DeSantis announces funding for developmentally disabled individuals

Writer: Nicholas Karsen
Published: Updated:
DeSantis
Credit: WINK News

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis spoke on education for children with developmental disabilities at the Els Center of Excellence in Jupiter.

During a news conference Monday, DeSantis began his speech with the approval of $2.2 billion in the state budget for agencies for persons with disabilities for service.

Nearly $200 million will fund therapeutic behavioral services and high-budget waiver providers in Florida.

In the approved budget, $64.8 million will be used to enroll additional individuals in crisis into the high-budget waiver, and $55.7 million will be used to enroll individuals who have already been involved in a pre-enrollment category.

Individual items in the budget are pending the governor’s approval; however, DeSantis has approved an additional $1 million for the Els Center of Excellence’s recreational complex.

“This provides a sensory-friendly environment that meets the needs of children with autism,” said DeSantis. “This facility will provide a specialized swimming facility, aqua therapy programs, indoor sports and fitness activities.”

He then awarded a grant of $1 million to the Els Center of Excellence.

The Agency for Persons with Disabilities Director Taylor Hatch spoke following DeSantis.

Hatch commended DeSantis for his steadfast leadership and continuous support of people with developmental challenges.

She then emphasized the importance of local support within Florida communities and the funding needed to help aid families with disabled individuals.

Hatch then went into detail about the waiver services for developmentally challenged individuals, classifying the options that would be considered as a crisis:

  • Individuals with immediate needs
  • individuals whose caregivers are over the age of 65
  • Individuals who are transitioning out of school

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