MINUTES

STATEWIDE INDEPENDENT LIVING COUNCIL

NEEDS ASSESSMENT COMMITTEE (NAC)

Wednesday, October 12, 2011     1:00 p.m. – 3 p.m.

20 Nobert Street, Warren, RI 02885

 

Members Present: Alicia Babcock; Karen Dougherty; Margarita Grome; Margaret Molloy; Anna Liebenow, NAC Chair; Jack Ringland; Heidi Showstead; Mary Wambach.  

Staff Present: Lisel Rockwood, Assistant to the Administrator.

Interpreter:  Madeline Auger

  

1.   Welcome and Introductions:  Anna Liebenow welcomed everyone. Self-introductions were made.  

2.   Approval of September 14th minutes:  previously sent. Anna Liebenow requested a wording change in #7, 3rd bullet from “think” to “know if”.  A motion was made by Heidi Showstead and seconded by Margarita Grome to accept the minutes as amended. Vote passed unanimously.

3.   SUB-Committee report on graphics/simple language translation:  Sue Babin was unable to meet with the subcommittee. Possible rescheduled dates were discussed.

4.   Survey written procedures: Procedures were discussed but not drafted. Ideas on how to present the survey at a conference included asking the audience questions such as: What is a survey? Why is a survey important? The survey presentation should be interesting and based on audience type.  Anyone distributing hard copies of the survey will be asked to sign an oath not to disclose any confidential information.  

5.   Distribution of survey who, where, timeline: tabled until the survey is complete and written procedures have been drafted.

6.   Non-RISILC committee / meeting reports (GCD/RIPTA Public Forums, YLF, Cross Disability Coalition, etc.): Anna Liebenow gave an update on RIPTA’s service adjustments and reduction of administration costs. Heidi Showstead has joined the RIPIN Annual Conference Planning Committee. Overall budget cuts were discussed and the effects on people with disabilities.

7.   Old Business, new business, announcements:

Ø Mary Wambach announced that she had accepted employment in Texas and would be leaving Corliss and the NAC. The progression and accomplishments of the former LDA Committee and newly formed NAC were discussed.

Ø  Heidi Showstead announced a fundraiser that will take place at UNO pizza on October 30th. The funds raised will help provide startup costs for Jenny Blanchette’s new nonprofit organization, Famous Friends, which plans to reach out to famous people for donations to help people with disabilities.

 

Anna Liebenow, NAC Chair