As of September 30, 2023 ASSETS UNRESTRICTED September 30, 2022

September 30, 2023

UNRESTRICTED

RESTRICTED

PARTIALLY RESTRICTED

Current Assets/Bank Accounts 108.000 · The First Reserve 109.000 · The First Operating 109.200 · The First Admin Sinking

1,015,563.61

25,062.01

(8,384.31)

(21,363.17)

301,065.72

250,943.70

10,000.00

78.81

178.81

252,348.17

577,238.12

109.300 · First Choice 8 109.001 · Petty Cash 109.002 · ICS 001 109.003 · ICS 716 110.061 · Morgan Stanley Smith Barney (2)

264,041.93

281,880.75

110.200 · Wells Fargo

57,267.26

45,283.73

Total Current Assets/Bank Accounts

1,629,633.02

1,421,572.12

1,094,407.64

12000 · Undeposited Funds

5,000.00

(103,254.03)

120.001 · Accounts Rec - General

65,000.00

120.006 · Accounts Rec - Comm/DEAM

9,500.00

46,925.11

120.007 · Accounts Rec - SOF/DOE/VR

120.008 · Accounts Rec - Endowment Admin Fees

281,880.75 45,283.73 327,164.48

Current Assets/Accounts Receivable

128.000 · Prepaid Expense

6,875.00

258.200 · Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

(60,000.00)

86,375.00

(51,328.92)

110.061 · Morgan Stanley Smith Barney (2)

8,434,227.27

8,588,967.09

110.200 · Wells Fargo

8,578,589.41

8,726,053.34

17,012,816.68

17,315,020.43

773,700.99

684,216.99

773,700.99

684,216.99

19,829.88

Total Current Assets/Accounts Receivable

State Endowments

Total Other Current Assets

8,588,967.09 8,726,053.34 -

17,315,020.43

Long Term Assets 260.000 · Present Value-Deferred Contrib. Total Long Term Assets

684,216.99 -

684,216.99

Fixed Assets 205.000 · Computers 208.100 · Leaseholder Improv (T'ville Rd) 211.000 · Furniture & Fixtures 230.000 · Accumulated Depreciation Total Fixed Assets

19,829.88 -

94,079.70

(110,489.03)

(111,629.03)

3,420.55

2,280.55

Other Assets 250.100 · Security Deposit

4,200.00

255.000 · Rec. re: Griffith Ins. Policy Estimated

97,750.00

257.000 · PFG Stock (273 shares @ $59.96)

16,369.08

258.000 · Lease Asset

142,611.19

153,279.19

258.100 · Accumulated Depreciation Total Other Assets TOTAL UNRESTRICTED ASSETS

Unaudited for Management Purposes Only

(23,768.53)

(76,639.69)

237,161.74

194,958.58

19,743,107.98

19,566,719.75

1,240,317.85

18,326,401.90

Page 1 of 2

The Able Trust

Balance Sheet

As of September 30, 2023 September 30, 2022

September 30, 2023

UNRESTRICTED

RESTRICTED

PARTIALLY RESTRICTED

Private Endowments 110.020 · Pettengill Ability Fund

5.30

110.216 · McKeon Ability Fund

599,170.48

594,782.51

110.217 · Ward Ability Fund

405,599.24

396,142.55

110.215 · Hibbard Ability Fund

294,927.05

293,040.11

110.231 · Gallimore Ability Fund

533,307.97

585,942.70

110.232 · Thomas Ability Fund

737,867.05

810,638.26

110.233 · Pettengill Ability Fund

25,377.04

28,922.96

110.234 · LeRoy Ability Fund

139,125.01

134,850.36

110.235 · Cantwell Ability Fund Total Endowments

3,011,204.15

22,478,487.12

22,577,923.90

22,478,487.12

320.000 · Accounts Payable 2110 · Direct Deposit Liabilities

TOTAL MANAGED FUNDS AND ASSETS RESTRICTED AND UNRESTRICTED

28,922.96 134,850.36

166,879.40

2,735,379.14

TOTAL ASSETS AND ENDOWMENTS

5.30

166,879.40 -

2,982,275.89

28,928.26

1,240,317.85

21,308,677.79

28,928.26

22,577,923.90

1,240,317.85

21,308,677.79

28,928.26

18,631.63

33,019.80

(1,606.83)

(3,304.28)

LIABILITIES & EQUITY Current Liabilities

320.994-999 · Payroll Liabilities

169.26

169.11

329.000 · Accrued Leave

20,950.00

10,628.00

321.000 · Unearned Revenue

50,000.00

88,144.06

90,512.63

116,934.67

74,378.48

116,934.67

74,378.48

773,701.21

684,217.21

773,701.21

684,217.21

978,779.94

849,108.32

44,978.86

117,830.06

690.000 · Fund Balance

22,860,187.63

Net Revenue

(1,405,459.31)

(1,249,202.11)

21,499,707.18

21,728,815.58

22,478,487.12

22,577,923.90

Total Current Liabilities

29,715.52

60,797.11

Long Term Liabilities 330.000 · Lease Liability Total Long Term Liabilities

74,378.48 -

74,378.48

Deferred Inflow of Resources 270.000 · Deferred Inflow of Resources Total Deferred Inflow of Resources TOTAL LIABILITIES

684,217.21 -

29,715.52

684,217.21

745,014.32

Equity Retained Earnings

Total Equity TOTAL LIABILITIES & EQUITY

Unaudited for Management Purposes Only

Page 2 of 2

Financial Statements and Other Financial Information The Florida Endowment Foundation for Vocational Rehabilitation, Inc. d/b/a The Able Trust Years ended June 30, 2023 and 2022 with Report of Independent Auditors

The Florida Endowment Foundation for Vocational Rehabilitation, Inc. d/b/a The Able Trust Financial Statements and Other Financial Information Years ended June 30, 2023 and 2022

Contents Report of Independent Auditors ...............................................................................................1 Management's Discussion and Analysis ...................................................................................5 Financial Statements Statements of Net Position ...........................................................................................................9 Statements of Revenues, Expenses, and Changes in Net Position ............................................10 Statements of Cash Flows ..........................................................................................................11 Notes to Financial Statements ....................................................................................................12 Other Financial Information Schedule of Budget and Actual Revenues ................................................................................23 Schedule of Budget and Actual Expenses .................................................................................24 Other Reports Report of Independent Auditors on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting and on Compliance and Other Matters Based on an Audit of Financial Statements Performed in Accordance with Government Auditing Standards ...........................................................................................25 Report of Independent Auditors on Compliance for the Major State Project and on Internal Control Over Compliance Required by Chapter 10.650, Rules of the Auditor General ......................................................................27 Schedule of Expenditures of State Financial Assistance ...........................................................30 Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs Relating to State Financial Assistance ..............................................................................................................31 Management Letter ....................................................................................................................32

Report of Independent Auditors Board of Directors The Florida Endowment Foundation for Vocational Rehabilitation, Inc. d/b/a The Able Trust Opinion We have audited the financial statements of The Florida Endowment Foundation for Vocational Rehabilitation, Inc. d/b/a The Able Trust (the Foundation) which comprise the statements of net position as of June 30, 2023 and 2022, the related statements of revenues, expenses, and changes in net position, and cash flows for the years then ended, and the related notes to the financial statements. In our opinion, the accompanying financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Foundation, as of June 30, 2023 and 2022, and the changes in its net position and its cash flows for the years then ended in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Basis for Opinion We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAS) and the standards applicable to financial audits contained in Government Auditing Standards, issued by the Comptroller General of the United States (Government Auditing Standards). Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor's Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Statements section of our report. We are required to be independent of the Foundation and to meet our other ethical responsibilities, in accordance with the relevant ethical requirements relating to our audit. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion. Responsibilities of Management for the Financial Statements Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and for the design, implementation, and maintenance of internal control relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. In preparing the financial statements, management is required to evaluate whether there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the Foundation's ability to continue as a going concern for twelve months beyond the financial statement date, including any currently known information that may raise substantial doubt shortly thereafter.

Page Two Auditor’s Responsibility for the Audit of the Financial Statements Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor's report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not absolute assurance and therefore is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with GAAS and Government Auditing Standards will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control. Misstatements are considered material if there is a substantial likelihood that, individually or in the aggregate, they would influence the judgment made by a reasonable user based on the consolidated financial statements. In performing an audit in accordance with GAAS and Government Auditing Standards, we: 

Exercise professional judgment and maintain professional skepticism throughout the audit.



Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, and design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks. Such procedures include examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.



Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Foundation's internal control. Accordingly, no such opinion is expressed.



Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluate the overall presentation of the financial statements.



Conclude whether, in our judgment, there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the Foundation's ability to continue as a going concern for a reasonable period of time.

We are required to communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit, significant audit findings, and certain internal control-related matters that we identified during the audit.

Page Three Required Supplementary Information Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America require that the Management's Discussion and Analysis on pages 5 through 10 be presented to supplement the financial statements. Such information is the responsibility of management and, although not a part of the financial statements, is required by the Government Accounting Standards Board, who considers it to be an essential part of financial reporting for placing the financial statements in an appropriate operational, economic or historical context. We have applied certain limited procedures to the required supplementary information in accordance with GAAS, which consisted of inquiries of management about the methods of preparing the information and comparing the information for consistency with management’s responses to our inquiries, the financial statements, and other knowledge we obtained during our audit of the financial statements. We do not express an opinion or provide any assurance on the information because the limited procedures do not provide us with sufficient evidence to express an opinion or provide any assurance. Other Information Our audit was conducted for the purpose of forming an opinion on the financial statements that collectively comprise the Foundation’s basic financial statements. The budgetary comparison schedules, the schedule of expenditures of state financial assistance, as required by Chapter 10.650, Rules of the Auditor General, and the schedule of findings and questioned costs relating to state financial assistance, are presented for purposes of additional analysis and are not a required part of the basic financial statements. Such information is the responsibility of management and were derived from and relate directly to the underlying accounting and other records used to prepare the basic financial statements. Such information has been subjected to the auditing procedures applied in the audits of the basic financial statements and certain additional procedures, including comparing and reconciling such information directly to the underlying accounting and other records used to prepare the basic financial statements or to the basic financial statements themselves, and other additional procedures in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. In our opinion, the budgetary comparison schedules are fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the basic financial statements as a whole.

Page Four Other Reporting Required by Government Auditing Standards In accordance with Government Auditing Standards, we have also issued our report dated NEED DATE on our consideration of the Foundation's internal control over financial reporting and on our tests of its compliance with certain provisions of laws, regulations, contracts, and grant agreements and other matters. The purpose of that report is solely to describe the scope of our testing of internal control over financial reporting and compliance and the results of that testing, and not to provide an opinion on the effectiveness of the Foundation's internal control over financial reporting or on compliance. That report is an integral part of an audit performed in accordance with Government Auditing Standards in considering Foundation's internal control over financial reporting and compliance. Tallahassee, Florida NEED DATE

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS The Florida Endowment Foundation for Vocational Rehabilitation, Inc. d/b/a The Foundation’s (the Foundation) management’s discussion and analysis presents an overview of its financial activities for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2023. Please read it in conjunction with the Foundation’s financial statements. This section of the report is intended to provide a brief, objective, and easily readable analysis of the Foundation’s financial performance for the year and its financial position at fiscal year end June 30, 2023. Overview of the Financial Statements The Foundation is considered an enterprise fund and utilizes the accrual basis of accounting. The basic financial statements for an enterprise fund include a statement of net position; a statement of revenues, expenses and changes in net position; and a statement of cash flows. The basic financial statements provide readers with a broad view of the Foundation’s finances, in a manner similar to a private-sector business. The notes provide additional information that is essential to a full understanding of the data provided in the basic financial statements. Financial Analysis A comparison summary of the statement of net position is presented below: FY 2023 Current Assets Restricted Assets Other Assets Capital Assets Lease, Right-of-Use Asset

FY 2022

% Change

19,873,341 3,126,279 660,191 2,281 76,639

19,964,253 2,879,803 786,167 3,421 127,732

(0.4%) 8.5% (16.0%) (33.3%) (40.0%)

Total Assets

23,738,731

23,761,376

(0.1%)

Current Liabilities Noncurrent Liabilities

136,369 22,085

172,856 74,379

(21.1%) (70.3%)

158,454

247,235

(35.9%)

Deferred Inflows of Resources

558,241

684,217

(18.4%)

Net Position Invested in Capital Assets, Net Nonexpendable Contributions Unrestricted

2,281 3,126,279 19,893,476

3,421 2,879,803 19,946,700

(33.3%) 8.6% (0.3%)

23,022,036

22,829,924

0.8%

23,761,376

(0.1%)

Total Liabilities

Total Net Position Total Liabilities and Net Position

23,738,731 5

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued) Current assets comprised primarily of cash, investments, and funds receivable from state agencies decreased by $90,912 from the prior year. Restricted assets increased by $246,476 from the prior year due to an increase in unrealized gains on investments. Other assets are comprised of contributions receivable from deferred gifts and premium advances on a life insurance policy of a former executive. A comparative summary of changes in fund net position is presented below: FY 2023 Operating Revenues Operating Expenses

Operating Loss Nonoperating Revenues (Expenses)

FY 2022

% Change

786,889 2,920,938

59.7% 0.8%

(1,672,810)

(2,134,049)

21.6%

1,814,922

(3,030,313)

159.9%

50,000

192,112

$ (5,114,362)

1,256,379 2,929,189

Endowment Contributions Change in Net Position

(103.8%)

Net Position The increase in net position during the current year is primarily due to an increase in investment income and an increase in unrealized gains/losses on investments. Nonoperating Revenues Nonoperating revenues for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2023, primarily consist of net realized losses on investments of ($237,610), interest and dividends of $773,208, and net unrealized gains on investments of $1,279,324. The Foundation uses interest and dividends to cover operating expenses.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued) Graphic presentation of revenues follows to assist in the analysis of the Foundation’s activities for fiscal year 2023.

Fiscal Year 2023 Revenues by Source 4%

23%

38%

Interest and Dividends Grants Contributions Program Events Other

32%

As graphically portrayed above and discussed earlier, the Foundation received a portion of its income during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2023, from grants from the State of Florida. Income on investments provided 70% of total revenues. Grants from DOE/DVR made up 27% of total revenues. The balance of the revenues are from contributions and fundraising events.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (continued) Graphic presentation of operating expenses follows to assist in the analysis of the Foundation’s activities for fiscal year 2023.

Fiscal Year 2023 Operating Expenses 14%

13% Grants and Programs Management and Operations Administrative

73%

Operating expenses increased $8,251 from the prior year. Budgetary Highlights The Foundation’s revenue budget for fiscal year 2023 was $3,227,831. This was an increase of $171,261 from the previous year budget. Contacting the Foundation’s Financial Management This financial report is designed to provide a general overview of the Foundation’s accountability for the money it receives. If you have questions about this report or need additional financial information, contact Allison Chase at Allison@abletrust.org or 850-224-4493.

The Florida Endowment Foundation for Vocational Rehabilitation, Inc. d/b/a The Able Trust Statements of Net Position June 30, 2023

2022

Assets Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents

Investments

1,400,297

1,458,486

18,279,813

18,344,580

Due from DOE/DVR for High School/High Tech Program

137,456

Accounts receivable - other

55,775

23,731

19,873,341

19,964,253

Restricted cash

261,706

109,200

Restricted assets

2,864,573

2,770,603

Total restricted assets

3,126,279

2,879,803

558,241

684,217

2,281

3,421

Lease, right-of-use asset

76,639

127,732

Deposits and other noncurrent assets

101,950

739,111

917,320

Total current assets Restricted assets:

Noncurrent assets: Contributions receivable from deferred gifts, net Capital assets, net

Total noncurrent assets Total assets

23,738,731

23,761,376

67,500

62,423

Liabilities Current liabilities: Accounts payable Accrued expenses

16,576

Unearned revenue

10,210

Lease liability, current

50,000 52,293

50,223

136,369

172,856

22,085

74,379

Total noncurrent liabilities

22,085

74,379

Total liabilities

158,454

247,235

Deferred inflow of resources Contributions from deferred gifts, net

558,241

684,217

Total deferred inflow of resources

558,241

684,217

2,281

3,421

Total current liabilities Noncurrent liabilities: Lease liability, noncurrent

Net position: Invested in capital assets, net Restricted - nonexpendable contributions

3,126,279

2,879,803

Unrestricted

19,893,476

19,946,700

Total net position Total liabilities and net position

See accompanying notes.

23,022,036 23,738,731

22,829,924 23,761,376

The Florida Endowment Foundation For Vocational Rehabilitation, Inc. d/b/a The Able Trust Statements of Revenues, Expenses, and Changes in Net Position Years ended June 30, 2023 2022 Operating revenues Public support: DOE/DVR High School/High Tech Other grants Program events Contributions Other revenue Total operating revenues

549,823 $ 101,375 74,650 462,237 68,294 1,256,379

549,823 56,500 120,875 59,691 786,889

Operating expenses Program services: Grant and program expenses Total program services

2,133,426 2,133,426

2,004,862 2,004,862

Supporting services: Management and operations Administrative Total supporting services Total operating expenses

390,337 405,426 795,763 2,929,189

664,253 251,823 916,076 2,920,938

Operating loss

(1,672,810)

(2,134,049)

Nonoperating expenses: Investment gain (loss) Total nonoperating expenses

1,814,922 1,814,922

(3,030,313) (3,030,313)

Gain (loss) before endowment contributions

142,112

(5,164,362)

Endowment contributions

50,000

Change in net position

192,112

(5,114,362)

22,829,924

27,944,286

Net position at beginning of year

$ 23,022,036 $ 22,829,924

Net position at end of year

See accompanying notes. 10

The Florida Endowment Foundation for Vocational Rehabilitation, Inc. d/b/a The Able Trust Statements of Cash Flows Years ended June 30, 2023 2022 Cash flows from operating activities Receipts from public support Other cash receipts Payments for grants and related expenses Cash payments for operating expenses Cash payments for program services Cash payments to employees Net cash used in operating activities

$ 1,138,085 36,250 (2,133,426) (346,976) (383,971) (1,690,038)

Cash flows from investing activities Interest and dividends Net proceeds from the sale of investments Net cash provided by investing activities

526,806 1,258,913 1,785,719

928,275 1,187,510 2,115,785

Cash flows from capital financing activities Lease payments Net cash used in capital financing activities

(51,364) (51,364)

(28,677) (28,677)

Cash flows from noncapital financing activities Contributions for long-term endowments Net cash provided by noncapital financing activities

50,000 50,000

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

94,317

184,158

1,567,686

1,383,528

$ 1,662,003

$ 1,567,686

$ (1,672,810)

$ (2,134,049)

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year Cash and cash equivalents, end of year

667,198 54,838 (1,554,713) (244,369) (180,026) (695,878) (1,952,950)

Reconciliation of operating loss to net cash used in operating activities: Operating loss Adjustments to reconcile operating loss to net cash used in operating activities: Depreciation and amortization Loss on disposal of capital asset Change in assets and liabilities: Accounts receivable, net Prepaid expenses Accounts payables Accrued expenses Deposits and other noncurrent assets Other liabilities Net cash used in operating activities

52,233 -

30,289 112,100

5,077 6,366 95,072 (175,976) $ (1,690,038)

(4,653) 20,379 34,220 (11,036) (200) $ (1,952,950)

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information: Increase (decrease) in fair value of investments

$ 1,279,324

$ (4,916,172)

See accompanying notes.

The Florida Endowment Foundation for Vocational Rehabilitation, Inc. d/b/a The Able Trust Notes to Financial Statements Years ended June 30, 2023 and 2022 1.

