Minnesota Statewide Independent Living Council"Creating the future of Independent Living through guidance and direction from people with disabilities"
Minnesota Statewide Independent Living CouncilMeeting Location: SEMCIL,
Present: Connie Lee Berg, Lois Johnson, Cory Heit, Karen Larson, Janiece Duffy, Ann Zick, David Hancox, Mark Eggen, Roseann Faber, Mary Pennington, William Bauer, Bradley Westerlund, Bryan Jensen.
Absent: Phyllis Coppess (excused), Joe Ascheman (excused), Sharon Johnson (excused), Linda Lingen (excused), Clarence Jones.
Guests: Jeff Vert, Hulet Sherry, Vicki Dalle Molle, John Grobe, Melanie Fry, Gary Heit, Cindy Bert, Laurie Brownell, Steve Thovson.
Call to Order: The June 27, 2002 out-state training of SILC members was called to order at 9:00 a.m. by Connie Lee Berg, Chairperson. Connie thanked SEMCIL’s executive director and staff for hosting this year’s training. Introductions of SILC members and guests followed.
Plan for Achieving Self-support (PASS) Training: Jeff Vert of SEMCIL provided an overview of PASS, as well as a brief biography concerning his experiences with disability and PASS. He discussed the history of this program, which has experienced some difficulties. PASS is one of the Social Security Administration’s “work incentives” programs that permits people with disabilities to save resources to achieve or further an employment goal. Since 1996, the program, according to Jeff, is still “in recovery” following a Congressional investigation and amendments to PASS regulations.
To have a PASS approved by the SSA, one must have an employment-related goal that will result in a possible reduction in or cessation of a consumer’s SSI or SSDI benefits. According to Jeff, the program remains under-utilized because many SSA employees, VR counselors, and consumers are either unaware of its existence, or do not know how to acquire a PASS.
For a PASS to be approved, one must demonstrate not only how this plan will assist one in returning to work, but also explain how it will increase your independence and quality of life. A PASS application must show a work goal, but if a consumer is opened for VR he/she need not prove that he/she has such a goal. SSA will want to know how much the applicant will earn upon returning to work. If an applicant’s projected income does not exceed “Substantial Gainful Activity,” the plan will most likely not be approved. Upon approval, one must make a “good faith” effort to achieve the work goal. A plan can be amended. There are “milestones” that SSA will check while a plan is in effect. SSA will want to know what one’s job duties will be, one’s medical history, and one’s past employment record. One must show what one’s PASS expenses will be, why equipment requested is necessary, and all current expenses. SSA will also want to know what banks an applicant is using. It must be remembered that one’s plan must be reasonable, feasible, and include specific milestones. Eligible individuals are those with disabilities wanting to return to work who are receiving SSA benefits, or are eligible for such benefits.
Consumer Directed Home Care: Melanie Fry, Disability
Services Division of the Department
of Human Services, discussed her Consumer Directed Home Care program. She
outlined recent fiscal issues and problems with submitting the contracts to
vendors for this demonstration project. Melanie provided an overview of both
the medical and the disability rights models. The Consumer Directed Home Care
demonstration project frees consumers from mandatory provider-agencies for personal
assistance services. Under this project, consumers get the funds; hire, train
and fire their staff; manage the accounting and payroll taxes; and utilize any
remaining cash for disability-related expenses (if a consumer can show that
the purchase is disability-related, it’s approved). Consumers are required
to deposit their allotted cash in a separate bank account, and must utilize
carbon checks. Popular during the Clinton Administration, projects such as
these shift control from medical professionals and service-providers to people
with disabilities. This project is for people with disabilities or their families
who can manage their own affairs and want to be employers. Melanie offered
one caveat on this project. In that these are public funds, consumers may not
get approval for the purchase of “top-of-the-line products. Because this is
a demonstration project, the Department of Human Services, in the original grant
proposal, received approval for some unusual services; e.g., payments to spouses,
minors, and/or parents for the provision of personal assistance services. Approximately
thirty counties and six of the state’s Centers for IL are participating in this
demonstration project. Melanie estimates that this project will be available
to approximately ninety-four percent of the people with disabilities in
Melanie then announced the bad news. This project was set-aside as of
Medical Assistance for Employed People with Disabilities: Anita Boucher, with the Work Incentives Connection (WIC), provided an overview and future directions of the WIC project. WIC’s primary task is to advise consumers with disabilities of what happens to their benefits when they return to work. WIC staff address consumers’ concerns and fears. In some instances, the loss of benefits outweighs the benefits of returning to work. Prior to the establishment of WIC, there was no single place for a consumer to go for this information. In addition to explaining work incentives, WIC staff conduct research, provide advocacy; offer training on Social Security work incentives, Medical Assistance, MediCare work initiatives; and prepare consumer benefits analyses, which detail how consumers’ benefits will be impacted by work. A benefits analysis provides a bottom-line comparison of where one will be when working, and without working. WIC staff meet with consumers one-on-one on all benefits analyses to explain matters.
