Page 1 of 2 December 20, 2016 TO: DD Council Members Self-Advocates of Michigan Interested Others FROM: Vendella M. Collins Executive Director SUBJECT: Developmental Disabilities Council Meeting Date: January 3, 2017 Time: 10:45am – 2:20pm Place: Lewis Cass Building Conference Room 1N 320 S. Walnut Street Lansing, MI 48913 Greetings: The Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council meeting will take place at the Lewis Cass Building, located at 320 S. Walnut Street, Lansing Michigan on January 3, 2017 at 10:45am on the 1 st floor; Conference Room 1 North. Please enter the building at the north entrance located on Washtenaw St. Also, please make sure to bring valid ID as this is a secure building. Upon entering the building at the garden level and passing through security, take the evaluator to the 1 st floor. Exit the elevator to the left, the conference room is through the glass doors, and the first door on the left.
Transcript
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December 20, 2016
TO: DD Council Members Self-Advocates of Michigan Interested Others FROM: Vendella M. Collins Executive Director SUBJECT: Developmental Disabilities Council Meeting
Date: January 3, 2017 Time: 10:45am – 2:20pm Place: Lewis Cass Building Conference Room 1N 320 S. Walnut Street Lansing, MI 48913
Greetings:
The Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council meeting will take place at the Lewis Cass Building, located at 320 S. Walnut Street, Lansing Michigan on January 3, 2017 at 10:45am on the 1st floor; Conference Room 1 North.
Please enter the building at the north entrance located on Washtenaw St. Also, please make sure to bring valid ID as this is a secure building.
Upon entering the building at the garden level and passing through security, take the evaluator to the 1st floor. Exit the elevator to the left, the conference room is through the glass doors, and the first door on the left.
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Enclosed is the tentative agenda and other materials for the Tuesday, January 3, 2017 Council meeting.
This is a reminder to all Council members of the importance of attending Council meetings. When quorums cannot be established, it impedes the work of the Council.
Lunch will be provided for those Council members who confirm their attendance, by noon, December 27, 2016 to Sheila McCulloch at 517-284-7297 or [email protected]
Welcome/Introductions Approval of November/December 2016 Minutes Acceptance of January 3, 2017 Agenda Recommendation: Self-Determination in Michigan Update/Status - Request for Proposals (RFP): • DDLEAD-2017: Leadership, Engagement, and
Advocacy Development and;
• DDYELL-2017: Youth Engaged in Leading and Learning.
Next Steps
Call ln: 1-877-873-8018 Public Policy Committee ATTACHMENT C Passcode: 4822051 January 3, 2017
9:00 a.m. – 10:30 T.B.D.
Lansing, MI 48933
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Action Agenda Item Presenter
Welcome and Introductions Approval of Minutes- December meeting Acceptance of Agenda
Paul Palmer & Tammy Yeomans
Federal Reports
2017 Policy Focus • Medicaid Block Grant • 2017 Wrap-up • Safety-net programs future • Ramping up federal advocacy
Brett Williams Paul Palmer Tammy Yeomans Open Open
State Reports
2017 state advocacy focus State level priorities – looking forward Potential state legislation- finding champions 298 – Update
All Mark McWilliams - All
Statewide Work Recap
Round table- Successes - Opportunities All Open Discussion
Public Policy Agenda ATTACHMENT C
January 3, 2017
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For more information on the Public Policy Committee please visit: www.michigan.gov/ddcouncil and look under the workgroups section, which is located on the bottom right side of the page. Staff Contact: Brett Williams 517-335-3139 [email protected]
Council Members Present: Johnson, Stephen Reagan, Jane Leroy, Barbara Rock, Deborah Palmer, Paul Suhrheinrich, Richard Jeremiah Prusi Taylor, David
Council Members Teleconference: Columbus, Kristen Wiese, Deborah DeVries, Heidi Yeomans, Tammy
Council Members Absent: Cerano, Elmer Wills, Marnie
Council Staff Present: Bouraoui, Yasmina Smith, Meredith Collins, Vendella Vincent, Tracy Florence, Dee Williams, Brett McCulloch, Sheila
Guest Presenter: Mark McWilliams – MPAS Eric Kurtz – MDHHS/BHDDA Steve Fleury – MDHHS/Budget Kristen Jordan – MDHHS/Budget Joseph O’Reilly – MDHHS/Legal Minutes Taken by: Sheila McCulloch
ATTACHMENT D
DD Council Meeting MEETING NOTES
October 4, 2016
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Call to Order NOTE - David Taylor, Council Member, volunteered to Chair the meeting in absence of Kristen Columbus being present in room. Kristen attended the meeting via teleconference. Meeting called to order by Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council member, David Taylor, at 10:54am on October 4, 2016. Welcome/Introductions A quorum was established and introductions were made. Approval of Agenda Motion: Jane Reagan, Seconded: Steven Johnson Paul Palmer requested “Public Comment” be inserted after “Approval of August 2, 2016 Minutes”. Motion Approved: Motion moved for approval, as amended, by Paul Palmer. Motion approved by consensus vote of the Council members in attendance. No abstentions. Approval of August 2, 2016 Minutes Motion: Paul Palmer, Seconded: Deb Rock Rich Suhrheinrich request the header be amended to remove “DD Council May Retreat”.