Nature of Operations and Significant Accounting Policies

The Florida Endowment Foundation for Vocational Rehabilitation, Inc. d/b/a The Able Trust (the Foundation) was created by the 1990 Florida Legislature and was incorporated on February 25, 1991, as a not-for-profit corporation. The Foundation was established as a direct support organization for the Florida Department of Education, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DOE/DVR) for the purpose of raising funds to support public and private nonprofit vocational rehabilitation programs and services and for providing public awareness, education, and grants, all of which promote the employment of Florida citizens with disabilities. In prior years, funding for the Foundation was primarily provided under Florida Statutes through surcharges on both noncriminal moving traffic violations (received from the Department of Revenue (DOR)) and temporary handicap parking permits (received from the Department of Transportation (DOT)), and by an annual appropriation from the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. Effective July 1, 2017, revisions were made to the statutes governing the Foundation and its funding by the Florida Legislature, which provided only the funding from the High School/High Tech grant program of DOE/DVR. In addition, the Foundation receives revenue through corporate support, grants, and private gifts and donations. The section of the Florida statute governing the Foundation is set to repeal October 1, 2023, unless reviewed and saved from repeal by the Florida Legislature. Financial statements of the Foundation are an integral part of the financial statements of the State of Florida (the primary government). There are no component units for the Foundation to consider for inclusion in its financial statements. Basis of Accounting The Foundation follows financial reporting requirements for enterprise funds, which use the accrual basis of accounting. Under this method, revenues are recorded when earned and expenses are recognized when they are incurred. Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents include demand deposits with financial institutions and deposits in highly-liquid money market funds.

The Florida Endowment Foundation for Vocational Rehabilitation, Inc. d/b/a The Able Trust Notes to Financial Statements 1.

Nature of Operations and Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

Investments Investments consist of certain mutual funds and fixed maturity investments and are carried at market value, which is based on quoted market values for these or similar instruments. Restricted investments consist of permanently restricted endowment funds. Earnings on restricted investments are recorded as unrestricted revenues unless its use is limited by donor restrictions. Investment earnings received with donor-imposed restrictions that expire during the fiscal year are recorded as unrestricted income. Endowments The Foundation’s endowments consist of multiple funds established for a variety of purposes, and include both donor-restricted endowment funds and funds designated by the Board of Directors to function as endowments. These endowments are a result of Foundation fundraising and development efforts since the creation of the Foundation in 1991. The Board of Directors requires the preservation of the fair value of the original gift as of the gift date of the donorrestricted endowment funds, absent explicit donor stipulations to the contrary. The Foundation classifies the original value of the gifts donated to the permanent endowment and the original value of subsequent gifts to the permanent endowment as restricted-nonexpendable contributions net position. Any investment earnings or losses from the permanently restricted endowment fund are classified as unrestricted earnings to be used to fund the operations of the Foundation, unless there are specific donor restrictions regarding the use of investment earnings. The general investment objectives of the Foundation are to achieve a competitive long-term rate of return and marketability within reasonable and prudent levels of risk. The Foundation’s investment goal is to earn an average annual rate of return over seven (7) years, which exceeds the average rate of inflation (CPI) by 3.5% net of all investment management expenses. To achieve the goals and objectives of the Foundation, the following target asset allocation for the Foundation's investment portfolio has been established: Target Allocation Equities Fixed income securities Alternative investments

60% 30% 10%

The Florida Endowment Foundation for Vocational Rehabilitation, Inc. d/b/a The Able Trust Notes to Financial Statements 1.

Nature of Operations and Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

Endowments (continued) As of June 30, 2023, the investment portfolio asset allocation is as follows: Domestic large capitalization equities Domestic small capitalization equities Foreign equities Fixed income securities Global alterative investments

42% 4% 18% 29% 7%

Accounts Receivable Accounts receivable are reported at the amount management expects to collect from outstanding balances. Differences between the amount due and the amount management expects to collect, are reported in the results of operations of the year in which those differences are determined, with an offsetting entry to a valuation allowance for accounts receivable. Balances that are still outstanding after management has used reasonable collection efforts are written off through a charge to the valuation allowance and a credit to accounts receivable. As of June 30, 2023, the valuation allowance was $60,000, as management deems a portion of the balance to be uncollectible. Capital Assets Capital assets are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. The estimated useful life for furniture and equipment is three to ten years. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the lesser of the useful life or the lease term (10 years). The Foundation capitalizes all capital assets with a purchase price over $2,500. Contributions Annual contributions and gifts are recorded as revenue at the time they are received, or when all eligibility requirements are met, whichever is first. Contributions received with permanent restrictions are presented as nonexpendable contributions on the Statement of Net Position. Inkind contributions are estimated based on the nature of the asset contributed and are recorded at fair market value. When both restricted and unrestricted resources are available for use, it is the Foundation's policy to use restricted resources first, and then unrestricted resources, as they are needed.

The Florida Endowment Foundation for Vocational Rehabilitation, Inc. d/b/a The Able Trust Notes to Financial Statements 1.

Nature of Operations and Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

Income Taxes Pursuant to a determination letter received from the IRS, the Foundation is exempt from federal income taxes under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. It is, however, subject to corporate income taxes on net income earned from unrelated business activities (Note 11). Operating Revenues Operating revenues consist of funds received from public dollars, fundraising and development, grants, special events, and public support programs that are used by the Foundation to carry out its exempt purpose. Revenues from these sources are recorded in the period in which they are earned. Contributions Receivable from Deferred Gifts Contributions receivable from deferred gifts consist of amounts receivable from various irrevocable charitable remainder and life insurance trust agreements and are considered promises to give. Unconditional promises to give that are expected to be collected within one year are recorded at net realizable value. Unconditional promises to give that are expected to be collected in future years are recorded at the present value of their estimated future cash flows. The discounts on the charitable remainder trusts are based on the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Applicable Federal Rate (AFR) for determining the present value of remainder interests as of the fiscal year end. The discounts on the life insurance trusts are based on the Foundation's average rate of investment earnings for the fiscal year. Subsequent Events The Foundation has evaluated subsequent events through NEED DATE, the date the financial statements were available to be issued. During the period from June 30, 2023 to NEED DATE, the Foundation did not have any material recognizable subsequent events. Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Accordingly, actual results could differ from those estimates.

The Florida Endowment Foundation for Vocational Rehabilitation, Inc. d/b/a The Able Trust Notes to Financial Statements 1.

Nature of Operations and Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

Functional Allocation of Expenses The costs of providing the various programs and supporting services have been summarized on a functional basis. Accordingly, certain costs have been allocated among the programs benefited. 2.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents consist of accounts maintained at several commercial financial institutions located in Florida. The carrying amount and bank balances at June 30, 2023, were $1,662,003 and $1,772,003, respectively. The carrying amount and bank balances at June 30, 2022, were $1,567,686 and $1,608,126, respectively. Cash account balances are secured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), up to $250,000 per depositor, per FDIC-insured financial institution. Deposits with commercial financial institutions in excess of FDIC limits are covered by the State of Florida’s Public Depository Act as described in Chapter 280, Florida Statutes. 3.

Investments

The framework for measuring fair value provides a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy under GASB 72 are described as follows: Level 1: Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that a government can access at the measurement date. Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for an asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 3: Unobservable inputs for an asset or liability. The Foundation utilizes valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. Fair Value on a Recurring Basis The table below presents the balances of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis.

The Florida Endowment Foundation for Vocational Rehabilitation, Inc. d/b/a The Able Trust Notes to Financial Statements 3.

Investments (continued)

Investments consist of the following at June 30, 2023: Market and Carrying Value Equity securities: Large market capitalization Mutual funds: Fixed income Large market capitalization Small/Middle market capitalization International Alternative Total investments Less: Restricted investments Unrestricted investments

Level 1

16,369 $

16,369

4,990,675 10,637,315 822,633 3,816,448 860,946 21,144,386 (2,864,573) 18,279,813 $

4,990,675 10,637,315 822,633 3,816,448 860,946 21,144,386 (2,864,573) 18,279,813

Investments consist of the following at June 30, 2022: Market and Carrying Value Equity securities: Large market capitalization Mutual funds: Fixed income Large market capitalization Small/Middle market capitalization International Alternative Total investments Less: Restricted investments Unrestricted investments

Level 1

16,369 $

16,369

6,072,670 8,826,463 783,286 3,906,758 1,509,637 21,115,183 (2,770,603) 18,344,580 $

6,072,670 8,826,463 783,286 3,906,758 1,509,637 21,131,552 (2,770,603) 18,344,580

Investment income consists of the following:

Interest and dividend income Realized (loss) gains, net Unrealized gains (losses)

$ $

Years ended June 30, 2023 2022 773,208 $ 928,275 (237,610) 957,585 1,279,324 (4,916,173) 1,814,922 $ (3,030,313)

The Florida Endowment Foundation for Vocational Rehabilitation, Inc. d/b/a The Able Trust Notes to Financial Statements 3.

Investments (continued)

Custodial Credit Risk Custodial credit risk is the risk that, in the event of the failure of the counterparty, the Foundation will not be able to recover the value of its investments or collateral securities that are in the possession of an outside party. Custody of the Foundation's investments is maintained in the Foundations name by two brokerage firms pursuant to custodial agreements. All of the Foundation's brokerage firms are members of the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC). The SIPC protects the securities and cash in brokerage accounts up to $500,000, which includes up to $250,000 protection for cash balances. The Foundation believes custodial credit risk related to these accounts is minimal. Endowment activity for the year ended June 30, 2023, was as follows:

Balance at July 1, 2022 Contributions Distribution of investment income to fund operations Investment income, net Net gain Balance at June 30, 2023

Endowments Board Designated Donor Restricted $ 18,601,250 $ 2,879,803 $ 25,926 171,000 (143,978) 75,013 144,441 3,126,279 $

(1,799,042) 725,809 1,041,716 21,646,462

Endowments Board Designated Donor Restricted $ 23,592,831 $ 3,521,244 $ 8,612 50,000

Total 27,114,075 58,612

(1,655,064) 650,796 897,275 18,520,183 $

Total 21,481,053 196,926

Endowment activity for the year ended June 30, 2022, was as follows:

Balance at July 1, 2021 Contributions Distribution of investment income to fund operations Investment income, net Net loss Balance at June 30, 2022

(2,363,878) 753,895 (3,390,210) 18,601,250 $

(231,535) 102,268 (562,174) 2,879,803 $

(2,595,413) 856,163 (3,952,384) 21,481,053

The Florida Endowment Foundation for Vocational Rehabilitation, Inc. d/b/a The Able Trust Notes to Financial Statements 3.

Investments (continued)

Interest Rate Risk To limit exposure to fair value losses resulting from rising interest rates, the Foundation's investment policy provides for all investments to be highly liquid. Each investment is monitored by management on at least a monthly basis for performance in comparison to benchmarks set by the Foundation. Credit Risk Credit risk is the risk that an issuer or other counterparty to an investment will not fulfill its obligation. As of June 30, 2023, all mutual funds had ratings of two stars to five stars by Morningstar. 4.

Capital Assets

Capital assets consist of the following: June 30, 2022 Additions Deletions Furniture and fixtures $ 94,080 $ $ Computer equipment 19,830 113,910 Less: accumulated depreciation (110,489) (1,140) $ 3,421 $ (1,140) $ -

June 30, 2023 $ 94,080 19,830 113,910 (111,629) $ 2,281

June 30, 2021 Additions Deletions June 30, 2022 $ 132,880 $ $ (38,800) $ 94,080 164,921 (164,921) 33,438 (13,608) 19,830 331,239 (217,329) 113,910 Less: accumulated depreciation (210,978) (4,742) 105,231 (110,489) $ 120,261 $ (4,742) $ (112,098) $ 3,421 Furniture and fixtures Leasehold improvements Computer equipment

Depreciation expense totaled $1,140 and $4,742 for the years ended June 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

The Florida Endowment Foundation for Vocational Rehabilitation, Inc. d/b/a The Able Trust Notes to Financial Statements 5.

Net Position

At June 30, 2023 and 2022, the Board has designated a portion of unrestricted net position for the following purposes: 2023 2022 Board designated for endowments 18,520,182 18,601,250 Unrestricted, undesignated 1,373,294 1,345,450 $ 19,893,476 $ 19,946,700 Unrestricted net position that is Board designated grant reserves represents resources designated for the payment of grants approved but not yet paid at year end. Certain agreements are subject to funding availability, based on State of Florida Legislative approval and appropriation. Unrestricted net position that is Board designated endowments represents resources earmarked by the Foundation to increase endowment principal. Net position reported as nonexpendable contributions represents endowment contributions received from donors to be invested in perpetuity. 6.

Leases

The Foundation entered into a three year lease agreement for office space beginning January 1, 2022. The right-to-use lease asset for office space was originally valued at $153,279. Accumulated amortization for the right-to-use lease asset for office space as of June 30, 2022 is $25,547. The Foundation entered into a five year lease agreement for office space beginning January 1, 2019. The Foundation exercised its early termination right, which became effective January 31, 2022. Future minimum lease payments and the net present value of the minimum lease payments for office space lease is as follows: June 30, 2024 2025

Payment Interest Principal 52,820 $ 526 $ 52,294 22,142 57 22,085 $ 74,962 $ 583 $ 74,379 $

June 30, 2023 Lease, right-of-use asset, office space Less: accumulated amortization $

153,279 153,279 (25,546) 127,733 $

Additions (51,093) (51,093) $

Deletions -

June 30, 2022

153,279 153,279 (76,639) 76,640

Amortization expense totaled $51,093 and $25,547 for the year ended June 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

The Florida Endowment Foundation for Vocational Rehabilitation, Inc. d/b/a The Able Trust Notes to Financial Statements 7.

Commitments and Contingencies

As previously discussed in Note 5, the Foundation had no unpaid grants as of June 30, 2023 and 2022. 8.

Retirement Plan

Effective January 31, 1998 and amended effective June 28, 2008, the Foundation adopted The Able Trust 401(k) Plan (Plan), a defined contribution pension plan that covers substantially all employees. Effective July 1, 2014, the plan is administered by American Funds (previously Raymond James & Associates, Inc.). Employees are 100% vested in employer contributions to the plan after five years of service to the Foundation. The employer contributions to the plan are contingent upon a minimum contribution by the participant. The Plan may be amended by the Foundation. Contributions charged to expense for the years ended June 30, 2023 and 2022 were $28,240 and $8,840, respectively. Employee voluntary contributions during the years ended June 30, 2023 and 2022, totaled $27,740 and $25,058, respectively. Forfeitures for the years ended June 30, 2023 are none and 2022 is $11,100, respectively. 9.

Deferred Gifts

The Foundation is a beneficiary of various charitable remainder and life insurance trusts. A charitable remainder trust provides for the payment of distributions to the donor or other designated beneficiary over the trust’s term (usually the designated beneficiary’s lifetime). At the end of the trust’s term, the remaining assets will be transferred to the Foundation. The present value of the future benefits is determined using the fiscal year end AFR, established by the IRS for determining the present value of remainder interests. A life insurance trust is an irrevocable, non-amendable trust which is both the owner and beneficiary of one or more life insurance policies. The present value of the future benefits of life insurance trusts is determined using the Foundation’s average rate of earnings for the fiscal year. The portion of the trusts attributable to the present value of the future benefits to be received by the Foundation is recorded in the Statement of Revenues, Expenses and Changes in Net Position as contributions in the period the trust is terminated. The present value of the contributions at June 30, 2023, net of unamortized discounts of $263,174 totaled $558,241. There were no new charitable remainder or life insurance trusts received during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2023. Contributions receivable from deferred gifts and the related deferred inflows of resources are recorded on the Statements of Net Position, and the portions from the charitable remainder and life insurance trusts are expected to be received in more than five years. No provision for uncollectible contributions has been recorded for the year ended June 30, 2023.

The Florida Endowment Foundation for Vocational Rehabilitation, Inc. d/b/a The Able Trust Notes to Financial Statements 10. Deposits and Other Noncurrent Assets Deposits and other noncurrent assets consists primarily of premium advances that will be collected by the Foundation from life insurance proceeds pursuant to a collateral assignment provision of an insurance policy on the life of the former executive. 11. Income Taxes For the years ended June 30, 2023 and 2022, the Foundation has no unrelated business income and, accordingly, has incurred no income tax liability from unrelated business activities. The Foundation has filed all required tax returns in all jurisdictions in which it operates. Tax years after 2019 remain subject to examination by the applicable taxing authorities. 12. Risk Management The Foundation is exposed to various risks of loss including, but not limited to, general liability, property and casualty, auto and physical damage, and workers’ compensation. Coverage is provided through independent commercial carriers to insure against such risks and minimize the Foundation’s financial exposure to such risks.

Other Financial Information

The Florida Endowment Foundation for Vocational Rehabilitation, Inc. d/b/a The Able Trust Schedule of Budget and Actual Revenues Year ended June 30, 2023

Budget DOE/DVR High School/High Tech Program Program events Gifts and contributions Investment income Other revenue

549,523 150,000 500,000 1,976,837 51,471 $ 3,227,831

See report of independent auditors. 23

Actual $

549,823 74,650 563,612 1,814,922 68,294 $ 3,071,301

Variance Favorable (Unfavorable) $

300 (75,350) 63,612 (161,915) 16,823 (156,530)

See report of independent auditors.

Total

Non-officer salaries Officer salaries Payroll taxes Employee benefits Payroll processing Able network Auditing and accounting fees Board meetings CEO program management Depreciation and amortization DOE/DVR staff events Endowment department Insurance Investment advisory fees Information technology Legislative consultants Membership dues Office supplies Printing Postage Disability employment awareness Staff education Telephone and internet Grant awards - current year Grants - HS/HT High school/high tech other expenses Other $

2,133,427

411,446 36,290 18,267 281,951 49,624 2,412 37,085 26,791 30,881 2,086 3,473 398 43,211 2,346 124,371 904,117 139,688 18,990

Grants and Program Expenses

390,338

81,130 6,404 3,224 9,785 476 7,313 26,791 3,638 75,761 156,866 6,089 411 685 79 7,479 463 3,744

Management and Operations

Year ended June 30, 2023

405,427

86,925 135,804 10,442 6,750 486 39,751 510 16,512 7,835 6,524 71,571 16,550 441 734 84 496 4,012

Administrative

Schedule of Budget and Actual Expenses

2,929,192

579,501 135,804 53,136 28,241 486 281,951 99,160 3,398 16,512 52,233 53,582 3,638 75,761 156,866 43,494 71,571 16,550 2,938 4,892 561 43,211 7,479 3,305 124,371 904,117 139,688 26,746

Total

The Florida Endowment Foundation for Vocational Rehabilitation, Inc. d/b/a The Able Trust

3,244,803

594,196 135,804 66,928 36,456 1,200 480,000 99,950 17,000 17,000 64,500 118,000 95,768 203,201 36,500 52,500 15,000 3,000 5,000 25,000 8,000 9,000 70,000 946,000 102,000 42,800

Budget

315,611

14,695 13,792 8,215 714 198,049 790 13,602 488 12,267 64,418 (3,638) 20,007 46,335 (6,994) (19,071) (1,550) 62 108 (561) (18,211) 521 5,695 (54,371) 41,883 (37,688) 16,054

Variance Favorable (Unfavorable)

Other Reports

Report of Independent Auditors on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting and on Compliance and Other Matters Based on an Audit of Financial Statements Performed in Accordance with Government Auditing Standards Board of Directors The Florida Endowment Foundation for Vocational Rehabilitation, Inc. d/b/a The Able Trust We have audited, in accordance with the auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America and the standards applicable to financial audits contained in Government Auditing Standards issued by the Comptroller General of the United States (Government Auditing Standards), the financial statements of the Florida Endowment Foundation for Vocational Rehabilitation, Inc. d/b/a The Able Trust (the Foundation) which comprise the statement of net position as of June 30, 2023, and the related statement of revenues, expenses, and changes in net position, and cash flows for the year ended June 30, 2023, and the related notes to the financial statements, which collectively comprise Foundation’s basic financial statements, and have issued our report thereon dated NEED DATE. Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting In planning and performing our audit of the financial statements, we considered the Foundation’s internal control over financial reporting (internal control) as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances for the purpose of expressing our opinion on the financial statements, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Foundation’s internal control. Accordingly, we do not express an opinion on the effectiveness of the Foundation’s internal control. A deficiency in internal control exists when the design or operation of a control does not allow management or employees, in the normal course of performing their assigned functions, to prevent, or detect and correct, misstatements on a timely basis. A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the entity’s financial statements will not be prevented, or detected and corrected, on a timely basis. A significant deficiency is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control that is less severe than a material weakness, yet important enough to merit attention by those charged with governance. Our consideration of internal control was for the limited purpose described in the first paragraph of this section and was not designed to identify all deficiencies in internal control that might be material weaknesses or significant deficiencies. Given these limitations, during our audit we did not identify any deficiencies in internal control that we consider to be material weaknesses. However, material weaknesses or significant deficiencies may exist that were not identified.

