June 12th, 2008

Meeting Location: Four Points Sheraton Midway

Present: Larry Lura, Ann Zick, Judy Sanders, Connie Lee Berg, Vicki Dalle Molle, Julia Washenberger, Hulet Sherry, Linda Lingen, Brad Westerlund (DSU staff), Gail Lundeen (DSU staff).

Absent: Mark Eggen, Barbara Chromy (excused), Roberta Cich (excused), and David Sherwood-Gabrielson (DEED-RS).

Guests: Ann Roscoe, David Hancox.

Approval of May 2008 Minutes and June 2008 Agenda

Judy Sanders asked if there were any revisions to the May 2008 minutes. A few members indicated that there were a few county names misspelled on Page 3. of the minutes. Members also asked that we avoid using initials in the minutes. Discussion followed. Ann Zick moved, and Larry Lura seconded, to approved the minutes as revised. The motion carried. Judy asked for any revisions to the June agenda. There were no revisions to the agenda, and the June 12th agenda was approved by consent.

International Code Conference, Bob Zimmerman

Bob Zimmerman talked about the the International Code Council Meeting and Final Action Hearings that will occur in Minneapolis on September 14 though September 23. The ICC membership will be voting to either accept or reject the following proposed change to the current language in Section R311.6.1 of the International Residential Code. "Ramps shall have a maximum slope of one unit vertical in eight units horizontal (12.5 percent slope)."

The building code that governs how steep ramps at private homes can be is in jeopardy of being changed from 1 to 12 to 1 to 8. The proposed change will create a standard for ramps that is too steep for most people to safely and easily use.

The change does not require that home ramps be 1 to 8, just as the current code does not require that ramps be 1 to 12. The code just sets the steepest ramp allowable. However, the implied message that the code is the right ramp to build, even though a range of slopes is needed to accommodate the differing needs of people who have mobility impairments.

Having code say 1 to 8 gives people the false impression that a ramp "built to code" will provide a safe and easy way for them to access their homes.

The current language states that "ramps shall have a maximum slope of one unit vertical in twelve units horizontal (8.3 percent slope). Exception: Where it is technically infeasible to comply because of site constraints, ramps may have a maximum slope of one unit vertical in eight horizontal (12.5 percent slope)." The proposed change should be rejected in order to maintain safe and usable ramps that are installed at people's homes.

It is likely that you are aware the ADA accessibility guidelines specify 1 to 12 slopes for ramps. Less well known is that the ICC/ANSI Standard for Usable and Accessible Buildings, the Fair Housing Technical Requirements, the International Building Code, the Veterans Affairs Home Improvement program to modify homes for disabled vets and most state and local codes also specify 1 to 12 as the steepest ramp to be built. One building official has proposed a change to the International Residential Code from the nearly universal 1 to 12 standard to a steeper 1 to 8 slope. The ICC membership will vote on that change in September.

I partner with the Metropolitan Center for Independent Living to help people in the Minneapolis /St Paul area obtain access to their homes. We have installed over 3,000 ramps and modified steps since creating a modular reusable ramp and step system in 1992. The website www.wheelchairramp.org has complete information. The "video" section has a link to "design considerations," a segment that shows many of the problems steep ramps create.

Having worked with thousands of people, I know how difficult a ramp with a 1 to 8 slope is for most people to use and how that slope really can cause injuries. I know that a steep ramp can be so difficult to use that assistance from another person is required in order to get up and down the ramp. I strongly believe that ramps are tools used to achieve freedom and independence and ramps too steep to be used independently are needless barriers. While some people have the strength and balance needed to handle a 1 to 8 slope, the large majority do not. Keeping the International Residential Code at 1 to 12, instead of relaxing the standard to1 to 8, will help the most people obtain safe and easy access to their homes.

I was alerted to the challenge of the code by the Director of ASSIST, a nonprofit design center in Salt Lake City. ASSIST has helped thousands of Utah residents modify their homes to accommodate a disability and their web site is an excellent resource. They have partnered with the Utah Chapter of the International Code Council create the current code language and are now working to insure that the 1 to 12 standard is maintained. I am partnering with them to prevent the proposed change in code language.

How can you help? Tell the ICC what effect changing the code would have the members of your organization. Until June 9th, 2008, there is an opportunity for public comment regarding the proposed change. Go to the website www.iccsafe.org and point to the Codes and Standard section of the header. In the drop down menu, choose code development. On this page there is a box on the right side that contains a link to "public proposal, floor modification and public comments form". Click on that link and follow the instructions from there.

Comments can be emailed or sent by regular mail. If mailing, be sure to use the Alabama address listed in the instructions. Here is the information needed for the comment form.

For Box # 3, the code change proposal number is RB57-07-08.
For Box # 4, checking "Disapproved" indicates you don't want the code changed to 1 to 8 and
Box # 6 allows you to state your reasons.

