Minutes for December 12, 2002

Meeting Location:  Four Points Midway Sheraton, St. Paul

Present:  Connie Lee Berg, Lois Johnson, Cory Heit, Sharon Johnson, Mark Eggen, Ann Zick, Roseann Faber, Bryan Jensen, Mary Pennington, Linda Lingen, Bill Bauer, Brad Westerlund.

Absent:  Karen Larson (excused), Phyllis Coppess (excused), Janiece Duffy (excused), David Hancox (excused), Clarence Jones.

Guests:  Diane Mutchler, Rich Geischen, Rubin Latz, David Skilbred, Craig Amudsen.

Call to Order:  The December 12, 2002 meeting of the Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) was called to order at 9:00 a.m. by Connie Lee Berg, Chairperson.  Introductions of members and guests followed.

Review and Approval of October Minutes and December Agenda:  Lois moved, Mark seconded, that the October 17, 2002 minutes be approved as written.  The motion carried.  There were no requests for revisions to the December agenda.  The December 12, 2002 agenda was approved by consensus.

State Rehabilitation Council Update:  Lois reported that there was a review of FFY 2002 VR services and activities at the December 4 SRC meeting. Vocational Rehabilitation’s order of selection appears to be going well, and it is hoped that all consumers under “priority one” will be served.  There may even be sufficient funds to serve some “priority two” consumers.  The SRC held elections of officers.  Jane Spain was elected chair.  Lois announced that Howard Glad sent his holiday wishes to the SILC, and that he hopes to be able to attend future SILC meetings. Unfortunately, Howard has schedule conflicts with the regular SILC meeting (second Thursday) dates.  Lois also reported that Howard would like to remain as assistant commissioner of Rehabilitation Services under Governor Pawlenty.

State Rehabilitation Council for the Blind:  Roseann reported that the SRCB met on November 16 and focused on how meetings would be conducted, the roles and responsibilities of the SRCB, how council members would interact, and how the audience would participate at future meetings.  At the December 7 meeting, these discussions continued.  The SRCB also learned that 179 people who are blind attained employment goals in FFY 2002, which is the highest number of placements in SSB’s history.  Roseann reported that elections of officers will be held during the February 1, 2003 meeting.  Discussion followed concerning SRCB dynamics.

Developmental Disabilities Council Update: Ann reported that the DD Council has 3 Council openings for 2003: (1) parent of an adult son/daughter; (2) parent of a child; and (3) general public member. We have sent out 350 press releases to the media announcing that applications are now being taken for appointments.  The beta test of our e-learning course is underway with 50 users from around the world. So far the feedback has been very positive. People especially like the features such as tips & tools, spotlight on a success story in changing public policy, and the quotes and cartoons scattered throughout the course.  We expect to roll it out in January 2003.  We are working with a private sector company which plans to contribute free reprinting of the Partners in Policymaking Stories of Leadership book.  We expect to begin dissemination in January 2003.

Minnesota Association of Centers for Independent Living Update:  Due to David Hancox’s absence, there was no report. 

121 Project Update:  Connie reported that White Earth is applying for 121 Project continuation funding.  Established 121 Projects nationwide, two of which are in Minnesota, must submit new applications every five years and compete on a national basis; i.e., these are not “entitlement” grants.  White Earth has until the middle of March to submit the new application.  Northern Arizona University has provided White Earth with technical assistance on the application.  Connie reported that no additional Minnesota tribes have applied for 121 funds except White Earth and Red Lake.  There is a limited amount of funding available for 121 Projects nationwide.  Connie commented that when only ten out of one-hundred projects are funded in these competitions, you have to be concerned about your own project, but you want to assist other tribes with their applications. CANAR is proposing the elimination of the competitive process; rather, CANAR recommends that established 121 projects continue to receive Federal dollars as long as these projects meet performance standards.  Connie stated that she had approached Leach Lake about a 121 Project application, but there is a new tribal council there; thus, she will not discuss the matter until the council gets through their transition period.  Milax may also e approached about a 121 Project. 

By-law Amendments:  The Chair opened the floor for discussion regarding by-law amendments that would designate a specific month each year for nominations and elections of SILC officers, and would eliminate officers’ term limits.  Discussions focused on the SILC’s varying meeting months from year-to-year, inconsistencies in gubernatorial appointments of SILC members, and whether there was a necessity to wait for new members to be appointed.  Bryan moved, Sharon seconded, that SILC by-law 4.2 be amended to read, “Nominations and elections of SILC officers shall be held annually during the September regular meeting of the SILC.  Officers may serve more than one term.”  There was no further discussion, and the motion carried. 

Bill will prepare the amendments and submit copies in the January SILC packet.  There will be a reading of the amendments during the January 2003 meeting.  These amendments to the by-laws shall be voted on during the April 2003 meeting.

State Council On Disability Roundtable:  Connie announced that the SCD will conduct its annual legislative roundtable on January 9, 2003 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at several locations around the State.  This is your opportunity to hear what other disability groups plan to advocate for during the upcoming legislative session.  Requests for formatted materials or other accommodations must be received at least fourteen days in advance of January 9.  For more information, phone (voice) (651) 296-6785 or (TTY) (800) 945-8913.  If you want to make a presentation or have written materials that you want included in the brochure, please contact Tom Brick at (651) 296-3478, or (TTY) (800) 945-8913.  Please contact the SCD for a registration form, or e-mail your request to council.disability@state.mn.us. 