The original WIC grant ends in 2003, and the project may become a freestanding non profit organization, or remain with VR, or go into partnership with an existing non profit.
Medical Assistance for Employed People with Disabilities (MAEPD) was initiated in 1999. MAEPD allows people with disabilities who work to receive Medical Assistance at low cost. Eligible consumers must have been determined disabled by the Social Security Administration or, if one has worked his way off of SS benefits, one can undergo a state medical review process. MAEPD permits you to have up to $20,000 in assets excluding a house, car, personal property, and retirement account. One must apply for MAEPD through a county financial worker. You will not be considered employed if your employer does not withhold MediCare and FICA taxes from your pay. You can be eligible if you are self-employed. If you are employed and on medical leave, you can continue to remain eligible for MAEPD for up to four months. You can also have other health insurance while on MAEPD, and the program may even pay your premiums if you have private health insurance. MAEPD premiums are based on a sliding scale. Premiums start at about seven dollars a month, rise as your income increases, but never exceed 7.5% of your income. There are no lower or upper limits on how much you can earn and remain eligible.
For more information, contact WIC at (651) 632-5113, or (800) 976-6728, or TTY (651) 632-5110.
Rural Transportation Services: Steve Thovson, executive director of Southwestern Center for Independent Living (SWCIL), stated that SWCIL was one of ten demonstration cites nationwide selected to receive Federal Department of Transportation funds sub-granted to Associated Programs for Rural Independent Living (APRIL). Steve’s proposal focused on a voucher system in which an eligible consumer selects his/her own transportation provider, who can be a private individual or family member reimbursed at 34.5 cents per mile. A consumer must identify his/her transportation barrier/s, maintain a three-day log, and complete an intake process. Once determined eligible, a consumer must prepare a six-month plan. Consumers pay transportation providers with vouchers that must be presented to SWCIL for payment. The emphasis of this grant is employment-related travel, but other transportation needs will be considered. APRIL would like each cite to serve a minimum of fifty people with disabilities annually. The grant ranges from$14,000 to $16,000 annually. Targeted consumers includes youth with disabilities who have summer jobs.
Steve briefly discussed the DHS nursing home transition grant that was prepared and submitted by the Minnesota Association of Centers for Independent Living (MACIL), and awarded to SWCIL. Grant goals and objectives include the production of a “introduction to community relocation” videotape that will be distributed to nursing homes, their residents, and residents’ families and friends. Steve emphasized that this will not be a technical assistance video; rather, the purpose will be to get nursing home residents to consider relocating into the community. A guide will also be written and distributed to assist the consumer in considering matters such as PAS, housing, and transportation.
Steve also discussed the three-year, $400,000 DHS grant proposal that was prepared and submitted by MACIL, with Metro CIL serving as the contracting agency. Goals/objectives of this grant include education, and the development of an assessment tool to project the number of accessible housing units in Minnesota required to fully implement Olmstead. This grant will begin on October 1, 2002.
Steve concluded by reporting that the state will have about seventy new legislators next year; thus, it’s essential that consumers become acquainted with these new legislators.
Housing Panel: Panelists were Cheryl Richardson, Dale Polton, and Rob McThiasis who discussed accessible, affordable housing options for people with disabilities residing in Olmstead County. Discussions included various “fix-up” funds, accessibility loans and grants, the construction of starter homes and mortgage options for people with disabilities, and the utilization of “Section 8” vouchers for mortgages, which can be applied throughout the term of the mortgage if you are disabled. Dale discussed SEMCIL’s development of accessible apartment buildings totaling ninety-nine units through HUD grants (all of which are now separated from SEMCIL), accessible housing waiting lists, ramp construction/home modifications, Habitat for Humanity and accessible homes, and Accessible Space, Inc. Section 811 housing projects.
Adjournment: At 2:45 p.m., it was moved, seconded and approved that the June 27 training meeting adjourn. SILC members were then provided a tour of the new SEMCIL offices.
June 28, 2002 SILC Business Meeting
Meeting Location: Marriott Hotel,
Present: Connie Lee Berg, Ann Zick, Mary Pennington, Brad Westerlund, Bill Bauer, Cory Heit, Karen Larson, Lois Johnson, Bryan Jensen, Mark Eggen, Janiece Duffy, Dave Hancox (via telephone).
Absent: Phyllis Coppess (excused), Joe Ascheman (excused), Sharon Johnson (excused), Roseann Faber (excused), Clarence Jones.
Guests: Hulet Sherry, Gary Heit, John Grobe, SEMCIL consumers.
