Profiles is published by The Arc of Oakland County at 1641 West Big Beaver Road, Troy, MI 48084, 248-816-1900 and is available to members of The Arc. A UNITED WAY AGENCY.

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Profiles

Calendar

Designer & Editor, PROFILES

Allison M. Murowany

2 0 1 8 M e m b e r s h i p G o a l2 , 0 0 0

A S O F 4 / 17 / 18 W E H AV E 5 2 5 M E M B E R S !

M A R C H M E M B E R S

Sharon Abel, Janet Armil, Daniel & Vanessa Brannon, Vaughn & Jennifer Derderian, Robert Long, Mark Mills, Shelly Pilette, Linda Robinson, Christian Sanders, William

Soutar, Francis G Thomson, Delano Tyler

A P R I L M E M B E R S

Loten Baskin, Latonia Blackmon-Limpscom, John Buchanan, Patricia Courtney, Rebecca Ghazal, Barbara Gilbert, Andrea Gruber, Joseph Hampton, Steven Kapcoe, Vernice Moore, Kevin Nicholls, Pamela Petty, Craig & Kathy Plafchan, Michelle Rhen, Ken & Kelly Schneider, Rajeshkumar Thanasekaran, Paul Wildrick

IN MEMORIAMKerri Schabinger

June

May28 – Memorial Day

N E W M E M B E R S

July4 – Independence Day

6 – The Arc of Oakland County Board of Director's Meeting, 5:30 p.m. AND Annual Meeting, 7 p.m. at Wing Lake

Developmental Center in Bloomfield Hills

22 – The Arc Michigan's Disabilitity Policy Seminar, Lansing

2018-2019Board of Directors

David Loeffler, DVM, Ph.D., PresidentTom Quakenbush, 1st VP

Ronald Cheli, Esq., 2nd Vice PresidentSuzanne Marquardt, Secretary

Jerry Rubin, TreasurerTom Lias, Past President

Delegates-at-largeMichael Bartnik, Esq.

Tim Hatfield Linda Knox

Lisa KowalskiKaren Mellott

Randall Meono Barbara Scott John Torrone

Ann Wiedelman

Kathleen J. ChutorashFiscal Intermediary

Bernadette L. DuhoskiThe Forever Plan Monitor

Lynn M. GideonOffice Manager, Comptroller

Monica P. GoergFiscal Intermediary

Monica M. KnoblockFiscal Intermediary

Kiesha D. LawtonAdministrative Assistant

Diane M. McDanielFiscal Intermediary

Allison M. MurowanyPublic Relations, Development

The Arc of Oakland County Staff

Thomas F. Kendziorski, Esq.Executive Director

Megan L. ArnoldFiscal Intermediary

Niki R. BeckerFiscal Intermediary

Megan E. BroskyFiscal Intermediary

Tracy M. BrowningFiscal Intermediary

Patricia A. BusickFiscal Intermediary

Penny J. CanadaStaff Advocate

"From TheDirector's Chair"

By: TomKendziorski

Continued on Page 3

ProfilesServing perSonS with intellectual and developmental diSabilitieSSince 1967

2018 Annual Meeting Information................................................Page 2

48th Annual Dove Awards Program Highlights...... ..............Pages 4-7

2018 The Arc Michigan's Disability Policy Seminar..................Page 8

Misson Statement

The Arc of Oakland County advocates for the rights and full participation of all children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We strive to improve systems of supports and services; connect families; inspire our community, and influence public policy.

M o r e h i g h l i g h t s o f t h e 2 0 1 8 D o v e A w a r d s P r e s e n t a t i o n & S i l e n t A u c t i o n a r e o n p a g e s 4 - 7 .

Over 300 people came together on Friday, April 13, 2018 to celebrate the achievements of the Dove Award recipients at the San Marino Club in Troy. The Arc of Oakland County would like to extend a very special thank you to Andrew Humphrey, an Emmy award winning meteorologist and reporter at WDIV-TV Local 4, who graciously accepted our invitation to emcee this year's festivities. Andrew was inspiring & charismatic! He did a wonderful job entertaining the attendees and highlighting the importance of every award recipient. Everyone in the audience truly enjoyed themselves. The event was a great success as we raised over $11,500 in the Silent Auction & Raffle and over $17,500 in Sponsorships.

