Minnesota Statewide Independent Living Council"Creating the future of Independent Living through guidance and direction from people with disabilities"
May 8th, 2008
Meeting Location: AccessNorth CIL, Hibbing
Present: Larry Lura, Roberta Cich, Ann Zick, Judy Sanders, Connie Lee Berg, Vicki Dalle Molle, Julia Washenberger, Linda Lingen, Mark Eggen, Barbara Chromy, David Sherwood-Gabrielson (ex-officio), Brad Westerlund (staff).
Absent: Hulet Sherry (Excused), and Gail Lundeen.
Guests: Ann Roscoe, Kim Peck.
Center Staff: Kim Tyler, Alice Prtine, Pam Parson, Anita Beckman, and Roberta Middlestead.
Kim Tyler – Welcome and Overview of Hibbing Area and the Iron Range
Kim Tyler started out by welcoming the SILC to Hibbing, and then discussed the new Center. AccessNorth has been in this new location since October of 2007. Kim mentioned that AccessNorth serves a ten county area, which is approximately twenty-eight percent of Minnesota. The region is filled with lakes, forests, small communities, and proves to be a rather challenging geography to serve. Over ½ of the surface in the region is either forests or lakes. The area is known best for two resources, timber and taconite. Seventy-five percent of U.S. steel comes from this area. Other than the resources that Hibbing has to offer, the area is rich in outdoor activities and tourism. Some activities include, fishing, camping, hunting, hiking, and much more.
Center Overview
AccessNorth opened it's doors twenty-seven years ago by the Range Actioneers. Hibbing was chosen as the headquarters because of the central location if the area.
Twenty-five years ago the Center became a 501 C3 organization.
Twenty years ago the Center became a certified organization.
Kim has been director of AccessNorth for sixteen years.
- Started 27 years ago by Range Actioneers – Hibbing chosen as headquarters because of central location in the area.
- 25 Years ago became 501.C3
- Became certified Center 20 years ago
- Kim has been director for 16 years
- Center is growing rapidly: over 1400 being served currently
- Submitted grant to serve Native American senior
- Transportation and windshield time – incredible mileage to serve people
- Serves cross disability
- AccessNorth – lots of information on website
- RESNA certified staff
- Four core services plus 30 or other services; major RAMP project; this year will put up 700th ramp.
- Branch offices: Duluth; Aiken (co-located with MH drop-in Center); Baxter (co-located with DLL);
- Satellite Offices: International Falls (co-located with WFC), Hinkley, Cloquet, Coleraine, Pine City, and Two Harbors.
- RS-IL collaboration helped to expand staff geographic coverage
- Large PCA Choice program – provides some revenue.
- Number of staff: 16 years ago 3 staff; currently 25 CIL staff; 350 employees with PCA choice program
Jean Fagerstrom - Mindfulness
- Mindfulness-based stress reduction
- Mindfulness – popular subject: speeded-up stressful society, a lot of scientific research on this type of meditation
- Mindfulness meditation – drawn out of Buddhism – awareness of mind / body – managing the complexity of being a human being – bringing mind/body into the present moment
- Dan Gotleib on Fresh Air (4/29) Quad from accident, also a psychologist with active practice. Comments re: aging body / slowing down: "I care for my body like a fragile lover I adore"
- Rumi – "The Guest House" – poem
Presentation on Assistive Technology
- Pam is lead; all ILS staff do some AT on one to one basis
- Refurbished computer program
- Reuse / recycle – durable medical equipment and AT
- AT Lending and Demonstration program – mobile technology lab
- Miller Dwan gave $$ for technology lab for Duluth
Technology
- Low tech – arthritis pen
- Training is important with AT
- Need for coordination in AT – needs to be an advocate
RS-IL Collaboration Overview
Alice Prtine provided an overview of the RS-IL collaboration.
Individuals to be Served
People with disabilities in the ten county region of Northeastern Minnesota. (Counties of Cook, Lake, St. Louis, Koochiching, Itasca, Cass, Crow Wing, Aitkin, Carton and Pine)
Services to be Provided
Independent living skills training, assessment, assistive technology assessment and training, socialization and recreation opportunities, life management assistance, other CIL services as identified.
In our region one of the greatest barriers to continued employment is the lack of socialization opportunities which lead to exacerbation of VR consumer's disabilities, which for many ultimately cause them to drop out of the workforce. Another barrier is ongoing life management assistance which enables early intervention and supports to individuals with disabilities. This ongoing life management assistance provides a safety net for consumers when difficulties arise.
May 9th, 2008
Meeting Location: AccessNorth CIL, Hibbing
Present: Larry Lura, Roberta Cich, Ann Zick, Judy Sanders, Connie Lee Berg, Vicki Dalle Molle, Julia Washenberger, Linda Lingen, Mark Eggen, Barbara Chromy, David Sherwood-Gabrielson (ex-officio), Brad Westerlund (staff).
Absent: Hulet Sherry (Excused), and Gail Lundeen.
Approval of April Minutes and May Agenda
Roberta asked if there were any revisions to the April 2008 minutes. Judy moved to approve the minutes as written, Ann Zick seconded. The motion carried. The May agenda was approved by consent.
Monitoring and On-site Review Schedule
Brad Westerlund discussed the process for the monitoring reviews of Centers for FFY 2008. Brad indicated that the schedule has not been finalized and that he will know more of the dates at the June 12th meeting.
The following is a list of the confirmed monitoring and onsite review dates and SILC participants:
| Date | Location | SILC Participants |
|---|---|---|
| May 23rd, 2008 | SEMCIL (Rochester) | Judy Sanders |
| June 19th and 20th, 2008 | SMILES (Mankato) | Barbara and Vicki |
| June 6th, 2008 | SWCIL (Marshall) | Julia |
2008 NCIL Conference
Roberta discussed the upcoming NCIL conference and told members that the executive committee had approved sending three SILC members to the annual conference. The conference will be held on July 20th through July 24th, 2008.
Roberta asked who would be interested in participating in the conference. Discussion followed.
Judy Sanders moved that the SILC send the Chair of the council and two others, elected by this body, to the conference in Washington D.C. Vicki Dolle Molle seconded. Roberta asked for a role call vote. Connie abstained, Julia yes, Vicki yes, Ann abstained, Mark no, Barbara no, Judy yes, Larry yes. The motion passed.
Judy Sanders moved that the SILC elect Ann Zick and Barbara Chromy to join Roberta Cich at the 2008 NCIL conference in Washington D.C. Connie Lee Berg seconded. Ann and Barbara abstained. The motion carried.
Vicki Dalle Molle asked for a point of clarity. What is the responsibility of the SILC members who participate in conferences and trainings? What do we want members to come back with? This role is very important, and each person needs to understand their role.
David Sherwood-Gabrielson expressed that he has reviewed the topics of the NCIL conference, and was very pleased with the incredible sessions and content offered at this years' conference.
Vicki asked that members who attend, provide a formal or written presentation of what they learned at the conference.
Judy moved to adjourn the meeting, and move into committee groups for the remainder of the day. Larry seconded. Committee reports should be given to Brad Westerlund. The motion carried, and the meeting was adjourned at 10:15 a.m. Committees met until 11:45 a.m.
