One is a concert put on by a choir of AFI clients at 2:30 PM at First Presbyterian on Lake Hollingsworth.
The other is a political protest at 9:30 AM in Winter Haven against Rick Scott's "decision to immediately cut state funding by 15 percent to 40 percent from programs for the disabled." As you should remember from reading The Boys Next Door and visiting AFI, this will definitely hurt those people who cannot stand up for themselves. Information is posted below.
The Alliance for Independence Sunshine Chorus will hold its 36th annual Spring Concert at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at First Presbyterian Church, Lake Hollingsworth Drive, Lakeland. This year’s theme is “Goin’ Places” with songs and comedic skits. The chorus is more than 60 members strong, led by volunteer Trudy West and her assistant Sandy Lewis. The concert is free.
Rally Against Budget Cuts Set for Saturday at the Orange Dome in Winter Haven Governor's reductions in disabled programs leads to gatherings.
Sorry about the short notice. But I plan on attending both events, and I'd love to see you at one or the other if you can make it and, of course, if you are interested.
Alliance for Independence Sunshine Chorus Concert
Alliance for Independence Sunshine Chorus Concert
The Alliance for Independence Sunshine Chorus will hold its 36th annual Spring Concert at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at First Presbyterian Church, Lake Hollingsworth Drive, Lakeland. This year’s theme is “Goin’ Places” with songs and comedic skits. The chorus is more than 60 members strong, led by volunteer Trudy West and her assistant Sandy Lewis. The concert is free.
Rally Against Budget Cuts Set for Saturday at the Orange Dome in Winter Haven Governor's reductions in disabled programs leads to gatherings.
Ledger POLITICAL EDITOR
Published: Wednesday, April 13, 2011 at 10:36 p.m.
Last Modified: Wednesday, April 13, 2011 at 10:36 p.m.
( page of 2 )
LAKELAND | Gov. Rick Scott's decision to immediately cut state funding by 15 percent to 40 percent from programs for the disabled is causing concern among advocates and anger among families.
To protest the reductions, a rally will be held Saturday at the Orange Dome in Winter Haven – one of more than seven planned rallies and marches across the state.
"The governor's office is portraying it as a 15 percent cut," said Debra Dowds, executive director of Florida Developmental Disabilities Council, "but it is actually 15 percent to 40 percent. Some critical areas are sustaining close to a 40 percent cut."
Two weeks ago, Scott ordered $174 million be immediately cut from the state's disability funding to cover what is projected to be a budget shortage in the Agency for Persons with Disabilities this year.
He later said he hoped the Legislature would address the issue and find ways to provide emergency funding so that no one would lose services.
Advocates for the disabled believe that even if that could happen, cuts could come elsewhere in the 2011-2012 budget now being developed by the House and Senate. That budget goes into effect July 1.
For decades, advocates and professionals working with the developmentally disadvantaged have strived to help them live as closely to an independent life as possible.
The recent cuts are so deep in some areas, Dowds said, that independence could be at stake.
"In areas of behavioral psychology the funding has been cut by 39 percent and private duty nursing by 38 percent," she said.
"Providers have worked to reduce costs, but there have been some layoffs or reduced wages."
Stacy Way of Winter Haven, who is organizing the Winter Haven rally and march at 10 a.m. Saturday from the Orange Dome, said it is a matter of fighting for the civil rights of the disadvantaged.
"The budget cuts are really keeping some people from being independent and increase the likelihood that some may have to live in an institution or nursing home," Way said. "And that will cost the government more."
Way, who is disabled herself and has a son with developmental disabilities, is a full-time advocate and has attended training from the advocacy group Floridians for the Future of the Developmentally Disadvantaged.
Dowds, with the disabilities council, said her agency is helping when asked but is not organizing the rallies because they are being done by individuals like Way, who are self advocates or advocates for others.
Published: Wednesday, April 13, 2011 at 10:36 p.m.
Last Modified: Wednesday, April 13, 2011 at 10:36 p.m.
( page of 2 )
LAKELAND | Gov. Rick Scott's decision to immediately cut state funding by 15 percent to 40 percent from programs for the disabled is causing concern among advocates and anger among families.
To protest the reductions, a rally will be held Saturday at the Orange Dome in Winter Haven – one of more than seven planned rallies and marches across the state.
"The governor's office is portraying it as a 15 percent cut," said Debra Dowds, executive director of Florida Developmental Disabilities Council, "but it is actually 15 percent to 40 percent. Some critical areas are sustaining close to a 40 percent cut."
Two weeks ago, Scott ordered $174 million be immediately cut from the state's disability funding to cover what is projected to be a budget shortage in the Agency for Persons with Disabilities this year.
He later said he hoped the Legislature would address the issue and find ways to provide emergency funding so that no one would lose services.
Advocates for the disabled believe that even if that could happen, cuts could come elsewhere in the 2011-2012 budget now being developed by the House and Senate. That budget goes into effect July 1.
For decades, advocates and professionals working with the developmentally disadvantaged have strived to help them live as closely to an independent life as possible.
The recent cuts are so deep in some areas, Dowds said, that independence could be at stake.
"In areas of behavioral psychology the funding has been cut by 39 percent and private duty nursing by 38 percent," she said.
"Providers have worked to reduce costs, but there have been some layoffs or reduced wages."
Stacy Way of Winter Haven, who is organizing the Winter Haven rally and march at 10 a.m. Saturday from the Orange Dome, said it is a matter of fighting for the civil rights of the disadvantaged.
"The budget cuts are really keeping some people from being independent and increase the likelihood that some may have to live in an institution or nursing home," Way said. "And that will cost the government more."
Way, who is disabled herself and has a son with developmental disabilities, is a full-time advocate and has attended training from the advocacy group Floridians for the Future of the Developmentally Disadvantaged.
Dowds, with the disabilities council, said her agency is helping when asked but is not organizing the rallies because they are being done by individuals like Way, who are self advocates or advocates for others.
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