We are hoping that key organizations will let the ICC know what effect relaxing the code will have on people with mobility impairments. One comment from an organization representing thousands of people across the country will be a powerful lesson for the building officials who will be voting on the proposed change.

Bob Zimmerman and MCIL will be present at this conference, and plan to have a demonstration of both a 1 to 8 and 1 to 12 sloped ramps. Booth space will cost $1,000 per booth and four booths are necessary for the demonstration. MCIL has committed $1,000 for this event. Vicki Dalle Molle has also offered $1,000 from SEMCIL. Discussion followed.

Ann Zick asked how sponsors will be acknowledged. Bob said that sponsors could be acknowledged through banners, pamphlets, and handouts, etc.

Vicki Dalle Molle moved that the SILC contribute $1,000, to help pay for the cost of booth space at the event. Hulet seconded. Discussion followed.

Connie Lee Berg recommended that the SILC give $2,000, so that the booth space would be payed in full. The friendly amendment was seconded by Ann Zick.

The motion to contribute $2,000 to the international building code conference passed unanimously.

Ann Zick asked Bob how the SILC could help or donate their time. Bob told members that they will need volunteers, and that they should contact Jim Williams at MCIL. His phone number is (651) 603-2029.

Connie Lee Berg thanked Bob for his presentation, and for coming to talk with the SILC about the concerns regarding ramps for people with disabilities.

DEED-RS Update

Brad Westerlund talked about the upcoming statewide forum on the need for Extended Employment services in Minnesota.

The results of the "Annual Survey" are used to inform EE funding guidelines and the issuance of EE Requests for Proposals. In the EE system, if providers earn their contract, their funding base remains stable from year to year. However, if providers do not earn their contracts, any shortfall (beyond a 5% grace) can become available for redistribution to other providers. This is our current circumstance. We anticipate that DEED/RS will have over $400,000 to redistribute in SFY09. The dollars may be redistributed through an RFP or via a rate increase, or some combination of RFP and rate increase.

This year, the "Annual Survey" is an amalgam of different activities:

  1. We have held "focus groups" as part of our spring round of Community Partner meetings. These meetings were predominantly attended by EE providers along with a few VR RAMs and a scattering of other community rehabilitation programs.
  2. Anita has worked with Susan Lindoo to develop a series of electronic surveys that have been sent to Transition stakeholders, EE providers, other Community Rehabilitation Programs, VR Counselors and RAMs, County Social Services staff, and Disability Advocacy Groups.
  3. The statewide video conference public forum on EE needs is intended to provide yet another avenue for input to DEED/RS from our stakeholders. While the invitation list will be broad, we are particularly interested in making sure that we hear from consumer advocacy organizations and county social services staff.

The video conference will be on Tuesday, July 8th, from 1:30 - 4:00 p.m. We have sites that are being confirmed in St. Paul (DHS 444 Lafayette Road), St. Cloud, Brainerd, Moorhead, Virginia, Duluth, Rochester, and Mankato. [After our discussions earlier this week, it struck me that our coverage in the southern part of the state is lighter than it is central and northern Minnesota, so I am checking out whether we can add a site in Marshall). I expect to have a list of the local addresses in the various communities soon. I understand that the video conference settings will be primarily in county social services facilities.

We are principally interested in learning about needs for EE ongoing employment support services. The needs or gaps could be in terms of geographic coverage or the services needs / gaps that affect particular groups of individuals with disabilities.

NCIL Legislative Report

Brad Westerlund shared with the council the list of legislative priorities for the 2008 NCIL conference.

The list includes:

Funding for the CIL's

Reauthorization of the Rehabilitation Act

Housing

Transportation

Ending the Instructional Bias

ADA Restoration Act of 2007

CIL Monitoring and On-site Review Schedule

Brad Westerlund updated council members on the current dates and staff assigned to the 2008 reviews. The updated information is as follows:

Centers for Independent Living
Compliance Review and Monitoring Schedule
2008
CENTER REVIEW TYPE DATE SILC Representative
SEMCIL (Rochester) Monitoring June 17th (9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.) Judy Sanders
SMILES (Mankato) Federal Onsite June 19th (10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.)
Board Mtg. 5:00 p.m.		 Barbara Chromy and Ann Zick
SWCIL Monitoring July 14th (9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.) Roberta Cich
CILNM (Hibbing) Monitoring July 17th (1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.) Ann Zick
ILICIL
(St. Cloud)		 Monitoring August 12th (9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon) Vicki Dalle Molle?
OPTIONS
E. Grand Forks)		 Monitoring August 20th (1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.) Ann Zick and Connie Lee Berg
FREEDOM (Fargo) Federal Onsite August 21st (10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.) (Board Meeting- 5:00 p.m.)
August 22nd (9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.) Follow-Up, Case Review		 Ann Zick and Connie Lee Berg
MCIL (St. Paul) Federal Onsite September 2nd (1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.) Board Mtg. 5:00 p.m. Roberta Cich