ATTACHMENT D
DD Council Meeting MEETING NOTES
October 4, 2016
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Motion Approved: Motion moved for acceptance, as amended, by Rich Suhrheinrich. Motion approved by consensus vote of the Council members in attendance. No abstentions. Public Comment Jeremiah Prusi informed the Council that Lakestate Industries, where he is employed, is paying all its employees at least minimum wage. Paul Palmer advised the Council, Elmer Cerano, had a recent medical emergency. Mark McWilliams gave more details. Open Meetings Act Joseph O’Reilly from MDHHS Legal Affairs office presented on the Open Meetings Act (OMA). A complete copy of the OMA was distributed to Council members. The DD Council’s bylaws compliment and are compliant with the OMA. Points of interest that were discussed in further detail are:
• What is a Public Body • Who the OMA applies to
o Committees or groups where decisions are made by a public body.
o Not advisory committees, forums or political caucuses.
o Training sessions does not fall under the OMA. No decisions or deliberations are taking place during training.
ATTACHMENT D
DD Council Meeting MEETING NOTES
October 4, 2016
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• Public Notice o The yearly calendar of meetings are to be posted
within 10 days of first meeting of the year. o Rescheduled meetings need an 18 hour notice. o Special meetings need 36 hours’ notice. o Teleconferencing is not required for the general
public to participate in a public meeting. • Quorums
o Quorums are needed to call a meeting to order and to conduct official business.
o Majority voting is separate from a quorum. Majority voting is for those in attendance. The DD Council bylaws address what constitutes a majority vote.
• Minutes o Proposed Minutes to be available after 8 business
days of the meeting. o Approved Minutes to be available after 5 business
days from Council approval. o Corrected Minutes (must show track changes) to
be available after 5 business days. • Voting
o No secret voting. Council members must identify how they are voting, either roll call or by show of hand.
It’s best to avoid using phones or electronic technology during meetings. This will avoid any implication of secret communications amongst members during an open meeting.
ATTACHMENT D
DD Council Meeting MEETING NOTES
October 4, 2016
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May want to incorporate into bylaws how to prescribe public comments (time allowed). May also want to address giving the Chair authority to regulate how the public can record a Council meeting.
Council Vice-Chair Elections Deborah Rock and David Taylor were presented as nominees for the vacant Council’s Vice-Chair position from the Nominations Committee. No nominations from the floor. The two nominees were given time to speak before the Council to describe why they want to fill the position. The Council Members voted as follows:
Deborah Rock David Taylor Kristen Columbus Steven Johnson Heidi DeVries Barbara LeRoy Paul Palmer Jeremiah Prusi Deborah Rock Jane Reagan Richard Suhrheinrich David Taylor Tammy Yeomans Deb Wiese
The voting resulted in a tie vote. Kristen Columbus gave a tie vote break and voted for Deborah Rock. Deborah Rock is the new Council’s Vice Chair.
ATTACHMENT D
DD Council Meeting MEETING NOTES
October 4, 2016
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1115 Waiver Update Eric Kurtz, MDHHS, gave an 1115 Waiver Update to the Council. Reviewed the rationale, goals, benefits and current status of the waiver demonstration project. NACDD Conference Update NACDD is the national trade association for the 56 Councils on Developmental Disabilities (DD Councils) across the United States and its territories. The DD Councils receive federal funding to support programs. NACDD provides technical assistance to all DD Councils. Advocates at the state and territorial level for the national public policy agenda and for DD Councils’ appropriations in Congress. The conference provides leadership and development training. Kristen Columbus and David Taylor attended this year. Kristen will send materials received at the conference to council members. NACDD will host a Disability Policy Seminar March 19-21, 2017 in Washington, D.C. The Public Policy Analyst will attend. May have Self-Advocates of Michigan Board members attend too. Director, Committee Report, Budget Update Infinity Group, Stakeholder 298 meeting is today from 1-4pm. Another is being held tomorrow at the Hannah Center in East Lansing from 6-9pm.
