MINUTES

STATEWIDE INDEPENDENT LIVING COUNCIL

NEEDS ASSESSMENT COMMITTEE (NAC)

Wednesday, September 14, 2011     1:00 p.m. – 3 p.m.

20 Nobert Street, Warren, RI 02885

 

Members Present: Kristen Connors; Vincent DeJesus; Margarita Grome; Kathy Kindelan; Margaret Molloy; Anna Liebenow, NAC Co-Chair; Don Phelps; Jack Ringland; Heidi Showstead; Mary Wambach, NAC Co-Chair.  

Guests: Sue Babin, DDC.

Staff Present: Lisel Rockwood, Assistant to the Administrator.

Interpreter: Kristen Marotto

  

1.   Welcome and Introductions: Mary Wambach welcomed Sue Babin and Margaret Molloy. Self-introductions were made.  

2.   Approval of August 15th minutes:  previously sent. A motion was made by Kathy Kindelan and seconded by Jack Ringland to accept the minutes as written. Vote passed unanimously.

3.   SUB-Committee report on graphics/simple language translation:  Anna Liebenow reported on the sub-committee’s meeting with Sue Babin, from the DDC, who is translating the Needs Assessment survey into a simple language/graphic format.  The survey will contain a mixture of graphics, symbols, and pictures, many of which are universally understood. The committee will meet again with Sue on October 12th to review the completed product and make any final adjustments.

4.   Status of survey accessible formats, non-English languages, web design; cost:  The Spanish and Portuguese translations have been completed. The simple language/graphic translation is expected to be completed in October. Final adjustments are being made to the on-line format.

5.   Distribution of survey who, where, timeline: The progress and goal of the survey was reviewed including the targeted audience and the importance of having accessible formats. Ideas were shared about the distribution of the survey and ways to insure confidentiality.

Ø Code hard copies and place in security envelope or box

Ø Separate survey from contact information

Ø Create written process for members who distribute hard copies

Ø Distribute and email survey flyers verses hard copies of survey

Ø Encourage use of on-line verses hard copies

Ø Create Survey FAQ link on website

Ø Seek contact person in each organization

6.   Non-RISILC committee / meeting reports (GCD/RIPTA Public Forums, YLF, Cross Disability Coalition, etc.): Margarita Grome reported that SOS was busy writing letters to legislatures and Ken Renaud and Jean Gagne spoke at the Cross Disability Coalition meeting on how to become a community advocate.

7.   Old Business, new business, announcements:

Ø Mary Wambach announced that due to the severe budget cuts to the DD Community, CPN has organized a CAPWIZ advocacy program. She will send out the information via email and encouraged interested members to participate.

Ø  Anna Liebenow announced a fundraiser to support the MS Dream Center. She will send the information out via email. She also stated that there would be another Medicaid rally in DC next week and that the Medicaid program could still be in danger. 

Ø  Heidi Showstead announced that RIPTA’s Board would be meeting on September 27th to vote on the budget cuts. She urged members to attend the meeting which is open to the public. Anna Liebenow, who is on the RIPTA Board, clarified RIPTA’s predicament and stated that RIPTA could vote to continue services and run in a deficit, but she did not think the Board would chose that option.

 

Anna Liebenow, Co-Chair

Mary Wambach, Co-Chair