Meeting Minutes
Virginia State Rehabilitation Council
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Virginia State Rehabilitation Council
Meeting Minutes
May 10, 2010
A meeting of the Virginia State Rehabilitation Council (SRC) was held on May 10, 2010 at the Richmond Marriott West.
Members Present: Gregory Coleman, Sandra Cook, Stephanie Colorado, Danny DeBoer, Charles Downs, Matthew Deans, Donna Kay Graff, Karen Gregory-Williams, Shannon McManus Jones, Sarah Liddle, Toney Lineberry, Kathy Maybee, Marianne Moore, James Rothrock, Cherie Rei Takemoto, Florence Watt, Celia Yette
Members Absent: Karen Baugh, Charles Benagh
Others Present: Elizabeth Smith, Policy and Planning Director; Scott Fraley, Vocational Rehabilitation Quality Assurance Analyst; Vanessa Rakestraw, Policy Analyst; Mable Fleming, Senior Analyst; Barbara Tyson, Staff Support; Cat Clough and Bernadette Mayhall, Interpreters; Rick Sizemore, Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center (WWRC) Director; Ernie Steidle, Chief Operating Officer; and Roy Ward, Guest
Call to Order: Council Chairperson Florence Watt called the meeting to order at 11:30 a.m.
Approval of Minutes: A motion was made by Charles Downs, seconded, and passed by unanimous vote to approve the minutes of the March 15, 2010 meeting as distributed.
Matters of Public Comment: There were no comments from the public.
Chairperson’s Report: Ms. Watt asked Marianne Moore and Karen Gregory-Williams to serve on the Nominating Committee for the election of the SRC Chair and Vice-Chair for 2011. Nominations will be considered at the August SRC meeting.
On behalf of the SRC, Liz Smith looked into SRC collaboration with the Mental Health Planning Council and the Board of the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS). The Rehabilitation Act requires that the SRC have a collaborative relationship with the Mental Health Planning Council. There is no such requirement for the DBHDS Board. However, the SRC is welcome to attend the DBHDS Board meetings. Kathy Maybee requested that she be advised of upcoming DBHDS Board meetings. The SRC will seek a SRC member to become involved with the Mental Health Planning Council. In the interim, Mary Kaye Johnston, DRS Program Manager and member of the Mental Health Planning Council, may brief the SRC on the activities of this Council.
On April 17-19, Ms. Cook attended the Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation Conference held in Bethesda, Maryland. Ms. Cook reported that the George Washington University TACE Center is planning a quarterly meeting of the SRC Chairs and Vice Chairs from Region III. In addition, the SRC needs to decide if it should become a member of the National Coalition of SRCs. Danny DeBoer asked about the mission and objectives of the Coalition. Further research into this organization will occur and the issue of membership will be considered at a future meeting.
Ms. Watt reported that she emailed the 2009 SRC Annual Report and her personal vocational rehabilitation story to all the members of the General Assembly. Having received some positive feedback from the members, Ms. Watt recommended that the 2011 SRC Chair continue to follow this practice.
Ms. Watt appointed Sarah Liddle and Marianne Moore to serve as the Planning Committee for the Fall SRC Retreat. Ms. Liddle reported that the Statewide Independent Living Council has allocated funding for a joint meeting between the SRC and the SILC. Ms. Liddle and Ms. Moore will report on their ideas at the August meeting.
Working Lunch – SRC Awards Ceremony
The SRC presented five DRS employees with the 2010 SRC Roy J. Ward Employee Leadership Recognition Award. Awards were presented to Douglas James, Kristi Lockhart, Joe Fangman, Sinclair Hubard, and Donna Martin.
