DDS STATEWIDE ADVISORY COUNCIL (SAC)
BRANDEIS UNIVERSITY – WALTHAM
       JUNE 15, 2012      

PRESENT: Christine Shane, Maria Freccero, Maria Damiano, Judi Rodger, 

GUESTS & STAFF: Pat Campbell, Pat Pakos, Hank Paszko, Ann Paszko, Reggie Clark, Marji Erickson Warfield, Toby Fisher (SEIU), Sue Lloring, Cathe Carpenter,  Deputy Commissioner Larry Tummino, Ralph Edwards (OCL)

Regis College Students: Paul Sweeney, Audrey Poulton, Hasena Omanovic, Stephanie Changeau, Cara Russo, Camile McGovern

Christine Shane welcomed the Regis College graduate students to the meeting. She hoped that they would learn more about citizen participation and leadership in policy formulation, program evaluation and design, and legislative advocacy.  Each meeting participant introduced themselves, provided background information and expressed their interest in SAC participation.

Christine announced that participants on the officers’ monthly conference call, on the 2nd Thursday, it was determined that an August meeting would not be help.   The CAB Chairs conference call was well attended and enthusiastic support for Positive Behavioral Support (PSB) expressed.  Assistant Commissioner Janet George defined PBS and offered clear examples of how it can be used effectively.  DDS adoption of this evidence based technology is promoted by embedding it into the DDS cultural through planning and training activities. It is a significant cultural transformation that addresses challenging and other behaviors.

Maria Freccero reported that Congressman John Tierney visited her son’s program, providing an opportunity to share information on disability issues.  The Congressman was well informed, gave generously of his time and attention to individuals, and is supportive of disability issues.

Maria encouraged everyone to continue to contact their legislators regarding the budget and disability issues.  Cathe Carpenter indicated that she had written several Massachusetts State Senators using all media at her disposal, and walked in the PRIDE parade. Pat Pakos contacted legislators by personalizing the Arc Massachusetts alert. Judi Rodger participated in the monthly Mass Advocates Standing Strong Legislative Advocacy State House event.  She described the activities and shared a letter Senator Brownsberger wrote to her expressing his support.

The May 18, 2012 Minutes were reviewed and approved

Christine welcomed and introduced Dr. Marji Erickson Warfield, Director of the Starr Center, at Brandeis University and thanked her for hosting the SAC meeting at Brandeis.  Dr. Warfield presented the history of the Nathan and Toby Starr Center on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and described research being conducted. Emphasis was given to an Early Intervention Collaborative Study, the Autism Waiver Study, and the Transition to Adult Health Care for Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorders. 

Assistant Commissioner Janet George provided a summary of the Positive Behavioral Support presentation from the SAC/CAB Chairs’ conference call. The SAC was encouraged to suggest strategies to inform individuals and families about PBS and to gain their support.  Members discussed having a PBS presentation at the annual SAC/Advisory Board reTREAT.

Deputy Commissioner Larry Tummino reported that Commissioner Howe was holding hearings on the new ISP regulations.  He welcomed the Regis students and provided them an overview of the Department, the population served and the range of services and supports provided. Key policy and program issues were outlined, e.g., Rolland and nursing home diversions, institutional closures, implementation of self-direction, and the family support model.  

The census of the Development Centers continues to decrease. More closures are anticipated in the near future.  Boston and the Merrimac Valley area office have Service Coordinators specializing in self-direction for individuals and families.  Best practices are being identified and will be shared as other areas implement the model.  Change in caseload size is an early modification.

Efforts to move from negotiated to standard rates continue.  This standardization promotes equity within the service system by matching the level of service needs with consistent reimbursement rates.  Rates are being developed for Day services, Supportive  Employment and will continue until all DDS services and supports have standard rates.

Pat Campbell reported that the reTREAT planning group is scheduling it organizational meeting to find a location for the reTREAT, establish objectives and identify content.  Christine, Maria F., Douglas and Lisa Ching were confirmed as members of the planning group.  The call will be held Monday, July 9th, at 3 p m.  Advisory Board Chairs, Marjorie Cohen and Jim Dennison will participate as well.

Christine confirmed that members wanted to continue SAC meeting at Brandeis through FY 13.  She again thanked Marji for hosting the meeting.

The July SAC meeting will be a conference call and no meeting will be held in August.