ATTACHMENT D
DD Council Meeting MEETING NOTES
October 4, 2016
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Take Your Legislator to Work Closing ceremony is scheduled on October 28, 2016 at Constitution Hall at 10am. Vendella encourages Council members to attend. Steve Fleury and Vendella Collins reviewed the latest budget spreadsheets (3rd quarter and year-to-date expenditures). Not a final balance, some expenditures continue to run through mid-November and not posted as of yet. Will have final report at the next Council meeting. Federal approval of the 2017-2021 State Plan was received on November 29, 2016. Once finalized, Council staff will forward the State Plan to the budget office. The budget office will have an updated spreadsheet with FY17 projected expenditures under new State Plan that began on October 1, 2016 for distribution at the January Council meeting. Calendar year 2017 Council/Committee meeting dates was distributed to Council members. Meredith Smith to post online. Michigan Department of Education Update Jane Reagan presented a departmental overview including student data, goals and objectives, and ongoing strategic partnerships with the Department of Education. ODEP Year 2 Update Yasmina Bouraoui presented an ODEP summary update. Reviewing Michigan’s EFSLMP focus areas: Provider Transformation, Capacity Building, Rate Reform and Vision
ATTACHMENT D
DD Council Meeting MEETING NOTES
October 4, 2016
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Quest, Super Memorandum of Understanding and the MI Seamless Transition Pilot sites activities. Motion to Adjourn Motion: Barbara LeRoy, Seconded: Richard Suhrheinrich Motion moved to adjourn the meeting; seconded by Richard Suhrheinrich. Motion Approved: Motion approved by consensus vote of the Council members in attendance. No abstentions. Meeting adjourned at 3:40pm.
ATTACHMENT E
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Director’s Report of Staff Activity
January 3, 2017
STAFF MANAGEMENT Two vacant positions, Community Services Consultant position and Community Inclusion Coordinator, at the Developmental Disabilities Council (Council) were finalized and posted. The candidates applications are currently under review. GRANTS
Fiscal Year 2017 grant applications were approved in E-Grams. Grantee and Regional Coordinator meetings were held on October 27,
2016. Regional Coordinators are wrapping up their work. Expected to end December 31, 2016. PLANNING Four Request for Proposals (RFPs) were drafted and posted:
• DDLDO-2017: Leadership Development Opportunities • DDSDM-2017: Self-Determination in Michigan • DDLEAD-2017 Leadership, Engagement, and Advocacy
Development and: • DDYELL-2017 Youth Engaged in Leading and Learning
The Review Group evaluated DDLDO-2017 and DDSDM-2017 RFP’s submittals. Recommendations will be presented before the Council on January 3, 2017. The recommendations from the Review Group on DDLEAD-2017 and DDYELL-2017 RFP’s will be presented before the Council on February 14, 2017.
Director’s Report of Staff Activity ATTACHMENT E January 3, 2017
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PEER MENTORING Council staff conducted 4 Peer Mentor exit interviews in October/November 2016 and those 4 individuals were certified. Currently, there are 32 Certified Peer Mentors. Staff, along with 3 Certified Peer Mentors, presented on peer mentoring at the Annual Home and Community-Based Waiver Conference, November 16, 2016. The final Peer Mentoring Medicaid Policy Bulletin was issued December 1, 2016. Peer mentoring is officially a part of the Medicaid Manual for MDHHS. ACTION TOPICS DSW Recruitment/Retention - Starting in October 2016, direct support workers were required to start submitting their time sheets through Electronic Service Verification (ESV). Realizing that not all workers would have the ability to do such, the department will still accept the paper forms. According to the department, the ESV is fully engaged. One additional component to the new ESV process, payments are being sent out every Thursday to expedite reimbursement. Paper logs can be sent out to providers for a period up-to six months so those who are unable to use ESV will have the required logs on hand when needed. To make ESV more accessible, the department also has “myCareVisit” app for smart-phones for people to file remotely.
Director’s Report of Staff Activity ATTACHMENT E January 3, 2017
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Employment First – Michigan was renewed for the 2017 Vision Quest (focus on rate reform) and Technical Assistance grant for provider transformation and capacity building. The 2017 application was submitted in 2 sections, a self-assessment in October and a full application on November 13, 2016. Housing – The group discussed possible training initiatives, such as the ADA site review. Participants of this training would get to see and hear what is standard for ADA and Universal Design for an apartment. The group has made contact with a Michigan State Housing Development Authority representative in Rental Housing Assistance and is working to cultivate the relationship. Legislative Event - The Legislative Event is scheduled for March 7, 2017 at the Anderson House Office building. Meetings at the House Building require a sponsor and Representative Liberati is sponsoring our event. Council staff are working with self-advocates to develop talking points. Staff are also planning trainings throughout state to help prepare self-advocates to meet with their legislators. Medicaid Spend Down - Medicaid Spend Down continues to be worked on at several levels. Council staff along with the Olmstead Coalition met with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) to discuss income disregard in order to try to reduce much of the Medicaid Spend Down requirements. The coalition is also encouraging MDHHS to supply accurate data on Medicaid Spend Down usage as well as enrollment numbers.
