MINUTES

STATEWIDE INDEPENDENT LIVING COUNCIL

QUARTERLY MEETING

June 26, 2009, Friday

11:45AM – 2:00PM

93 Gooding Ave, Suite 3

Bristol, RI 02809

 

 

Members present: Ray Bandusky; Terrance Chapman; Kristen Connors; Elizabeth Graves, Chairperson; Margarita Grome; Anna Liebenow; Silvermoon Mars; Don Phelps, 1st Vice Chair; Ron Racine; Lorna Ricci; Heidi Showstead, 2nd Vice Chair; Mary Wambach, Leadership Development and Advocacy  Chairperson.

Staff: Camille Pansa, Executive Director; Lisel Rockwood, Program Assistant.

Guest: Leo Canuel (PARI); Laurie Diorio (ORS); Nicole Rico (MPTN).

Interpretor:  Dona Lombardi.

 

  1. Welcome and Introductions: Self introductions, person by person, were made.
  2. Minutes of the March 27, 2009: previously sent. Heidi Showstead made a motion seconded by  Mary Wambach                                 to accept the minutes as written. The vote passed unanimously. For: Ray Bandusky; Terrance Chapman; Kristen Connors; Elizabeth Graves; Margarita Grome; Anna Liebenow; Silvermoon Mars; Don Phelps; Lorna Ricci; Heidi Showstead; Mary Wambach.  Against: none.

3.    SPIL and Corporate Work Plans: previously sent. Members were asked to review the work plans and send comments to Liz Graves or Camille Pansa. It was noted that keeping the work plans updated assists tremendously with the writing of the 704 Report.


4.    State Plan 2011-13/timeline: previously sent. The first State Plan meeting is on Friday, September 11, 2009 and future meetings will commence bi-monthly starting in January 2010. It was noted the importance of beginning early to think about and gather information for the writing of the new SPIL. All members were asked to contribute their ideas. Also mentioned was the high-quality, comprehensiveness of the present state plan and  whether it would be necessary to write a completely new plan or tweak the present plan, making minor adjustments as needed, such as outreach to South County and the Tribal Nation.

5.    Stimulus Funds: Part B and Part C Explanation of Funds chart was distributed and reviewed. Liz Graves spoke about the recent teleconferences and webinars concerning the uses of these funds, in particular, the teleconference with RSA concerning Part C funds. RISILC and ORS must submit a detailed proposal to RSA identifying the needs of the underserved and unserved populations, outlining priorities and programs to address these needs. RSA will have final approval and will decide whether or not our present SPIL will need to be amended. Proposals from OSCIL and PARI to increase the outreach program to unserved and underserved populations:

     OSCIL

Ø     Hire additional bi-lingual IL housing and advocate specialist

Ø     Improve info structure via (1) new computerized system to improve efficiency in the office and (2) laptops to provide instant access to programs during in-home services

Ø     Staff training opportunities, especially cultural diversity

           PARI

Ø     Improve info structure

Ø     Advertisement

Ø     Staff and consumer education                   

6.    Governor’s Commission on Disabilities Public Forums: schedule previously sent. All members were encouraged to attend one or more forums. Several Council members will also serve as panelists.

7.    NCIL Conference: Anna Liebenow stated that the conference was wonderful and that she met many highly committed people with a variety of disabilities. She complimented NCIL noting the incredible work that they do. She attended many workshops, a Region 1 Legislative meeting, and brought back an assortment of educational materials.

8.    ADA Celebration Saturday, July 25: The Leadership Development and Advocacy Committee is planning this event which will be held at the Warwick Public Mall, Center Court. There will be speakers, entertainment, and vendor tables.

9.    Annual meeting/no shows: In planning the 2009 Annual Meeting, it was noted that last year the Council paid for many meals for members who responded that they would attend and did not. Because final counts are required by the Radisson 48 hours in advance, it was suggested that people, who confirmed but did not show up or did not cancel prior to the deadline, be held responsible for payment of their meal.  

10. Committee Reports, Executive Director’s Report and                       Chairperson’s Report: previously sent.    

11.Centers’ reports on Goal II Obj.1 of SPIL, outreach to Hispanic population and 2008_704 Part II Reports: Leo Canuel reported there are currently 34 non-speaking Hispanics on the Personal Choice Program and that a total of 45 Hispanic consumers have been served to date. This exceeds the SPIL goal of 40 Hispanic consumers (15 – 1st year, 25  - 2nd year).

12.Educational Presentation: Silvermoon Mars spoke about the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, Vocational Rehabilitation Program, which serves 30 different state or federally recognized tribes in Rhode Island and Connecticut. The program is funded through a 121 Federal grant program. Due to the variety of cultures and beliefs, individualized services including culturally relevant services are needed. Often, tribal members are trained to serve their own people. Because most Tribal members do not recognize what constitutes a disability, Silvermoon stressed the importance of educating members.

13. New Business: A Mental Health Sub-committee has been meeting to gather the needs of this underserved population.

 

 

Respectfully submitted,

Barbara Rozul

Secretary