The mission of the
Committee is to advocate with one voice for the
needs of Sarasota County citizens with developmental disabilities.
The committee is founded
on the principles of prevention and early intervention. Its purposes
shall be to:
- Conduct joint
planning for resource utilization to meet the needs of citizens with
developmental disabilities.
- Facilitate
coordination and collaboration among funders and service providers
which encourages shared decision-making and shared accountability.
- Serve as a
catalyst for community resource development by exploring and
responding to new funding opportunities at the federal, state, and
local levels and seizing opportunities to leverage existing and new
funding.
- Provide a forum
for the exchange of ideas and information on developmental
disabilities.
- Provide for
community education and advocacy on developmental disabilities
issues.
- Improve
issue-focused planning which is based on research and analysis and
emphasizes results-based accountability and program impact.
- Determine
community-wide priorities to meet the needs of citizens with
developmental disabilities and establish community outcome goals.
The Committee's definition of
a citizen with developmental disabilities:
An individual who developed a condition prior to age 18 years old
that limits one or more life functions and affects each individual
person uniquely with diverse needs at different stages of their
life.
The Committee's Legislative statement:
The Sarasota Developmental Disabilities Committee supports a
recommendation to increase funding for people with disabilities so
they can afford to purchase appropriate services that are necessary
to provide support and safety, to ensure a quality life. Increased
funding will allow community providers to continue to offer services
provided by well trained personnel. The continuing trend of reducing
reimbursement rates for providers has the potential to increase the
risk of abuse and neglect of people with disabilities.
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