Minnesota Statewide Independent Living Council"Creating the future of Independent Living through guidance and direction from people with disabilities"
Meeting Minutes for February 8 & 9, 2007
Members Present: Bryan Jensen, Hulet Sherry, Adrienne Haugen, Lois Johnson, Julia Washenberger, Roberta Cich, Vicki Dalle Molle, Judy Sanders, Ann Zick, Larry Lura, David Sherwood-Gabrielson (ex-officio), Linda Lingen (ex-officio), Hulet Sherry.
Members Absent: Connie Lee Berg (excused), Barbara Chromy (excused), and Mark Eggen.
Guests Present: Steve Thovson, Bob Michaels, David Hancox, and Cara Ruff.
Staff Present: Gail Lundeen, and Brad Westerlund.
Welcome and Introductions
The Chair brought the meeting to order at 9:10 a.m. Members introduced themselves.
Approval of January 14, 2007 Minutes and February 8 & 9 Agenda
Roberta asked the Council if they had any revisions to the January minutes. Judy Sanders requested clarification on her comments about formatting materials to SSB. Judy's comments should be taken out, with Judy stating that she would check with SSB on the timeframe needed for SSB to provide Braille. Larry Lura moved to accept the minutes as corrected, Lois Johnson seconded the motion, the motion carried with all in favor.
Roberta asked the Council if there were any revisions or additions to the February agenda. Judy Sanders asked to be placed on the agenda to speak about SSB and Braille timelines. Steve will be presenting the network of CIL's presentation, and not Vicki Dalle Molle.
Judy Sanders talked about SSB and brailing. Judy stated that people are in the habit of supplying documents at the last minute. The SILC needs to make it clear that materials need to be to Brad within five days of the end of the month, so SSB has time to Braille materials and get them sent out. Judy said that this will help all organizations involved.
Roberta Cich talked about having a March meeting, and whether or not the Council needs to meet in March. Ann Zick moved for the SILC to hold a March meeting due to the work needed on the SPIL. Judy seconded the motion. Discussion followed. Ade mentioned that she will not be able to attend the March meeting. The motion carried, with all in favor.
Introductions/Housekeeping
Bob Michaels introduced himself. In 1984 Bob was an IL director in Phoenix. In 1991 Bob moved to Philadelphia and continued his work in IL. In 1995 he moved back to Arizona. Bob has been a member of both the Pennsylvania and Arizona SILCs. Bob was in charge of writing the State Plan for both Councils. Bob explained how this helped him to learn the intricacies of the SILCs and CILs. Among other things, Bob was the Chair of NCIL and currently works as a training professional in the area of independent living for NCIL and ILRU.
Bob went over the agenda, and identified the plan for the day. The next step is planning and preparing the SPIL. The first thing is the needs assessment discussion and presentations from members. This process will help bring issues to the surface. Next will be a discussion about the mission and vision statements.
Day 2 will focus on the development of the goals and objectives.
Key pieces of the discussion will be:
How do we plan?
- Assess our needs.
- Identify gaps/issues.
- Develop goals.
- Develop objectives to meet those goals.
- Develop strategies to meet the objectives.
- Determine how the SILC will pay for each of the goals.
- Setup a plan for evaluation.
Key Components of the State Plan:
- Goals and objectives.
- Outreach Efforts.
- Network of CIL's.
- SILC Budget.
- Uses of Part B money.
- Evaluation.
How do we prepare a SPIL?
- Conduct ongoing needs assessment, and continuously discuss findings.
- Identify, discuss, and debate gaps in IL network, and priorities for outreach.
- Develop strategic plan with goals, objectives, and strategies.
- Develop plan for a CIL network that will support the IL program.
- Identify uses of Part B funds in support of SPIL.
- Identify methods for evaluating the SPIL.
The next step will be to develop the SILC vision and mission statements.
Bob asked for the SILC and Centers to present on the Network of Centers, Outreach, and the use of SILC Part B dollars.
Presentations
Steve Thovson- Network of CIL's
Steve started off by giving examples of how the current SPIL would distribute new State funding. Please see the attached spreadsheet.