48th Annual Dove Awards Presentation and Silent Auction

Revisiting the topic of “re-basing” is akin to resurrect-ing an old psychological wound that never seems to heal. But, our state government insists on continu-ing its bureaucratic quest to redistribute commu-nity mental health funding wealth across Michigan without much regard to the inevitable destruction of good, quality programming and those served by this system.

Medicaid rate structures for behavioral health and developmental disabilities services in Michigan in the past relied heavily on “historical” factors. As a re-sult, the rates favored those regions within the state that were instrumental in assisting with the closure of state-operated centers, particularly those serving people with intellectual and developmental disabili-ties (I/DD). In an effort to resolve the rate payment imbalance, and to simplify the system, the State of Michigan’s Department of Health and Human Ser-vices (MDHHS) in 2010 embarked upon a process of “re-basing” the Medicaid rate structure, effectively reducing rates in those regions that historically bene-fited from higher rates and increasing rates in regions that had been historically low.

The impact of this endeavor was most pronounced on the eve of the 2014 fiscal year. Just days before the start of FY14, the MDHHS announced its re-bas-ing strategy for the fiscal year. Up until that time, re-basing efforts were somewhat masked by increases in the overall Medicaid population, an artifact of the economic recession that plagued the state and the nation. However, as the economy improved and as the Medicaid population started to decline, the re-configuration of the Medicaid rates toward a state-wide norm caused immediate and dramatic results.

The reality is that those communities that early-on embraced community solutions for persons with I/DD created increasingly elaborate, effective and

Volume 43, No. 5 - 6 www.thearcoakland.org MAY - JUNE 2018

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2018 Annual Meeting ELECTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Wednesday, June 6, 2018 – 7:00 p.m.Wing Lake Developmental Center

6490 Wing Lake Road, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301

ANNUAL MEETING SPEAKER

Kristin L. Rohrbeck, M.A.Director of OUCARES

Oakland University Center for Autism Outreach Services

OFFICERS

Office Name Term EndsPresident David Loeffler June 2019*1st Vice President Tom Quakenbush June 2019*2nd Vice President Ron Cheli June 2019*Secretary Suzanne Marquardt June 2019*Treasurer Jerry Rubin June 2019*Past President Tom Lias June 2019*

DELEGATES-AT-LARGETim Hatfield June 2019Linda Knox June 2019Lisa Kowalski June 2019Karen Mellott June 2019Randy Meono June 2020*Nadine Milostan June 2020*Barbara Scott June 2020*John Torrone June 2019Ann Wiedelman June 2019

All names in BOLD font (with asterisk *) are up for election

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Shop on AmazonSmile & Help Support The Arc of Oakland CountyThe Arc of Oakland County is now registered with AmazonSmile!

When first visiting AmazonSmile, customers are prompted to select a chari-table organization from almost one million eligible organizations. In order to browse or shop at AmazonSmile, customers must first select a charitable or-ganization. For eligible purchases at AmazonSmile, the AmazonSmile Foun-dation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price to the customer’s selected charitable organization.

We Need Your E-mail AddressWe are collecting our members’ e-mail addresses so we can send out electronic flyers, event reminders, action alerts and any other important information regarding The Arc. Please send us

the e-mail address you would like us to use either by e-mail (amurowany@thearcoakland.org) or to the The Arc office.

The Arc of Oakland County is now on Facebook & YouTube. Visit www.thearcoakland.org and

look for the social media icons.

TOOTSIE ROLL DRIVE 2018by Thomas F. Kendziorski, Esq.

The 2018 Knights of Columbus Tootsie Roll Drive is now history. Members of The Arc of Oakland collectively helped the Knights of Columbus St. Pope John XXIII Council #5436 in Waterford and the Bishop Gallagher Council #2569 in Royal Oak. These funds will directly benefit children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities within our community. Each council is also required to forward 20% of what is collected locally to the Knights of Columbus state council for distribu-tion to state-wide organizations serving those with special needs. Several other Oakland County councils regularly donate a portion of their Tootsie Roll dollars to The Arc of Oakland County: Milford, West Bloomfield, Farmington, Auburn Hills, Pontiac, Highland, Rochester Hills, and Troy. Thanks, everyone!