Director’s Report of Staff Activity ATTACHMENT E January 3, 2017
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Medicaid Spend Down is one of the key items on the Public Policy Platform. Oral Health/Adult Dental - The Oral Health advocacy group will be meeting on December 20, 2016 to discuss strategies for increasing dental provider reimbursement rates, the need for better access to adult dental services, as well as how people can become self-advocates by sharing their stories of the lack of access to oral health care. Restraint & Seclusion - House Bills HB5409-5418 are Michigan Restraint and Seclusion legislation. This package of bills establishes definitions, prohibitions, and limitations on the use of restraint and seclusion as well as establishes positive behavior supports. The staff of the Council helped develop portions of the language incorporated within this legislation. Public Policy Committee (PPC) staff, developed talking points, fact sheets and sample letters for individuals to use when advocating with their legislators. PPC staff, along with advocates, attended 2 hearings on Restraint and Seclusion and provided testimony. The Senate bills (SB835-838) are duplicative of bills introduced in the house. As of December 7, 2016, HB5409-HB5417 passed out of the chamber and are headed to the Senate. Subminimum Wage Council staff are determining the best approach to meet the end goal that all individuals with disabilities, in all forms of
Director’s Report of Staff Activity ATTACHMENT E January 3, 2017
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employment, will be compensated at a rate at least that of Michigan’s standardized minimum wage. Currently Council staff are researching actions in other states that have resulted in all persons being compensated at or above subminimum wage. Identifying the ramifications the change would have on individuals. Researching how an action on subminimum wages could complement the Home and Community-Based Services transition plan. Council staff met with advocacy partners to develop an advocacy plan. Universal Reduced Fare Card Council staff met with the Office of the Secretary of State (SOS) to discuss the implementation and production of the card. The office of the SOS is very interested. A 2nd meeting was held with representatives from the SOS, Michigan Department of Transportation, Council staff, and Transportation providers to discuss further. At the conclusion of this meeting, it was agreed to by the work group to explore other options and approaches to implement the card. PUBLIC POLICY - Currently following: FEDERAL H.R.188 S2001:
PPC has been following H.R.188 and S.2001. This legislation would eliminate the use and issuance of 14(c) waivers. H.R.188 introduced in January of 2015 currently has 69 cosponsors and is in the Sub-committee on Workforce Protections. Michigan congressional sponsors for H.R.188 are Representative Fred Upton, Representative
Director’s Report of Staff Activity ATTACHMENT E January 3, 2017
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David Trott, Representative Candice Miller, and Representative John Conyers.
S2001 introduced in August of 2015 and is referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Both bills would accomplish similar outcomes but take a slightly different path to achieve them. Currently, S2001 only has one co-sponsor; none of which are from Michigan.
These bills are expected to die in committee and be reintroduced in the 115th legislative session.
Keeping All Students Safe Act: H.R.927 would establish federal guidelines for restraint and seclusion in public schools. The PPC has been following this legislation since the introduction in February of 2015. Currently there are 42 co-sponsors to this legislation. This bill is expected to die in committee and be reintroduced in the 115th legislative session
Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Improvement Act: The Federal House and Senate introduced 3 pieces of legislation that are designed to “fix” a couple of issues of the first ABLE Act. The bills (S2702, S2703, S2704 and HR4794, HR4795, and HR4813) will accomplish 3 important things; raise the age for qualifying from 26 to 46, a person with and ABLE account will be able to deposit up to the federal poverty limit of their income into their ABLE account on top of outside contributions, and will allow a 529 college savings account to be rolled into a 529(a) account. As of 7/17/2016, there are no Michigan co-sponsors to this legislation.
Director’s Report of Staff Activity ATTACHMENT E January 3, 2017
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Two of the Senate bills did make it out of committee, S2702 ABLE to Work Act and S2703 ABLE Financial Planning Act, however, they are not expected to be signed into law due to time restraints this session.
STATE HB5002:
DD Council Staff has been following HB5002 Vulnerable Roadway User legislation introduced on October 20, 2015. The bill is in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and as of December 6, 2016 it has had no action. This bill is expected to die in committee. Advocacy efforts included letters drafted to the Chair of the Committee that addresses the importance of this legislation as well as a discussion with committee members, phone calls to committee members as well as the committee chair.
