Minutes for October 13, 2005

Meeting Location: Four Points Sheraton, Minneapolis

Present: Lois Johnson, Karen Larson, Mark Eggen, Linda Lingen, Bryan Jensen, Roberta Cich, Ann Zick, Sharon Johnson, Larry Lura, Mary Pennington, Judy Sanders, Adrienne Haugen, Connie Lee Berg, David Hancox, Bradley Westerlund, William Bauer.

Absent:  Phyllis Coppess

Guest: David Schwartzkopf, Vicki Dalle Molle

Call to Order, Introductions: The October 13, 2005 meeting of the Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) was called to order at nine a.m. by Lois Johnson, chairperson. Introductions followed.

Approval of September Minutes and October Agenda: There were no requests for additions or revisions to the September, 2005 minutes. Sharon Johnson moved, Ann Zick seconded, that the minutes be approved as submitted. There was no discussion and the motion carried. As to the October agenda, Lois Johnson requested that the visitor's comments and the committee reports to be moved to after the break. After lunch will be time to visit with Bill on his last day.

State Rehabilitation Council for the Blind Report: Judy Sanders reported that an committee is working with SSB staff on outreach. SSB is working with people to mentor newspaper reading for persons who can’t read print.

Centers for Independent Living Report: David Hancox reported that the other CIL director’s would also like to thank Bill for his support and dedication over the years. David introduced Vicki Dalle Molle from the Southeastern Center for Independent Living. She will be replacing David Hancox on the council. David will continue on the SILC until the Governor announces the new appointee.

State Rehabilitation Council Report: Lois Johnson reported on the open forum held in Rochester . She reported that the issues centered around transportation and that people wanted a "fix all" before they left for the day. The State Rehabilitation Council was taking input and looking into this problem.

State Council on Disability Report: David Schwartzkopf reported that the SCD is proceeding with the relocation project and reported that they received funding through October of 2006. The SCD is in the process of hiring a new staff person, and that person will head up the nursing home relocation project. David announced that the SCD will be hosting an awards luncheon on October 27, 2005 at the Four Points Sheraton Midway.

121 Project Report: Connie Lee Berg discussed Red Lake ’s outstanding relationship with State Services for the Blind, and that the tribal authority has signed a contract with SSB. Connie talked about her experiences while living in San Diego and what she learned about the differences in cultures. Connie touched upon the 3-2-1 incident in Red Lake and said that the Chairmen said this was the “darkest day” in the Red Lake band. Red Lake has received help from various organizations. Connie expressed her thanks to Bill Bauer, and stated that he will be missed.

New Member Biographies: Adrienne Haugen grew up in Duluth with her family. She was diagnosed with Usher Syndrome when she was in her late 20's. She is concerned with the deaf/blind community and the issues they face. She is concerned that people are not receiving the services necessary, and wonders what will happen on the future. Connie Lee Berg is a single parent who was born in 1959 and grew up on the Red Lake Indian reservation. She has a brother with severe disabilities and he was institutionalized after an accident he suffered. She was employed with Vocational Rehabilitation as a secretary, and the services they provided were of great interest to her. Judy Sanders was born in Boston and has been blind since birth. She attended Perkins school for the blind. Judy lived in Denver for 20 years, and wanted to be a teacher. Her rehabilitation counselor told her that she would have to move, if she wanted to become a teacher, because they do not hire blind teachers. Judy worked for a congressman for three years, for the Senior program for seven years, and for the VR job placement for another seven. She currently works in sales for telecommunications.

On Site Compliance Review Update: Bill reported that three centers were reviewed and the reports will be completed before he leaves. There were also five monitorings completed this year. All reports have been positive and there have been no negative findings. Bill reported that the FFY 2006 704 Parts I and II were forwarded to the next IL director. David Sherwood-Gabrielson and Diane Mutchler will be working with the IL section. Brad stated that he will be at the next SILC meeting.

Visitor Comments: There were no visitor comments.

Issues, Announcement, Correspondence: Lois Johnson reported that there will be an MS conference in November at the Radisson. Ann Zick discussed the placing of markers at the cemetery in Fergus Falls. She reported that it was slow moving, and that access has been a problem.

Next Meeting, Adjournment: The next SILC meeting will be held on November 10, 2005 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Four Points Sheraton Minneapolis, 1330 Industrial Boulevard . October 13, 2005 meeting adjourned at 2:30 p.m.

PLEASE NOTE: There will be an orientation for new member’s on November 9th from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at the hotel. The education committee will meet from 7:30 to 8:30.