Palm Sunday weekend occurred near the end of March this year, and the weather was cool, but sunny with temperatures in the 40’s. Twelve good friends and members of The Arc, myself included, volunteered their time! I would like to publicly recognize the following folks for their enthusiastic support and commitment to the cause: Rosemary Rangi, Harry Mamassian, Randy Meono, Jerry Rubin, Jodi Rubin, Jerry Richart, David Loeffler, Jackie Perantoni, Ron Cheli, Pam Cheli, and, Angel Cheli. Thank you and see you all next year!

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Transition to Adulthood: Key Considerationsby Tom Kendziorski and Penny Canada

When your son or daughter with special needs, especially one with an intellectual or developmental disability, reaches the age of 18, many legal and financial benefit changes will occur. Here is a handy listing for your consideration:

• Apply at the Social Security Administration (“SSA”) for Supplemental Security Income (“SSI”) benefits the month after turning 18, which brings along automatic Medicaid eligibility;

o Note: apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (“SSDI”) for a Disabled Adult Child (“DAC”) if one of the parents is: retired over age 62 and receiving SSA pension; or, disabled receiving their own SSDI; or, deceased. o Note: Medicare will come to the DAC beneficiary two years after receiving SSDI by way of a parent’s work record.

• Apply at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (“MDHHS”) for “Adult Home Help Services” once Medicaid is established; the individual must be found dependent on others for one or more activities of daily living;

• Apply for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (a.k.a., Food Stamps) at a local Michigan Department of Health and Human Services of-fice. In most cases not available to an individual with disability who is under age 22 and still living at home with parent(s). It is possible for a person with disability to receive Food Stamps prior to age 22 while still living in their parent’s home, but they must be enrolled in the “MI-CAP” program.

o The “Michigan Combined Application Project” (MiCAP) is a state Department of Health and Human Services program that lets a person obtain food benefits when he/she begins to receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI). An individual qualifies for this food assistance if he/she meets each of the following characteristics:

– Age 18 or older – Receive SSI and no other type of income – Meet the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) definition of independent living (getting the full rate of SSI, currently $750 per month – federal; $14 – state) – Resides in Michigan – Purchases and prepares food separately – Is not currently an active case in the regular Food Assistance Program (FAP)

• Apply to the Oakland Community Health Network (“OCHN”) for long-term developmental disability support services at either:

o MORC, Inc., or, o Community Living Services – Oakland.

OCHN Intake telephone number: 248-464-6363; must have Medicaid eligibility

• All males, age 18, must register with the Selective Service System (www.sss.gov);

• Consider establishing a Power of Attorney, a Patient Advocate Designation, or perhaps a Guardianship, as may be determined appropriate;

• Special education: plan for Transition Services (post-high school program);

• Obtain a state I.D. at a local Michigan Secretary of State office;

• Consider opening an ABLE Act savings account (Michigan on-line registration available at: www.MIABLE.org; national information at: www.ablenrc.org);

• Consider your estate plan, in particular, creating a “Special Needs Trust” to protect loss of future governmental benefits:

o Seek a lawyer referral to author the necessary documents. o Seek financial planning advice. o Write a “Letter of Intent.”

• When ready and in need of competitive employment support or post-high school continuing education support, contact Michigan Rehabilitation Services (“MRS”) to ‘open a case-file’ to develop an employment plan;

• Consider personal income tax issues by obtaining a copy of The Arc Michigan’s Annual Income Tax Guide. A free copy may be found on-line at: http://thearcoakland.org/informational-resources/income-tax-guide/

3

Continued "From the Director's Chair" on Page 1

higher cost care models. These efforts included a fairly extensive array of options that afforded individuals and families considerably more choices for sup-port, and much more individually-tailored service plans. These plans yielded very positive outcomes. People are living longer and their lives are richer in experiences. However, variety and the corresponding success come at a price.