SB1029: Senate Bill 1029 (SB1029) is replicative of HB5002. This bill was introduced by Senator O’Brien and co-sponsored by Senator Knezek on June 9, 2016. This bill passed out of the Committee on Judiciary. DD Council staff held a conference call with the chairs and co-chairs of the PPC, Health Issues Work Group and Transportation Work Group to discuss advocacy efforts. Letter of support for this legislation was delivered to the committee from advocates. DD Council staff, and PPC Co-Chair Paul Palmer met with the staff of Senator O’Brien and the Chair of Judiciary, Senator Jones, to discuss the importance of this bill. A hearing took place on October 20, 2016 where it was voted out of committee with unanimous support. However, once again, it is not expected to move this session.
Director’s Report of Staff Activity ATTACHMENT E January 3, 2017
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SB1013:
SB1013, introduced by Senator Shirkey, would provide for a dental therapist to practice in Michigan. Under this legislation, a dental therapist would be able to practice under the supervision of a dentist and must comport with specific rules and regulations established by the state as well as the supervising dentist. One additional component is that 50% of the dental therapist’s patients must be Medicaid beneficiaries.
SB1017: Introduced by Senator Jones, this bill would add additional
penalties to people who assault or assault and batters an individual with a developmental disability. Under this legislation, the actor must know that the individual has a developmental disability and would be guilty of a misdemeanor. If the assailant has a previous conviction for this offence, then that person will be charged with a felony. Currently, this bill is in the full Senate.
House Bills (HB5409 – HB5418) (SB 835-838):
House Bills HB5409-5418 are Michigan Restraint and Seclusion legislation. This package of bills establishes definitions, prohibitions, and limitations on the use of restraint and seclusion as well as establishes positive behavior supports. The DD Council staff helped develop portions of the language incorporated within this legislation. The Senate bills (SB835-838) are duplicative of bills introduced in the House. As of December 6, 2016, HB5409-HB5418 are still in the house chamber and may not make it out this session.
Director’s Report of Staff Activity ATTACHMENT E January 3, 2017
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HB6066: HB6066 was introduced on November 29, 2016 and voted out of committee on December 1, 2016. This bill would require voters to show pictured identification at the polls in order to have a non-contested ballot. If a person did not have a pictured identification, they could cast a provisional ballot but would need to return within10 days to their clerk’s office, produce a specific pictured identification, and then their ballot would be counted.
DD Council staff submitted recommendations that would amend this legislation to allow people with disabilities to sign an affidavit swearing to their identity. This amendment was introduced but was not adopted by a vote of 3 yeas, 2 nays, and 3 passes. It was passed out of the House by a vote of 57-50.
ATTACHMENT F
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Diversity Committee Report
January 2017 Chair: Deb Wiese Co-Chair: Vacant Staff: Vendella Collins, [email protected]
Tedra Jackson, [email protected] The Diversity Committee is in the process of aligning its work to increase capacity to address growing diversity among stakeholders. Recognizing the strengths of all individuals with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) and their families, from all races, ethnicities, and cultures. The Diversity Committee seeks to increase the number of participants from African-American, Asian American, Arab-American, Latino, LGBTQ, and Native-American communities in DD Council activities and advocacy in Michigan. The Diversity Committee will hold a “think tank” on diversity outreach. During the Diversity Think Tank session the goal will be to:
• Identify barriers that prevent individuals from diverse populations with I/DD from being included in the work of the DD Council and possible solutions;
• Identify cultural brokers within ethnically diverse populations and;
• Identify best practices to recruit and retain ethnically diverse individuals with I/DD and their families in DD Council activities.
January 2017 Executive Committee met once since the Developmental Disabilities Council’s (Council) October meeting. Key items discussed:
Special DD Council Meeting – February 2017 Discussed the need for a Special Council meeting to review 2 Request for Proposals (RFP) for Council projects which will begin June 2017. The RFP’s will not be available for presentation before the January Council meeting. The January Council meeting should not be rescheduled to February; need Council approval for 2 additional RFP’s that are set to begin March 2017. Self-Advocates of Michigan Update The Self-Advocates of Michigan have identified committee assignments. Angela Martin will convene the Membership Committee. Brian Sanborn will convene the Public Relations Committee. Vendella Collins and Brett Williams will convene the Public Policy Committee. The group, as a whole, decided how many board members are required. The Self-Advocates of Michigan are scheduled to have face-to-face meetings on a quarterly basis. These meetings are open to the public. DD Council Bylaws The Council needs to update the bylaws, accordingly to compliment the updated Executive Order. The Executive Committee members agreed to form a small subcommittee to review initially for edits/comments before presenting before the Council for approval. Next Meeting: January 10, 2017 at 9:30AM
ATTACHMENT H
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Program Committee Update
January 2017 Chair: Barbara Leroy, [email protected] Co-Chair: Vacant Staff: Tedra Jackson, [email protected] The Program Committee continues to work on identification of additional committee members.
