DEPARTMENT OF DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES
STATEWIDE ADVISORY COUNCIL (SAC)
BRANDEIS UNIVERSITY – WALTHAM
SEPTEMBER 17, 2010

          M I N U T E S          

PARTICIPANTS: Christine Shane (Chair), Maria Freccero (Vice-Chair), Ron Asbjornson, Hank Paszko, Reggie Clark, Lusa Lo, Douglas Russell, Jr., Lisa Ching

GUESTS and STAFF: Judi Rodgers, Pat Campbell, Cathe Carpenter,  Anne Paszko, Nan Leonard, Erick Maynard, Laura Shea, Judy Murray, Ralph Edwards (OCL), DDS Deputy Commissioner Larry Tummino (phone), DDS Commissioner Elin Howe (phone)

The meeting was called to order at 9:15 a m.

SAC Chair Christine Shane welcomed everyone to the meeting.  She expressed her appreciation for Dr. Marji Erickson Warfield’s hosting the meeting.  Key objectives of the meeting are to finalize the reTREAT, develop work group objectives and determine topics for future SAC meetings.

She congratulated Hank and Anne Paszko as recipients of the Arc Mass Distinguished Citizens’ Award for 2010 which was presented at the State House on September 16th.  It was presented in recognition of their decades of involvement and leadership in quality assurance, legislative advocacy, human rights and other disability related activities.  Hank, in turn, thanked the SAC and Commissioner Howe for nominating them.  

Commissioner Howe and Deputy Commissioner Larry Tummino were attending the ADDP Annual Meeting.  They thanked the SAC and advisory boards for their advocacy regarding FMAP funding. The administration and legislature are developing the process for allocation of the funds.

The FY 12 and FY 13 budget planning process has commenced. Though complicated by the current and projected economic situation, a maintenance budget is the starting point.  More information will be provided at the reTREAT and next SAC meeting.

The July 2010 minutes were reviewed and approved.

Boston Area Director Kathleen Catano and Ralph Edwards conducted a swearing in ceremony for the following SAC members:  Christine Shane, Maria Freccero, Hank Paszko, Ron Asjornson, Lusa Lo, Lisa Ching, Judi Rodgers.

Kathleen Catano presented an overview of activities in the Boston area.  She noted that Boston is the largest and most diverse – ethnicity, income, programs, etc. - of DDS areas. This combination contributes to unique challenges and opportunities.  The Boston staff includes many bi-lingual individuals, a unit focusing on implementing self-determination, and a skills-set that includes responding to the need for parenting skills, interfacing with the criminal justice system, and being cognizant of the effects of poverty on service delivery outcome.  SAC members were invited to visit an environmentally sound “green” house that recently opened in Roslindale.  

ACTION: SAC will invite Betty Adell who coordinates the Self-Determination Unit to share her insights and experiences with the program.

Maria Freccero reported that registration for the SAC/CAB reTREAT had begun.  Several advisory board members had registered and SAC members can register today.  It is important to contribute $10 for lunch and for SAC members to morning donated refreshments such as baked goods, beverages, and paper products.

ACTION: A list of needed donations will be sent to SAC members.  Please let Maria know what you will bring.

SAC members should arrive at least by 9 a m to set up registration table and refreshments. 

ACTION:  	Registration Table – Judi Rodgers / Cathe Carpenter / Anne Paszko
                   	Greeters – Hank Paszko
	       	Signs – Pat Campbell
	        	Flowers/Water – Laura Shea
                    	Coffee – Maria Freccero / Ralph Edwards
	      	Clean up - All

Lisa Ching distributed a draft document for recruiting individuals to advisory boards.  Members complimented her on the document.  Following general comments, members were asked to email any additional comments to Lisa and to provide a statement why they feel it is valuable to be on an advisory board.  Some of these comments will be incorporated into the recruitment document.

Pat Campbell reported that the Self-Determination work group is reviewing a DDS self-determination document that describes how it can be expressed via the waiver.  Members emphasized the importance of individuals and families, as well as Service Coordinators, fully understand and support self-determination.  The work group will meet following the SAC meeting.

Lisa Ching reported that the MDDC will work closely with the newly established Autism Commission.  Jennifer Burrill is the MDDC contact person.

Members reviewed possible topics for future SAC meetings.  Douglas Russell, Jr. suggested that closing shelter workshops be considered.  He’s spoken with individuals in other states that successfully closed sheltered workshops and feel that they could provide helpful information to the SAC.  This topic will be considered for the November SAC meeting.

The meeting was adjourned at 12:45 p m.