Page Two Report on Compliance and Other Matters As part of obtaining reasonable assurance about whether the Foundation’s financial statements are free from material misstatement, we performed tests of its compliance with certain provisions of laws, regulations, contracts, and grant agreements, noncompliance with which could have a direct and material effect on the financial statements. However, providing an opinion on compliance with those provisions was not an objective of our audit, and accordingly, we do not express such an opinion. The results of our tests disclosed no instances of noncompliance or other matters that are required to be reported under Government Auditing Standards. Purpose of This Report The purpose of this report is solely to describe the scope of our testing of internal control and compliance and the results of that testing, and not to provide an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity’s internal control or on compliance. This report is an integral part of an audit performed in accordance with Government Auditing Standards in considering the entity’s internal control and compliance. Accordingly, this communication is not suitable for any other purpose.

Tallahassee, Florida NEED DATE

Report of Independent Auditors on Compliance for the Major State Project and on Internal Control Over Compliance Required by Chapter 10.650, Rules of the Auditor General Board of Directors The Florida Endowment Foundation for Vocational Rehabilitation, Inc. d/b/a The Able Trust Report on Compliance for the Major State Project Opinion on the Major State Project We have audited the Florida Endowment Foundation for Vocational Rehabilitation, Inc. d/b/a The Able Trust (the Foundation) compliance with the types of compliance requirements identified as subject to audit in the Florida Department of Financial Service’s State Projects Compliance Supplement that could have a direct and material effect on the Foundation's major state project for the year ended June 30, 2023. The Foundation's major state project is identified in the summary of auditor's results section of the accompanying Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs. In our opinion, the Foundation complied, in all material respects, with the compliance requirements referred to above that could have a direct and material effect on its major state project for the year ended June 30, 2023. Basis for Opinion on the Major State Project We conducted our audit of compliance in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAS); the standards applicable to financial audits contained in Government Auditing Standards issued by the Comptroller General of the United States (Government Auditing Standards); and the audit requirements of Chapter 10.650, Rules of the Auditor General. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor's Responsibilities for the Audit of Compliance section of our report. We are required to be independent of the Foundation and to meet our other ethical responsibilities, in accordance with relevant ethical requirements relating to our audit. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion on compliance for the major state project. Our audit does not provide a legal determination of the Foundation's compliance with the compliance requirements referred to above. Responsibilities of Management for Compliance Management is responsible for compliance with the requirements referred to above and for the design, implementation, and maintenance of effective internal control over compliance with the requirements of laws, statutes, regulations, rules and provisions of contracts or grant agreements applicable to the Foundation's major state project. 27

Page Two Auditor's Responsibilities for the Audit of Compliance Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether material noncompliance with the compliance requirements referred to above occurred, whether due to fraud or error, and express an opinion on the Foundation's compliance based on our audit. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not absolute assurance and therefore is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with GAAS, Government Auditing Standards, and Chapter 10.650, Rules of the Auditor General, will always detect material noncompliance when it exists. The risk of not detecting material noncompliance resulting from fraud is higher than for that resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control. Noncompliance with the compliance requirements referred to above is considered material, if there is a substantial likelihood that, individually or in the aggregate, it would influence the judgment made by a reasonable user of the report on compliance about the Foundation's compliance with the requirements of the major state project as a whole. In performing an audit in accordance with GAAS, Government Auditing Standards, and the audit requirements of Chapter 10.650, Rules of the Auditor General, we: •

exercise professional judgment and maintain professional skepticism throughout the audit.

•

identify and assess the risks of material noncompliance, whether due to fraud or error, and design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks. Such procedures include examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the Foundation's compliance with the compliance requirements referred to above and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances.

•

obtain an understanding of the Foundation's internal control over compliance relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances and to test and report on internal control over compliance in accordance with the audit requirements of Chapter 10.650, Rules of the Auditor General, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Foundation's internal control over compliance. Accordingly, no such opinion is expressed.

We are required to communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit and any significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in internal control over compliance that we identified during the audit.

Page Three Report on Internal Control Over Compliance A deficiency in internal control over compliance exists when the design or operation of a control over compliance does not allow management or employees, in the normal course of performing their assigned functions, to prevent, or detect and correct, noncompliance with a type of compliance requirement of a state project on a timely basis. A material weakness in internal control over compliance is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over compliance, such that there is a reasonable possibility that material noncompliance with a type of compliance requirement of a state project will not be prevented, or detected and corrected, on a timely basis. A significant deficiency in internal control over compliance is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over compliance with a type of compliance requirement of a state project that is less severe than a material weakness in internal control over compliance, yet important enough to merit attention by those charged with governance. Our consideration of internal control over compliance was for the limited purpose described in the Auditor's Responsibilities for the Audit of Compliance section above and was not designed to identify all deficiencies in internal control over compliance that might be material weaknesses or significant deficiencies in internal control over compliance. Given these limitations, during our audit we did not identify any deficiencies in internal control over compliance that we consider to be material weaknesses, as defined above. However, material weaknesses or significant deficiencies in internal control over compliance may exist that were not identified. Our audit was not designed for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of internal control over compliance. Accordingly, no such opinion is expressed. The purpose of this report on internal control over compliance is solely to describe the scope of our testing of internal control over compliance and the results of that testing based on the requirements of Chapter 10.650, Rules of the Auditor General. Accordingly, this report is not suitable for any other purpose.

Tallahassee, Florida NEED DATE

The Florida Endowment Foundation for Vocational Rehabilitation, Inc. d/b/a The Able Trust Schedule of Expenditures of State Financial Assistance Year ended June 30, 2023

State Agency and Program Title

CSFA No.

Contract Number

State of Florida, Department of Education High School High Tech

48.075

19-181

549,823

48.133

L0351

$ $

250,000 799,823

Able Include Florida TOTAL STATE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE EXPENDED

Expenditures

Note 1 - This Schedule of State Financial Assistance (the Schedule) includes the State grant activity of The Florida Endowment Foundation for Vocational Rehabilitation, Inc. d/b/a The Able Trust for the year ended June 30, 2023, and is presented on the accrual basis of accounting. The information in this Schedule is presented in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 10.650, Rules of the Auditor General. Note 2 - Amounts included on this Schedule include only the expenditures of State Financial Assistance received directly from an awarding agency. The amounts on the accompanying statements of activities and changes in position include additional expenditures associated with other resources committed by the Foundation for purposes of fulfilling the grant program. Note 3 - There were no state awards expended in non-cash assistance. Note 4 - The amount transferred to subrecipients during the year was $549,823.

See report of independent auditors.

The Florida Endowment Foundation for Vocational Rehabilitation, Inc. d/b/a The Able Trust Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs Relating to State Financial Assistance Year ended June 30, 2023 Section I -- Summary of Auditor's Results Financial Statements Type of auditor's report issued:

Unmodified

Internal control over financial reporting: Material weakness(es) identified? Significant deficiency(ies) identified?

No No

Noncompliance material to financial statements noted?

State Project Type of auditor's report issued on compliance for major state projects?

Unmodified

Internal control over state projects: Material weakness(es) identified? Significant deficiency(ies) identified not considered to be material weaknesses?

No No

Any audit findings disclosed that are required to be reported in accordance with Chapter 10.650, Rules of the Auditor General?

Identification of the major state project: CFDA Number 48.075

Name of state project High School High Tech

Dollar threshold used to distinguish between Type A and Type B programs: Auditee qualified as low risk auditee?

$300,000 Yes

Section II -- Financial Statement Findings We noted no matters involving internal control over financial reporting and its operation that we considered to be material weaknesses, significant deficiencies and/or control deficiencies required to be reported in accordance with Government Auditing Standards. Section III -- State Financial Assistance Findings and Questioned Costs We noted no matters involving noncompliance that are required to be reported in accordance with Rules of the Auditor General of the State of Florida, Chapter 10.650. See report of independent auditors.

Management Letter Board of Directors The Florida Endowment Foundation for Vocational Rehabilitation, Inc. d/b/a The Able Trust Report on the Financial Statements We have audited the financial statements of the Florida Endowment Foundation for Vocational Rehabilitation, Inc. d/b/a The Able Trust (the Foundation), as of and for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2023, and have issued our report thereon dated NEED DATE. Auditors’ Responsibility We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America; the standards applicable to financial audits contained in Government Auditing Standards, issued by the Comptroller General of the United States. Other Reporting Requirements We have issued our Report of Independent Auditors on Internal Control over Financial Reporting and Compliance and Other Matters Based on an Audit of the Financial Statements Performed in Accordance with Government Auditing Standards; Independent Auditor’s Report on Compliance for State Project and Report on Internal Control over Compliance; Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs. Disclosures in those reports, which are dated NEED DATE, should be considered in conjunction with this management letter. In connection with our current audit, we did not have any such recommendations as of June 30, 2023. Prior Audit Recommendations Documentation of Allocation Methodology for Functional Expenses Management has taken corrective action for this recommendation. This corrective action is complete as of June 30, 2023.

Page Two Purpose of this Letter Our management letter is intended solely for the information and use of the Florida Commissioner of Education, the Florida Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, and the Board of Directors and management of the Florida Endowment Foundation for Vocational Rehabilitation, Inc. d/b/a The Able Trust and is not intended to be and should not be used by anyone other than these specified parties.

Tallahassee, Florida NEED DATE

1709 Hermitage Blvd., Suite 100 Tallahassee, FL 32308 850.224.4493

November 28, 2023

Transmitted VIA Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Governor Ron DeSantis Senate President Kathleen C. Passidomo Speaker Paul Renner Commissioner Manny Diaz, Jr. State of Florida – The Capitol 400 S. Monroe St. Tallahassee, FL 32399 RE: Florida Endowment Foundation for Vocational Rehabilitation Legislative Research Study Dear Governor DeSantis, President Passidomo, Speaker Renner, and Commissioner Diaz: The Florida Endowment Foundation for Vocational Rehabilitation, also known as The Able Trust, was legislatively created in 1990 to serve as the direct support organization (DSO) for the Florida Department of Education’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (FDOE/VR) to encourage public and private support to enhance vocational rehabilitation and the employment of Floridians with disabilities. During the 2023 session (SB 240), the Florida Legislature tasked The Able Trust with evaluating the systems in the state which provide services to persons with disabilities, to make recommendations for strengthening the statewide coordinated systems of services, and identify systemic barriers to meaningful employment and economic independence for Floridians with disabilities. Enclosed you will find the report of the evaluation and recommendations for the strengthening the system. The report examines various factors that influence the employment prospects of persons with disabilities, and fulfills the statutory requirement of presenting recommendations to improve outcomes in disability education, training, and employment. We would like to thank and acknowledge the guidance and collaboration of the leadership at FDOE/VR and legislative staff for the completion of this report. We look forward to the opportunity to support state and legislative efforts for improving the lives of Floridians with disabilities. Respectfully submitted,

Allison S. Chase, President & CEO Enclosures

MAXIMIZING EMPLOYMENT FOR PERSONS WITH

DISABILITIES IN FLORIDA

In 1990, the Florida Legislature codified statutory language that reiterates our belief that Floridians with disabilities have immense potential and talents to contribute to the workforce and lead fulfilling lives. Florida recognizes that it is in the best interest of this state that individuals with disabilities be afforded an equal opportunity to be self-supporting, independent, productive members of society (s. 413.615(3), FS). During the 2023 session, the Florida Legislature tasked The Able Trust with evaluating the systems in the state which provide services to persons with disabilities, to make recommendations for strengthening the statewide, coordinated services system, and identify systemic barriers to meaningful employment and economic independence for Floridians with disabilities. This report examines various factors that influence the employment prospects of persons with disabilities. This report fulfills that statutory requirement, presenting recommendations to improve outcomes in disability education, training, and employment.

TABLE OF CONTENTS Background.....................................................................................................................................4 Maximizing Employment For Persons with Disabilities (PWD)..................................4. Marketplace For Employment of PWD.. ............................................................................. 6 Employment Barriers For Individuals with Disabilities................................................ 8 Unique Challenges for Some Categories of PWD in The Marketplace................... 9. Employment Challenges for Persons with I/DD............................................................10 Barriers For Florida Families.. ................................................................................................ 13 Systemwide Incongruence and Inefficiencies................................................................. 14 Care & Support......................................................................................................................... 14 Employment.. .............................................................................................................................16 Community................................................................................................................................. 17 Current Systems For Service Delivery to Persons with Disabilities.. ..................... 18 Early Years................................................................................................................................. 18 High School Transition Services.. ....................................................................................... 19 Promising Practices.. ................................................................................................................. 21 Project 10.. .................................................................................................................................. 21 High School High Tech........................................................................................................... 21 Project SEARCH.. .................................................................................................................... 22 Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary (CTP) Programs............................ 23 Postsecondary Student Disability Support Services.................................................. 24 Career Education Programs................................................................................................ 25 Blind Services Apprenticeship Program......................................................................... 25 Exemplary Postsecondary Programs............................................................................... 26 Florida’s Promising Initiatives & Recommendations................................................... 28 Employment First.. .................................................................................................................. 29 REACH........................................................................................................................................ 32 FL WINS.. ................................................................................................................................... 33 Guardianship............................................................................................................................ 34 Across the Country................................................................................................................ 35 Appendix 1: Federal & State Laws....................................................................................... 36 Appendix 2: Employment First Coordination Chart..................................................... 40 Appendix 3: Partner Information......................................................................................... 54

B AC KG R O U N D

BACKGROUND According to the 2021 American Community Survey (ACS), more than 41 million individuals in the United States are affected by disabilities that impact their capacity to work or engage in major life activities. In Florida, there are approximately 2.8 million residents who have reported a disability, roughly 13.4 percent of the state’s population. It’s important to note, however, that studies suggest the actual number of individuals with disabilities in Florida may be considerably higher, with estimates reaching 5.5 million, or 25 percent of the population. The variability in these figures is due in part to the fact that not all individuals choose to report their disabilities because the disability may not be a barrier to their employment, or they are choosing not to pursue state supports to improve their employment status for personal reasons. Approximately 70 percent of individuals with disabilities have conditions that are not immediately apparent to others, unseen or invisible disabilities that can substantially interfere with an individual’s daily activities. Examples of such conditions include arthritis, asthma, depression, chronic migraines, deafness or difficulty hearing, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, multiple sclerosis, lupus, epilepsy, fibromyalgia, traumatic brain injury, and various mental illnesses. Understanding the prevalence and diverse nature of disabilities, including those that are unseen, is essential for policymakers, employers, and service providers to create more inclusive and accommodating environments for all individuals in our communities.

MAXIMIZING EMPLOYMENT FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (PWD) Gainful employment empowers individuals to contribute positively to their families and communities. Maximizing opportunities for individuals with disabilities to participate in the workforce not only promotes economic and social mobility but also benefits the state economy. In fact, increasing labor force participation among persons with disabilities by 10 percentage points over the next decade could contribute an estimated $111 billion to the Florida economy, with approximately $1 billion in additional state tax revenues. While a job is not an entitlement, it is undeniably an opportunity that should be accessible to all. The positive news is that the employment of persons with disabilities in Florida has been on an upward trajectory. From 2017 to 2021, there has been a notable 19.7 percent increase in the number of Floridians with reported disabilities, aged 18 to 64, who are gainfully employed. This trend is not only encouraging but also indicative of current efforts and the ongoing potential for further progress in fostering inclusivity and economic empowerment for individuals with disabilities in the state.

M A X I M I Z I N G E M P LOY M E N T F O R P E RSO N S W I T H D I S A B I LI T I E S

U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS) data

While there are encouraging trends in the employment of persons with disabilities, it is essential to address certain concerning disparities. For instance, at the time of this analysis, individuals with disabilities represented only 6 percent of the total population actively participating in the labor force. Notably, more than half of all individuals with disabilities (56.6 percent) are not engaged in the workforce, in contrast to a notably lower figure of 18.1 percent for those who do not have disabilities. This considerable gap highlights a significant portion of the population with disability that faces barriers to workforce participation. Furthermore, when considering full-time employment only, the contrast between the two groups is striking. Among individuals with disabilities that are in the workforce, only 24.0 percent are engaged in full-time work, while the percentage is significantly higher at 57.3 percent for those without disabilities. The difference between the two groups in part-time employment is smaller but still notable (19.4 percent to 24.5 percent).

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Marketplace for Employment of PWD Florida’s projected job growth of 8.6 percent by 2032, equating to 858,219 new jobs, presents a promising outlook for the state’s economy. However, many of the industries experiencing the most rapid growth are not traditionally large employers of individuals with disabilities. Nonetheless, these expanding industries offer a broader range of opportunities for all Floridians, and there’s an opportunity to encourage industry partners to consider individuals with disabilities as a valuable source of talent. It’s important to note that workers with disabilities in Florida tend to be concentrated in occupation groups where the projected growth rates are expected to be slower than the average rate of 8.6 percent. Notably, the two largest occupation groups employing individuals with disabilities also happen to have the slowest projected growth rates overall. While individuals with disabilities have achieved success in finding employment in Sales and Related and Office and Administrative Support industries, it’s probable that those seeking faster-than-average growth industries will face challenges despite the possibilities. The table below outlines the current distribution of workers with disabilities in Florida across industries with the fastest projected growth rates:

2022 Jobs

2032 Jobs, Projected

% of Workplace with Disabilities in Florida

39.7%

216,369

302,310

2.0%

Accommodation and Food Services

29.4%

947,214

1,225,671

7.6%

Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction

18.3%

3,883

4,593

0.0%

Educational Services

17.1%

205,445

240,564

4.8%

Transportation and Warehousing

15.7%

391,294

452,693

6.0%

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

15.4%

682,255

787,208

7.9%

Health Care and Social Assistance

13.9%

1,200,256

1,367,306

12.5%

Other Services (Except Public Administration)

12.7%

453,326

510,757

4.9%

Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting

12.0%

97,127

108,785

0.6%

Industry (2-Digit NAICS)

Projected Growth

Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation

Source: Lightcast growth projections and analysis of 2021 ACS 1-year estimates from IPUMS USA

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Ironically, industries with growth rates faster than average continue to struggle to find talent to meet their workforce needs. This situation presents new opportunities for people with disabilities to enter the labor market or transition into occupations where they have historically been underrepresented. Promising areas for consideration include Personal Care and Service, Healthcare Support, and Management Occupations, all of which have growth rates exceeding the average and could potentially provide more opportunities for individuals with disabilities to thrive in the workforce.

