Council Minutes

education. Ex. Dir. said most districts and boards don’t “get” special education. Add this to list of suggested strategies on page 4 of monitoring document. Another organization to be part of is the Chamber of Commerce. Marcia gave the example of Ian Watlington, former Council chair, being a member of the Denver Chamber of Commerce and making community connections there.

2. Quality Assurance Area of Emphasis: Penny suggested that the Council needs to join more partnerships with existing groups, e.g. Maternal and Child Health, The Learning Center

3. Keeping the Council informed and involved in planning and grants activities:  Eileen suggested that the Council might meet monthly and do the work of the Planning and Grants Committee.  It was also suggested that it might be possible to keep with the Council meeting schedule and have part of each meeting be the Planning and Grants Committee meeting.  The P&G Committee would continue to meet monthly.

                                                              ii.      VOTING ITEM: Full Access for All Abilities Project – Year Two funding:

1.        Ben Sutton introduced the voting item and gave the background information on what the project has done and hopes to do with a second year of funding. Beverly wondered if there are any plans to replicate this project in other communities, seconded by Eileen. Ben reported on what he learned at the presentation Access & Ability made to the P&G Committee on March 17. The project has opened the trainings to other community groups. Beverly asked that the P&G Committee ask the project to make presentations, for instance, to Ed Steinberg. Discussion concerned adding requirements to the grant in terms of having the grantee work to replicate their project in other communities. If the curricula and database are replicable they can be made available by the Council to other communities in Colorado for local implementation.

Eileen asked if the item could be approved with an amendment. Penny mentioned that they were approved for the RFP initially, they have been operating for a year, and the P&G Committee has recommended this project for year two funding. Mike McCarty refused the friendly amendment, after more discussion by the Council.

2. Membership Committee

                                                               i.      Members with expiring terms:  Mike Nelson is the only member whose term is expiring, except for agency representatives whose terms do not expire, but who need to re-apply.

                                                              ii.      Recruitment update: Karie informed the Council that applications are accepted year-round and recruitment emphasizes outreach to people who will be active members.

3. Fiscal Committee

                                                               i.      “Texas” Amendment and amending the Five-Year Plan:  Mackenzie and Betty presented the Fiscal Committee report and demonstrated the capabilities of videoconferencing. Mackenzie explained the need for an amendment to the Plan to address the requirement for 70% of Council expenditures and staff time to be spent on program activities.

4. Multicultural Committee

                                                               i.      VOTING ITEM: Cultural Competence and Responsiveness Conference: Maria Cabral presented the voting item and explained how the budget items and costs were determined. Outreach to the wider community will be accomplished through a call for papers.

5. Legislative and Public Policy Committee

                                                               i.      VOTING ITEM: Arc of CO Resolution on ending the waiting list through a ballot initiative through a sales tax (2 cents on $10) was presented by Mike McCarty. The approval is to sign onto a resolution with other organization to get the issue on the ballot.

                                                              ii.      VOTING ITEM: Insurance Rate Accountability, Transparency and Equity Act of 2008. Rationale:  when people lose their insurance because premium rates increase and become unaffordable, they become indigent and join the Medicaid crowd, necessitating the limited funds be spread around to more people. The bill will be introduced within the next two weeks and the bill sponsors are seeking grassroots support. No bill number has been assigned as yet. Betty asked about the Health Care Day of Action on March 3.  Beverly and Mike McCarty reported that quite a number of people attended, Governor Ritter spoke, and the representation was from advocacy groups as well as individual citizens.

6. Executive Committee

                                                               i.      Executive Director’s performance evaluation (the Council went into executive session.)

                                                              ii.      Newsletter: Penny encouraged Council members to contribute articles and help to highlight members’ points of view and other community resources. The intent is to be sure that what is voiced is consistent with Council values. Betty Henderson mentioned a current Newsweek issue which highlighted autism and related programs that are available on television, and noted that information such as this needs to be made available. Penny noted that the newsletter goes out quarterly, and timely information may be more appropriately sent out electronically via email. Penny mentioned a 9-program series on health disparities and cultural diversity that is being aired on PBS television stations.

Eileen wondered if there are guidelines for what the newsletter’s purpose(s) is.  Marcia reviewed discussion of the Executive Committee on the purpose of the newsletter, as well as what was decided by the ad hoc Publications Committee. There will be a disclaimer included in future newsletters to note that the views stated by authors are not necessarily a reflection of the Council’s views. There will also be a clear statement about where to send comments on the newsletter.