The Program Committee provides oversight of the DD Council’s active grants. The Program Committee reviewed and provided comments on the 4 Request for Proposals (RFPs) developed and posted during the fall of 2016:
DDLDO-2017: Leadership Development Opportunities DDSDM-2017: Self-Determination in Michigan DDLEAD-2017 Leadership, Engagement, and Advocacy
Development and: DDYELL-2017 Youth Engaged in Leading and Learning
Two of the grants (DDLDO-2017 & DDSDM-2017) have completed the Review Group process and recommendations will be presented before the DD Council at the January 3, 2017 meeting.
The remaining 2 RFP’s (DDLEAD-2017 & DDYELL-2017) Review Group recommendations will be presented before the DD Council at the February 14, 2017 meeting.
January 2017 Champion: Tammy Yeomans Co-Champion: Paul Palmer Council Staff: Brett Williams Legislation: H.R.188 S2001 Staff has been following H.R.188 and S.2001. This legislation would eliminate the use and issuance of 14(c) waivers. H.R.188 introduced in January of 2015 currently has 82 cosponsors and is in the Sub-committee on Workforce Protections. Michigan congressional sponsors for H.R.188 are Representative Fred Upton, Representative David Trott, Representative Candice Miller, and Representative John Conyers, and Representative Brenda Lawrence. S2001 introduced in August of 2015 and is referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Both bills would accomplish similar outcomes but take a slightly different path to achieve them. Currently, S2001 only has one co-sponsor; none of which are from Michigan. These bills are expected to die in committee and be reintroduced in the 115th legislative session Keeping All Students Safe Act H.R.927 would establish federal guidelines for restraint and seclusion in public schools. The PPC has been following this
Public Policy Committee Update ATTACHMENT I January 2017
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legislation since the introduction in February of 2015. Currently there are 42 co-sponsors to this legislation. This bill is expected to die in committee and be reintroduced in the 115th legislative session ABLE Improvement Act The Federal house and senate introduced three pieces of legislation that are designed to “fix” a couple of issues of the first ABLE act. The bills (S2702, S2703, S2704 and HR4794, HR4795, and HR4813) will accomplish three important things; raise the age for qualifying from 26 to 46, a person with and able account will be able to deposit up to the federal poverty limit of their income into their ABLE account on top of outside contributions, and will allow a 529 college savings account to be rolled into a 529(a) account. As of 7/17/2016, there are no Michigan co-sponsors to this legislation. Two of the Senate bills did make it out of committee, S2702 ABLE to Work Act and S2703 ABLE Financial Planning Act, however, they are not expected to be signed into law due to time restraints this session. Universal Reduced Fare Card Great progress has been made in the design of the Universal Reduced Fare Card and corresponding application. The work group has completed the design and it has been finalized. Staff met with the office of the Secretary of State to discuss the implementation and production of the card. The office of the SOS is very interested. A second meeting was held with representatives from the SOS, MDOT, DD Council Staff, and Transportation Providers to discuss
Public Policy Committee Update ATTACHMENT I January 2017
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further. At the conclusion of this meeting, it was agreed to by the workgroup to explore other options and approaches to implement the card. Health Issues Medicaid spenddown continues to be worked on at several levels. The Council staff along with the Olmstead Coalition has met with the department to discuss income disregard with the department in order to try to reduce much of the spend-down requirements. Medicaid spend-down also is one of the key items on the Public Policy Platform. HB5002 Council Staff has been following HB5002 Vulnerable Roadway User legislation introduced on October 20, 2015. The bill is in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and as of December 6, 2016 it has had no action. This bill is expected to die in committee. Advocacy efforts included letters drafted to the chair of the committee that addresses the importance of this legislation as well as a discussion with committee members, phone calls to committee members as well as the committee chair. SB1029 Senate Bill 1029 (SB1029) is replicative of HB5002. This bill was introduced by Senator O’Brien and co-sponsored by Senator Knezek on June 9, 2016. This bill passed out of the Committee on Judiciary. Staff held a conference call with the chairs and co-chairs of the PPC, HIWG and TWG to discuss advocacy efforts. Letter of support for this legislation was delivered to the committee from advocates. DD Council Staff, and Public Policy Co-Chair Paul Palmer met with the staff of Senator O’Brien and the Chair of Judiciary Senator Jones to discuss the importance of this bill. A hearing took place on October 20th where
Public Policy Committee Update ATTACHMENT I January 2017