Steve then talked about MACIL's recommendations for change in distribution of Federal Part C funding and a portion of new State funding.
FEDERAL FUNDING – PART C
- In accordance with a State's allotment and to the extent funds are available, the order of priorities for allocating funds among centers within a State is as follows:
- Existing centers, as described in §366.23, that comply with the standards and assurances in section 725(b) and (c) of the Act and subparts F and G of this part first receive the level of funding each center received in the previous year. However, any funds received by an existing center to establish a new center as a different geographical location pursuant to proposed §366.2(b)(2) are not included in determining the level of funding to the existing center in any fiscal year that the new center applies for and receives funds as a separate center.
- Existing centers that meet the requirements of paragraph (a)(1) of this section then receive a cost-of-living increase in accordance with procedures consistent with section 721(c)(3) of the Act.
- New centers, as described in §366.2(b), that comply with the standards and assurances in section 725(b) and (c) of the Act and subparts F and G of this part.
- If, after meeting the priorities in paragraphs (a)(1) and (2) of this section, there are insufficient funds under Minnesota's allotment under section 721(c) and (d) of the Act to fund a new center under paragraph (a)(3) of this section, then Minnesota will–
- Use the excess funds in the State to assist existing centers consistent with the State plan; these funds will be divided equally among the existing centers and shall become part of that centers base funding.
This plan is in effect even after a center reaches the minimum base funding of $500,000.
APPROPRIATIONS OF NEW STATE IL FUNDING
Upon completion of the reinstatement of state dollars – per section "Funding Reductions and Reinstatements" of the plan, then an amount equal to 20% of the annual appropriation but not to exceed $40,000 per year will be divided equally among the existing CILs that meet the standards and assurances to be a CIL.
The balance of the new appropriation will be distributed according to the state plan for distribution of new state dollars.
The chart below demonstrates the rationale for suggesting this change. Progress in obtaining new funding has been hindered by federal and state budget issues.
| Year | Appropriation Federal Part C | Annual Change | Appropriation State General Fund | Annual Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 977,800 | - | 1,874,000 | - |
| 2004 | 977,800 | 0 | 1,325,000 | <549,000> |
| 2005 | 1,035,587 | +57,787 | 1,325,000 | 0 |
| 2006 | 1,059,850 | +23,993 | 1,690,000 | 365,000 |
| 2007 | 1,047,473 | <12,107> | 1,690,000 | 0 |
| Net Change | +69,623 | <184,000> |
Combined Change: <114,377>
Steve went on to discuss the recommendations for new CIL locations in Minnesota.
The recommendations are as follows:
In 2000 MACIL was requested to present a proposal to Rehab Services – IL Unit (of the then Department of Economic Security) regarding the development of a network plan to include a funding distribution plan. This 2000 proposal was used to develop the current network of CILs and funding distribution. This proposal and subsequent SPIL plan were reviewed by the Chairperson of the House Committee overseeing the DES budget.
During the past 2 years MACIL has done a comprehensive review of individual CIL services – current and projected at $500,000 base.
This review of MACIL's projected counties served and unserved at 500K base funding (see map on page 3) is the basis of the recommendation below for the location of 4 new CILs plus the identification of 2 clusters of counties that warrant consideration as potential branch offices of existing CILs. This recommendation maintains the commitment to achieving a fully funded network for the 8 CILs at $500,000 per CIL.
| County | Population |
|---|---|
| Hennepin | 1,150,912 |
| Anoka | 325,393 |
| 1,477,305 |
As Metro West is developed St. Paul will be involved until that CIL has achieved its own free standing capability as outlined in section of the existing plan. St. Paul will be passing one of its primary counties served to this CIL so coordination and planning will be a must.