Commissioner’s Report
Commissioner Rothrock reviewed the current status of the Field Rehabilitation Services Division’s performance metrics for FFY 2010. There has been a 3% increase in vocational rehabilitation cases. On case closures, 90% are in competitive employment with average hourly wages at $9.23. Successful employment outcomes and the rehabilitation rate are about 15% behind as compared to last year, but there should be an increase in the last half of the FFY. DRS has released a Request for Proposals (RFP) to Employment Services Organizations that serve populations in communities where unemployment is higher than 10%. There will be approximately10 awards at $75,000 per award to create competitive jobs for significantly disabled Virginians. In the next year, DRS will work with local schools and the Department of Education to develop five new Project Search sites and the SRC will receive by email a video on Project Search. FRS staff is working on developing a “fast track” system to rapidly engage VR consumers in their VR plan leading to expedited successful employment closures. There also are plans to provide work incentives to VR counselors to enhance employment outcomes. With funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, DRS hired additional vocational rehabilitation staff to enhance the use of job clubs in the field offices. The daily census at WWRC continues to improve with about 300 or more consumers at the Center per day. Governor McDonnell issued Executive Order 2 establishing the Governor’s Commission on Government Reform and Restructuring. DRS made some suggestions for agency efficiency measures and Commissioner Rothrock will keep the SRC apprised of the Commission’s work. With Executive Order 1, Governor McDonnell created the Governor’s Economic Development and Jobs Creation Commission. The Commission held its first meeting last week. Commissioner Rothrock and DBHDS Commissioner Jim Stewart are working together to see how the Commission can address the employment of Virginians with disabilities.
Budget Report
Dr. Steidle reported on the status of the budget for State Fiscal Year 2010. As of March 2010, the agency had expended 35% of the budget which is a little higher due to the receipt of ARRA funds.
WWRC Report
Rick Sizemore handed out the WWRC Blueprint for Direction, Volume 2 and the WWRC 2009 Annual Report. He will report on the progress of the Volume 3 edition at the August meeting and receive feedback from the SRC members. The average daily census at WWRC has increased from 270 to 350 and should further increase to 400 during the summer with the arrival of PERT students. This increase in the daily census is occurring even though WWRC has reduced staffing due to budget reductions. Rothrock Hall is at capacity with 22 clients, and there is a waiting list. The Center now has a staff liaison at Health South (UVa Medical) to refer patients to WWRC.
Council Roundtable Reports
Reports were submitted in writing and are attached.
Internal Affairs Committee Report
The State Plan Subcommittee reviewed the drafts of two 2011 State Plan Attachments. A motion was made by Cherie Takemoto and unanimously passed by the full Council to approve the SRC Recommendations Attachment (Attachment 4.2(c)). A motion was made by Cherie Takemoto and unanimously passed by the full Council to approve the Goals and Priorities Attachment (Attachment 4.11(c)(1)).
The Transition Services Subcommittee reviewed the report from their meeting with the Education Services Unit staff. The Subcommittee is looking to provide meaningful information for the SRC on transition services. Suggestions include developing on line training for SRC members and a session on transition services for the SRC New Member Orientation Program.
The Limited English Proficiency Subcommittee reported on its meeting with Daisy Maldonado, DRS Multicultural Manager. The population of Limited English Proficiency individuals seems to be most concentrated in Northern Virginia. It was suggested that information about DRS services could be disseminated to non-traditional sources (such as churches) to reach individuals from different ethnic backgrounds. DRS developed foreign language access posters, which will be placed at the reception area in field offices to allow non-English speaking consumers to point to their native language in order to help identify their language interpreting needs. In regard to consumers who are deaf or hard of hearing, the Subcommittee recommends that DRS develop a videotape for clients and their parents on DRS’ services; the video could be closed captioned and with a sign language interpreter on the screen.
The Consumer Satisfaction Subcommittee is working with Mable Fleming to develop an action plan for the use of survey results and plans to have a draft of this report by the August meeting.
The WWRC Subcommittee will provide a report at the August meeting.
External Affairs Committee Report
The Committee reviewed the suggested changes to the SRC website to make it more user friendly, concise, and a helpful resource for individuals researching the vocational rehabilitation program. The Committee will look at a final draft at the August meeting.
All SRC members eligible for reappointment to the SRC expressed their interest in being reappointed. Cherie Takemoto has sent in the name of a PEATC representative to succeed her. The SRC still needs to identify an additional representative from Business, Labor, and Industry and a representative from the Virginia Workforce Council.