5. Public Comment
1. From Diane Rehner, who attends the L&PP meetings, comments about abuse and neglect reporting. Diane is seeking a public posting of complaint logs by the Division for Developmental Disabilities, as happens nationally for nursing homes, so that consumers can make informed choices of service agencies.  Also suggests the Division write its own satisfaction survey that is open-ended and allows for narrative.  Clarify what qualifies as a complaint and how are records kept of complaints that come in to the Division.
2. Mike Hoover asked that the newsletter include a new section of letters to the editor.
3. Marcia announced a declaratory order from CDHS determining DD eligibility is equivalent to 1 S. D. from 100 I.Q. points, i.e. someone with an I.Q. of 85 or lower would be eligible for DD services.
4. Penny reported on the meeting she and Marcia Tewell had with Sharon Jacksi who requested that a Council position statement on DDD-related issues be communicated with her.  The example was the Council’s position on ICF/MR designations.
6. The next meeting is May 28, 2008 at AT Partners.
7. Adjournment at 4:50 PM

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ACTION / MOTION / CONSENSUS

1. Voting Item on Access and Ability: Mike McCarty moved to approve the voting item, Ben seconded. Motion carried with one no vote by Eileen Forlenza.
2. Voting item to amend the Five-Year Plan, following the Texas DD Council example. Mike M. motioned, Karie Valdez seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
3. Voting item to approve the Cultural Competence and Responsiveness Conference, Oct 3-4, 2008 with follow-up workshop on April 24, 2009. Mike McCarty moved to approved, and Karie Valdez seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
4. Voting item on Arc of Colorado resolution: Karie Valdez moved to approve, Betty Henderson seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
5. Voting item on signing onto Rate Accountability, Transparency and Equity Act of 2008. Karie motioned to approve voting item, Betty Henderson seconded. The motion passed unanimously. Eileen abstained, as she must on votes concerning policy issues that involve the Department of Public Health Environment.

Those in attendance: Ben Sutton, Maria Cabral, Karie Valdez, Mike McCarty, Penny Gonnella, Mike Nelson, Linda Dunn, Karl Valdez (by phone), Chris Herron (by phone), Eileen Forlenza, Thom Miller, Kathy Grant (by phone), Stephanie Garcia (by phone), Irene Aguilar (by phone), Betty Henderson
Staff Present: Marcia Tewell, Patricia D. Murphy, Mackenzie Helton, Beverly Hirsekorn, Marna Ares
Guests:  Mike Hoover, Diane Rehner, LaVerne Valdez
Personal attendant: Daniel Gomez, Donna Downing (facilitator)

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Those absent:  Corry Robinson, Todd Coffey, Betty Henderson, Ed Steinberg, Irene Aguilar, Christi Kasa-Hendrickson

1. Lewis Jackson presented progress on his grant regarding Solution Focused Planning with examples on the outcomes for five students, families, as well as himself, as the researcher.  The process is used to deal with the need for positive behavioral support and is not based on an IEP model or a problem eradication model.  The findings centered on those involved in the child’s’ life proposing solutions, determining what was working and not working and implementing changes.  The changes in the students were consistently positive, as were those for the classrooms and families.  Lewis is just finishing a book for publication that will include some of his findings from the Council grant.
2. Minutes – minutes were approved as written with motion from Irene and a second from Ben.
3. Penny announced the new committee chairs as follows:  MCC–Maria Cabral, Fiscal–Ben Sutton, Membership–co-chaired by Irene Aguilar and Eileen Forlenza, Public Policy–Mike McCarty, Planning and Grants–Betty Henderson.
4.  Committee Reports:

• MCC:  Penny reported on behalf of Maria regarding the plans for a conference in October on cultural competence.  Jose Reyes has joined the committee to assist in connecting resources for speakers.  A budget is not yet available as a venue has not been located.  The National Center on Cultural Competence shares the skills of facilitators to interested groups, thus Wendy Jones will be one of the speakers.  Two hundred-fifty people are anticipated to attend, however, marketing will be critical.  There is no registration fee.
• Planning and Grants:  Linda Dunn presented the Voting Item for Project SEARCH in the amount of $161K and reported that the committee had completed the RFP to be released as soon as possible and be open for three months.  Closing date is the end of April.  Karie moved to accept the voting item and Kathy seconded the motion.   Motion passed.
• Membership:  Karie, Eileen and Irene presented the name of Mike Hoover to be taken to the Governor since he was not reappointed this year.  There are resignations from Ian Watlington and Chris Luby.  An email will go out as soon as possible so names can be taken to Boards and Commissions. Members were notified again of the new by-laws that require the committee to send out letters to members who have missed two meetings.  More than a 50% lack of attendance without rationale requires the committee to reconsider the membership.  The committee will also contact members who resign to see what their rationale is and if there is anything the Council could do to improve the experience.
• Fiscal:  Ben Sutton is the new chair for the committee.  The recent reports due to ADD will be sent by the end of January as well as PPR information. 
• Legislative and Public Policy committee:  Mike McCarty presented on House Bill 1047 explaining that the bill provided special bidding consideration for non-profits that employed people with disabilities on state contracts.  This bill does not stipulate employee protections such as salary minimums, work conditions or benefits.  It also does not require employment demonstrating typical employment proportions of approximately 10% disability.  It is likely that this legislation will expand the use of enclaves in the state contrary to Council values.  Because the bill addresses existing values, testimony was given in committee in opposition to the bill.  Irene Aguilar presented a letter to the Council that defines Council values for policymakers so they have a better understanding of the Council and its positions.  The letter clarifies Council values succinctly and is a great all-purpose document when positions are taken.  It was agreed that the letter would be used with some minor modifications.  It will be distributed to the General Assembly within the next week.  Presentations with recommendations by the Legislative/Public Policy Committee were made on SB 02, SB 04, SB 05 HB 1031, HB 1072 and  HB 1101.  Council members representing state agencies abstained from voting as they declared that they could not take positions on legislation.  These abstentions included:  Todd Coffey, Eileen Forlenza, Linda Dunn, Shari Repinski, and Christi Hendrickson. The votes were as follows