| County | Population |
|---|---|
| Kandiyohi | 41,487 |
| Renville | 16,771 |
| Chippewa | 12,781 |
| Swift | 11,429 |
| Lac qui Parle | 7,623 |
| Big Stone | 5,495 |
| 95,586 |
| County | Population |
|---|---|
| McLeod | 36,642 |
| Carver | 85,204 |
| Scott | 115,997 |
| 237,843 |
| County | Population |
|---|---|
| Chisago | 49,417 |
| Isanti | 37,699 |
| Kanabec | 16,213 |
| Pine | 28,453 |
| 131,782 |
With the concept in place 2 sets of counties are options for branch offices of existing CILs. Listed as 5 and 6 below:
Clusters of counties that might be considered for branch office of existing CIL – funding to be determined.
| County | Population |
|---|---|
| Beltrami | 42,698 |
| Hubbard | 18,873 |
| Clearwater | 8,423 |
| Lake of the Woods | 4,427 |
| 74,421 |
| County | Population |
|---|---|
| Cass | 28,843 |
| Todd | 24,614 |
| Wadena | 13,668 |
| 67,125 |
Source:
www.lmic.state.mn.us
Population is estimated for 2005.
The location of new CILs and counties served is a work in progress and requires continued assessment as funding becomes available. It may be possible for an existing CIL to have an underserved county that could be included in a new CIL's service area.
The SILC, MACIL, DSUs and other partners will need to collaborate as new CILs evolve.
There was a discussion regarding why the funding was cut for CIL's in 2004.
David Sherwood-Gabrielson talked about the funding cut, and how DEED decided to cut funding.
There was a discussion about Lobbying and whether or not the SILC can do lobbying.
Judy Sanders stated that if we lobby against something that is not in the Governor's budget, this would be lobbying, since we are appointed by the Governor.
Roberta Cich commented that the SILC needs to figure out how to be more effective in lobbying.
Bob Michaels commented that lobbying has varying definitions. In the State Plan under uses of Part B money, it clearly gives you the option to place an amount under: Conduct studies and analyses, gather information, develop model policies and procedures, and present information, approaches, strategies, findings, conclusions, and recommendations to Federal, State, and local policy makers to enhance IL services. This is an area that the SILC should always allocate money and this also gives the SILC the legal right to Lobby.
The law also has one part of it which states, that if you are advocating for survival, you are not lobbying.
Bob asked the Council to comment on the new distribution plan.
Adrienne Haugen stated that she comes from an unserved area and she is impressed with the new formula for distribution of funds. Ade commented that as a consumer she was not aware of CIL's.
Lois Johnson commented that the CIL's have put a lot of work on the distribution plan, and agrees with the plan.
SILC Presentations Continued
Judy Sanders presented the SILC's outreach and training activities
In past years the SILC has used monitorings, forums, and hearings as ways to outreach and identify the needs of people with disabilities in Minnesota.
Judy commented that geographically the SILC has done well. The SILC visited as far north as Moorhead and Duluth, and also visited Fairmont and New Ulm.
Adrienne asked what the difference was between public forums and hearings. Discussion followed. A public hearing is held to seek input on a specific document, or language that will ultimately be voted on, and adopted as a plan, i.e. the SPIL. Public forums are held to seek consumer or public comment on the needs in the community, and any other data or information relating to independent living. The SILC uses the information gathered from Forums as a tool in preparing the three year State Plan for IL.
Judy talked about the various trainings that were either held or attended by SILC members throughout the reporting period. These trainings were:
In May of 2004, the MN SILC held a two-day out-state meeting in Marshall. There was a presentation on Rural IL service delivery, provided by Mark Mertens, MN VR Counselor. Other topics included: Transportation and Employment, Rural IL service delivery, Transition from nursing homes to community living, and a tour of the Southwestern Center for IL.
In 2004, 2005, and 2006 the MN SILC were paid members of the National Council on Independent Living.
On December 14, and 15th, 2004 the SILC participated in a Nursing Home Relocation and Housing Conference in Brooklyn Center. This two-day conference focused on the Olmstead decision, and housing options for people with disabilities.
On February 5th, 2005 John Tschida, CCD Chair, provided a training to the SILC on Transportation for people with disabilities in the metro area.
On April 7th, 2005, Lyle Lundquist, SSB Senior Services Unit Supervisor, provided training in the area of IL Services for Seniors.
