Community Best Practices

Submission date: 7/22/08
Submitted by: Robyn Moorman
Provider name:
APD Area: 23

Practice:
HART (Hillsborough Area Regional Transit) offers a free travel training program that gives step by step instructions for utilizing the bus systems, including reading the routes, the schedules, and using the bus independently. Individuals have a travel trainer that assists and individualizes the travel education based on needs.

Who Benefits? Group Home Residents
How? Individuals benefit as they are able to access free of charge training (813-623-5835 ext 1105 or 1240) which can enhance their ability to access their community without paid supports.

Submission date: 3/10/06
Submitted by: Christine Stevenson
Provider name:
APD Area: 

Practice:
Compass Bank, Ocala (Marion County, APD Area 13) has expanded a practice that originated for the benefit of senior citizens who have trustees or family members who have access to or control of their finances. At present it is experimental and reserved for group home residents. A representative brings banking services to the group. The bank rep comes to the home and tutors the residents on everything from using and safeguarding a debit card, to overseeing a caregiver who has access to their funds, even if the caregiver is their financial agent. Compass Bank is obviously not oblivious to the opportunities for and realities of exploitation, and they are taking action by educating and empowering individuals.

Who Benefits? Group Home Residents
How? Group home residents receive individualized support and tutoring to lessen their vulnerability to exploitation, from a community support. This practice may plant the seeds for individuals to expect to have increasing control of their own funds rather than to complacently relinquish the responsibility to caregivers/providers.