SB 02 Support: Mike McCarty motioned; Karie Valdez seconded….Council concurred with 5 abstentions

SB 04 Support: Mike McCarty motioned; Irene Aguilar seconded… Council concurred with 5 abstentions

SB 05 Support:  Irene motioned; Karie seconded…. Council concurred with 5 abstentions

HB 1031 Oppose as is and propose that the navigator not be part of the CCBs but be independent:   Ben Sutton motioned, Corry Robinson offered the friendly amendment that Ben accepted; Betty Henderson seconded…Council concurred with one opposed and 5 abstentions

HB 1047  Oppose: Irene motioned; Karie seconded…. Council concurred with 6 abstentions

HB 1072 Support: Ben motioned; Karie seconded…. Council concurred with 5 abstentions

HB 1101 Support:  Mike Nelson motioned; Betty seconded…. Council concurred with 5 abstentions

Irene solicited Council members to call her if they want to give testimony.

5. By-law ratification:  The Council reviewed the change at the last meeting with proposed ratification at this meeting.  Section 3.8 will have an additional sentence as follows: “Anyone submitting a resignation and who is no longer attending meetings, is considered an inactive Council member and will be replaced by the membership committee.”  Motion to approve made by Karie and second by Ben.  Motion passed.

• Executive committee:  Penny informed the committee of discussions on the Council’s opposition to revert current beds on the institution campus (Ridge) to ICF status and disseminated a letter to that effect that went out last week to the Governor.  Public Policy committee originated the position based on Council values.  Sharon Jacksi and Barb Ramsey both attended the meeting from DDD to explain their position on supporting the transformation of waiver ‘beds’ into IDF/MR model as pertaining to the budget and access to medical services and therapies currently in the state plan.  Sharon also introduced her philosophy as she recently took the position as director of DDD.  The continuum/choice position was presented, as was the clarification that the DDD has no position yet on the conversion of community waiver beds also into ICF/MR institutional models to increase the reimbursement rates via both cost and federal match.  Members expressed concern, as did the letter, in the regressive model being used in 2008 as well as well as the cost increase for certain individuals that will impact others not in an ICF model.  The inequity continues to be an issue given the use of both community and ICF/MR models in the state.
• Meeting was adjourned at 5:00.

Meeting Activities
September 26, 2007
Council Meeting

ISSUE:

1. Call to Order, Introductions, Minutes
2. Planning and Grants Committee
1. DVD – Project SEARCH
2. Voting Item: Renewed Funding for Watch Our Words (WOW)
3. Voting Item: Renewed Funding for Leadership Development and Empowerment Project, El Grupo VIDA, grantee
3. Fiscal Committee
4.  Executive Committee
1. Voting Item: Interim Committee/Memorandum of Understanding
2. First Introduction: Proposed By-Laws Changes
5. Membership Committee
1. Boards and Commissions Update
6. Multicultural Committee
7. Public Comment
8. Adjournment

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DISCUSSION:

1. Minutes approval was postponed until quorum could be reached.
2. Planning and Grants Committee report:

a)      DVD on Project SEARCH was viewed. Todd explained how Project SEARCH has been implemented, giving particular examples from the presentation Erin Riehle gave at the Council on September 14.  P&G Committee wants to consider replicating the model since it requires collaborative work with Voc. Rehab. and Education.  Grant money wouldn’t be used for salaries, and other typical grant cost aspects, thus making the project easier for a grantee to carry out after the Council’s grant would end. Linda pointed out that the project can also work with adults, not just with students in transition. In many states, it is the DD Council that coordinates and funds Project SEARCH.