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EMPLOYMENT BARRIERS FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES Despite legal, advocacy, and legislative efforts, individuals with disabilities experience lower levels of employment, making it essential to understand how to improve the employment landscape for persons with disabilities. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics’ (BLS) July 2021 Current Population Survey (CPS), 43.7 percent of individuals with disabilities who were not employed reported facing various barriers to securing employment. The most frequently cited obstacle was the limitations posed by their disabilities, with nearly 79 percent identifying this as their primary challenge. Other significant barriers included a lack of education or training (12.0 percent), the need for job-related accommodations (10.5 percent), and difficulties related to transportation (10.3 percent). Non-disclosure of a disability may also lead to challenges. Accessibility.com reveals that although one in four professionals may have a disability, just 39 percent choose to disclose this information to their managers. The reluctance to disclose often stems from stigma and misconceptions. Job seekers with disabilities may fear that revealing their disability will result in negative consequences during the application process, when seeking specific job roles, or even for promotions. This apprehension is not unwarranted, as negative stereotypes surrounding individuals with disabilities persist, including perceptions of helplessness, reduced productivity, dependency, and limitations solely focused on their disability. The hesitation to disclose disabilities can also impact hiring practices. Managers may have concerns about an individual with a disability’s capacity to perform the job, fear of unintentionally causing offense, or concerns about how other employees will react to a new colleague with a disability. Employers’ concerns, as expressed in the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) survey on recruitment practices, illuminate the obstacles and hesitations organizations may encounter regarding disability inclusion initiatives. The study highlights that employers hold reservations about whether individuals with disabilities can effectively perform job tasks, leading to hesitancy in hiring them. Additionally, uncertainties regarding the cost of accommodations, concerns about budget implications, and the absence of strong leadership support can hinder efforts to foster inclusivity. Furthermore, discomfort or unfamiliarity with disability-related issues, fears of potential healthcare cost increases, concerns about customer and client attitudes, and apprehensions regarding higher workers’ compensation premiums may all play a role in discouraging disability inclusion initiatives in the workplace. As Florida’s job landscape evolves, there’s an essential role for policymakers, educators, and employers to collaborate in creating pathways that support the inclusion and career advancement of individuals with disabilities, aligning with the state’s overall economic growth.

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Unique Challenges for Some Categories of PWD in The Marketplace The employment challenge becomes more pronounced for individuals with certain disabilities, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), traumatic brain injuries (TBI), and some mental illnesses. Among these groups, individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder face a heightened risk of unemployment when compared to other disability categories and even older adults with ASD. The symptoms and characteristics associated with ASD, such as persistent deficits in social communication and interactions, restricted and repetitive behavioral patterns, varying levels of adaptive functioning, and co-occurring mental health and medical concerns, can be perceived as barriers to employment. Research shows that approximately 37 percent of individuals with ASD report having been employed for 12 months or more, four years after leaving high school. However, multiple studies suggest that individuals with ASD are more likely to lose their employment due to behavioral and social interaction issues rather than their inability to perform assigned work tasks. Despite these challenges, progress is being made in the employment landscape for individuals with disabilities, including those with autism or I/DD. Over the past two years, Florida has witnessed significant success thanks to a range of reforms. The state has achieved record numbers of career and technical education (CTE) students enrolled in public schools, record numbers of apprenticeships and participating employers, and record completions in college workforce programs. Additionally, Florida has seen a substantial increase in the number of adult learners enrolled in integrated education and training programs. These programs, which simultaneously or contextually combine basic skills or high school equivalency coursework with in-demand postsecondary programs, offer a unique opportunity for adult learners to acquire the skills necessary for meaningful employment. Furthermore, Florida has pioneered the development of an interagency workforce data dashboard, the first of its kind, which serves to assist Floridians in accelerating their journey towards economic self-sufficiency. These accomplishments demonstrate that through targeted reforms and initiatives, it is possible to create more inclusive and supportive pathways to employment for individuals with disabilities, including those who face additional challenges associated with autism and I/DD. Continued efforts in this direction are essential to build on this progress and ensure that all individuals have the opportunity to achieve economic self-sufficiency and full participation in the workforce. Florida is actively engaged in efforts to enhance the connection between individuals with disabilities and valuable credentials, along with the corresponding employment opportunities. For instance, the National Core Indicators program diligently tracks outcomes for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) who receive services from state I/DD agencies. In the 2018-2019 assessment, it was reported that 19 percent of working-age adults supported by state I/DD agencies across the nation were successfully employed in paid positions within their communities (National Core Indicators, 2019).

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In Florida, 10 percent of Floridians are supported by the state I/DD agency securing paid community-based employment, while approximately half of these individuals are employed in roles that can be classified as competitive integrated employment (CIE). Nearly half (48 percent) of the I/DD group, participated in sheltered workshops or day programs, highlighting the prevailing challenges in achieving competitive integrated employment. These statistics collectively underscore the pressing need for a novel training model that can provide individuals with I/DD enhanced opportunities to acquire the specific skills and credentials necessary to secure meaningful, competitive integrated employment. Such a model would not only empower individuals with disabilities to achieve greater economic independence and self-sufficiency but also contribute to the broader goal of fostering a more inclusive and equitable society for all. It is imperative that policymakers, educators, and advocates collaborate to develop and implement effective strategies that address these disparities and promote the full inclusion and economic participation of individuals with I/DD.

Employment Challenges for Persons with I/DD In Florida, a significant percentage of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) aspire to have a paid job in the community, with 31 percent expressing a desire for such employment. However, a notable barrier exists, as 60 percent of individuals with I/DD currently do not have a paid job in the community, indicating a gap between aspiration and realization. Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) authorizes employers, after receiving a certificate from the US Department of Labor, to pay subminimum wages - wages less than the Federal minimum wage - to workers who have disabilities for the work being performed. Section 14(c) does not apply unless the disability actually impairs the worker’s earnings or productive capacity for the work being performed. The fact that a worker may have a disability is not in and of itself sufficient to warrant the payment of subminimum wages. The trend is shifting away from 14(c) settings, as evidenced by a consistent decrease in the number of active certificates held by community rehabilitation providers (CRPs) and a decline in the average number of individuals served per 14(c) setting over the past three reporting periods. This shift aligns with the broader national movement towards Employment First initiatives, promoting community-based, competitive integrated employment for individuals with disabilities. According to data from the Association of People Supporting Employment First (APSE), there is a strong desire for paid jobs in the community among different age groups, with the highest aspiration reported among 18-22 year-olds at 65 percent, followed by 23-34 year-olds at 56 percent, and 35-54 year-olds at 45 percent. These findings emphasize the importance of transitioning away from 14(c) settings and towards community-based employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

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From National Core Indicators. Chart Generator 2017-18. National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities Services and Human Services Research Institute

In January 2014, the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a new federal rule (CMS-2249- F/CMS-2296-F), the “Settings Rule”, impacting sections of Medicaid law under which states may use federal funds to pay for home and community-based services (HCBS). The rule requires that all settings in which Medicaid-reimbursed HCBS are provided, including both residential and non-residential (day services), are integrated in and support full access to the greater community. This includes opportunities for people receiving HCBS to seek employment, work in integrated settings, and earn a competitive wage. The rule also requires the inclusion of opportunities for people receiving HCBS to spend time with others who don’t have disabilities and to use community services and participate in activities in their communities to the same degree of access as people who don’t have disabilities. In other words, the opportunities and experiences offered to the waiver participant should be empowering, allowing their lives to look like the general population without disabilities in terms of independence, choice, and community integration. While states will be given time to come into compliance, after a reasonable period, Medicaid funding can no longer be used to pay for HCBS delivered in settings that do not comply with the new rule.

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The Settings Rule has contributed to a steady decrease over the past three reporting periods in the number of individuals served in 14(c) settings with active certificates held by Florida community rehabilitation providers (CRPs). Additionally, there has been a steady decrease in the number of active certificates and the average number of individuals served per 14(c) setting. As recent as November 2023, the US Dept. of Labor reports that 21 Florida businesses hold a 14(c) certificate employing 437 individuals at subminimum. This represents a precipitous decrease since 2020, the data for which is reported in Appendix 2. Some disability advocates in Florida and families have expressed concern about the impact of the Settings Rule on the quality of life for their family members with disabilities. The extent of the impact will not be fully known for another 1-2 years when the phase out in Florida is complete.

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BARRIERS FOR FLORIDA FAMILIES High school students with disabilities often face various barriers that can hinder their educational experience, limit opportunities for academic success, and affect their preparation for future endeavors. The nature and extent of these barriers can vary depending on the specific disabilities students have and the level of support available to them. One common barrier is the unequal educational opportunities students with disabilities may encounter, such as being tracked into lower-level courses, which can limit their exposure to a rigorous and inclusive academic environment. State graduation requirements can also pose challenges. Insufficient planning and preparation for the transition from high school to post-secondary education, employment, or independent living can also limit their opportunities for future success, despite the fact that transition planning for students with disabilities is required by federal law. The lack of understanding or advocacy from parents or guardians can compound these challenges, as many find the system of disability services, including transition planning, complex to navigate. This often results in families giving up, leaving students to face service cliffs at the end of high school. Many families with early age children with disabilities also find that the early learning system is too complex and difficult to navigate without professional guidance. Funding for Inclusion Specialists is limited, which leads to limited access for families to these professionals. Although childcare providers are paid up to a 20 percent differential for serving children with disabilities, finding providers that have the skills to meet the needs of children with disabilities is difficult for families. Low pay and limited professional development for early learning direct service providers is also a challenge. On the other end of the age spectrum, for aging caregivers and adult children with developmental disabilities, a unique set of challenges and barriers arises. Caregiving can be physically and emotionally demanding, and as caregivers age, exhaustion and declining health can become more prevalent. Access to support services, respite care, and in-home assistance may be limited, leaving aging caregivers with insufficient help to meet the needs of their adult children with developmental disabilities. The cost of caring for individuals with developmental disabilities, including medical care, therapies, and adaptive equipment, can be high, especially for those who do not qualify for Florida’s iBudget (HCBS waiver) program or those on waiting lists. Finding suitable and accessible housing options for adult children with developmental disabilities can be challenging, with long waiting lists and limited availability for group homes or supportive living arrangements. While Florida has seen the development of inclusive housing communities, most are private pay, creating a barrier for individuals and families with limited financial means. Developing and implementing long-term care plans, including estate planning and guardianship arrangements, can also be complex and emotionally taxing. Addressing these barriers requires a comprehensive approach involving families, social service agencies, healthcare providers, and policymakers. Strategies to mitigate these challenges include greater education, creating support networks, advocating for increased funding for support services, and promoting accessible and inclusive housing and accessibility options.

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SYSTEMWIDE INCONGRUENCE AND INEFFICIENCIES While many states struggle to develop and implement systems of employment support for persons with disabilities, Florida is often seen as a leader with its aggressive ecosystem of partners working to address challenges to comprehensive service delivery and achieving the best possible outcomes. While Florida offers a range of services to support individuals with disabilities, the state’s successes have allowed it to learn from these practices and how it can continuously improve on any incongruencies and inefficiencies of the process. Some of the challenges that continue to merit attention are outlined below.

Care & Support COORDINATION CHALLENGES BETWEEN AGENCIES AND SUPPORT PROGRAMSFragmentation occurs when more than one agency or program is involved in providing the same services to a specific population. Floridians with disabilities often navigate multiple agencies, programs, and providers to access necessary support, resulting in a complex and overwhelming process. Despite the strong effort Florida agencies make to coordinate, a lack of collaboration across programs and agencies can result in slow eligibility determinations, service gaps, inconsistent practices, and challenges in addressing the multifaceted needs of individuals with disabilities, and can lead to duplication of services, gaps in service delivery, and difficulties in accessing comprehensive and holistic support. CHALLENGES ACCESSING HEALTHCARE, MENTAL HEALTH/BEHAVIORAL SUPPORT SERVICES, AND LONG-TERM CARE OPTIONS- Barriers such as limited insurance coverage, transportation difficulties, and a lack of healthcare providers with expertise in serving individuals with disabilities can result in disparities in healthcare access and outcomes. Notably, Medicare, employer-based health plans, and private health plans offered through the state health care exchanges generally do not cover services such as: personal care attendant services; home and community-based services; durable medical equipment; and extended therapies. INCONSISTENT SERVICE AND QUALITY- There can be variations in service and quality across different providers and programs, leading to inconsistent experiences and outcomes. Many individuals with disabilities require long-term support services to meet their ongoing needs, such as personal care assistance, home modifications, and community integration support. However, the availability of these services is often limited, and individuals may face challenges in accessing and affording them. LACK OF ACCESS AND CONNECTIVITY TO SUPPORT AND SERVICES IN RURAL AREASAccess to support in rural and underserved areas often presents a significant challenge for individuals with disabilities living in these regions. Limited transportation options, scarcity of service providers, and geographical barriers can restrict access to essential support and result in disparities in service availability and quality. Access to specialized professionals, assistive technology and communication services, transportation challenges, and limitations to resources within the rural or underserved region can pose significant barriers. Gaps in service availability can impede successful outcomes. 14

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LIMITED RESOURCES- Limited fiscal and program resources can restrict the availability and accessibility of essential services, leading to long waitlists and delays in receiving support. Insufficient funding also impacts the quality and scope of services provided, limiting the ability to meet the diverse needs of individuals with disabilities effectively. SHORTAGE OF DIRECT SERVICE AND SUPPORT PROFESSIONALS- Individuals with disabilities may require additional support within educational and work settings to thrive. While there is a growing demand for direct-support professionals, behavioral and mental health specialists, and healthcare practitioners in the disability sector, there is a shortage of qualified and trained professionals to meet these needs adequately. Additionally, the disability services workforce may not always reflect the diversity of the individuals they support, which can impact cultural competence and understanding of specific needs. Professionals in the disability services field often receive lower wages compared to other healthcare or social service sectors. Comparatively low compensation can make it difficult to attract and retain skilled and dedicated individuals. As result, many of the state’s disability programs experience high turnover rates of direct line professionals, leading to even greater fragmentation of services and frustrations for individuals and their families. SERVICE COORDINATION THROUGH LIFE’S TRANSITIONS- Inadequate transition planning and support can result in discontinuity of services, gaps in support, difficulties in navigating complex systems, and hindering their ability to pursue post-secondary education, gain employment, and live independently. GUARDIANSHIP ISSUES- Guardianship issues often interfere with obtaining and maintaining competitive, integrated employment and independent living. The availability of supported decision-making alternatives, such as supported decision-making agreements or guardianship alternatives, may be limited. Aging family members and caregivers of persons with long-term care needs, such as individuals with I/DD or ASD, have critical need to address continuation of care. Many of these caregivers are aging in place in their own homes while acting as guardian for their adult child with a disability. The continuity of care is viewed as the responsibility of the primary caregiver, but there are major concerns about their becoming ill and dying in the future. Additionally, the availability of respite care services can be limited in Florida, especially for those who linger on the iBudget waiting list or who do not qualify for HCBS waiver services, leading to caregiver burnout and challenges in maintaining long-term care arrangements.

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Employment MISPERCEPTIONS ABOUT EMPLOYMENT INCLUSION- Concerns that influence hiring decisions and workplace inclusion often revolve around the perceived cost of insurance, the provision of job accommodations, and potential health and safety issues, including fears of reliability and absenteeism. Additionally, doubts about whether individuals with disabilities can or should participate in competitive, integrated employment settings persist, contributing to employment disparities. Stereotypes surrounding the capabilities of employees with disabilities further compound these challenges. CHALLENGES WITH JOB PLACEMENT SUPPORT- Enhanced job placement support is essential, as employers often lack awareness of available programs, incentives, and accommodations for employees with disabilities. Additionally, the under-utilization of work incentives and programs like the Social Security Administration’s Ticket to Work is a concern. Tailoring job development to meet the diverse needs of various disability populations is necessary, along with improved benefits planning resources. Increasing the representation of individuals with disabilities in roles that influence employment policy and as role models can also be beneficial. NEEDS TO SUPPORT PWD EMPLOYMENT- There is a lack of critical funding for ongoing, long-term on-the-job supports. Supporting the employment of individuals with disabilities requires addressing critical funding gaps for long-term support, particularly for those with physical disabilities or serious mental illness. It’s also crucial to provide financial incentives for service providers to transition from facility-based programs to competitive, integrated employment options. Furthermore, individuals with disabilities need improved access to information and resources to gain a better understanding of their employment rights and legal protections. INCOME THRESHOLD CAPS LIMIT INDIVIDUALS’ ABILITY TO OBTAIN EMPLOYMENT OR ADVANCEThe issue of benefits cliffs poses a challenge for individuals with disabilities. With certain programs, as earned income surpasses certain thresholds, individuals with disabilities risk losing crucial government assistance programs such as SSI and Medicaid, which can inadvertently discourage them from seeking higher-paying jobs or pursuing financial independence. This situation can create a cycle of underemployment or unemployment, as individuals fear losing essential support. An obstacle in addressing this challenge is the shortage of certified benefits counselors, specifically Workforce Incentives Planning Assistance (WIPA) counselors, who can provide guidance and support to navigate the complexities of benefits counseling. SUBMINIMUM WAGE FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES- Subminimum wage employment can contribute to the continued segregation of individuals with disabilities in separate work environments. This practice perpetuates a cycle of low-wage employment for this population, limiting their opportunities for inclusion and financial independence. As discussed in earlier sections, Florida is working to eliminate subminimum wage employment, but it is yet to be seen whether those transitioning out of these positions are fully integrated into competitive employment or want to be employed in the community.

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Community HOUSING- Access to affordable and accessible housing for independent or supported living is a challenge for individuals with disabilities. Expanding affordable housing initiatives, promoting accessibility standards, and strengthening partnerships between housing agencies and disability service providers can help promote independence. HOMEBOUND INDIVIDUALS- People with disabilities who cannot or choose not to work and/or participate in the community often face a range of issues that can significantly impact their quality of life including financial insecurity, social isolation, mental health challenges, and caregiver stress. TRANSPORTATION CHALLENGES- For Floridians with disabilities, transportation barriers often become significant roadblocks to their independence and inclusion. Limited accessible transportation options, inadequate infrastructure, and other barriers can hinder individuals’ ability to access essential services, employment opportunities, and community activities. Daily hurdles which make it difficult for individuals with disabilities to travel independently include: y Physical barriers, such as inadequate infrastructure, inaccessible public transportation stations, lack of accessible vehicles; lack of or inoperable lifts, elevators, and ramps; inadequate seating, signage, or audio announcements; and inconsistent maintenance of accessibility features. y Limited transportation availability due to poorly developed or limited routes; or paratransit or specialized transportation programs with limited availability or restricted operating hours. y Lack of information or awareness of transportation options, schedules and routes, and inadequate training on how to use assistive devices or interact with transportation providers hinders independent travel. y Transportation providers may lack awareness and training on how to assist people with specific disabilities, or have negative attitudes or lack of sensitivity, which can create a hostile environment for individuals with disabilities. y Transportation costs and affordability issues emerge since accessible transportation services often come at a higher cost than regular transportation options, a burden that can be particularly challenging for those with limited income and can affect their ability to secure and maintain employment. y Individuals with disabilities may feel unsafe while using public transportation or other transportation options due to accessibility issues, harassment, or inadequate security measures.

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CURRENT SYSTEMS FOR SERVICE DELIVERY TO PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES Early Years The State Board of Education oversees the state’s School Readiness and Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) programs. Within the Florida Department of Education, the Division of Early Learning (DEL) administers these and other early learning programs. In partnership with 30 early learning coalitions and the Redlands Christian Migrant Association, DEL delivers three programs: School Readiness, Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten, and Child Care Resource and Referral. Each local Early Learning Coalition employs Inclusion Specialists to help serve children with disabilities and their families. Inclusion Specialists make connections for families to community services specific for children with disabilities. The School Readiness Program (SR) offers financial assistance to low-income families for early education and care so they can become financially self-sufficient, and their young children can be successful in school in the future. VPK is a free educational program that prepares 4-year-olds for success in kindergarten and beyond. Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) is a network that helps families identify and select quality childcare options that best meet their needs. The Department of Children and Families (DCF) is responsible for the licensing and credentialing of early learning providers. Early Steps is Florida’s early intervention system that offers services to eligible infants and toddlers, aged birth to 36 months, who have or are at-risk for developmental disabilities or delays. Early intervention supports families and caregivers to increase their child’s participation in daily activities and routines that are important to the family. Fifteen Local Early Steps (LES) throughout the state receive referrals from various primary referral sources. Infants and toddlers are assessed in the following developmental domains to determine eligibility: physical, cognitive, communication, social-emotional and adaptive. Each child receives an Individualized Family Support Plan (IFSP) that meets his or her unique needs. Families also receive support to develop the skills and confidence needed in helping their child learn and develop. Florida Diagnostic & Learning Resources System (FDLRS) Child Find Specialists, in coordination with school districts, locate young children who are potentially eligible for services under the Individual with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). FDLRS Child Find provides diagnostic screening, placement coordination, training, and support to parents of young children who have or are at risk of developing disabilities. 18

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Help Me Grow Florida (HMGF) is an affiliate of the national Help Me Grow Network and is sponsored by the Children’s Forum and FDOE/Division of Early Learning. Help Me Grow promotes early identification of developmental, behavioral, and educational concerns, then links children and families to community-based services and supports at no cost to parents and caregivers. HMGF is designed to empower families and support their children’s healthy development through the implementation of four Core Components: Centralized Access Point; Family and Community Outreach; Child Healthcare Provider Outreach; and Data Collection and Analysis. The FDOE/Blind Babies Program provides community-based early intervention education for children from birth through five years of age who are blind or visually impaired, and for their parents, families, and caregivers. An individualized plan for services is developed for each child which includes family support services; an Individualized Education Plan; and an Early Intervention Plan.

