Guest Series: Jim Whittaker

[Metro Jacksonville]

Guest Series: Jim Whittaker



In a new series, Metro Jacksonville takes a step back to listen to, promote, and discuss the editorials, personal accounts, and vocal opinions of some of the key players in the preservation and progression of our community. This week, The Arc Jacksonville Executive Director Jim Whittaker explains the importance of community-based services for Floridians with disabilities.

Full Article
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2012-feb-guest-series-jim-whittaker

[mbstout]

What an inspiring, uplifting, organization to read about before heading to bed.  FANTASTIC WORK, KEEP IT UP!

[IamAmerican]

I'm curious about how you feel about the current Governor. Do you think he will be good for your clients or not so good?

[Tacachale]

What a cool organization to learn about to day. Thank you Jim.

[IamAmerican]

It's interesting to me how both the political left and the political right completely dismiss Reagan's work on the subject of handicapped/disabled individuals. I'm a little confused on the matter. I read in some places that Reagan's administration tried to make drastic and unwanted to changes towards the educational parameters of children with disabilities. Then in other places I read about how he made significant progress for people with disabilities. 

[Jim_Whittaker]

Thank you for your interest and question regarding Governor Scott.  The Governor is an astute businessman and realizes the fiscal efficiencies that community-based services provide vs. institutional care.  As I stated, the average cost for community services is $29,000 per year, while institutional care averages a minimum of $120,000.  Having said that, persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities receiving community services in Florida are grossly underfunded when compared to the rest of the country.