In May of 2005, the MN SILC held its annual two-day training meeting in East Grand Forks, MN. This meeting focused on the Latino population and Latino cultural awareness. There were also presentations on Latino families and domestic violence, the ADA and Workplace accommodations, and Reasonable accommodations in the workplace.
On June 9th, 2005 presenters from the Southwest Marketing advisory Center, facilitated a training on Affordable and Accessible Housing.
On September 8th, 2005, Barb Smith, Director of the Workforce Incentives Connection, provided a training on the New Medicare Prescription Drug Program.
On October 13, 2005, Kimberley Peck, DEED RS Director, met with the SILC and went over her new role with DEED and described the Departments goals and mission.
On January 12, 2006, Adrienne Haugen, SILC Member, provided a Deaf/Blind Culture presentation.
On April 13, 2006, the Metropolitan Association of Centers for IL (MACIL) presented their position paper, and talked about their plans for the future.
In May of 2006, the MN SILC held an out-state training meeting in Mahnomen, MN on the White Earth Indian Reservation. Training included an overview and history of the White Earth Reservation. There were presenters who discussed Traditional healing in the VR 121 program and Barriers to relocation and services in NW Minnesota. The SILC also had the opportunity to take a tour of the Social Services Center.
On September 11-29, 2006, three SILC members and one DSU staff participated in the "Smooth as SILC" training, hosted by IL NET: ILRU/NCIL. This training course provided members with an introduction to Statewide Independent Living Councils (SILC's).
On September 14, 2006, Mary Kiffmeyer, Secretary of State, provided an Accessible Voting Machine demonstration to the SILC.
On November 9th, SSB and Rehab Services provided information on how they utilize Part B dollars for State IL Services (SILS).
On January 11-15, 2007, the MN SILC sent three voting council members to the National SILC Congress in New Orleans, LA. A representative from the DSU also attended the conference. The conference focused on disaster preparedness, and also was a great training tool for new SILC members.
The SILC also participated in Public Forums, CIL Monitorings and On-site Compliance Reviews. These activities are identified below.
On September 15, 2005, Access North CIL held a web-based forum to seek input from the community.
On September 22, 2005 the SILC held an open forum in Fairmont Minnesota.
On September 29, 2005 the SILC held an open forum in Fergus Falls at the Freedom CIL office.
On September 20, 2006 the SILC held an open forum in New Ulm, Minnesota.
On September 21, 2006 the SILC held an open forum in Duluth, Minnesota.
In May of 2007, the SILC will host a two-day training meeting and public hearing on the proposed 2008-2010 SPIL in the Moorhead/Fargo area.
In June of 2007, the SILC will host a public hearing in the metropolitan area on the proposed SPIL.
From October 1, 2004 to August 2006, a member of the SILC actively participated in all of Minnesota's CIL monitorings and Federal on-site reviews. The SILC SPIL chair was present, along with the RS IL Director for these reviews.
Judy commented, in the last three years the SILC has continued their outreach activities statewide, with monitorings, hearings and forums, but we need to improve in getting the word out that we are doing these things. We need to do more mass mailings to people.
Involvement works best when there is an organized effort.
Roberta mentioned that she has a list of the needs that were identified from the forums that were held this last fall.
Roberta Cich indicated that the areas that seem to be brought up the most during these forums were: Accessible and Affordable Housing, Transportation, Lack of Resources, and Health Care.
Bob asked if there is a trend across the state, dealing with certain populations.
Roberta commented that the CILs do a great job with covering all disability areas, and it is more of a geographic problem and a funding problem.
Judy stated that maybe it is a lack of awareness with the different cultures and disability groups.
Bob asked why transportation, housing and healthcare seem to be the key problems in Minnesota.
Roberta stated that housing and transportation aren't being met due to lack of resources.
Ann said that maybe the SILC could utilize other avenues to seek input from consumers or unserved people in MN.
Bob said that this sounds like a key issue with Minnesota, and the SILC should look into a more effective way to gather input from individuals.