High School Transition Services The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires that students who receive services under an individualized education program (IEP) also receive special education and related services and transition services that support a successful transition from the secondary to postsecondary space or workforce. Pre-employment transition and transition services are coordinated activities that are results-oriented, meaning that students are improving their academic and functional achievement to support post-secondary activities such as continuing into the workforce, academic education, integrated employment, or independent living. Students with an IEP begin their transition planning at age 12 in Florida to ensure transition services are in place by the time the student enters high school. These services may continue until the student reaches age 22. Specifically, section 1003.5716, Florida Statutes, requires the IEP to include the student’s intent to pursue a standard high school diploma by the time the student reaches age 18 or, in the case of a deferment, by age 22. The IEP must also include, “appropriate measurable long-term postsecondary education and career goals based upon age-appropriate transition assessments related to training, education, employment, and, if appropriate, independent living skills and the transition services, including pre-employment transition services and courses of study needed to assist Broward College: Systems Mapping Project the student in reaching those goals”. The system that exists to assist persons with disabilities (PWD) in preparing for and entering the competitive workforce can pose complex, dynamic challenges that have a web of interconnected elements. The Able Trust is entering into a partnership beginning in January 2024 with Broward College to use a systems mapping analysis process to gain clarity about the system in Broward County that impacts students with disabilities as they transition from high school to postsecondary education and into the workforce. A systems analysis approach will reveal underlying patterns that may also pose challenges in other counties, identify opportunities to leverage the system, and better understand how to adapt as the system continues to change. This mapping analysis will provide a way to work toward a healthier, more accessible workforce development system for PWD and their families that can be replicated statewide.

Each IEP includes appropriate school-based referrals to agencies such as Florida’s Center for Students with Unique Abilities, the Florida Centers for Independent Living, the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, and the Division of Blind Services. Federal law requires the student’s IEP to be reviewed by their IEP team on an annual basis to determine progress toward goal attainment and the extent to which any changes need to be made.

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Florida’s commitment to enhancing transition services for students with disabilities is evident in the steps taken following the passage of House Bill 173 in 2021. This legislation prompted a thorough review of existing programs. In July 2022, FDOE published uniform best practices for service delivery related to employment, preemployment, and independent living skills. These best practices encompass five areas: increasing graduation outcomes; decreasing dropouts and increasing inclusion in general education; transition planning, assessment, curriculum and instruction; student involvement; family involvement; and interagency and community collaboration (Florida Department of Education, 2022). To further enhance the effectiveness of high school transition services, it is crucial to promote the more uniform implementation of these best practices across schools and districts. Some notable examples of promising practices with the potential for wider adoption include: 1. Career and Technical Education (CTE): Encouraging districts to utilize transition assessments to identify students’ interests in CTE and aligning CTE programs with students’ goals within their course of study. 2. Mentoring: Expanding mentoring opportunities for a larger proportion of students with disabilities, providing valuable support and guidance. 3. Instructional Strategies and Student Support: Leveraging community-based vocational education to support student learning and skill development. 4. Transition Assessment: Employing multiple types of transition assessments with students and conducting these assessments annually to ensure ongoing progress monitoring. 5. Transition Events: Organizing postsecondary education trips to Florida colleges and hosting transition fairs for students and their families to explore various opportunities. 6. Extended Transition Programs (ages 18-22): Offering work-based learning environments for older students to gain valuable vocational experience. 7. Development of Community and Work Experiences: Facilitating the creation of community and work experiences for students with disabilities, with district employees designated as job coaches, skills trainers, or employment advisors. 8. Dissemination of Information to Parents: Widely sharing information with parents through resources like the Project 10 Website, publications, back-to-school events, college and career night events, and interagency fairs. 9. Transition Interagency Councils: Promoting collaboration by inviting district ESE personnel and representatives from various agencies and organizations to participate in regular Interagency Council meetings. 10. Referral Processes to Agencies: Implementing a systematic referral process to initiate Pre-Employment Transition Services when students are between the ages of 14 and 22. These practices offer a comprehensive framework for improving transition services and empowering students with disabilities as they prepare for life beyond high school. By encouraging their widespread adoption, Florida can continue to make meaningful progress in supporting the diverse needs and goals of its students with disabilities.

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PROMISING PRACTICES Project 10 One resource to support youth with disabilities through their transition to adulthood is Project 10: Transition Education Network. This project receives funding from the Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services (BEESS) within FDOE and is administratively housed at the University of South Florida in St. Petersburg. School districts that provide planning and transition services are the focus of Project 10. Additionally, Project 10 also serves as a collaborative resource for state agencies, discretionary projects, non-profits, and families. Currently, Project 10 is centered around: capacity building to implement secondary transition services; interagency collaboration; transition legislation and policy including instruction on self-determination and the legal rights and responsibilities regarding the educational decisions that transfer to the student upon attaining the age of 18; and student development and outcomes. With these in mind, Project 10 develops and disseminates evidence-based practices and provides training and technical assistance to assist school districts and other stakeholders in building capacity to implement secondary transition (Project 10, 2023).

High School High Tech – OVERVIEW AND PROGRAM OUTCOMES The Able Trust High School High Tech (HSHT) program provides high school students with all types of disabilities the opportunity to explore jobs and postsecondary education options that lead to in-demand careers. With 45 sites across Florida, HSHT links youth to a broad range of academic and career development resources and experiences that will help position them for future success. HSHT is a community-based partnership made up of students, parents and caregivers, businesses, educators and rehabilitation professionals. HSHT goals are to increase the high school graduation rate and postsecondary enrollment rate of students with disabilities. HSHT has successfully reached these goals and helped prepare students for the workforce for more than 25 years. HSHT programming is based on the national, evidence-based framework: The Guideposts for Success which include: y School-Based Preparatory Experiences y Career and Work-Based Preparatory Experiences y Youth Leadership y Community Connections y Family Involvement y Communication Skills

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While in High School High Tech, students are given the opportunity to: y Tour local businesses and industries to learn about in-demand careers. y Visit colleges and universities to learn about educational opportunities after high school. y Develop soft skills important to the workplace including how to communicate effectively, work as a team and think critically to solve problems. y Learn by doing through participation in career experiences. y Participate in the annual Project Venture competition in which teams prepare and present a comprehensive business plan to promote and sell a new product or service. Florida students who participate in HSHT have a graduation rate of 99 percent compared to 88 percent for all Florida students with disabilities. HSHT graduates matriculate to post-secondary education and/or employment at a rate of 88 percent compared to 74 percent of all Florida graduates with disabilities. This school year (2023-24), The Able Trust is partnering with the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations (CFEF) to pilot an outgrowth of the HSHT program. This is an effort to increase the reach of the program and partner with more school districts, charter and private schools.

Project SEARCH The Project SEARCH High School transition program is a one-year internship program for students with disabilities that takes place in a business setting where total immersion in the workplace facilitates the teaching and learning process as well as acquisition of employability and marketable work skills. This project is a great example of blended and braided funding among multiple state agencies and organizations, as well as businesses and Florida school districts. The project continues to expand in Florida and leads the nation with a total of 41 sites. Florida’s annual employment outcomes for Project SEARCH had an 84 percent completion rate and a 59.6 percent employment rate for the 2019-2020 reporting period. Although Florida’s employment rate was down, largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the employment rate exceeded the national average. VR’s “Project SEARCH” program helps students with disabilities in their last year of high school develop job skills. Almost 75 percent of people in this program get jobs. Thirty-four businesses across the state offer Project SEARCH. All Project SEARCH employment outcomes meet the definition for competitive, integrated employment. The Florida Developmental Disabilities Council (FDDC), National Project SEARCH, RESPECT of Florida, and FDOE/VR are currently partnering to fund and pilot an adult model of Project SEARCH in four locations. In addition to supporting the planning, implementation, and staffing of these four new adult programs, the FDDC is sponsoring research by Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC) to evaluate the program. CCHMC researchers will measure interns’ progress and outcomes in employment and self-sufficiency. The study will include surveys and focus groups with interns, families, instructors, skills trainers, host businesses, and interagency personnel to measure the efficacy of these four new adult Project SEARCH programs.

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Results and recommendations of the pilots will not be available until the end of 2023. However, one challenge that has already been identified is the absence of a stable funding source for the classroom instruction component of the program. (In the high school model, school district partners fund the classroom instruction.) Models from other states are being reviewed for potential solutions.

Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary (CTP) Programs The Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 established a new program to support students with intellectual disabilities seeking the skills—academic, career, independent living—needed to prepare for gainful employment. The Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary (CTP) Program allows eligible students enrolling in Title IV-eligible postsecondary institutions to qualify for federal student aid, even if those students do not have a standard high school diploma or are not degree-seeking. Of note, Florida began a phase out the special diploma option for students with disabilities in the 2014-2015 school year (SY). SY 2022-23 was the first year the special diploma was not a reporting option for any Florida public school student with a disability. Students with intellectual disabilities who enroll in approved CTP Programs are required to enroll with nondisabled students in credit-bearing or non-credit-bearing courses. Additionally, students participate in work-based learning or internship opportunities with nondisabled students. These students receive academic advising, student support services, and structured curricula to support their success in postsecondary coursework. Florida public high schools and private schools that operate pursuant to section 1002.42, Florida Statutes, are encouraged to apply for resources to establish a Florida College and Career Transition Club (CCT Club). These clubs are designed for students in grades 9-12 from three groups: students with intellectual disabilities; students with disabilities other than intellectual disabilities; and students without disabilities. The program is structured such that all students participating in CCT Clubs collaborate to seek out information regarding college and career opportunities. Students are also engaged in mentoring, site visits, and activities and events designed to support the creation of college and career transition plans. Students, families, and professionals who work with students with disabilities may benefit from College Matters, a collection of five one-hour conversations with secondary and postsecondary staff. These videos, which are available on the Florida Center for Students with Unique Abilities’ website, focus on a variety of topics critical to achieving success in Florida postsecondary education. With funding from the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council, the videos include short presentations by experts along with discussion about strategies to support students with disabilities.

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Postsecondary Student Disability Support Services Florida’s public postsecondary institutions provide equal opportunity for employment and educational opportunities to all applicants for employment, employees, applicants for admission, students and others without regard to race, color, national origin, age, religion, disability, marital status, sex, and any other factor protected under applicable federal, state, and local civil rights laws, rules and regulations. Students with disabilities’ IEP and Section 504 Plans expire after high school. Therefore, in order to receive services at the postsecondary level, students must self-disclose their disability, provide current documentation of their disability, and register with their college’s student disability services office. This registration permits students to receive auxiliary aids and services, which may include extended time on exams, texts in an alternative format, note-takers, and sign language interpreters. Florida Statutes also provide opportunity for students with documented disabilities to receive reasonable substitutions for: y General admissions requirements. (section 1007.264, Florida Statutes) y Graduation requirements. (section 1007.265, Florida Statutes) y Admissions to a program of study/major. (section 1007.265, Florida Statutes) y Entry into upper-division coursework. (section 1007.265, Florida Statutes) y Specific coursework. (section 1007.265, Florida Statutes) These requirements are further outlined for state universities in BOG 6.018, Substitution or Modification of Requirements for Program Admission, Undergraduate Transfer, and for Graduation by Students with Disabilities, and for school district career centers and FCS institutions in Rule 6A-10.041, F.A.C., Substitution for Requirements for Eligible Students with Disabilities at Florida Colleges and Postsecondary Career Centers. Additionally, Florida operates several student aid programs including the Bright Futures Scholarship, which provides merit-based scholarships to eligible students pursuing academic or career education at one of Florida’s public postsecondary institutions. Section 1009.41, Florida Statutes, provides that students with documented disabilities may enroll part-time and still receive financial aid that is otherwise reserved for students enrolled full time.

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Career Education Programs Under the Florida Department of Education, the Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs section is responsible for “developing and maintaining educational programs that prepare individuals for occupations important to Florida’s economic development.” As it relates to students with disabilities, the department identifies specific frameworks to ensure students with disabilities are engaged in career education and career services. For secondary students who have an IEP or 504 plan, Career Education Services for Students with Disabilities offers specialized career education that include competencies in job preparation to prepare students for competitive employment in an occupation for which they have been trained. For postsecondary students, there are three specialized career education program options offered as clock hour instruction. These programs are individualized for each student and competency-based with integrated academic, technical, and problem-solving skills.

Blind Services Apprenticeship Program The Department of Education’s Division of Blind Services has developed a registered apprenticeship program to create employment opportunities for blind and visually impaired individuals, training them to enhance website accessibility for internet users for all disabilities. The Department’s new Web Accessibility Specialist Registered Apprenticeship Program combines on-the-job training with educational instruction to progressively increase workers’ skill levels, wages and career options. Graduates will also receive internationally recognized portable credentials, and their training may be applied toward further post-secondary education. This program is the nation’s first web accessibility apprenticeship program developed by a state agency. The Web Accessibility Specialist Registered Apprenticeship Program was created to provide another pathway into the Information Technology arena for blind and visually impaired clients served by DBS. Web Accessibility Specialists will review and evaluate websites to actively enhance or improve user accessibility and end-user experience, with specialization in accessibility for blind or visually impaired individuals. Web Accessibility Specialists may also contribute to the website design process, recommend user flows, collaboratively work with a larger team to troubleshoot accessibility errors, and fix accessibility compliance issues. Apprentices selected into the program will serve as DBS employees and receive training at the DBS Rehabilitation Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired. The competency-based apprenticeship is approximately 12-months.

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Exemplary Postsecondary Programs Signed into law on January 21, 2016, the Florida Postsecondary Comprehensive Transition Program Act (1004.6495 Florida Statutes) established the Florida Center for Students with Unique Abilities at the University of Central Florida (the Center) and charged the Center with managing the Florida Postsecondary Comprehensive Transition Program (FPCTP) application and approval process. The Act also established criteria for FPCTP approval, scholarship awards for eligible students to attend approved programs, grant awards to promote new program development and existing program enhancements, and accountability requirements associated with these opportunities. As stated in the legislation, the purpose of the Act is to “increase independent living, inclusive and experiential postsecondary education, and employment opportunities for students with intellectual disabilities through degree, certificate, or nondegree programs and to establish statewide coordination of the dissemination of information regarding programs and services for students with disabilities. It is the intent of the Legislature that students with intellectual disabilities and students with disabilities have access to meaningful postsecondary education credentials and be afforded the opportunity to have a meaningful campus experience.” The Center is working with higher education institutions across Florida to support implementation of the Act in three primary ways: (a) facilitate application and approval of their program that serves students with intellectual disabilities as a FPCTP, (b) provide scholarship awards to students attending an institution’s approved FPCTP, and (c) provide grant funding to foster starting up new and/or enhancing existing programs. These three components of the Center’s work aim directly at achieving the purpose of the ACT. The Success for Occupational Area Readiness (SOAR) Program, an FPCTP and collaborative effort involving Lively Technical College, the Leon County School District, and various community partners, is an exemplary initiative designed to empower postsecondary students with documented intellectual disabilities to pursue independence and employment. Students enrolled in the SOAR program can choose from six different areas of study, including Automotive Service Technology; Building Trades & Construction Design Technology; Nails Specialty; Facial Specialty; Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration; and Fundamental Foodservice Skills. Within the SOAR program, students receive comprehensive support to ensure their academic and career success. They participate in on-campus academic coursework alongside their nondisabled peers. To facilitate their academic progress, SOAR students have access to various supports, including study sessions, reading assistance, assistive technology, and modified learning plans. These resources are instrumental in helping students excel in their chosen Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs of study. Furthermore, the SOAR program recognizes the importance of addressing employment needs for its students. To this end, students are connected with Vocational Rehabilitation services, which can encompass employment planning, participation in paid and non-paid work-based learning opportunities, and access to career services such as resume writing, interview skills development, and job placement assistance.

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The SOAR program exemplifies a holistic approach to postsecondary education for individuals with intellectual disabilities. It not only provides academic and disability support but also actively fosters a pathway to employment and independence, empowering students to achieve their goals and contribute to their communities. Broward College’s Seahawk NEST Academy is another exemplary FPCTP dedicated to empowering students with intellectual disabilities to achieve independence, self-advocacy, and essential life skills. This transformative “classroom-to-career” program is open to students aged 18 or older who possess a high school diploma or its equivalent. The program begins with comprehensive assessments to identify each student’s goals and aspirations, and they are then placed into one of five distinct pathways, including STEM, business and industry, manufacturing, and construction. The Seahawk NEST Academy spans three years and offers a multi-faceted support system to ensure students’ holistic growth. This support network includes peer mentors, success coaches, dedicated faculty and staff, as well as the students’ own personal support circles, cultivated through extracurricular activities. The first year of the program focuses on foundational courses provided by Broward College, concentrating on critical domains of adult living. As students progress through the program, they gain access to valuable on-the-job training opportunities, receive essential soft skills training, and develop a robust resume during their third year. This culminates in the awarding of a Broward College Certificate of Professional Services upon program completion. The Seahawk NEST Academy stands as an outstanding model for postsecondary education and transition programs for individuals with intellectual disabilities. It empowers students to achieve their fullest potential, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed for successful, fulfilling lives and careers. Through its commitment to holistic support and practical training, the program offers a blueprint for fostering independence and self-sufficiency among this student population.

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FLORIDA’S PROMISING INITIATIVES & RECOMMENDATIONS The development of robust legislation and policy surrounding a critical state initiative such as employment brings with it exciting opportunities and unique challenges, many that have been outlined earlier in this report. Florida’s efforts around competitive minimum wage leads the country in its vision and purpose, with a system built for continuous strengthening based on experience and leadership. The following section highlights those areas in which Florida has improved the outcomes of employment for persons with disabilities over the past five years, and its ability to advocate for innovative change with both federal and state requirements to create a seamless system of exciting growth in support and delivery. By focusing on these legislative acts and existing efforts, we can continue this path toward fully realizing the contributions of all citizens and the state’s overall economic growth.

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Employment First In 2018, a comprehensive review of Florida’s Employment First system was conducted collaboratively by key stakeholders, including the Florida Department of Education, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation; the Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities; and the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council, Inc. The resulting report shows that Florida’s stakeholders have undertaken significant efforts to enhance employment opportunities for all Floridians with disabilities. By fostering collaboration, identifying challenges and disparities within disability employment services, and aligning available workforce with labor market needs, Florida has leveraged its existing infrastructure for disability and employment. The state has devised action plans that address both inter- and intra-agency objectives, ensuring that any Floridian with a disability who seeks employment can achieve economic self-sufficiency. Utilizing the High-Performing States Model as a framework for transformative actions, state agencies and organizations successfully established a state-level interagency coalition, fostered interagency cooperative agreements, and formulated an interagency plan. The report emphasizes several key elements of Florida’s successful Employment First interagency collaboration: y Multilevel leadership engagement, including collaborative teams at the local level. y An extensive review of state policies and practices to pinpoint those that either facilitate or hinder integrated employment. y Baseline employment outcome data collection for each participating agency or organization. y A comprehensive set of services and strategies designed to advance the Employment First initiative, including: •

The Abilities Work Web Portal and Help Desk.