Unfinished Business
The Wounded Warriors agenda item was tabled for the August meeting.
New Business
Mabel Fleming provided a presentation on the seven year results of the Vocational Rehabilitation Consumer Satisfaction Survey. Ms. Takemoto requested information on the percentage of consumers who are very satisfied on the 5-point rating scale. Typically, the survey results are in a collapsed form (satisfied=very satisfied and satisfied; agree=completely agree and somewhat agree). This information will be forwarded to Ms. Takemoto.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 4:00 p.m. The next meeting will be held on August 9, 2010 at the DRS Headquarters in Richmond.
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ROUNDTABLE REPORTS SUBMITTED PRIOR TO MEETING:
Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired (DBVI)
Submitted by: Kathy Maybee
Report from April 10, 2010 Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired State Rehabilitation Council Meeting
The Commissioner discussed the proposal made by the Governor to consolidate State agencies (DBVI, DDHH and DRS) to make them more effective. The Commission on Government Reform’s report to the Governor is due in July and final report in December, 2010. He thanked members for their response to the General Assembly regarding consolidation. He discussed reduced funds for DBVI ($450,000 for this fiscal year). Dr. Bill Hazel visited the Center on March 18 and agency heads will be having monthly meetings at the Azalea Complex.
The issue of participating in the Council meetings via conference call was discussed. Legal counsel will address the issue at the next meeting.
Reported on the Transition Forum- DBVI was involved in 4 presentations and DBVI co-conducted a public comment meeting with DRS during the Forum.
There were two public VR comments presented by a council member. They will be addressed at the next regular quarterly meeting.
There was some discussion regarding the exchange of members from DRS to their meetings and DBVI council members to our meetings. Everyone thought it was a good idea and wondered whether it makes sense to send the same one or two members to each meeting (like we do) rather than have a different person attend each quarterly meeting. Their Council felt sending the Annual Report to all members of the Virginia legislature was a great idea and maybe their Council should consider doing the same. They also looked at our various committees with some interest.
One member asked how the Council could better utilize members representing the business/industry on the Council to leverage better job opportunities for their clients and what type of networking and outreach activities could be developed.
The next meeting will be held on June 12, 2010, and there will be an orientation on June 11, 2010.
Virginia Department of Education (VDOE)
Submitted by: Marianne Moore
Transition Forum: VDOE and DRS hosted, along with DBVI and The Partnership for People with Disabilities, the 25th Virginia Transition Forum in March. There were over 950 people in attendance. Presentations were varied and covered area such as employment, assistive technology, postsecondary education, independent living, self determination, assessment, as well as promising and exemplary programs. The Youth Self Determination Summit and Parent Summit were also held during the Forum. The transition community honored conference legends. Erin Rhiele provided the opening keynote and Tyler Greene closed the conference.
Dr. Patricia Wright has been reappointed State Superintendent of Public Instruction.
Academic and Career Plans as well as the two new technical diplomas will not go into effect until the 2011-2012 school year. http://www.doe.virginia.gov/instruction/graduation/academic_career_plan.shtml
The Virginia Modified Achievement Standards Test (VMAST) will replace the Virginia Grade Level Assessment (VGLA) over the next few years. http://www.doe.virginia.gov/testing/index.shtml
VDOE and DRS Commissioner, Jim Rothrock were honored by the Richmond City School Board for their partnership with city schools and Project Search. Youth in the program and their parents were also recognized. At this time Montgomery County and Norfolk are new Project search sites and there are plans to add additional sites.
Williamsburg James City County/Thomas Nelson Community College is the site of a Post High Program. Students will begin attending classes no later than fall 2010.
As part of the I’m Determined project, a group of youth, sponsored by VDOE and the Partnership for People with Disabilities will spend 2 days in Washington, D.C. with the American Civics Foundation. They will also meet with their legislators.
Transition Slide Guides were printed and are being distributed in Delaware, Virginia, and Pennsylvania. Plans are being made to make this an online tool and include additional resources. This project involved state education agencies, state VR agencies, and parent groups from the three states.
Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center (PEATC)
Submitted by: Cherie Takemoto
Next Steps Transition Program:
Please note the final two PEATC 2010 transition webinars are posted. Webinars are free but registration is required:
http://www.worksupport.com/training/webcastSeries.cfm/12
Archived links available for future downloading
May 3: The New Ticket to Work Program - What’s in it for Young People?
Sallie Rhodes, CESSI Ticket to Work Program Specialist
The Social Security Administration is serious about ensuring young people with disabilities have the option of embarking upon meaningful careers and life long self-sufficiency. The Ticket to Work program is one tool to support new job seekers. Learn how young people with disabilities can access the array of Social Security work incentive programs and how they can take advantage of the resources Ticket to Work employment networks provide.
May 17: Universal Design for Learning-a Pathway for Lifelong Learning
Frances G. Smith, Ed.D., CVE, Coordinator of Technology and Distance Learning VCU TTAC
Technology advances are opening doors for people with disabilities in ways never before imagined. Families and educators can learn how classroom accommodations may be transferred in the transition to post school life. Parents can leverage this information to help their transition age youth with disabilities embrace strategies to help them become life long learners.
May 25th 3:00 PM EDT: Exiting Community of Practice Webinar “Value of Parent Centers in Transition Planning” featuring the Tennessee PTI and VA’s Next Steps Transition Program (PEATC)
Other PEATC News:
• LEAP Award -PEATC in collaboration with the HSC Foundation is pleased to announce the 2010 LEAP award program. The purpose of the Life Enrichment Awards Program (LEAP) is to enrich the lives of youth and young adults with disabilities and chronic illnesses in the expanded Washington, DC metropolitan area. LEAP provides goods and services directly linked to youth transition planning and implementation usually not available from public service and government agencies. They are not covered by Medicaid or private insurance and are goods and services not considered "medically necessary." PEATC will purchase goods and services up to $1,000 for eligible candidates. Applications will be accepted beginning May 1, 2010 and can be downloaded at http://www.peatc.org/newsmanager/news_article.cgi?news_id=272
• ThinkCollege - PEATC is participating in ThinkCollege strategic planning group with VCU’s Partnership for People with Disabilities and is a contributing member of the Virginia Intercommunity Transition Committee (VITC) and the NO VA Future Quest Planning Committee. We had great response from our presentations (4) at the VA Transition Forum in Roanoke.
• Professionals’ Views of Parent Involvement in Transition Survey - Currently we are in the final push to disseminate the Professionals’ Views of Parent Involvement in Transition Survey. The survey will close in late spring with a final report to be issued in late summer. https://survey.vcu.edu/cgi-bin/qwebcorporate.dll?idx=2SPCCM
• Parents’ Views of Their Involvement in Transition - For the full report of parent’s views of their involvement in transition please visit the PEATC wiki: http://peatcnextstepsparents.pbworks.com/ This is a real workspace created to allow more interactive dispersion and use of the PEATC Next Steps Parent Survey information.
Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC)
Submitted by: Sarah Liddle
The SILC held its quarterly meeting April 22, 2010 at the Appalachian Independence Center in Abingdon, VA.
In addition to the regular quarterly business of the SILC, the main objective for this meeting was the draft review, revision and approval of the 2010-2013 State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL). The SPIL is due for submission to the Rehabilitation Services Administration by June 30, 2010.
From March 1-April 1, 2010, the draft SPIL was on the SILC website for the public to review and to submit their comments. Approximately 548 online public comment/input forms were received. After reviewing these comments, the final draft was developed by the SPIL sub-committee and presented to the four SILC committees responsible for developing and monitoring the subject area.
At the quarterly meeting, each committee reviewed, revised and approved the specific draft Goal, objectives and activities and the proposed budget for which they are responsible. These recommendations were presented to the full council.
The SILC approved the final 2010-2013 SPIL document which will take effect on October 1, 2010.
On July 18, 2010, the next quarterly SILC meeting will be held in conjunction with the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL) conference in Washington, D.C.
The SRC term for the current SILC liaison position has ended. The SILC Chair reappointed Sarah A. Liddle to serve a second term in this position.