The past four years of re-basing has dramatically changed the community mental health services landscape, particularly in Oakland County. In our corner of the state, the Oakland Community Health Network (OCHN) will once again have to come up with another $14 million or so to balance its budget for FY19. This will make five fiscal years in a row where OCHN reserves have been used to accomplish a “no cuts, but no increases” policy relative to services! My higher math skills place this figure at over $70 million going elsewhere within the state rather than for services for children and adults with disabilities in our county. Rumor has it that much of that money was not used for mental health services at all, but went back into the General Fund coffers of the state to fill a pot-hole or two.

This on-going MDHHS-sponsored methodology of re-basing, along with short-sighted and dramatic legislative reductions over these years of the so-called “General Fund” dollar for our local community mental health have significantly impacted, individuals served, their families and their direct service caregiv-ers --- those least capable of coping with such change.

Understand that drawing from the local OCHN reserves cannot go on indefinitely. Eventually, the “administrative efficiencies” that this office has de-manded from its providers over the years will dry up. Soon, the caregiver workforce will thumb their collective noses at the direct care vocation and go to work at a Wal-Mart, McDonald’s, or any other job where the future is not so stagnant. On the horizon will be deeper cuts and reductions in services to the providers of all services. Limitations will become the norm. Choice will only be a dream.

We must find a viable, long-term solution. Our state legislators must acknowledge the problem before it can help. Continue to write your legislators and communicate the need for quality local mental health services. We must continue this advocacy on behalf of those we love and serve.

Summer is almost here and the livin’ is supposed to be easy. …..…………. TFK

2018 Culture of Gentleness ConferenceAugust 23-24, 2018

Weber's Inn3050 Jackson Road

Ann Arbor, MI 48103

$175 for full 2 day conference; $100 for one day registrationSocial Work CEUs and SCECH credits for teacher available

Register at https://2018cogconference.eventbrite.com

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THE ARC OF OAKLAND COUNTY ADVOCACY HALL OF FAME AWARD

John Williams, Executive Director, Progressive Lifestyles, Inc.

JANET and PAUL MacCORMACK LIFETIME ACHIEVE-MENT AWARD

Leah Rosenbaum, President and CEO, JVS

PRESIDENT’S AWARD Lydia Gray, Director of Rehabilitation Services, JVS

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARDNathalie Demers, Assistant Director,

Community Living Centers, Inc.

MEDIA DISTINCTION AWARDJustin Rose, Sports Reporter and Anchor, WXYZ Channel 7

SHELDON DUNN INSPIRATION AWARDGeorge LewisTyler Lenchek

AL CARTER VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARDTori Weingarten

YOUTH VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARDSilvia Robazza

LEONARD CERCONE TEACHER OF THE YEAR AWARDChristina Barnes, Special Education Teacher,

Beaumont Elementary School, Waterford School District

GOLDEN DOVE AWARDSheryl Brown, Retired Director of Special Services,

Walled Lake Consolidated Schools

EMPLOYER / CONTRACTOR OF THE YEAR AWARDNeil King Physical Therapy, Rochester Hills

PROVIDER OF THE YEAR AWARDDutton Farm, Rochester

INCLUSION LEADERSHIP AWARDTransportation Department of the Older Persons’ Commission,

Rochester

COMMUNITY LIVING AWARDHickory House, Milford

ROBERT THOMAS SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL AWARDKristen Hardy, Supports Coordinator, MORC, Inc.

VOCATIONAL SERVICE AWARDMatthew Jewell, Job Coach,

New Horizons Rehabilitation Services, Inc.

RESIDENTIAL SERVICE AWARDElaine Major, Team Leader, Community Homes, Inc.

EDUCATIONAL SERVICE AWARDKarin Hofmann, Paraprofessional,

Grayson Elementary School, Waterford School District

Congratulations to the 2018 Dove Award Recipients!

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SOCIAL SECURITY WORK INCENTIVESby Penny Canada

The Social Security Administration (SSA) continues to identify ways to enhance their support of student transition outcomes for youth ages 14-25 with disabilities receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Two Social Secu-rity programs that are significantly underused (and under advertised), for working SSI recipients are the Student Earned Income Exclusion (SEIE) and Plan for Achieving Self Support (PASS).