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The Florida Unique Abilities Partner Program.

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Local Level Employment First Collaborative Teams.

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The Department of Financial Services’ Financial Literacy Program for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities.

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Workers’ compensation laws that extend coverage to individuals with disabilities participating in state-sponsored on-the-job training.

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Florida’s current Employment First Interagency Agreement remains in effect until June 30, 2024. This agreement serves as the foundational framework for outlining the roles and responsibilities of state agencies and organizations, as well as establishing specific objectives for the interagency cooperative agreement. These objectives encompass the following key components: 1. Leadership Commitment: The agreement solidifies the commitment of leadership within state agencies and organizations to pool resources and coordinate efforts effectively, with the overarching goal of enhancing employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities who rely on publicly funded services. 2. Strategic Goals and Benchmarks: Partners are tasked with collaboratively developing strategic goals and measurable benchmarks that guide the implementation of the agreement, ensuring a structured and goal-oriented approach. 3. Financing and Contracting Methods: The agreement emphasizes the need to identify financial and contracting methods that prioritize employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities through state agencies and organizations. 4. Training Integration: Partners are required to establish methods for integrating individuals with disabilities into the workforce effectively, including training programs that equip them with the necessary skills and resources. 5. Collaborative Efforts: Collaborative efforts among multiple agencies are essential to achieving the objectives of the act, promoting synergy and shared responsibility. 6. Service Innovations: The agreement encourages the exploration and promotion of innovative service approaches to better support individuals with disabilities in their workplace endeavors. 7. Accountability Measures: To ensure the sustainability of the agreement, accountability measures are to be identified and implemented, enabling ongoing assessment and improvement. In order to fully maximize the efforts of the Employment First partners, more work along these lines must be done to align policies, regulatory guidance, and reimbursement structures to promote and support competitive integrated employment as Florida’s priority of publicly funded day and employment services. This requires a long-term commitment with funded support for coordination, facilitation, and measurement efforts. Long-term strategic and annual action plans for achieving the specified criteria should be developed, implemented, and measured. We recommend that Florida’s Employment First partners adopt uniform performance criteria, like those established by the National Center on Leadership for the Employment and Economic Advancement of People with Disabilities (LEAD). Critically, the partners should establish uniform employment outcome data and set targets for improvement. The metric can encompass various employment outcomes, including competitive or gainful employment. To provide a more detailed assessment, it can be further subdivided into categories such as competitive integrated employment, non-integrated employment, and sub-minimum wage employment. This breakdown is particularly valuable for agencies aiming to reduce the number of individuals engaged in non-integrated or sub-minimum wage work arrangements.

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Florida benefits from an array of transition services at the K-12 level, and a coordinated effort around workforce development education and training at the post-secondary level. Since Florida’s Employment First is modeled after a national systems-change framework, there is an opportunity to leverage the state’s leadership with insights from other states. A review of annual Employment First reports from various states validates much of the work that has already taken place. To strengthen Florida’s position, the state should continue to build upon the common themes identified in other state initiatives. These themes include enhancing awareness and communication regarding post-secondary education and employment resources, providing employer-centric support and resources for individuals with disabilities, and increasing awareness of resources related to transportation, housing, and benefits/medical assistance planning services. Some specific strategies that can be considered, drawn from the multi-state review, include the development of cross-agency strategic plans aimed at creating a comprehensive workforce development system; the establishment of unique identifier systems bridging the gap between K-12 and post-secondary education and employment; the centralization of data, reporting, and information on an interagency portal for streamlined service access, reporting, and follow-up; as well as the creation of professional learning collaboratives to provide support for both individuals with disabilities and employer staff.

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REACH In June 2021, Governor Ron DeSantis signed House Bill 1507 into law, establishing the Reimagining Education and Career Help (REACH) Act. The REACH Office was established to support an innovative, system-wide approach to workforce development and education in Florida to create opportunities for meaningful employment and economic freedom for all Floridians, including Floridians with disabilities. Senate Bill 240, passed in 2023, reinforces the consumer-first, “no-wrong-door” approach, emphasizing the need to upskill and engage individuals with disabilities and the agencies that serve and support them and their families. State workforce partners are working to connect integrated data systems to ensure all Floridians have access to a customer portal with a common intake form to serve as a data hub that provides a one-stop-shop of full services. The REACH Office plays a vital role in the important work of aligning education and workforce systems to ensure skills and training align with, and translate into, accessible workforce opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Coordination with other state agencies responsible for serving individuals with disabilities should continue to be a priority for the REACH Office. The REACH Act and SB 240 work together to position Florida to be able to continue to emphasize quality training for persons with disabilities. Moving forward, state agencies should work together to address any remaining systemwide incongruencies preventing access to solutions and services to CIE for individuals with disabilities. The State of Florida should seek to identify additional opportunities, in the spirit of the REACH Act, to increase the economic mobility of individuals with disabilities. Specifically, state partners should further prioritize the identification of credentials that lead to competitive integrated employment (CIE). Incentives should be created so that public school districts, colleges, and universities will offer these types of training and educational programs that result in the student earning a credential that leads to CIE. The REACH Act mandated the establishment of criteria for assigning letter grades to local workforce development boards. The REACH Office, as directed by the law, developed and approved these criteria, which were adopted by the CareerSource Florida Board of Directors on September 12, 2022. The criteria included existing accountability measures and introduced some new ones outlined by statute. The measures included metrics around persons with disabilities and adult learners under WIOA Titles II and IV, and letter grades will be added this year. Moving forward, Florida should consider how to further prioritize the performance and funding measures of the local workforce development boards, with a focus on upskilling and reskilling individuals with disabilities. To further bolster the system change efforts outlined in the REACH Act for individuals with disabilities, the following opportunities should be considered: 1. Invest in Multivariate Correlational Research: Allocate resources to invest in high-quality multivariate correlational research aimed at understanding the return on investment that the State of Florida achieves through its disability education programs. This research should identify best practices and strategies for enhancing transition services and guiding youth from school to Competitive Integrated Employment.

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2. Web-Based Training for Workforce Personnel: State of Florida should pursue a comprehensive web-based training program for all employment services personnel working within the state workforce system, particularly those interacting with businesses and individuals with disabilities, so that all workforce system employment services personnel are qualified to deliver high-quality services to employers and individuals with disabilities, with a specific focus on those with I/DD and significant disabilities. 3. Career Planning and Analytics Systems: Develop the State of Florida’s career planning systems to expand access to serve individuals with disabilities and ensure that online systems allow individuals with disabilities to develop individualized career plans that emphasize CIE and long-term economic self-sufficiency objectives.

FL WINS The Workforce System Integration initiative, known as “FL WINS,” represents a significant step towards establishing a consumer-focused workforce system in Florida. This system aims to improve coordination among various workforce partners, enhancing accessibility to education and training resources, labor market information, career planning tools, and support services for individuals with disabilities. The goal is to ensure that individuals can access these services seamlessly, regardless of which entry point they use within the workforce or education system. Key components and intentions of FL WINS include: 1. Alignment and Coordination: The initiative seeks to align and coordinate Florida’s workforce development system, fostering better collaboration among stakeholders. This collaborative approach is in line with the REACH Act’s vision for improved coordination. 2. No-Wrong-Door Entry Strategy: FL WINS aims to establish a “no-wrong-door” entry strategy, allowing individuals with disabilities to access services from any workforce partner through a common intake form and case management system. This approach streamlines the process and ensures that individuals can find the support they need more easily. 3. Data Sharing: FL WINS facilitates data sharing agreements among state agencies, enabling the efficient exchange of workforce data. This data sharing can help inform decision-making and improve service delivery. Ultimately, the aim of comprehensive case management within FL WINS is to create a supportive environment, break down old and stressful structures, and empower individuals with disabilities to thrive in both their professional and personal lives. FL WINS can enhance its effectiveness in serving individuals with disabilities, by leveraging the existing case management tools, offering tailored support, promoting career development, enhancing public message materials, and fostering collaboration among workforce partners to create a more inclusive and accessible workforce system.

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Guardianship The Florida Developmental Disability Council has laid out a comprehensive framework for its 5-Year Plan, aimed at addressing the evolving needs of aging caregivers and their adult family members with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). The plan encompasses several key initiatives and strategies to ensure the well-being and support of this population, including: 1. Interagency Collaboration: The first step involves developing an interagency Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that brings together all relevant state agencies involved in needs assessment, eligibility determination, and care provision for aging caregivers and adults with I/DD. This collaborative approach enhances coordination and resource sharing among agencies. 2. Cross-Network Training: Promoting cross-network training for service providers and case managers fosters a more informed and capable workforce, ensuring that they can effectively address the unique needs of aging caregivers and individuals with I/DD. 3. Infrastructure Expansion: Identifying and addressing the challenges associated with expanding agency infrastructure to accommodate increased clientele due to the elimination of waiting lists is essential. This includes considerations for appropriate compensation and training of staff. 4. Aging Caregiver Planning: Developing a plan for aging caregivers emphasizes creative housing solutions and appropriate supports to cater to aging families. Exploring payment models, such as stipends based on successful models like the Florida Home Care for the Elderly, can enhance personal care services. 5. Maximizing Medicaid: Leveraging federal funding opportunities under Medicaid can strengthen community-based direct service delivery systems and promote deinstitutionalization, aligning with the goal of supporting individuals in integrated settings. 6. Future Planning: Encouraging future and advanced planning by aging caregivers through training and guidance provided by case managers ensures that families are well-prepared and aware of available resources for long-term planning. 7. Information Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of client information across state agencies enhances administrative efficiency and promotes a more holistic approach to care and support. 8. Legislative Commission: Proposing the establishment of a Florida Legislative Commission on Aging Caregivers and Families can facilitate comprehensive planning for increased housing, healthcare, and community service needs in the near future.

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9. Policy Revisions: Identifying and revising policies that break down the silos between aging and developmental disabilities services, while expanding case management for families and individuals with disabilities, to ensure more inclusive and comprehensive care. 10. Funding for Changing Needs: Developing and securing funding for projects supported by relevant agencies, including the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, the Florida Department of Elder Affairs, and the Agency for Health Care Administration, is vital to meet the evolving needs of older caregivers with adult family members with developmental disabilities. This comprehensive framework underscores the commitment of the Florida Developmental Disability Council to improve the lives of aging caregivers and individuals with I/DD, ensuring they receive the support and services needed to thrive within their communities.

Across the Country The Center for Health Care Strategies has been actively collaborating with 14 states to implement key strategies aimed at supporting family caregivers. These strategies encompass various facets: 1. Leveraging New Technologies: Strengthening family caregivers’ capacity by harnessing the power of new technologies to provide assistance and support. 2. Enhancing Access to Respite Care: Expanding access to respite care services to offer caregivers temporary relief from their caregiving responsibilities. 3. Formal Training for Caregivers: Increasing opportunities for formal training and education for family caregivers to equip them with the skills and knowledge needed for effective caregiving. 4. Cross-Sector Partnerships: Building formal partnerships and strategies that span across different sectors, including aging, housing, transportation, health plans, and developmental disabilities, to provide comprehensive support to family caregivers. One notable success story emerges from Virginia’s Department of Medical Assistance, where cross-agency collaboration has enabled the sharing of data related to service utilization by Medicaid enrollees. This collaborative effort has streamlined eligibility determination and assessments, reducing duplication of efforts. Similarly, Iowa has developed a uniform family caregiver assessment tool for Area Agencies on Aging, promoting consistency and effectiveness in assessing the needs of caregivers. Additionally, the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) has recognized successful state efforts to establish intentional partnerships and enhance person-centered counseling for individuals with developmental disabilities and their family caregivers. Georgia has successfully implemented a statewide Aging and Disability Resource Center Advisory Council, bringing together representatives from various agencies and organizations to share data and collaborate on demographic and assessment information, enhancing the coordination of services.

A P P E N D I X 1 : F E D E R A L & STAT E L AW S

FEDERAL & STATE LAWS

AND RULES THAT IMPACT OR LIMIT SUPPORTS OR SERVICES FOR PWD At both the federal and state level, there are statutes, rules, policies and regulations that are most often written to reduce barriers and promote equal opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

Federal Acts The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and the Fair Housing Act at the federal level were enacted over time to prohibit discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all settings, including employment. The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), administered by the U.S. Department of Labor, is a comprehensive federal policy designed to enhance the nation’s workforce development system, particularly for “individuals with barriers to employment,” including individuals with disabilities. The Administration for Community Living (ACL) is the federal agency focused on ensuring that individuals with disabilities of all ages are able to live where they choose, with the people they choose, and with the opportunity to participate fully in their communities. The ACL oversees the Developmental Disabilities and Bill of Rights Act appropriations, which are distributed to each state based on a formula to implement Developmental Disabilities (DD) Councils (i.e., planning and coordinating), University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (i.e., research), and protection and advocacy (i.e., civil rights).

Florida In Florida, several critical laws, rules, and resources are in place to extend protections in federal legislation or to minimize barriers to access, prohibit discrimination against persons with disabilities, enhance the livelihood of individuals with disabilities, and address accessibility in such areas as education, technology, transportation, mental health, civil rights, and workforce participation. The Florida Civil Rights Act of 1992 is meant to secure for all individuals within the state, including those with a disability, freedom from discrimination. Among other provisions under the FCRA, it is unlawful to discriminate against individuals with disabilities in employment, housing, and public accommodations. The Act prohibits employers from engaging in discriminatory practices, such as refusing employment, termination, or denial of reasonable accommodations based on disability status. It also ensures equal access to public accommodations, such as restaurants, stores, and transportation services, by mandating reasonable modifications and removing barriers. The FCRA mirrors and complements federal laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act, by providing additional protections and remedies at the state level. It empowers individuals with disabilities to assert their rights, seek redress for discrimination, and promotes inclusive environments where they can fully participate and contribute.

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The Florida Mental Health Act and the Marchman Act were passed to support Floridians with disabilities dealing with mental illness and substance abuse. It is the intent of the Legislature for these two laws to be implemented by the Department of Children and Families and other departments/agencies in coordination with each other depending on the circumstances of need to evaluate, research, plan, and implement programs designed to reduce the occurrence, severity, duration, and disabling aspects of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders and substance use and addiction abuse, as it impacts home, community, and the workplace. The Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) implements the Developmental Disabilities Waiver Program and often acts in concert with school-based supports for eligible children and youth. The waiver program allows funds that would be typically allocated to institutional care to be used for home and community-based services specific to health support needs. Through the Developmental Disabilities Individual Budgeting (iBudget) Waiver, eligible individuals of any age receive a range of services tailored to their unique needs and includes such things as residential supports, behavioral therapies, vocational training, respite care for primary caregivers, and assistance with daily living activities. The iBudget waiver is designed to make funding the process fair and equitable for all Medicaid recipients on the Developmental Disabilities Waivers and provide more opportunities for recipients to direct their own care, choosing services that matter most for their unique circumstances and the flexibility to respond to changing needs. Programs designed to support infants and children with disabilities include the Blind Babies Program, Early Steps, and Child Find through the Florida Diagnostic and Learning Resources System (a discretionary project through the Florida Department of Education) so that early identification and intervention might mitigate limiting effects of a disability. The Florida Employment First Act is modeled after a national systems-change framework centered on the premise that all individuals, including those individuals with the most significant disabilities, are capable of full participation in Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE) and community life. The general purpose of the initiative “is to prioritize employment of individuals with disabilities and to change the employment system to better integrate individuals with disabilities into the workforce. This act encourages collaborative efforts between state agencies and organizations to achieve better employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities.” The Florida law mandates coordination of publicly financed systems; encourages the alignment of policies, regulatory guidance, and reimbursement structures; and calls for an interagency cooperative agreement among certain state agencies and disabilities service organizations to ensure a long-term commitment to improving employment of persons with disabilities. The following are current partners in the interagency cooperative agreement: Florida Department of Education’s Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services (BEESS), Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR), Florida Division of Blind Services (DBS); Florida Department of Commerce (formerly the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity); Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD); CareerSource Florida; Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF),

A P P E N D I X 1 : F E D E R A L & STAT E L AW S

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Office; Florida Developmental Disabilities Council, Inc. (FDDC); Florida Association of Rehabilitation Facilities; and The Arc of Florida. Information and resources are maintained on the Employment First Florida website at www.employmentfirstfl.org, including accountability measures to ensure the sustainability of the agreement. In 2021, the Florida Legislature passed the REACH Act: Reimagining Education and Career Help, sometimes known by its central tenant of “no wrong door.” It is aimed at bringing a more inclusive and integrated approach to how the state trains for the future of work today. The REACH Act is a significant policy initiative aimed at improving education and employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities and seeks to empower through comprehensive support and resources. It promotes inclusive education practices that facilitate the successful transition from school to post-secondary education or employment and emphasizes the importance of individualized planning, collaboration between educational institutions and employers, and the integration of work-based learning experiences. Through the REACH Act, individuals with disabilities gain access to vocational rehabilitation services, career counseling, and innovative educational programs designed to enhance their employability and independence. The Act also encourages the development of partnerships between educational institutions, businesses, and disability organizations to foster seamless transitions and promote competitive integrated employment opportunities. The Florida Workforce Integrated Networking Systems (FL WINS) Program is responsible for the development and implementation of the consumer-first workforce system. The FL WINS Program is a collaborative effort between the REACH Office, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, Florida Department of Children and Families, Florida Department of Education, and CareerSource Florida, who together are referred to as workforce partner agencies. The Florida Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged is an advisory group responsible for improving transportation accessibility for individuals with disabilities, older adults, and individuals with low incomes. This commission examines the challenges faced by certain populations and provides recommendations to enhance transportation services and ensure equal access. The Florida Assistive Technology Act, an extension of the federal Assistive Technology Act, is designed to enhance the availability and use of assistive technology for individuals with disabilities as a way to strengthen the experience that an individual would have in the workspace or public square and to promote independence, inclusion, and improved quality of life for individuals with disabilities in Florida. The Florida Alliance for Assistive Services & Technology (FAAST) supports this act by increasing access to assistive technology through collaboration with individuals with disabilities, their families, educators, governments, business, and community stakeholders. The use of service animals for Floridians with disabilities is an extension of the Americans with Disabilities Act to outline the rights and responsibilities of an individual with a disability and the use of a service animal, and prohibited discrimination in public employment, public accommodations, and housing accommodations.

