Staff Advocacy Leads to Successful Transition

Success Stories: Staff Advocacy Leads to Successful Transition

Meet Ariana, a 26-year-old woman with autism and other emotional and behavioral disabilities. After the Agency for People with Disabilities (APD) denied her crisis enrollment to the iBudget waiver, her parents contacted Disability Rights Florida for help. The crisis enrollment provides individuals with disabilities in more serious situations to be provided support by the APD quickly, as opposed to being waitlisted. Our staff worked closely with the family to advocate for Ariana through legal representation. We are happy to share that the APD agreed to enroll her to the Waiver through crisis enrollment. Not only are Ariana’s parents happy to see their daughter be supported, but Ariana is thriving! She has successfully transitioned to a group home where she participates in fun activities (like swimming!), is making new friends, and can be more independent and in a community with people that are very caring and supportive of her. Congratulations on your new beginnings, Ariana!