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it was voted out of committee with unanimous support. However, once again, it is not expected to move this session. SB1013 SB1013, introduced by Senator Shirkey, would provide for a Dental Therapist to practice in Michigan. Under this legislation, a Dental Therapist (DT) would be able to practice under the supervision of a dentist and must comport with specific rules and regulations established by the state as well as the supervising dentist. One additional component is that 50% of the DT’s patients must be Medicaid beneficiaries. SB1017 Introduced by Senator Jones, this bill would add additional penalties to people who assault or assault and batters an individual with a developmental disability. Under this legislation, the actor must know that the individual has a developmental disability and would be guilty of a misdemeanor. If the assailant has a previous conviction for this offence, then that person will be charged with a felony. Currently, this bill is in the full senate. House Bills (HB5409 – HB5418) (SB 835-838) House Bills HB5409-5418 are Michigan Restraint and Seclusion legislation. This package of bills establishes definitions, prohibitions, and limitations on the use of restraint and seclusion as well as establishes positive behavior supports. The staff of the council helped develop portions of the language incorporated within this legislation. The Senate bills (SB835-838) are duplicative of bills introduced in the house. As of 12/6/2016, HB5409-HB5418 are still in the house chamber and may not make it out this session. HB6066 HB6066 Was introduced on November 29th and voted out of committee on December 1. This bill would require votes to show
Public Policy Committee Update ATTACHMENT I January 2017
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pictured identification at the polls in order to have a non-contested ballot. If a person did not have a pictured identification, they could cast a provisional ballot but would need to return within 10 days to their clerk’s office, produce a specific pictured identification, and then their ballot would be counted. DD Council submitted recommendations that would amend this legislation to allow people with disabilities to sign an affidavit swearing to their identity. This amendment was introduced but was not adopted by a vote of 3 yeas, 2 nays, and 3 passes.
ATTACHMENT J
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Michigan Disabilities Council Action Topic
RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION OF DIRECT SUPPORT
WORKFORCE Update
January 2017
Champion: TBD Co-Champion:TBD Council Staff: Brett Williams What are the specific issues the advocacy group is addressing? Starting in October 2016, Direct Support Workers (DSW) were required to start submitting time sheets through Electronic Service Verification (ESV). Realizing that not all DSW’s would have the ability to do such, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) will still accept the paper forms. According to the MDHHS:
• Well over half of the DSW are enrolled in the ESV; • With the new system, there will not be a scheduled day
for payment; • There is a chart that if you submit your ESV by _____
your payment will be sent by _______; • Payments go out every Thursday rather than once or
twice a month, and; • There is a “myCareVist” app for smartphones to file your
ESV.
Council Action Requested: None at this time.
ATTACHMENT K
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Michigan Disabilities Council Action Topic
EMPLOYMENT FIRST
Update
January 2017 Champion: Paul Palmer Co-Champion: Barb Valliere Council Staff: Yasmina Bouraoui What are the specific issues the advocacy group is addressing? Identifying resources to support Employment First initiatives in Michigan: Provider transformation technical assistance Rate reimbursement reform technical assistance Capacity building for employment specialists Support for the transition pilots
Helping the Lieutenant Governor identify the ideal oversight entity for the Employment First Executive Order.
What action is the advocacy group taking?
• Successfully reapplied for and was awarded the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) Employment First State Leadership Mentoring Program technical assistance grant for 2017; which will include provider transformation, capacity building, and rate reform technical assistance.
Employment First Update ATTACHMENT K January 2017
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• Formed a subcommittee with MARO and SILC to work on a
plan that can be presented to the Lieutenant Governor that helps to identify the ideal oversight entity for the Employment First Executive Order.
Council Action Requested: None at this time.
ATTACHMENT L
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Michigan Disabilities Council Action Topic
Housing Update
Update
January 2017 Chair: Paul Ecklund Council Staff: Meredith Smith What are the specific issues the advocacy group is addressing?
• ADA Site training • SB 395 and HB 4719
What action is the advocacy group taking?
• ADA Site training: The group discussed holding a training to show people, landlords, and developers what an accessible room looks like.
• SB 395 and HB 4719: The group discussed that the SB 395 is caught up in the Tax Policy Committee. Both bills probably will not go anywhere and will have to be reintroduced.
Council Action Requested: None at this time.
ATTACHMENT M
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Michigan Disabilities Council Action Topic
LEGISLATIVE DAY EVENT
Update
January 2017 Council Staff: Brett Williams, Dee Florence What are the specific for the day?
