Minutes for October 18, 2001

Meeting Location:  Midway Sheraton, St. Paul

Present:  Connie Lee Berg, Lois Johnson, Cory Heit, Karen Larson, Mary Pennington, Cara Ruff, Howard Glad, Janiece Duffy, William Bauer, Brad Westerlund, Linda Lingen, Bryan Jensen, Joe Ascheman, Phylllis Coppess, Sharon Johnson, Rand Stenhjem.

Absent:  Rick Cardenas, Terry Graff (excused), Hulet Sherry (excused), Rosemary Laberge (excused), Roseann Faber (excused), Ann Zick (excused). 

Guests:  Mike Zelley, Bob Niemec, Steve Thovson, Alan Augustin, Dave Hancox, Ted Seibert, ASL Interpreters Mary Holte and Candy Shannon.

Call to Order:  The October 18, 2001 meeting of the Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) was called to order at 9:07 a.m. by Connie Lee Berg, Chair.  Introductions of Council members and guests followed. 

Approval of October Agenda and August Minutes:  For the August minutes, Rand asked that the acronym “DEWD” be struck from the SILC task force report regarding the SILC’s restructuring recommendation.  Upon removing “DEWD,” the wording should be, “…all disability-related programs be placed under one existing department.” Rand next explained why he submitted the SILC’s position paper without first receiving approval from the full council; specifically, the position paper was due on October 1, 2001.  The SILC’s transition document was approved by consensus.  The August 9, 2001 minutes were approved as revised. 

Additions  to the October agenda were: Bill on Minnesota’s 723 status report, 2002-2004 SPIL, Rice County ARC and State Operated Community Services, and the Parents with Disabilities Conference.  The October agenda was approved as revised. 

723 Status:  Bill reported that he spoke with Kathy Niemi, RSA Region V IL Grants Manager, regarding the annual “Section 8” report.  Kathy advised Bill that it was unnecessary to submit the annual “Section 8” report for FFY 2002 because the required documents were filed with the new SPIL.  It will, however, be necessary to again file this annual report in August or September 2002.

FFY 2002-2004 SPIL:  Connie announced she received written notice from RSA Region V Commissioner Douglas Burleigh that Minnesota’s FFY 2002-2004 SPIL was approved with no revisions.  Sharon asked that Bill’s and Brad’s months of work on writing and editing the attachments, completing the preprints, and ensuring that the new plan was complete be noted in these minutes. 

State Rehabilitation Council Report:  Lois, SILC representative on the SRC, asked Howard to discuss the SRC's transition recommendation.  Howard reported that the SRC is recommending that the MDES Rehabilitation Service Branch be placed in the new Department responsible for workforce development, with all disability-related services (VR, EE, IL) being kept together.  Lois briefly discussed SRC’s process for making this determination.  Howard also reported that the transition team’s recommendation must be delivered to the legislature by December 1, 2001. 

MACIL Report:  Cara announced that Randy Sorensen has been appointed as the new executive Director of Options. 

Connie announced the names of those who will serve on the SILC committee to determine ways for the council to be more proactive with MACIL on fund-raising and fee development.  Committee members are Lois, Bryan, Cory and Rand.  Lois will serve as committee chair, and the first meeting will be held on December 12, 6:00 p.m. at the Midway Sheraton. 

Cara asked if the SILC could invite Lee Schultz, executive director of the Milwaukee CIL, to speak with the council during the December meeting.  There were no objections, and Cara will make arrangements with Schultz. 

State Rehabilitation Council for the Blind Report:  Due to Roseann’s absence, Linda reported that the SRCB’s recent activities have been focused on the transition.  There were three SRCB meetings in September.  The SRCB’s first recommendation is for SSB to be moved to the Department of Administration.  The SRCB’s second choice is for a stand-alone agency or commission. 

121 Project Report:  Connie announced that the Red Lake 121 Project has been working with Western Washington University in the planning of a national conference to be held in Seattle on April 24-25, 2002.  Connie is serving on a “capacity-building for tribes” committee for the Seattle conference.  Economic development will also be a topic for the conference.  The conference theme is, “Wisdom of the Storyteller.” 

Connie reported that she is working with tribal planning to expand Red Lake’s bus fleet. She stated that there are now sixty-five 121 Projects nationwide. 