KEY ISSUE: Better ways to seek and gather input from consumers in Minnesota.
Julia commented that a really good way to get out information is to outreach to families, and create a network of family information.
Linda commented that the Counties need to be informed. Their network of people and information is amazing.
Bob mentioned that in Arizona they have focus groups, and they have hired ASU staff to facilitate these groups all across Arizona.
SILC Presentations Continued
Ann Zick presented the SILC's Budget and Part B activities
The Finance committee reviewed the SILC operating budget, and went through line-by-line to determine what was being spent in the different areas of the budget. It was determined that the SILC will continue to allocate $40,951 for the general operations of the SILC.
Ann discussed the arrangement with SSB and their use of Part B case service dollars.
Ann also discussed the Part B dollars that are currently allocated to the RSB ILVR counselors. Currently, the SILC allocates $113,049 for the provision of State IL services, which are provided by the seventeen counselors statewide. Ann Zick discussed the counselors, dollar amounts, and what services were currently being provided.
Bob asked if there were any other reports or discussions, or other issues that people want to discuss.
SILC VISION and MISSION STATEMENTS
The next step in this process was to discuss the SILC Vision and Mission.
Bob indicated that it is not necessary for the SILC to have a vision statement in the SPIL, but that it may help them to bring issues and goals to the forefront.
The full Council discussed the vision of the SILC. Bob gave an example of a vision statement.
The Council threw out ideas and suggestions, and agreed on a vision statement.
- By the year 2020, Minnesota will be providing a comprehensive range of services which empowers people with disabilities to live as independently as possible.
The next step was to review the SILC Mission statement. Bob mentioned that the SILC has a mission statement from the last SPIL.
The Council reviewed the Mission statement, and decided to remove part of the language. The new Mission statement of the MN SILC will now read:
- To promote the philosophy of Independent Living, to maximize the leadership, empowerment, independence and productivity of individuals with disabilities and the integration and full inclusion of individuals with disabilities into the mainstream of American society.
SILC GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
There were three key goal areas that were identified from the first day. These goal areas were: Advocacy, Outreach, and the IL Network.
Bob asked the SILC to choose a goal area that they would like to work on, and then move into that group. These groups were asked to develop the objectives, and begin the process of identifying the strategies for the completion of these objectives.
Once the groups completed the task of identifying the objectives for their goals, the full Council reconvened and read their objectives.
The goals and objectives that were developed from the February meeting are:
Goal A: Improve SILC Advocacy.
Objectives:
- Provide training to SILC members on effective lobbying.
- Develop an effective communication network, e.g. list serve.
- Get IL issues to network through action alerts.
- Advocate for the statewide implementation of the Olmstead decision.
- Facilitate the inclusion of people with disabilities in statewide issues that impact Independent Living, e.g. emergency preparedness, IL day on the hill.
Goal B: Enhance SILC Outreach Efforts.
Objectives:
- Document needs in the community, e.g. public forums and hearings, focus groups.
- Target new populations for inclusion in the needs assessment.
- Update and expand SILC mailing list.
- Enhance website to more effectively provide outreach, e.g. survey tools, trainings, "hit list", list serve, reciprocal links, register/guest book.
- Increase recruitment activities to seek potential SILC members.
- Write and distribute SILC annual report. Report will include stories and outcomes.
Goal C: Expand the Independent Living Network
Objectives:
- Collaborate with other agencies on emergency preparedness efforts in Minnesota, to increase awareness of emergency preparedness/management strategies, and resources.
- Outreach to homeless shelters and faith based organizations.
- Identify one core IL service and provide resources for the expansion, or enhancement of that service for Centers for Independent Living.
The next step in the process will be for the SILC to identify the strategies for completing the objectives that were made, and to identify target dates and person/s and committee/s responsible for completing the tasks.
This meeting will be focused on finalizing the goals and objectives. Target dates, and Outcomes/Measurements will need to be identified for each Objective.
The February 8th meeting of the SILC adjourned at 2:45 p.m.
The next SILC meeting will be held on March 8th, 2007 at the Four Points Sheraton from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m