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RESPECT of Florida is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization designated by the Florida Department of Management Services and operating by the Florida Association of Rehabilitation Facilities to administer Florida’s State Use Program. This program provides governmental agencies within Florida quality products and services produced by individuals with varying degrees of disability thereby helping to employ Florida citizens with disabilities, reducing their dependence on welfare, and preventing the need for costly institutionalization. RESPECT products and services span technologies and industries and provide a wide array of training opportunities for Floridians with disabilities. There are 15 Centers for Independent Living (CILs) in the State of Florida and three satellite offices. CILs are a one-stop resource for Floridians of all ages and disability types. Their collective goal is to assist individuals with disabilities with independent living in their community of choice by providing an array of services, including advocacy, information and referral, peer support, skills training, community transitions and diversion from nursing homes and institutions, and transitions supports from the K-12 public school system. CILs also engage in their communities to work with partners to make the community more accessible and inclusive to all disabilities and are unique in that a majority of their board and staff members are individuals with disabilities. HOPE FLORIDA, originally designed to empower Floridians on their path to prosperity and self-sufficiency, has expanded its mission to support individuals with disabilities through the Pathway to Possibilities initiative. This program, led by the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, offers the expertise of dedicated Hope Navigators to assist individuals with disabilities and their families. These Hope Navigators work closely with participants to help them achieve their goals, overcome obstacles, navigate government services, and cultivate a robust support network within their local communities. The program also facilitates connections with various community-based providers, including nonprofits, faith-based organizations, peer support networks, and private sector businesses, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can access a comprehensive array of resources and opportunities. The Florida Unique Abilities Partner Program was created to assist in designating a business entity as a Florida Unique Abilities Partner if the business demonstrates commitment, through employment or support, to the independence of individuals who have a disability. Implementation is a coordinated public-private effort in conjunction with program services provided by the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation of the Department of Education, the Division of Blind Services of the Department of Education, and CareerSource Florida, Inc. The Florida legislature passed the Florida Achieving a Better Life Experience Act in 2015. This law establishes ABLE United to oversee the state of Florida’s qualified ABLE program. This program offers tax-free savings and investment options to encourage individuals with a disability and their families to save private funds to support health, independence, and quality of life. The Florida Endowment for Vocational Rehabilitation, operating under the dba of The Able Trust, is a direct support organization to the state’s vocational rehabilitation program. The Able Trust uses research to better understand and support Florida’s disability employment systems and stakeholders.

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EMPLOYMENT FIRST COORDINATION CHART The five-year Interagency Cooperative Agreements (i.e., 2014 and 2019), state that Employment First partners are “fully committed to working together to improve the number and percentage of growth in competitive employment for individuals with disabilities.” The general purpose of the agreement is to provide a framework for a long-term commitment to improving employment outcomes for Floridians with disabilities. The agreement outlines specific roles and responsibilities along with the following objectives: y Establishing a commitment by the leadership of the agencies and organizations to maximize resources and coordination to improve employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities who seek publicly funded services; y Developing strategic goals and benchmarks to assist the agencies and organizations in implementing the agreement; y Identifying financing and contracting methods that will help to prioritize employment for individuals with disabilities; y Establishing training methods to better integrate individuals with disabilities into the workforce; y Ensuring collaborative efforts between multiple agencies to achieve the purposes of the act; y Promoting service innovations to better assist individuals with disabilities in the workplace; y and State level stakeholders continued to meet regularly, and the Grassroots Group meets quarterly via webinars.

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Agency & Operational Structure

Services

Coordination Activities

Eligibility Requirements

Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD)

Administers the Developmental Disability iBudget waiver program, two Developmental Disability Centers, the Developmental Disabilities Defendant Program and the Consumer-Directed Care Plus program. The Division of Programs is comprised of the following three bureaus:

APD has formal agreements with many entities which address employment and other related issues for people with disabilities including:

In order to be eligible for services APD, an individual must have a developmental disability (as defined in section 393.063(12), Florida Statutes), which occurs prior to age 18 and constitutes a substantial handicap that can reasonably be expected to continue indefinitely. Disabilities served by APD include:

• Director’s Office • Office of the Chief of Staff • Division of Budget and Planning • Division of Operations • Division of Programs • Office of Information Technology • Office of Inspector General • Office of Performance and Accountability

• Program Development, Compliance and Quality Management which is primarily responsible for coordinating with AHCA on the preparation and submission of waivers to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

• Employment First • The Florida Development Disabilities Council • FDOE, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation • Transition Success Network as required in HB1517 to create a continuum of guidance & information for individuals with developmental disabilities:

• Consumer-Directed Care Plus oversees the Medicaid State Plan Amendment enables states to offer a self-directed service delivery model for personal assistance services as a state plan option, by allowing iBudget waiver enrollees to directly hire workers and vendors to help with daily care needs such as personal care, respite, and transportation. • State-Operated Facilities operates two developmental disability centers for people who need structured care 24 hours a day

• Intellectual disabilities (Full Scale IQ of 70 or below) • Severe forms of autism • Spina bifida cystica or myelomeningocele • Cerebral palsy

- FDOE/VR

• Prader-Willi syndrome

- FDOE, Division of Adult Education

• Down syndrome

- 3 Local School Districts (Orange, Collier, Leon) - Florida Center for Students with Unique Abilities

• Phelan-McDermid syndrome or • Individuals between the ages of 3-5 at high risk for a developmental disability

- Florida Dept. of Children and Families - Florida Dept. of Health, Early Steps Program - Project 10 - Florida Dept. of Commerce, Unique Abilities Program • Dept. of Commerce and Dept. of Revenue – wage data sharing agreement • Florida Agency for Healthcare Administration (AHCA)

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APD

20112012

20122013

20132014

20142015

2015 2016

2016 2017

2017 2018

2018 2019

2019 2020

# of Customers w/ Disabilities Served

50,862

51,282

56,177

52,190

53,289

54,764

59,735

61,110

62,384

# Competitively Employed

3,188

3,208

3,075

2,485

2,367

2,837

2,957

1,922

2,410

15,940

14,376

13,208

13,794

16,273

16,493

16,088

54,764*

15,972

(Number (Number in Day in Day Services Services ADT & SE ADT & SE only) only)

(Number in Day Services ADT & SE only)

Number in Day Services ADT & SE only)

Number in Day Services (ADT & SE only)

# Employed in Subminimum Wage

Sources: Annual Reports to ICI State Data; Annual APD Long-Range Program Plan; APD Monthly Data Reports. * The reduction in numbers from previous years is due to data collection changes from implementing a new client data management system for the agency. More accuracy is expected in next year’s report.

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Agency & Operational Structure Florida Department of Education, Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services (BEESS) BEESS is a bureau within FDOE, Division of Public Schools • Office of the Bureau Chief • Instructional Support Services (ISS)

Services

Coordination Activities

Eligibility Requirements

Administers programs for students with disabilities, coordinates exceptional student services throughout the state, and participates in multiple inter-agency efforts designed to strengthen the quality and variety of services available to eligible students with disabilities.

BEESS has formal agreements with many entities which address employment and other related issues for people with disabilities including:

Students are eligible for services if they found, through a school district evaluation, to have a disability as defined in the Individual with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and require special education services or accommodations.

• Employment First • FDOE/VR • FDOE/DBS

• Student Support Services Bridge Unit • Dispute Resolution and Monitoring (DRM) • Program Accountability, Assessment & Data Systems (PAADS)

BEESS

20102011

20112012

20122013

20132014

20142015

2015 2016

2016 2017

2017 2018

2018 2019

2019 2020

2020 2021

# of Customers w/ Disabilities Served

20,996

18,337

19,984

19,474

19,680

19,646

19,440

17,800

18,363

14,335

16,759

# Competitively Employed

2,407

2,140

2,757

2,930

2,893

3,143

5,104

5,242

5,025

5,135

6,430

# in other employment (not defined)

1,709

1,648

1,874

1,883

1,842

2,036

1,128

1,029

977

756

701

Source: Employment First Annual Reports

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Agency & Operational Structure

Services

Florida Department of Education, Division of Blind Services (DBS)

Blind Babies

DBS is a division within Florida Department of Education • Office of the Director • Bureau of Client Services: - Blind Babies Program - Children’s Program - Vocational Rehabilitation Program Including Pre-Employment Transition Services - Independent Living Program • Bureau of Business Enterprise Program • Bureau of Braille and Talking Book Library • Career, Technology, and Training Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired

• Community-based early-intervention education to children from birth through five years of age Children’s Program • Provides education services to children who are blind from five years of age through transition to the Vocational Rehabilitation Program. Supplements services already offered by the school system to foster the child's learning and ability to function independently. Vocational Rehabilitation Program • Assists individuals with disabilities in preparing for, obtaining, and maintaining employment. The goal of vocational rehabilitation is to help individuals with disabilities achieve greater independence, self-sufficiency, and integration into the workforce. Independent Living Program • Services to enable individuals who are blind or severely visually impaired to live more independently in their homes and communities with a maximum degree of self-direction. Business Enterprise Program • Provides job opportunities in the food service sector for eligible blind persons under the Randolph-Sheppard Act. Job opportunities include: Snack Bar, Cafeteria, Highway Vending Machines, or Non-Highway Vending Braille and Talking Book Library • Provides information and reading materials needed by individuals who are unable to use standard print because of a visual, physical, or reading disability. Rehabilitation Center • Provides instruction in a variety of independence skills, case management, technology and adaptive equipment training, college preparation, job readiness, adaptation to blindness and skills that contribute to independence and employment.

100

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Coordination Activities

Eligibility Requirements

DBS has formal agreements with many entities which address employment and other related issues for people with disabilities including:

Blind Babies and Children’s Programs

• Employment First • FDOE, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation • Florida Required Partners under the Workforce Innovation & Opportunities Act (WIOA) including CSF and FDOE/VR • Florida Association of Agencies Serving the Blind (FAASB) • The Florida Rehabilitation Council for the Blind • FDOE/BEESS

A child must have: • A bilateral visual impairment which, with best correction for that individual, constitutes or results in a substantial impediment to the child’s ability to learn, or function independently, or to become employed; and • A reasonable expectation that services may benefit the child and family in terms of education, independence, and transition. Pre-employment Transition, Transition Services, and Vocational Rehabilitation Programs • Individuals must have a visual impairment in both eyes and require vocational rehabilitation services to obtain, maintain, or retain an employment outcome. Independent Living Program • An adult must have a visual impairment in both eyes and require services to improve or maintain their independence at their home and community. Business Enterprise Program • An individual must be legally blind, • Be a client of the Florida Division of Blind Services, • Be at least 18 years of age, • Be a United States citizen, • Have a high school diploma or GED, • Pass a physical exam, • Submit to and pass a Level 2 Criminal Background Screening, • Successfully complete Florida Business Enterprise training and licensing requirements. Braille and Talking Book Library • Must be a Florida resident who is unable to use standard print as the result of visual, physical, or reading disabilities. Rehabilitation Center • Must be an eligible consumer of a DBS program (VR, Transition, Independent Living, Business Enterprise)

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DBS # of Customers w/ Disabilities Served

20112012

20122013

20122014

20142015

20152016

20162017

2017 2018

20182019

20192020

20202021

20212022

20222023

5,313

5,241

5,225

5,203

5,227

5,232

4,903

4,854

4,984

4,923

4,999

5,012

729

700

713

761

840

855

852

888

822

890

942

921

$12.12 $13.88 $13.04 $14.34

$14.34

$14.49

$14.73

$14.64

$16.85

$16.90

$16.56

$18.73

(Employment Program Customers) # Competitively Employed (Successful Employment Closures) Average Hourly Wage

Source: DBS case management system (AWARE) Please note that the data for # Competitively Employed aligns with the data reported by DBS. We found flaws in this line of data within the 2019-2020 Employment First Annual Report that was published.

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Agency & Operational Structure Florida Department of Education, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) VR is a division within Florida Department of Education • Office of the Director - Bureau of Field Services - Bureau of Compliance & Quality Assurance - Bureau of Information Technology - Bureau of Vendor & Contracted Services

Services

Coordination Activities

VR assists individuals with disabilities in preparing for, obtaining, and maintaining employment. The goal of vocational rehabilitation is to prepare individuals with disabilities to achieve greater independence, selfsufficiency, and providing education and training that lead to integration into the workforce. The division manages many programs related to employment and independent living including:

VR has formal agreements with many entities which address employment and other related issues for people with disabilities including:

• Pre-Employment Transition Services • Adult Vocational Rehabilitation Services • Independent Living Services • Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Deaf/Blind Services • Supported Employment • Ticket to Work (for recipients of Supplemental Security Income and Social Security Disability Income) • Self-Employment Services • Career Counseling Information and Referral Services for subminimum wage 14(c) employers.

• Employment First • Agency for Persons with Disabilities • FDOE, Division of Blind Services • Florida Required Partners under the Workforce Innovation & Opportunities Act (WIOA) including CSF and FDOE/DBS

Eligibility Requirements To be eligible for VR services, an individual must have a disability and requires vocational rehabilitation services to prepare for, enter, engage in, or retain gainful employment. Individuals determined to have a disability as determined by other state or federal agencies, such as Social Security, may be used.

• FDOE/Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Support (FDOE/BEESS) • Florida Dept. of Children & Families, Office of Substance Abuse and Mental Health (FDCF/SAMH) • Florida Alliance for Assistive Services and Technologies (FAAST) • The Florida Rehabilitation Council • Florida Independent Living Council • The Able Trust • APD Transition Success Network (HB 1517)

• ArtCIE – federal grant to encourage individuals in subminimum wage jobs or those considering subminimum to pursue competitive integrated employment (CIE)

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20112012

20122013

20132014

20142015

20152016

20162017

20172018

20182019

20192020

# of Customers w/ Disabilities Served

50,026

57,004

53,141

39,207

42,099

45,887

46,323

48,516

49,661

# Competitively Employed

6,071

6,523

7,214

5,760

5,194

5,975

4,751

5,924

5,389

Average Hourly Wage

$10.86

$10.98

$11.15

$11.38

$11.44

$11.91

$11.94

$12.12

$12.07

Source: VR’s Rehabilitation Information Management System. (RIMS)

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Agency & Operational Structure Department of Children and Families, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Program Office (SAMH) SAMH is an office within the Florida Department of Children and Families

Eligibility Requirements

Services

Coordination Activities

SAMH is responsible for the oversight of a statewide system of care for the prevention, treatment, and recovery of children and adults with serious mental illnesses or substance abuse disorders. SAMH is responsible for planning, managing and evaluating a statewide program of mental health services and supports, including community programs, crisis services, state residential treatment facilities, and children’s mental health services.

DCF/SAMH has formal agreements with many entities which address employment and other related issues for people with disabilities including: • Employment First • Collaborative for increasing Individual Placement Support services including: - FDOE/VR - Florida Agency for Healthcare Administration, Medicaid Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Program

Provides for various treatment options including: • Treatment for Substance Abuse • Adult Mental Health • Children’s Mental Health

- CareerSource FL • APD Transition Success Network (HB 1517)

Substance Abuse Eligibility: SAMH provides treatment for substance abuse for adolescents and adults affected by substance misuse, abuse or dependence. SAMH provides mental health services for people in crisis, people with serious, disabling or potentially disabling mental illnesses who live in the community, who cannot otherwise access mental health care, and certain people with serious mental illnesses who get involved with the criminal justice system.

• State Mental Health Treatment Facilities

DCF, SAMH

20122013

20132014

20142015

20152016

20162017

20172018

20182019

20192020

# of Customers w/ Disabilities Served

233,518

322,173

327,423

303,768

309,451

316,299

339,093

248,322

1,078

1,287

1,747

1,934

2,341

2,081

3,602

1,485

# Competitively Employed (Total Persons Receiving Employment Services)

Source: Employment First Annual Reports

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Agency & Operational Structure Florida Developmental Disabilities Council (FDDC) The Florida Developmental Disabilities Council is an advisory board, established under the federal Developmental Disabilities and Bill of Rights Act, 2000. FDDC is governed by the board which is appointed by the Governor and made up of individuals with developmental disabilities, family members, and other stakeholders.

Services

Coordination Activities

Eligibility Requirements

FDDC affects policy and services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their families and their supports through education, advocacy and partnerships. FDDC funds special projects and initiatives related to research, education, advocacy, policy, and legislative action that enhance the quality of life, inclusion, and self-determination of individuals with developmental disabilities.

CSF has formal agreements with many entities which address employment and other related issues for people with disabilities including:

FDDC sponsored programs are for children and adults who live with disabilities which are attributable to intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, autism, spina bifida, Down syndrome, PhelanMcDermid syndrome, or Prader-Willi syndrome; that manifests before the age of 18; and that constitutes a substantial handicap that can reasonably be expected to continue indefinitely.

• Employment First • Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities

FDDC has an Executive Director and a team of staff who coordinate special projects and grants related to its 5-Year State Plan.

FDDC

20102011

20142015

20152016

20162017

20172018

20182019

20192020

# of Customers w/ Disabilities Served

Not Not Not Not Not Reported Reported Reported Reported Reported

164

159

223

250

235

119

110

144

180

140

Not Reported

$9.59

$9.75

$10.22

# Competitively Employed Average Hourly Wage

20112012

137

20122013

249

20132014

248

168

Not Not Not Not Not Not Reported Reported Reported Reported Reported Reported

Source: Program Performance Report Please note that the 2019-20 Employment First Annual Report omitted the 2017-18 data. Also, please note that the FDDC number employed in the 2017-18 Easy Read Employment First Annual Report should have been 144, rather than 110.

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Agency & Operational Structure Florida Association of Rehabilitation Facilities (Florida ARF) Florida ARF is a 501 (c) (3) public education institution and trade association. It is governed by a board of directors made up of its member organizations. • President & CEO - Operations - Finance - RESPECT of Florida

Services

Coordination Activities

Eligibility Requirements

Florida ARF is a statewide, professional industry association that provides advocacy, information, and networking for individuals with disabilities and the community agencies that serve them.

Florida ARF has formal agreements with many entities which address employment and other related issues for people with disabilities including:

Member agencies of Florida ARF serve eligible individuals of many public programs including:

• Employment First

• DBS

Florida ARF has operational and oversight responsibilities for RESPECT of Florida which is the central nonprofit agency for the State of Florida and works with nonprofit organizations around the state to employ persons with disabilities in the production of products and services that are sold to state and local government agencies.

• APD • VR • SAMH • CSF • FDDC RESPECT of Florida provides job opportunities for individuals who are blind or have other disabilities.

FARF, RESPECT of Florida

20152016

20162017

20172018

20182019

20192020

20202021

20212022

20222023

# of Customers w/ Disabilities Served

1,173

1,201

1,246

1,198

1,181

972

1074

1164

# Employed in Subminimum Wage

250

257

225

212

112

Average Hourly Wage

$9.25

$9.39

$9.49

$9.83

$10.43

$10.79

$11.92

$12.76

Source: RESPECT Annual Recertification Data

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Agency & Operational Structure CareerSource Florida (CSF) CareerSource Florida is the statewide workforce policy and investment board. Our partners include the Department of Commerce, 24 local workforce development boards and 100 career centers throughout Florida. CSF is governed by the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunities Act (WIOA) encompasses programs administered by CSF and the state Vocational Rehabilitation programs including Blind Services

Services

Coordination Activities

Eligibility Requirements

CSF provides support to and oversight of the 24 local workforce development boards throughout the state and offers resources to assist individuals with job searches, career development and training.

CSF has formal agreements with many entities which address employment and other related issues for people with disabilities including:

Individuals are eligible who have been determined to have a barrier to employment which means 1 or more of the following populations: • Displaced homemakers • Low-income individuals Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians • Individuals with disabilities, including youth who are individuals with disabilities. • Older individuals. • Ex-offenders. • Homeless individuals or homeless children and youths • Youth who are in or have aged out of the foster care system. • Individuals who are English language learners, individuals who have low levels of literacy, and individuals facing substantial cultural barriers. • Migrant and seasonal farmworkers • Individuals within 2 years of exhausting lifetime eligibility under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act • Single parents (including single pregnant women). • Long-term unemployed individuals. • Such other groups as the Governor determines to have barriers to employment.

• Employment First

The primary programs/ target audiences which include:

• Florida Required Partners under the Workforce Innovation & Opportunities Act (WIOA) including FDOE/VR, FDOE/DBS, and Florida Dept. of Commerce, Unique Abilities Program

• Adults

• DCF/SAMH

Services offered through the local CS offices include training, certifications, apprenticeships, and job search assistance.

• Youth • Dislocated Workers • Adult Education • Wagner Peyser People with disabilities are represented in each of these programs/audiences.

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A P P E N D I X 2 : E M P LOY M E N T F I RST C O O R D I N AT I O N C H A RT

Agency & Operational Structure Department of Commerce, Unique Abilities Partners Program

Services

Coordination Activities

Eligibility Requirements

The Florida Unique Abilities Partner Program recognizes businesses that employ individuals who have a disability as well as businesses that establish or contribute to organizations that support the independence of individuals who have a disability.