Call to Order: The
Approval of
The June 28 agenda was discussed next. Connie added time for the final review and vote on the by-law amendment regarding what constitutes a quorum. Karen requested that time be given for a tribute to Justin Dart. Cory moved, Lois seconded, that the June 28 agenda be approved as revised. The motion carried.
Tribute to Justin Dart: Justin Dart passed away
on
Remarks from the Chair: Connie stated that she was pleased with the SILC’s work and accomplishments. She commented that she would enjoy a heightened working relationship with the Centers. Connie stated that she felt it was important to again receive updates from some of the other councils in the state; e.g., the State Rehabilitation Council, Rehabilitation Council for the Blind, etc. She feels that this information will reduce duplications of efforts, and/or find ways of partnering with other councils. Connie stated that she wants “remarks from the vice chair” to be added to future agendas. She would also like to meet from time-to-time with the RSB assistant commissioner and the SSB staff. Connie would like these recommendations to be implemented within the next two meetings.
Connie expressed her gratitude for the SILC’s teamwork and expertise. She thanked Brad and Bill for their work for and support of the SILC.
Visitors’ Comments: A consumer who had a CVA over ten years ago commented on losing some benefits because he was earning $200 a month. This visitor also had issues with budget cuts at SEMCIL, which resulted in no longer being paid for attending meetings. He suggested that the Center “rethink what they’re cutting, and if there has to be budget reductions, don’t cut those who have the least.” This consumer discussed the problems surrounding the rising costs of health insurance and medication, while this consumer’s income is dropping. The visitor commented that the Center’s services were good, and that there is still a warm, welcome feeling at the Center, but something is missing. This visitor was encouraged to take concerns to the Center's staff and managers.
By-law Amendment: Karen again read SILC by-law Article 3.4, which is the existing rule on what constitutes a quorum. The proposed revision of Article 3.4 reads: “Those voting members present at any regular, special, or committee meeting, for which notice has been provided, shall constitute a quorum.” Discussion followed, with one SILC member expressing concerns about major decisions being made by a few SILC members. It was also mentioned that it may be advisable to reconsider initiating, as was discussed during the May meeting, a “no cancellation” by-law. Lois moved, Mark seconded, that the Article 3.4 revision to the SILC by-laws be approved as written. In discussion, concern was again expressed about “centralizing decision-making power to a small group of people.” Another SILC member stated that this amendment was necessary to get work done. The motion carried with one “no” vote. Bill will again send the revised Article 3.4 to all SILC members. (SILC Members: The revision to Article 3.4 is enclosed in this mailing. Please remove the existing Article 3.4 from your manuals, and insert the revision. Thanks, WB)
Committee Assignments: Connie assigned Dave to the SPIL Committee, and Mark to Education and Advocacy. Bryan will serve on Finance, Roseann on Finance, Janiece on Education and Advocacy, Phyllis on SPIL, Sharon Education and Advocacy, Karen on Finance, Cory will Chair Finance, Lois will Chair SPIL, Mary on Education and Advocacy, Ann will chair Education and Advocacy, Bill on Finance, Linda on SPIL. Connie will discuss an assignment with Joe Ascheman.
Committee Reports: Lois reported that the SPIL Committee did not meet, but she is in the process of finding the four Centers next up for hosting the 2002 consumer forums. During the August meeting, Lois will seek SILC volunteers to facilitate these forums. Bill will forward to Lois the names of the four Centers hosting this year’s forums, and will provide these Centers with notice.
Cory reported for the Finance Committee. The committee is looking at topics
for the next RFP, which tentatively include positive media exposure for people
with disabilities at $15,000; leadership and advocacy for students at $20,000.
Concern was expressed as to whether these topics met SPIL requirements. Bill
will contact Randy Sorenson to determine whether he wants a ramp project. Cory
announced that the Finance Committee will next meet on August 7, at
Ann discussed the Education and Advocacy Committee’s work. Ann asked SILC members to provide some monthly training topics during the August 8 meeting. The question was raised as to whether all SILC members receive copies of all eight Centers’ newsletters. Mark will be contacting the Centers to determine if all SILC members are on all of the Centers’ mailing lists. Ann will contact Randy and Dave to arrange their housing and CIL presentations during the August and September meetings. Ann asked all Education and Advocacy members to meet on the evening of August 7to discuss the committee’s SPIL goals and objectives.
Announcements, Correspondence, Issues: Brad asked all SILC members to immediately advise him of changes in their e-mail addresses, mailing addresses, and telephone numbers.
Lois congratulated Brad on his June 1 marriage.
Next Meeting, Adjournment: The next regular
meeting of the SILC will be August 8, from
For more information on MN SILC, contact Brad Westerlund.
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