DEPARTMENT OF DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES
STATEWIDE ADVISORY COUNCIL (SAC)
BRANDEIS UNIVERSITY, WALTHAM
NOVEMBER 19, 2010

MINUTES

ATTENDING: Christine Shane (Chair), Maria Damiano (Secretary), Judi Rodger, Reggie Clark, Maria Freccero (Vice Chair), Ron Asbjornson, Cathe Carpenter, Stel Graquodas, Douglas Russell, Jr. (Phone), 

STAFF & GUESTS: Nan Leonard, Stel Gragoudas, Pat Campbell, Marji Erickson Warfield, Kathleen Catano (Greater Boston Area Director), Betsy Eaton-Irwin, Adelle Gillis, Deputy Commissioner Larry Tummino, Commissioner Elin Howe, Ralph Edwards (OCL)

Christine Shane called the meeting to order at 9:20 a m.  She thanked Dr. Marji Erickson Warfield for hosting the meeting.  Dr. Warfield updated the SAC on the Autism evaluation.

DDS Commissioner Elin Howe reported that the Fernald census continues to decrease as individuals transition to community residences or other developmental centers.  The Fernald closing date is pushed back in response to appeals.  This reduces anticipated savings from closing the aging structure.  Other developmental centers are making satisfactory progress transiting residents to community programs.  

The national fiscal crisis has an impact on Massachusetts’ revenue. Absent FMAP funds, DDS funding for the coming year and more will pose severe challenges to services and supports at all levels.  Discussions are scheduled with Education Commissioner Reville regarding the DSE program which requires additional funds to keep young students in their local school district.  

More than 332 individuals were placed in community residences or diverted from nursing home placement under the Rolland project.  DDS will provide EOHHS its “blueprint” on how this was accomplished.  Community placement is not only the philosophical and ethical right approach, it is also the best use of resources for this population. 

A series of Waiver forums will be conducted to help families and individuals better understand the impact of the waivers on services and supports.  The SAC and advisory boards are asked to help sponsor the events and to encourage family/individual participation.

Deputy Commissioner Larry Tummino described the innovative residential services RFR to be released shortly.  It provides families/individuals greater choice regarding selection of the service provider and enables providers to “compete” for customers.  Providers will identify what services and support they can provide and families / individuals can choose from a Qualifications List their preferred provider.   SAC input is sought on the letter to be sent to families regarding the process.
ACTION:  The draft letter will be sent to SAC members for a response on its clarity.

The September 2010 Minutes was approved.

Maria Freccero reported on legislative advocacy activities.  Getting to know the new legislators is a priority.  A list has been distributed to advisory board chairs and everyone encouraged to make contact before the end of 2010.  A few Chairs and SAC members will work directly with advisory boards to encourage their outreach to legislators.

ACTION:  Anyone interested in participating in the outreach to new legislators should contact Maria at mariafreccero@comcast.net 

Boston Area Director Kathleen Catano and Self-Determination staff, Betty Adelle and Betsy Eaton-Irwin described their innovative work on self-determination.  Begun in the mid 1990’s with a Robert Wood Johnson grant, the GBAO was able to implement a different methodology of services / supports provision.  It was based on “freedom to choose”, “individual control”, and “responsibility”.  Several examples of individual growth and independence were shared.

Pat Campbell reported on her analysis of the reTREAT evaluation.  Fifty of the 75 participants responded, an astounding 66%!  More than forty of the fifty (80%) respondents gave high approval to conference components: registration, information packet, and Representative Sannicandro and Commissioner Howe remarks.  Generally, 60% gave high grades to the waiver update, Governor Commission’s update and lunch!  All agreed that attendance, presentation and outcomes exceeded expectations. Also noted was the lunch ice-breaker done by Jim Dennison, Maria Freccero and Pat Campbell.  The group thanked Laura Clements and Douglas Russell, Jr. for their coordination of lunch.  

Improvements cited included a more easterly location and better management of the noise level during the afternoon sessions.

The advisory board FAQ was distributed for member comments.

The meeting was adjourned at 12:50 p m.