The Unique Abilities Partners Program has formal agreements with many entities which address employment and other related issues for people with disabilities including: · Employment First · Florida Required Partners under the Workforce Innovation & Opportunities Act (WIOA) including FDOE/VR, FDOE/DBS, and CareerSource FL · APD Transition Success Network (HB 1517)

Businesses designated as a Unique Abilities Partner must demonstrate their support and commitment to the independence of Floridians with unique abilities.

Florida Commerce (Formerly DEO) and CSF

20172018

20182019

20192020

20202021

20212022

20222023

# of Customers w/ Disabilities Served

46,476

41,682

25,157

17,400

13,488

13,185

# Customers with Disabilities Competitively Employed

45,243

40,418

24,150

16,519

12,876

12,613

Source: The data was pulled from 4th quarter PIRL files for all participants who had a disability = 1; employment is defined as having employment (empqtr2 = 1) in second quarter after exit. NOTE: WP for PY2016 was recorded differently. Agency & Operational Structure The Arc of Florida, Inc. The Arc of Florida is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit trade association. It is governed by a board of directors made up of its member organizations. • CEO - Operations - Finance

Services

Coordination Activities

Eligibility Requirements

The Arc of Florida is a membership association that works with local, state, and national partners to advocate for local chapters, public policies, and high quality supports for people with developmental and other disabilities to be fully included in all aspects of their community.

The Arc has formal agreements with many entities which address employment and other related issues for people with disabilities including: • Employment First

Member organizations of the Arc provide a wide variety of services to individuals with developmental disabilities and other life challenges.

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PARTNER INFORMATION

Florida Vocational Rehabilitation

Helps people with disabilities find and maintain employment and enhance their independence. https://www.rehabworks.org/

Agency for Persons with Disabilities

Works with local organizations and private providers to support people who have developmental disabilities and their families in living, learning, and working in their communities. https://apd.myflorida.com/

The Family Café

Provides individuals with disabilities and their families with an opportunity for collaboration, advocacy, friendship and empowerment by serving as a facilitator of communication, a space for dialogue and a source of information. https://familycafe.net/

Florida Association of Rehabilitation Facilities / RESPECT of Florida

Promotes the interests of individuals with disabilities by acting as a public policy change agent, and to promote and serve the interests of community human service provider organizations. https://www.floridaarf.org/

Florida Disabled Outdoors Association

Enhances lives through accessible, inclusive recreation. https://www.fdoa.org/

The Florida Association of Centers for Independent Living

A statewide membership organization whose mission is to coordinate advocacy efforts that increase the capacity of Florida’s network of Centers for Independent Living to support community living and independence for Floridians with disabilities. https://floridacils.org/

Florida Division of Blind Services

Helps blind and visually impaired Floridians achieve their goals and live productive and independent lives. https://dbs.fldoe.org/

Florida Alliance for Assistive Services & Technology (FAAST)

Provides a supportive partnership between Florida business and government to provide assistive technology products and services which will enable persons with disabilities to participate in independent living, education, work and recreation from birth to death. www.FAAST.org

NAMI Florida

To improve the quality of life of individuals and their families affected by mental illness through education, support and advocacy. https://namiflorida.org/

Disability Rights Florida

Disability Rights Florida was founded in 1977 as the statewide designated protection and advocacy system for individuals with disabilities in the State of Florida. Disability Rights Florida is a not-for-profit corporation that has authority and responsibility under nine federal grants. https://disabilityrightsflorida.org/

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Florida Department of Health

The spearhead for public health in Florida with statewide responsibilities; Florida’s 67 county health departments; 8 Children’s Medical Services area offices; 12 Medical Quality Assurance regional offices; 9 Disability Determinations regional offices; and 3 public health laboratories. https://www.floridahealth.gov/index.html

Florida Commission for Transportation Disadvantaged

Ensures the availability of efficient, cost-effective, and quality transportation services for transportation disadvantaged persons. The Transportation Disadvantaged Program is a coordinated state-wide effort which groups riders together for a shared ride service. https://ctd.fdot.gov/

Family Network on Disabilities

Florida’s resource for helping families of children with disabilities. https://fndusa.org/

Arc of Florida

Advocates for local chapters, public policies, and high quality supports for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to be fully included in all aspects of their community. https://www.arcflorida.org/

The Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services (FDOE/BEESS)

Coordinates student services throughout the state and participates in multiple inter-agency efforts designed to strengthen the quality and variety of services available to eligible students with disabilities. https://www.fldoe.org/academics/exceptional-student-edu/

Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD)

Provides individuals with Autism or related disabilities, their families, and professionals who work with them with free consultation, resources, and educational support to build knowledge, infrastructure, sustainability, and capacity within the community. • Florida Centers for Autism and Related Disabilities • Florida Atlantic University www.autism.fau.edu • Florida State University fsucard.com • University of Central Florida www.ucf-card.org • University of Florida at Gainesville www.card.ufl.edu • University of Florida at Jacksonville www.hscj.ufl.edu/pediatrics/autism/ • University of Miami www.umcard.org • University of South Florida card-usf.fmhi.usf.edu https://florida-card.org/map.htm

Disability Policy Works

Florida Developmental Disabilities Council

Develops and applies innovative practices to make policy work for people with disabilities. They seek to foster a national dialog and build collaborative partnerships that maximize public, nonprofit and business sector resources. www.disabilitypolicyworks.org Affects policy and services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their families and their supports through education, advocacy and partnerships. https://www.fddc.org/

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W W W. AB LE TRUST.ORG/ 56

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I. Background & Purpose Florida has over 400,000 k-12 students with disabilities in the public school system. These students deserve opportunities to participate in career exploration, postsecondary education exploration and personal development activities. The Able Trust has been a leader in supporting students with disabilities through High School High Tech (HSHT), a comprehensive transition and career development program. HSHT provides experiences for 1300-1400 students annually. The Able Trust also has an entrepreneurial program, Project Venture, for students with disabilities to explore entrepreneurism and develop workplace soft skills like critical thinking, teamwork and conflict resolution. Between these two programs only a fraction of Florida’s youth with disabilities are receiving supports from The Able Trust. The Able Trust shares the goal with FDOE/VR to support more of Florida’s students with disabilities through a less intense version of High School High Tech. This new program will utilize the established guidelines and structure of traditional HSHT to usher students with disabilities into career and postsecondary pathways increasing the likelihood of employment. We believe we have a greater chance of success through a robust partnership with the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations (CFEF), an organization that has access to school districts State-wide. II. Scope of Work The Able Trust and Consortium of Florida Education Foundations will engage in a partnership for six months. The funds will be utilized by The Able Trust and disseminated by CFEF to education foundations around the state to support the development of HSHT lite. CFEF will be responsible for: • Working with The Able Trust staff to develop a funding opportunity for local education foundations to support students with disabilities. • Collect data points and other information from local education foundations on success of their efforts. • Compile a complete report of activities funded by The Able Trust. • Providing access to CFEF state matching funds (1:1) for program grantees (i.e., district education foundations). • Grants to local educational foundation will serve students with disabilities as identified by either an IEP or 504. III. PERIOD OF AGREEMENT The term of the agreement will be for a period of up to six (6) months with the possibility of an extension. This agreement is expected to commence by January 1, 2024, and end June 30, 2024 unless an extension(s) is approved by The Able Trust. Should the project need to end sooner The Able Trust will provide 30 days’ prior notice. IV. GRANT TERMS This agreement will provide for a grant of $75,000 to Consortium of Florida Education Foundations for their support of programs to support students with disabilities in career and postsecondary exploration. The parties will negotiate grant terms including scope, budget, timelines, and other necessary items. All training content, materials, resources, and supports produced from this project are the property of The Able Trust. The Able Trust Board of Directors is responsible for approving and evaluating the effectiveness of the grant.

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I. Background & Purpose The system that exists to assist persons with disabilities (PWD) in preparing for and entering the competitive workforce can pose complex, dynamic challenges that have a web of interconnected elements. The Able Trust is proposing a grant agreement with Broward College to utilize a systems analysis process to gain clarity about the system that encompasses students with disabilities transitioning from high school into postsecondary education and then into employment post attainment. Using the analysis, we intend to identify opportunities to gain leverage and develop an approach to learning, adapting, and understanding the system and how to engage it effectively. By using an approach of systems analysis, we contend that we can push beyond the immediate problems to see the underlying patterns, the ways we may leverage the system, and how we can learn and adapt as the system continues to change. We believe a systems analysis will give us a way to embrace the complexity and work toward a healthier, more accessible workforce development system for PWD and their families. II. Scope of Work A team representing The Able Trust and Broward College will engage in systems analysis for a period of six (6) months with the possibility of extension based on positive outcomes. The work of the team will be facilitated by The Able Trust and include the following: • • • • • •

Identifying a core team of 2-3 representatives from both The Able Trust and Broward College for a total of 4-6 core team members. Using a systems analysis process to identify and highlight the structures that make up the disability workforce development system. Creating a system map and narrative which can be used to develop hypotheses for testing and impacting the system. Sharing the map with stakeholders to test our understanding of the system and iterate as necessary. Identifying 1-3 leverage points for testing using the Lean Impact Model 1 Broward College will leverage their position within the community to gather insights and participation from relevant stakeholders.

III. PERIOD OF AGREEMENT The term of the agreement will be for a period of up to six (6) months with the possibility of an extension. This agreement is expected to commence by January 1, 2024, and end June 30, 2024 unless an extension(s) is approved by The Able Trust. Should the project need to end sooner The Able Trust will provide 30 days’ prior notice. IV. GRANT TERMS This agreement will provide for a grant of $20,000 to Broward College for their full participation in the proposed work. The parties will negotiate grant terms including scope, budget, timelines, and other necessary items. All training content, materials, resources, and supports produced from this project are

Lean Impact: How to Innovate for Radically Greater Social Good, Ann Mei Chang, 2018

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the property of The Able Trust. The Able Trust Board of Directors is responsible for approving and evaluating the effectiveness of the grant.

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Annual Conflict of Interest and Disclosure Statements To: Board of Directors Subject: Conflict of Interest Statement Each officer, director and employee shall sign a statement affirming that he/she: 1) Has received a copy of the Conflict of Interest Statement; 2) Has read and understands the policy; 3) Has agreed to comply with the policy; 4) Understands that The Able Trust is a charitable foundation and in order to maintain its federal tax exemption, must engage primarily in activities that accomplish one or more of its tax exempt purposes. Subject: Annual Disclosure Statement I believe that the following relationships, positions, or circumstances in which I am involved could possibly contribute to a Conflict of Interest arising: (if none, indicate none)

_____________________________________________________________________________

Signed: _________________________________ Print Name: _____________________________ Dated: ________________________________

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Ethics Policy Adopted by The Able Trust Board of Directors on 12-12-2014 POLICY STATEMENT The Able Trust, legally incorporated as the Florida Endowment Foundation for Vocational Rehabilitation (Foundation) is a public/private 501(c) (3) not-for-profit foundation created by Florida Statute 413.615 and whose mission is to be a key leader in providing Floridians with disabilities opportunities for successful employment. The Able Trust is committed to lawful and ethical behavior in all of its activities and requires officers, directors, volunteers, and employees to act in accordance with all applicable laws, regulations and policies and to observe high standards of business and personal ethics in the conduct of their duties and responsibilities.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Members of the Board of Directors are appointed by the Governor of Florida and are therefore considered to be public officers and must adhere to ethics policies stated in Florida Statute 112.313. Board members serve in a volunteer capacity and subscribe to the following: 1. Take no action that could result in personal benefit or is in conflict with the bylaws of the Foundation, as referred to in the Conflict of Interest Policy; 2. Ensure that the Foundation is operated in a manner that upholds the organization’s integrity and merits the trust and support of the public; 3. Uphold all applicable laws and regulations; 4. Deal with the President/CEO, Ambassadors, employees, volunteers, individuals served and the public in an honest, confidential and trustworthy manner; 5. Be a responsible steward of the Foundation’s resources; 6. Carefully consider the public perception of personal and professional actions and the effect they could have, positively or negatively, on the Foundation’s reputation in the community and elsewhere;

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7. Refrain from unwarranted intrusion into the responsibilities of the Foundation’s operational management; 8. Comply with the requirements of the Sunshine Amendment; 9. Uphold and act in compliance with the Code of Ethics for Public Officers (F.S. 112.313).

AMBASSADORS Ambassadors are appointed by the Board of Directors, serve in a volunteer capacity and subscribe to the following: 1. Take no action that could result in personal benefit or is in conflict with the bylaws of the Foundation, as referred to in the Conflict of Interest Policy; 2. If, as a result of service as an Ambassador, an individual enjoys a direct personal or business benefit, he or she shall voluntarily resign the position of Ambassador. 3. Uphold all applicable laws and regulations; 4. Deal with the Board of Directors, President/CEO, employees, volunteers, and individuals served and the public in an honest, confidential and trustworthy manner; 5. Carefully consider the public perception of personal and professional actions and the effect they could have, positively or negatively, on the Foundation’s reputation in the community and elsewhere. PRESIDENT AND CEO The President and CEO of the Foundation assumes a public trust, recognizes the importance of high ethical standards within the organizational leadership and subscribes to the following principles. 1. No action will be taken that could result in personal benefit or is in conflict with the bylaws of the Foundation, as referred to in the Conflict of Interest Policy. 2. The Foundation should operate in a manner that upholds the organization’s integrity and merits the trust and support of the public. 3. The Foundation will be in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

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4. The Board of Directors, Ambassadors, employees, volunteers, and individuals served and the public will be dealt with in an honest, confidential and trustworthy manner. 5. The President and CEO will be a responsible steward of the Foundation’s resources. 6. The President and CEO will carefully consider the public perception of personal and professional actions and the effect they could have, positively or negatively, on the Foundation’s reputation in the community and elsewhere. 7. Personal and professional growth will be addressed to improve effectiveness as the Foundation’s President and CEO. 8. Caution will be exercised when engaging in political activity both from a candidate and issue perspective. EMPLOYEES The Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and will make reasonable accommodations, consistent with applicable laws, to the known disabilities of an otherwise qualified applicant or employee who is able to perform the essential functions of the position. It is the Foundation’s policy to not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, disability or other protected status (including sexual harassment), and to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws on employment and employment practices. Under the President and CEO, employees of the Foundation will work diligently to fulfill the mission according to approved goals and objectives and in compliance with approved policies and ascribe to the following.. 1. Take no action that could result in personal benefit or is in conflict with the bylaws of the Foundation, as referred to in the Conflict of Interest Policy 2. Create and maintain a climate of loyalty, trust and mutual respect. 3. Support the decisions of management. Employees are encouraged to provide input, but the staff must ultimately follow management’s decisions. 4. Uphold all applicable laws and regulations to protect and enhance the Foundation’s ability to meet its mission. 5. Be a responsible steward of the Foundation’s resources.

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6. Strive for personal and professional growth to improve effectiveness of job duties. 7. Carefully consider the public perception of personal and professional actions and the effect they could have, positively or negatively, on the Foundation’s reputation in the community and elsewhere. 8. Safeguard any information about a donor, agency or any internal business, documents, decisions and policies. All such information will be treated as confidential and will be used and disclosed only for legitimate Foundation business. 9. Use caution and discretion to protect the confidential nature concerning transactions or personal information about present and prospective agencies or donors. 10. Safeguard proprietary market research reports and data, financial information and other confidential and proprietary information regarding the Foundation. This information will not be released to any person unless it has been published in reports or otherwise made available to the public in accordance with applicable disclosure regulations currently in effect. 11. Safeguard personnel information. 12. As private citizens, employees are free to participate in the political process; however, any participation must be as an individual, and employment with the Foundation cannot be used or exploited in any way.

FINANCIAL PRACTICES 1. All financial practices shall be handled in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. 2. All financial matters shall be conducted within the standards of commonly accepted sound financial management practices. 3. All financial matters that fall within the purview of the organization’s financial management policies shall comply with those policies 4. All financial matters covered by the organization’s by-laws shall be handled in accordance with those by-laws. FUNDRAISING ACTIVITIES

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1. Fundraising activities will never knowingly mislead or misinform the public or misrepresent the Foundation. 2. Fundraising activities will uphold the integrity of the Foundation in order to merit the continued support and trust of the public. 3. Fundraising activities will not exploit the public by taking advantage of their empathy toward persons served by the Foundation. TREATMENT OF INDIVIDUALS SERVED The following will serve as guiding principles when dealing with individuals served by The Able Trust: 1. To promote self-esteem in those we serve and supervise 2. To treat individuals served with respect and dignity regardless of their disability 3. To cultivate an atmosphere that fosters learning and development in those we serve 4. To be mindful of attitudinal, architectural and communication barriers that may exist in the organization. Where barriers exist, the organization must consider corrective action. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:

Each officer, director, ambassador and employee shall sign a statement affirming that he/she: • • • •

Has received a copy of the Ethics Policy; Has read and understands the policy; Has agreed to comply with the policy; Understands that the Foundation is a charitable foundation and in order to maintain its federal tax exemption, must engage primarily in activities that accomplish one or more of its tax exempt purposes.

Any employee who violates one of the organization’s Ethics Policy may face corrective action. Board action may be taken with any director who violates the Ethics Policy. Statements of acknowledgement of officers, directors, ambassadors and employees shall be kept in appropriate files in the office of the President and CEO. Accepted: ____________________________________ Date: ___________________ Print Name: _____________________________________________________________

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YEAR-1 STRATEGIC PRIORITY 1: Be the rich source of disability employment data and research for Florida.

Year-1 Key Metrics

1. Conduct a minimum of 20 listening sessions with audiences of business, educators, individuals and providers from urban, suburban and rural Florida communities. Exceeded 2. Release findings and recommendations of research, data analysis, and listening sessions. Achieved 3. Implement at least two impact projects using a social impact model to test, iterate and validate proposed solutions. Exceeded 4. Release findings and recommendations from the impact projects. Achieved

YEAR-2 ITERATION OF STRATEGIC PRIORITY 1: Be the leader in data and research aggregation to tell the story and advance disability employment. Year-2 Key Metrics

1. Deliver a quality research study report to the Legislature by December 1, 2023. 2. Release findings and recommendations of collective impact and other impact projects and research.

YEAR-1 STRATEGIC PRIORITY 2: Be the leader in building system capacity and scaling evidenced-based solutions that increase employment outcomes on a statewide basis.

Year-1 Key Metrics

1. Complete a scaling map for funding and implementing 2-3 validated evidenced-based practices. Achieved 2. Develop a summit vision and plan for execution in FY2024. Revised to: Develop and Implement a DSO Engagement Plan that is Closely Aligned with the Goals and Priorities of FDOE/VR – Achieved 3. Hold a minimum of one idea sharing event (i.e., TED style event). Exceeded

YEAR-2 ITERATION OF PRIORITY 2: Be the leader in building system capacity and scaling evidenced-based solutions that increase employment success for students with disabilities. Year-2 Key Metrics

1. Create a secondary/post-secondary system map for students with disabilities in partnership with Broward College that identifies systemic barriers and leverage points. 2. Pilot 7 (HSHT Lite) sites in partnerships with the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations.

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YEAR-1 STRATEGIC PRIORITY 3: Secure a more diversified funding base to ensure organizational stability and achieve our exponential impact. Year-1 Key Metrics

1. Demonstrate growth toward diversified income targets. Achieved 2. Raise $600,000 in additional income for programs and operations. Exceeded

YEAR-2 ITERATION OF STRATEGIC PRIORITY 3: Secure a more diversified funding base to ensure organizational future and ability to achieve our exponential impact. Year-2 Key Metrics

1. Growth toward diversified income targets 2. Raise $900k in additional funding.

YEAR-2 NEW STRATEGIC PRIORITY 4: Provide focused support for VR staff retention and professional development. Year-2 Key Metrics

1. Create a plan for staff retention support. 2. Provide grant funding up to $300,000 in support of retention and professional development efforts.

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