b)      Renewed funding for Watch Our Words (WOW) was recommended to the Council. Watch Our Words (WOW) training DVDs (portions thereof) were shown. The DVDs were produced by a professional videographer, including footage of a WOW meeting in Lafayette, a WOW training in Greeley, and portrayals of 5 WOW members in their homes and workplaces. The vote was taken with assembled members and the vote will be continued online. The motion passed with two abstentions.

c)      Year Two funding for El Grupo VIDA was recommended to the Council. The vote was taken, and the vote was unanimous in favor of renewed funding

3. Fiscal Committee report was given by Mackenzie Helton who explained the handout listing the current grants.  Mackenzie also explained why the purchase of DD Suite software is advantageous to the Council in order to keep track of grant performance and outcomes.
   
4. Executive Committee:

a)      Marcia announced an opportunity to go to Vermont at the end of October to join as a team to attend a meeting on employment.  Vermont has closed all of its sheltered workshops. The Council was asked to approve funding a non-Council member/non-staff member to join the team attending on the part of the Council. Beverly Hirsekorn and Linda Dunn are planning to attend.

b)      By-Law changes were discussed concerning how membership is defined when members have either resigned or ceased attending.

c)      Marcia gave an update on the Council’s MOU with the DSA (Designated State Agency), which for the Council is the Department of Human Services, following a meeting she and Penny Gonnella had with Jenise May in the DSA. Ms. May saw no need for changes, and the MOU should be moving ahead for signatures.

d)      Mike McCarty introduced the discussion of the MOU coming out of the Interim Committee on the developmental disabilities waiting list which would initiate a ballot initiative to raise the state sales tax by 3 cents on every $10 to eliminate the wait list.  The vote is whether to sign on, not sign on, or to take no action. The Executive Committee wants to be sure that the Council has ample time to discuss the content of the issue rather than move quickly to process.

5. No appointments of new Council members have been made.

6. Multicultural Committee is now meeting on first Monday of the month from 11 AM to 1 PM.  The committee wants to do a cultural competence training next October (2008), using Jose Reyes as the facilitator/featured speaker. 
   
7. Public Comment:

a)      Beverly talked about Irene Aguilar’s participation on the 208 Commission as chair of the subcommittee on vulnerable populations. Beverly handed out a schedule of public meetings that will be held throughout the State, along with an assessment from the viewpoint of Irene’s subcommittee of the proposals being considered by the 208 Commission. The Assistive Technology Coalition discussed at its meeting yesterday the importance of including access to AT in any health care plan for the State. The AT Coalition also discussed the need for Medicaid buy-in.  When the legislature considered this in the late 90’s, they funded an actuarial study to determine if a Medicaid buy-in program would be budget neutral. When it was determined that it would not be budget neutral the State was unable to implement such a program.

b)      Todd brought up the results of the Consumer Satisfaction surveys recently sent out, indicating that most people don’t know what the Council does.  One concern relevant to the Council is that the Council grants do not reach all areas of the state.

c)      Bruce went to one of Employment Link’s trainings on customized employment last weekend with Norciva Shumpert of Marc Gold and Associates.

d)      Thom met with two people from Fort Collins who want to start charter school for students with autism. The discussion concerned educating kids in natural proportions, public practices versus family choice, and the detriments to kids of segregation. Sharisa offered to send them one or two of her speeches and a video. Donna offered the WOW DVD of individuals’ stories.

e)      Mike Nelson notified the Council that there has not been a change to the $2000 limit of savings anyone on SSI may have in order to receive the benefit. He advocates for the Council to address the issue as a public policy action. The 208 Commission is meeting in Greeley on Oct. 11, and Mike could bring up the issue there.

8) Meeting was adjourned at 3:47 PM.

ACTION / MOTION / CONSENSUS

1. The vote on the minutes for July 2007 will be completed with email votes in order to reach quorum.
2. The vote on renewed funding for WOW passed, provisionally, with two abstentions.
3. The vote on renewed funding for El Grupo VIDA passed provisionally, pending additional online voting.

WHOM/ BY WHEN:

Those in attendance: Todd Coffey, Linda Dunn, Eileen Forlenza (by phone), Christi Hendrickson (by phone), Mike Hoover, Sharisa Kochmeister (by phone), Mike McCarty, Thom Miller, Mike Nelson, Corry Robinson (3:33 PM), Karl Valdez (by phone)

Staff present: Marna Ares, Mackenzie Helton, Beverly Hirsekorn, Pat Murphy, Marcia Tewell

Guests:  Donna Downing

Those absent:  Aguilar, Irene (out of town on Council business), Penny Gonnella, Betty Henderson, Karmen Kelly, Chris Luby, Representative Debbie Stafford, Ed Steinberg, Ian Watlington, Young Sun Yun