Student Earned Income Exclusion (see: SSA P.O.M.S. at § SI 820.510, https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0500820510) is an income exclusion to all individuals receiving SSI, who are under the age of 22. During 2018, an eligible student can exclude up to $1,820 of earned income per month until the total annual exclusion of $7,350 is used; this is renewable each calendar year until the student remains under 22 years of age.

Eligibility Criteria —

1. The person must be under 22 years of age, single or married.2. The person must be regularly attending school a. Grades 7-12 and Transition Program – 12 hrs/week b. College – 8 hrs/week (not credit hours)

The eligible person can also be another person in the household, who decreases potential income to the SSI re-cipient who is one of the following:

1. Eligible for SSI2. A working young parent (under 22, a student, and not on SSI) of an SSI eligible child, or3. The brother or sister in a household (under 22 and a student) of an eligible SSI sibling, or4. The spouse of a SSI eligible person5. A married couple, both eligible for SSI

How to Apply —

Request, in writing, that a student is found eligible for the SEIE with the local SSA office. Attach a written statement from a school official verifying the person is a student and the required hours are being met. This program can be retroactive for up to two years and two months if the student is currently under 22 years of age.

Plan for Achieving Self Support (PASS) (see: SSA P.O.M.S. at § SI 870.001, https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0500870000) is a provision for individuals receiving SSI benefits to set aside money and things he or she owns to pay for items or services needed to achieve a specific work goal.

Your goal must be a job that will produce sufficient earnings to reduce your dependency on Supplemental Se-curity Income (SSI) payments. A PASS is meant to help you acquire those items, services or skills you need so that you can compete for an entry level job in a professional, business or trade environment. You can contact your local Social Security office to find out whether a PASS is appropriate for you. A PASS may allow an individual to be eligible for SSI if current resources, such as SSDI, prohibit eligibility.

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The Arc Michigan 2018 Disability Policy SeminarJune 22, 2018

MSU University Club I Lansing, MI 48910

8 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. continental breakfast & registration

8:30 a.m. – 8:45 a.m. welcomeSherri Boyd, Executive Director, The Arc MichiganDohn Hoyle, Public Policy Director, The Arc Michigan

8:45 a.m. – 9:15 a.m employment FirstYasmina Bouraoui, Deputy Director, MDHHS, Developmental DisabilitiesCouncil

9:10 a.m. 9:45 a.m. Sub minimum wageTerri Robbins, Advocacy Coordinator, Michigan Statewide IndependentLiving Council

9:45 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. voting rightsMark McWilliams & Noah Walker, Michigan Protection and AdvocacyServices, Voter Outreach Specialist

10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. departmental & community updates / 298 / hcbSTom Renwick, Director of the Bureau of Community Based Services,MDHHS, Behavioral Health and Developmental DisabilitiesAdministration

12 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. working lunchGovernmental Affairs – Questions/ Responses from Gubernatorial CandidatesBetsy Weihl, Partner, RWC AdvocacyDohn Hoyle, Public Policy

1:30 p.m. – 3 p.m. Federal updatesNicole Jorwic, Director, Rights Policy, The Arc of the United States

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Knights of Columbus Select Councils from Oakland County

PLATINUM SPONSORS — $1,000

The Autism Society of Oakland CountyBarron, Rosenberg, Mayoras &

Mayoras, P.C.MGM Grand Detroit

MORC, Inc.

John Keegan on behalf of CIBC Bank ($750)

Harvey & Carole Rabinowitz ($700)

GOLD SPONSORS — $500Afia

AnonymousRon & Pam Cheli

Civitan Club of Pontiac, Inc.SS Hans, M.D., P.C.