Connie now has two VR counselors, a file clerk and a secretary employed at her 121 Project office.  The Red Lake 121 continues to work with transition-aged students, and she is continuing to serve as the tribal liaison with foster grandparents. 

SSA representatives come to Connie’s office once a month.  A strong partnership continues with the Red Lake 121 Project and the Work Incentives Program.  Chairman Whitefeather is supporting the Work Incentives Project’s search for additional funding.  The Work Incentives Project will have staff housed in Bemidji, who will travel to the Red Lake 121 office. 

Visitors’ Comments:  There were no comments.

Committee Assignments:  Connie asked if there were any SILC members who were currently not serving on at least one committee.  There were no responses.

What’s Selling in Michigan:  Connie introduced Mike Zelley, executive director of the Disability Network CIL in Flint, Michigan.  Mike also serves as Chair of the Michigan SILC, and as the chair of the Flint Workforce Development Board. 

Mike is a person with paraplegia as the result of an automobile accident.  He stated that his background is in corporate America; thus, as a senior VP of a bank holding company, he did not require retraining following the advent of his disability and rehab.  Mike commented that, “The company had a great deal invested in me, and my employer was anxious to get me back on the job.”  He commented, “In that employees are a company’s most valuable asset, there should be no issue in bringing an employee back after he or she acquires a disability.” 

Mike stated that his Center is an advocacy organization that provides “support.”  He feels that providing “services” makes Centers look like agencies.  Mike briefly discussed his Center’s”support,” which include a ramp project funded by CDBG dollars.  His Center organizes around issues, and has a “Leadership for Action” project.  Mike’s staff serve on over fifty councils/boards in Flint.  His Center also has a program for people with significant developmental disabilities in which consumers are taught to live alone in the community, hire and dismiss their own care attendants, etc.  The Disability Network also has a community technology center, which is certified and generates fees.  Mike feels that technology is the next IL Movement. 

Mike commented that nothing, other than Part C, pays for advocacy, so a Center director must develop other sources.  He contends that a Center’s operating budget should be one-third grants, one-third fees, and one-third fund-raising.  Mike discussed the “segregation” approach utilized by some disability groups, and that a CIL must, nonetheless, collaborate with such disability groups taking this approach. 

Michigan’s CIL association has a paid staff member, which Mike feels is essential to advocacy.  The association also delivers some statewide services.

Mike stated that there is a significant window of opportunity for Centers to make the workforce development system inclusive.  Under WIA, Section 188 mandates services to “universal populations,” and people with disabilities are specifically identified.  WIA provides funding for several services, but at the top of the list is individualized training. Training people with disabilities is a specialized skill that all Centers have mastered.  People with disabilities must have access and choice in the one stops.  Mike stated that workforce development is economic development -- business won’t grow without people.  Centers can play a significant role because the system needs help and, “we know how to do it.” 

Mike stated that Centers must be at the Workforce Development table to explain the disability-related issues, because a majority of every Workforce Development board’s members are business people.  Mike commented, “We know how to eliminate barriers.”  Mike’s Center is providing customized training for a fee.  [For more information and publications on accessing the Workforce Center System, contact David Hoff at (617) 355-7486.] 

Mike briefly discussed the fears that most employers have regarding hiring people with disabilities.  For example, saying the wrong things, health care costs rising, absenteeism, etc.   Mike stated that it’s our job to teach employers that employees with disabilities are problem-solvers, that we accept diversity, work in teams and are creative.  Also, people with disabilities are a huge untapped workforce market. 

Mike next discussed Michigan Centers’ and the Michigan Association of Centers’ activities in the areas of fund-raising and lobbying, and the SILC’s responsibility to change policy at the state level.  He said that SILC’s nationwide must be partners in issues such as Olmstead implementation.  Mike stated that in marketing Center services to Workforce boards, you do not discuss IL core-services or getting people out of nursing homes.  Mike briefly discussed Michigan’s funding distribution issues, and encouraged SILC’s to be active in the “Drive for Seventy-five.”  He also discussed match grants with VR, which is working well in Michigan.  Mike commented that the transition work most Centers are doing is transferable to the Workforce System for fees.  Mike added that this also applies to people who are in the “Welfare-to-Work” system.  He discussed the large market for assistive technology consultations and trainings.  Q and A followed.  (Video and audio tapes of Mike Zelley’s presentation are available.  Please contact Bill.)

