Ramifications of Ferris v Department of Children and Families RFP
Unemployment is a persistent problem for individuals with disabilities. In addition to prejudice and discrimination against individuals with disabilities, many disincentives exist that present further barriers to employment. Individuals who receive certain government benefits are limited to the amount of income they can earn or risk loss of benefits. Often the amount earned is very small compared to the potential loss of benefits, such as medical care and medications, residential care and support.
Mr. William C. Farris is an individual with developmental disabilities who after becoming employed was terminated from the Home and Community Based Service (HCBS) Medicaid Waiver Program, as he earned more money than was allowable under government regulations. On November 8, 2006 , the State of Florida First District Court of Appeal affirmed the termination of Mr. Farris' eligibility, leaving him unable to maintain his independence in the community and heralding the potential loss of services for other individuals similarly situated. The case is referred to as Farris v Department of Children and Families (DCF).