Assistive Technology Training:  Diane Mutchler, Rehabilitation Services, provided opening remarks and an overview of assistive technology.  All SILC members received a list of AT web-sites and information on “Able Data.” 

Rubin Latz, Rehabilitation Services, discussed and demonstrated several AT products for people who are deaf, deaf-blind, or hard of hearing.  There are four categories of AT devices, which are alerting devices, telecommunication devices, assistive listening devices, and captioning.  Rubin reminded TTY users that if one is saving print-outs of conversations, please respect confidentiality.  MN Relay service is now reached by dialing 711.  The Department of Human Services provides TTY’s and other aid to low-income deaf, deaf-blind, and hard of hearing consumers. 

Rich Geischen discussed his duties at SSB, and announced that SSB’s tech lab is open to the public for consumers to try various types of assistive technology.  There are three themes in AT for people who are blind or have low vision, which are portability, connectivity and comparability.  Rich demonstrated several AT products. 

Rubin, Rich and Diane fielded questions from the council.

Committee Reports:  Lois reported that the SPIL Committee did not meet because she served as one of the proposal reviewers, and dedicated her committee meeting time to the finance committee. 

Sharon reported for the education and advocacy committee.  Planning continued for the June 2003 out-state training, which will be held in St. Cloud.  The training’s theme will be “education and leadership for youth.”  ILICIL does not have a meeting room large enough to accommodate the council, so the training will be held at the Radisson, St. Cloud.  ILICIL will provide a presentation on the Center and its services.  Ann will remain in contact with Cara.  Another training topic will be the e-learning process for “Making Your Case” classes.  Transition services will also be on the training agenda.  Sharon announced that there are only two items remaining on the SILC’s training list, and these topics will be covered during the June outstate meeting.  Council members were asked to submit new training topics.  The education and advocacy committee is either on-target, or ahead of timelines in attaining goals from the 2002-2004 SPIL. 

Connie commended the education and advocacy committee members for their outstanding work and accomplishments.

Lois recommended that the education and advocacy committee contact Ann Robertson from the Disability Law Center to provide a training session to the council.  Ann will follow-up. 

Brad reported that all council members’ names and addresses were submitted to the Centers for the Centers’ mailing lists. 

Cory reported for the finance committee. Advocating for Change Together (ACT) received the highest score of the three applications submitted and reviewed from this year’s RFP.  Cory moved, Bryan seconded, that the ACT grant for $25,000 be approved by the full council.  The motion carried. 

Cory announced that the ramp project contract with Options is in place.  He reminded council members to submit their reimbursement requests in a timely manner. 

In that Cory’s two three-year terms on the SILC will be completed on January 1, Connie thanked Cory for his years of service to the council and people with disabilities.  Cory may consider applying for a SILC appointment at some point. 

Nominations and Elections of Officers:  Connie turned the meeting over to Lois.  Lois requested nominations for Chair.  Sharon nominated Connie.  Lois made three additional requests for Chair nominees.  Hearing none, nominations were closed.  Connie was named chair. 

Connie called for nominations for vice chair.  Bryan Jensen nominated himself.  Sharon nominated Lois.  Connie called three times for additional nominations, and none were offered.  Council members submitted written ballots, and Lois was again elected vice chair. 

Connie called for nominations for treasurer.  Lois nominated Janiece Duffy in absentia.  Connie called three times for additional nominations.  Hearing none, Janiece was elected treasurer. 

Connie called for nominations for secretary.  Lois nominated Karen Larson in absentia.  Bryan Jensen nominated himself.  Connie called three times for additional nominations.  Hearing none, nominations were closed and ballots distributed.  Karen Larson was elected. 

Connie called for nominations for member at large.  Bryan nominated Mark Eggen.  Lois nominated Roseann Faber.  Mary Pennington nominated herself.  Connie called three times for additional nominations.  Hearing none, ballots were distributed.  Mark Eggen was elected member at large. 

Lois moved, Sharon seconded, that all ballots be destroyed.  There was no discussion, and the motion carried. 

Officers elected in absentia may decline their positions at the January 16 meeting.  New nominations and elections shall be conducted at that time, if required. 

704 Update:  Bill reported that he has copied the FFY 2002 narrative onto the Federal forms.  He is awaiting data from the Centers, SSB and RSB.  Centers must have their 704 Part 2 reports on Bill’s desk absolutely no later than December 20, 2002.  Bill plans to have the report aggregated and distributed to council members during the second week of January.

Announcements, Issues, Correspondence: Connie wished council members a joyous holiday season. 

Next Meeting, Adjournment:  The next meeting of the SILC will be January 16, 2003 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Radisson Hotel, 11 East Kellogg Boulevard, St. Paul in the Wabasha Room.  Parking will be direct billed for those staying over night.  Others attending this meeting will be asked to pay for parking and reimbursed on there expense form for this meeting. The December 12, 2002 SILC meeting adjourned at 2:15 p.m.