Minutes for February 12, 2004

Meeting Location:  Four Points Midway Sheraton, St. Paul

Present: Lois Johnson, Karen Larson, Sharon Johnson, Ann Zick, Mary Pennington, Bryan Jensen, RoseAnn Faber, Linda Lingen, William Bauer, Brad Westerlund, Phyllis Coppess, Mark Eggen, David Hancox.

Absent: Clarence Jones.

Guests:  None.

Call to order:  The February 12, 2004 SPIL planning meeting of the Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) was called to order at 9:00 a.m. by Lois Johnson, chairperson. Introductions followed.

Approval of January Minutes and February Agenda:  The January 8-9, 2004 minutes were approved by consensus. The February 12 agenda was also approved by consensus.

Overnight Accommodations: Lois Johnson opened discussion pertaining to the council's approval of overnight hotel accommodations for SILC members with disabilities who reside within fifty miles of the meeting location. In the past, this has been viewed as a "reasonable accommodation" for those members with disabilities utilizing public transportation or drivers to attend committee meetings held on evenings prior to regular SILC meetings. Discussion followed with Sharon Johnson stating that the very make-up of the Education and Advocacy Committee lends itself to being accommodating. In addition, there may be circumstances that justify an overnight stay. She added that as a general rule, the council should observe the "fifty mile" prohibition, but the council should be able to justify special circumstances as required. Sharon Johnson moved, Phyllis Coppess seconded, that this matter be tabled until the April meeting. There was no further discussion and the motion carried.

SPIL 2005-2007 Goals and Objectives Development:  Lois Johnson opened discussion for the "paring down" of the goals and objectives established during the January meeting.

There was discussion on what the primary goal areas should be. Minnesota 's lack of the mandated Olmstead Plan was of primary concern. Sharon Johnson moved, Mark Eggen seconded, that the 2005-2007 goals, established during the January meeting, be revised, and become (A) Olmstead Implementation, (B) Marketing, and (C) Advocacy. There was no further discussion and the motion carried.

Results of objectives planning are as follows:

GOAL A: OLMSTEAD IMPLEMENTATION.

Objective 1: Advocate for sufficient numbers of inclusive, accessible and affordable living options based on informed consumer choice.

Objective 2: Advocate for the creation of a statewide Olmstead plan through public education and collaborative activities.

Objective 3: Award up to two $32,500 grants annually, based on the MCIL grant model, to CILs selected by the SILC for use in coordinating nursing home transition for people with disabilities.

Objective 4: Promote quality care and self sufficiency via consumer choice and direction by applying the philosophy of Independent Living.

Sharon Johnson moved, Phyllis Coppess seconded, that the above objectives be considered the sum and total of the 2005-2007 SPIL's Olmstead Implementation goal. Discussion followed until David Hancox called the question, and that motion carried. Sharon Johnson's motion on Olmstead Implementation objectives carried.

GOAL B: MARKETING.

Objective 1: Training and Education.

a. Develop a mechanism to provide training throughout Minnesota in areas of IL philosophy, choice and self- determination.

b. Inform diverse populations statewide of, and ensure access to, independent living concepts and philosophies through targeted outreach.

c. Develop fact sheets for statewide distribution to CILS’s, Work Force Centers, et alia for the provision of information concerning the ADA and other disability- related civil rights laws for people with disabilities.

d. Develop fact sheets for statewide distribution to provide information on how to work effectively with public officials.

Objective 2: Visibility and Recognition.

a. Create a monograph of collective fact sheets and other pertinent educational materials for national distribution.

b. Seek increased collaboration with other disability organizations such as the CCD, the ARC, Survivors Network, et alia.

Objective 3: Professional Growth.

a. Engage in one to two brainstorming sessions annually to ensure that the collective expertise of individuals is fostered and utilized.

b. Develop, plan and implement targeted outreach activities for minority and youth audiences to result in a more diverse SILC membership.

Sharon Johnson moved, Karen Larson seconded, that the marketing objectives be adopted as written. There was no discussion and the motion carried.

GOAL C: ADVOCACY

Objective 1: Implement a formal communication plan, to be developed by the SILC, that provides effective guidelines and criteria for public comment on social justice and service-delivery issues critical to people with disabilities.

Sharon Johnson moved, Bryan Jensen seconded, that the advocacy goal be adopted with the single all-encompassing objective. Discussion followed until the question was called, which carried. Sharon Johnson's motion carried.

Next Meeting, Adjournment: The next SILC meeting will be held on April 8-9, 2004 at the Four Points Midway Sheraton. The February 12, 2004 SPIL planning meeting adjourned at 2:50 p.m.