2002 SILC Applications:  Bill reminded SILC members to distribute the applications that were enclosed in the October packet.  SILC members needing to submit applications for new terms are Connie, Terry, Sharon, Rick, and Cara. Bill reminded members that these applications should be mailed to the Secretary of State no later than December first. 

By-laws on Absenteeism:  Karen read aloud the SILC’s by-laws concerning absentee members. A discussion on the matter followed.  It was determined that Karen and Bill would review and discuss possible amendments for presentation to the full Council during the December meeting.  Connie expressed her appreciation of those members who regularly attend SILC meetings. 

MDES 800 Number:  To reach the IL Section (Bill or Brad) toll-free, the number is (800) 328-9095.  You will reach the Rehabilitation Services Branch switchboard. 

SILC Congress 2002:  Rand moved, Cory seconded, that three SILC members be selected to attend the January 6-10, 2002 SILC Congress in San Diego.  There was no discussion and the motion carried.  Sharon moved, Phyllis seconded, that Connie, Lois and Cory be sent to represent the SILC.  There was no discussion, and the motion carried with three abstentions.  Cory moved, Karen seconded, that Phyllis serve as the alternate.  There was no discussion, and the motion carried with one abstention.  Bill will attend the congress on behalf of the IL Section. 

Committee Reports:  Cory, Chair of the Finance Committee, reported on the SILC’s 2002 request for proposals review.  The applications received were rejected by the committee members.  Bill will send written notice.  The Finance Committee also considered a request for financial assistance from Chairman Whitefeather of the Red Lake Nation.  Cory will draft a letter to be sent to Chairman Whitefeather requesting program goals, objectives, and an itemized budget.  Upon receipt of these materials, the Finance Committee will make a recommendation to the full Council.  A letter will also be drafted by Cory and mailed to those on the SILC’s mailing list requesting project proposals that are in accordance with the new SPIL’s priorities of PAS and housing. 

A discussion followed on which applications should be reviewed in the future.  It was moved and seconded that any application/s not meeting the minimum RFP and state requirements shall not be reviewed.  The motion carried. 

Sharon reported on the Education Committee’s activities.  The committee reviewed the prospective training topics that were compiled earlier.  It was determined that the proposed CIL speaker at each meeting would be difficult to organize; thus, the committee members decided to simply remind CIL staff that all regular SILC meetings are open to the public.  The committee discussed the possibility of using “attendant services” as the theme of the two day out-state training. The topic of senior citizens utilizing nursing home funds for living in the community will be included in the training.  What’s available in waiver services is another training topic.  One council member recommended the MediCaid buy-in and Medical Assistance for Employed People with Disabilities be considered as topics for the two day training. 

Lois reported for the SPIL Committee.  The FFY 1999-2001 SPIL was reviewed to determine what objectives were not accomplished.  These objectives included 2 (A) (B), 7 (E), 8 (E), and 11 (D). 

Rand discussed the task force’s activities.  He reported that several other councils’ recommendations were the same as, or similar to, the SILC’s. 

Issues, Announcements, Correspondence:  Bryan announced that due to the September eleventh attacks, the national Parents’ with Disabilities Conference was postponed until sometime in March, April or May of 2002.  He also announced that a new Parents with Disabilities group has been formed in Duluth, and the first meeting is tonight (10/18).  Bryan stated that one of the biggest issues for a parent with a disability is transportation. 

Karen announced that The Arc’s annual convention will be November 2-3, 2001 in Duluth, at the convention center.  To receive a registration packet, phone (800) 582-5256. 

Karen also commented on the work the National Guard did during the recent state strike.  Karen stated that she volunteered to visit group homes during the strike.  She found issues with access in one of these group homes, which had resulted in injuries to both residents and staff.  Karen also discussed another group home’s practice of keeping “medically fragile” residents homebound. 

Next Meeting, Adjournment: The next regular meeting of the SILC is December 13, 2001 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Midway Sheraton, St. Paul. The October 18 meeting adjourned at 2:30 p.m.

Adjournment:  The April 10 meeting adjourned at 12:40 p.m.