Tim ManningRandall Meono

New Horizons Rehabilitation Services, Inc.Jerry & Judy Rubin

Mary T. Schmitt SmithEd, Janet, and Mark Sherlitz

Mark & Ann Wiedelman

Buss & Company, P.C. ($350)Wm Sullivan & Son Funeral Home ($350)

Tom & Mary Kendziorski ($325)Tom & Christine Lias ($300)

Robert & Francine Stern ($300)

SILVER SPONSORS — $250

Button Eddy Kolb & Sorrentino, P.L.L.C.Kyle & Penny Canada

Community Homes, Inc.Expert Care Management Services

Gorman'sJoseph McKevitz

Karen MellottOtlewski & Maloney, P.C.Tom & Judy Quakenbush

John P. SchoeffelBarbara Scott

In Memory of Jennifer Summers

Alex & Rose Marie Adah ($200)Linda Knox ($200)

David & Sandy Loeffler ($200)Joe & Lisa Kowalski ($150)

Progressive Lifestyles, Inc. ($120)

BRONZE SPONSORS — $100

A. J. Desmond & SonsBorgWarner

Robert BuzzelliVickie DennyLaura GannanTim Hatfield

Suzanne MarquardtNew Gateways Parent Group

Joseph QatshaDennis, Josephine & Perry Rexin

John TorroneIna Mae (late John) Wilcox

2018 SponsorshipsThe Arc would like to thank the following individuals, companies, & organizations who generously contributed

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A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO —

Whole Foods Market of Birminghamfor donating the sweet treats

2018 Silent Auction DonationsThe Arc would like to thank the following individuals, companies, & organizations who generously contributed

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Ale Mary's / Tom's Oyster Bar / Terry' s Terrace

Andiamo, Royal OakAnonymous

The Art ExperienceArthur Murray Royal Oak

Dance StudioAstrein’s Creative Jewelers

Bahama BreezeBeans & Cornbread:

A Soulful BistroBigaloraBordine's

Jennifer BrandtBuddy's Pizza

California Pizza KitchenCarl's Golfland

Carol Lewis Day SpaDan & Linda CasaSanta

CBS TVRon & Pam Cheli

Steve ChuligComcast

Community Housing NetworkCookies by Design

CostcoCranbrook Academy of Art &

Art MuseumCranbrook Institute of Science

The Dearborn InnDetroit Institute of Arts

Detroit Princess Riverboat Detroit Red Wings

The Detroit ZooEdward Street Dental

Emagine EntertainmentEnglish Gardens

The Epicurean GroupFieldstone Winery

Fox SportsFrames Unlimited

John & Lynn GideonGoldfish Swim School,

BirminghamGordon Food Service, Inc.

Gorman'sGriffin Claw Brewing Company

Tim HatfieldThe Henry Ford / Greenfield Village

Henry Ford OptimEyesHoliday MarketHome DepotJax Kar Wash

Tom & Mary KendziorskiLinda KnoxKona Grill

Harry & Maria KokkinakisJoe & Lisa Kowalski

Kruse & MuerLamphere Center

Megan LeavyLeon and Lulu

Tom & Christine LiasDavid & Sandy Loeffler

Lucky Strike, Novi

Suzanne MarquardtDiane McDanielMcMillin Tours

Meadow Brook Hall at Oakland University

Meadow Brook TheatreKaren Mellott

MGM Grand DetroitMichigan Opera Theatre

Miner's Den JewelersLMP Industries

Modernistic Cleaning & Restoration

Joe & Allison MurowanyNeil King Physical Therapy

New Horizons Rehabilitation Services, Inc.Oakland County Parks &

RecreationPainting with a TwistThe Parade Company

Pewabic PotteryPrestige Portraits

PRP Wine InternationalHarvey & Carole Rabinowitz

David & Julie RaceRoberts Restaurant Group

Ronin SushiRoyal Oak Golf Center

Jerry & Judy RubinSanders Candy/

Morley Candy Makers Inc.Barbara Scott

Simply Good KitchenSkate World of Troy

Slows BAR BQSomerset Inn

Springhill Pooled TrustStagecrafters

StarbucksTappers Diamonds & Fine

JewelryToyology

Trader Joe'sTroy Dental Care

Vera BradleyThe Village of Rochester Hills

The WhitneyWayne State University Maggie

Allesee Department of Theatre and Dance

WDIVThe Westin Book Cadillac

Detroit Wheelhouse Detroit

Bob WhiteMark & Ann Wiedelman

WJBK - Channel 2Wolverine Solutions

WTVS WXYZ

Wyndham Garden Sterling Heights

Lee Yambura