Assistive Technology Discussion

At the May outstate meeting, the Finance committee discussed possible ways to utilize the remainder of the 2007 carryover funds. To date, there is roughly $13,000 in '07 carryover. It was decided at this meeting to bring forth to the full Council, the idea of using these dollars for assistive technology. Furthermore, these dollars would be divided equally amongst the eight CIL's to purchase AT equipment. Ann Zick asked if we should be including White Earth and Red Lake into the discussion. Connie Lee Berg commented that 100% of the AIVR Directors' time is with vocational rehabilitation administration, and unless specific authority is granted by RSA or monies for other services provide for a set percentage of the Director's salary, it would be very difficult to receive these resources and distribute them.

Connie moved that the SILC grant the remainder of the '07 carryover dollars, roughly $13,000, equally to the eight Centers for Independent Living, to be used for the purchase of assistive technology equipment. Ann Zick seconded the motion. The motion carried, with Julia Washenberger and Vicki Dalle Molle abstaining.

Committee Reports

IL Conference Committee
(Gail Lundeen, David Hancox, Ann Zick, Connie Lee Berg, and Hulet Sherry)

  1. Should the SILC hire a meeting planner? Yes
    1. Recommendations
      • Demonstrated success with access planning
      • From Minnesota
      • Experience with large groups
    2. How much do we spend on hiring a coordinator?
      • Put out a job description and a RFP and see what is requested.
  2. What is the date of the event?
    1. 1st or 2nd week of June 2010 - midweek
    2. How many days?
      • Opening session at 1:00 (my notes are unclear if we then go a full day and third day ends at 3:00 OR if done by 3:00 on second day)
  3. Location Ideas
    1. St. Cloud or somewhere in Central Minnesota such as Alexandria
    2. Duluth
    3. Metro
  4. Titles/Themes
    1. Relevance of the IL model for today's needs
    2. CLB to survey ILC centers for training needs
    3. Boards – how to build competent boards
    4. As SILC conduct reviews, they should ask staff about training interests
  5. Other comments from the committee
    1. Need to determine who we are marketing this conference to –
      • IL/VR
      • Community partners?
      • What do we want to accomplish?
    2. Other things to consider
      • Pre-events?
      • AV needs
      • Badges & signing
      • How to select speakers
      • Entertainment
      • Registration
      • Food
      • Hotel registrations
      • Media
      • Access assurance
      • Evaluations
      • exhibits

Motion: Vickie Dalle Molle moved that SILC put out a bid request for conference coordinators, for the 2010 IL conference. Hulet seconded. The motion carried.

Ann Zick and Connie Lee Berg will work on drafting a bid request and job description.

Annual Report Committee
(Vicki Dalle Molle, and Judy Sanders)

  1. Distribution List (we estimate 400 copies)

Each SILC in the nation
Each member of the MN SILC
Each MN CIL
Each member of the MN State Legislature and the Governor's Office
MN Councils, including but not limited to:

  • CCD
  • Rehab Services
  • DD
  • MSCOD
  • SSB
  • Commission for Deaf and Hard of Hearing

MN State Organizations, including but not limited to:

  • NAMI
  • ARC
  • MS

VR 121 Programs in the State

  1. Who will do what or write what?

Member bio's: each SILC member to write, due October SILC meeting
CIL summary: Each CIL, due September SILC Meeting. Vicki to email MACIL
Anecdotes on RS/IL Collaboration: Each CIL due by September SILC meeting. Included in MACIL email noted above.

Group photo of SILC: October SILC Meeting. Picture taken by DEED staff person. (Brad to request.)

Check with Roberta to confirm 3 letters written by the SILC: authorization of the Rehab Act; CMS rules change for Nursing Home Relocation and education of MN State Legislators on Centers for Independent Living during last legislative session.

Financial picture of SIL budget: considering pie chart of how SILC funds are spent.

  1. Research costs for printing and publishing: Gail and Brad

Emergency Preparedness- RFP
(Julia Washenberger, Ann Roscoe, Larry Lura, Linda Lingen)

What are the issues around emergency preparedness?
    • Sheltering in place
    • County Emergency staff
    • Educating all consumers-template for plan
    • All forms of emergencies
    • Professional-statewide
What is the SILC setting as priorities for funding?

Proposals could include $ for conference, forums, education, community forums, alternate formats materials.

Visitors' Comments

There were no visitors' comments at the June 12 meeting.

SILC-Net National Teleconference & Webcast

The SILC participated in the teleconference from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. The teleconference focused on data gathering for SILC's and the commonly used methods for gathering community input.