• Date: March 7, 2017 • Place: Mackinac Room – Anderson House Office
Building • Self-advocates will set up meeting to talk with their
legislators • Lunch will be served at noon
What action is the staff taking? • Contacted Representative Liberati to be sponsor for the
day • Reserved meeting location • Working with self-advocates to develop Talking Points • Created contact list of newly elected legislators • Planning trainings throughout state to help prepare self-
advocates to meet with their legislators
Council Action Requested: None at this time.
ATTACHMENT N
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Michigan Disabilities Council Action Topic
MEDICAID SPEND-DOWN
Update
January 2017 Champion: Paul Palmer Co-Champion: RoAnne Chaney Council Staff: Brett Williams What are the specific issues the advocacy group is addressing?
• Working to increase the income disregard for people on Mediciad Spend Down.
• Helping Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Medical Service Administration (MSA) identify areas of Medicaid that need immediate attention.
• Collecting data to help identify areas that income disregard can be improved.
What action is the advocacy group taking?
• Meeting with MSA every month. • Develop talking points to share with legislators. • Sharing stories of people affected by Medicaid Spend
Down. • Medicaid Spend Down continues to be worked on at
several levels. The Health Issues Work Group staff along with the Olmstead Coalition met with the MDHHS to discuss income disregard in order to try to reduce
Medicaid Spend-Down Update ATTACHMENT N January 2017
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much of the Medicaid Spend Down requirements. Medicaid Spend Down also is one of the key items on the Public Policy Platform.
Council Action Requested: Help identify people who are on Medicaid Spend Down and are willing to become self-advocates.
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Michigan Disabilities Council Action Topic
ADULT DENTAL / ORAL HEALTH
Update
January 2017 Champion: Tammy Yeomans Co-Champion: TBD Council Staff: Brett Williams What are the specific issues the advocacy group is addressing?
• Increasing access to adult dental services. • Promote mid-level dental therapist. • Design talking points to discuss with legislators.
What action is the advocacy group taking? • Early stages of developing advocacy outreach. • Developing talking points.
Council Action Requested: Find people to share stories on the difficulties for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities to access adult dental services.
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Michigan Disabilities Council Action Topic
RESTRAINT AND SECLUSION ACTION PLAN
Update
January 2017 Champion: Mark McWilliams Co-Champion: TBD Council Staff: Tracy Vincent What are the specific issues the advocacy group is addressing?
• Strong advocacy push to move the package of bills (HB5409-HB5418) out of the House.
What action is the advocacy group taking? Public Policy Committee (PPC) staff, developed talking points, fact sheets and sample letters for individuals to use when advocating with their legislators. PPC staff, along with advocates, attended 2 hearings on Restraint and Seclusion and provided testimony. The package of bills, HB5409-HB5418, is in the full house and will need to go through the Senate before the end of session. PPC staff sent out an action alert on November 23, 2016 requesting individuals contact their legislators to educate them on why we need to end non-emergency Restraint and Seclusion from our schools. Council Action Requested: None at this time.
ATTACHMENT Q
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Michigan Disabilities Council Action Topic
SUB-MINIMUM WAGE
Update
January 2017 Champion: Barb Valliere Co-Champion: Paul Palmer Council Staff: Yasmina Bouraoui, Brett Williams What are the specific issues the advocacy group is addressing? Determining the best approach to meet the end goal that all individuals with disabilities, in all forms of employment, will be compensated at a rate at least that of Michigan’s standardized minimum wage.
What action is the advocacy group taking?
• Researched actions in other states that have resulted in all persons being compensated at or above subminimum wage.
• Currently identifying the ramifications the change would have on individuals.
• Researching how an action on subminimum wages could compliment the Home and Community-Based Services transition plan.
• Met with advocacy partners to develop an advocacy plan.
Sub-Minimum Wage Update ATTACHMENT Q January 2017
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• DD staff are compiling a report on the issue to present to stakeholders.
Council Action Requested: None at this time.
ATTACHMENT R
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Michigan Disabilities Council Action Topic
UNIVERSAL STATEWIDE REDUCED FARE CARD
Update
January 2017 Champion: TBD Co-Champion: TBD Council Staff: Brett Williams What are the specific issues the advocacy group is addressing?
• To have a statewide universal reduced fare card for individuals with disabilities and seniors.
• Reduce barriers to public transportation.
What action is the advocacy group taking? • DD Council Staff met with the Office of the Secretary of State
(SOS) to discuss the implementation and production of the card. The office of the SOS is very interested.
• A 2nd meeting was held with representatives from the SOS, Michigan Department of Transportation, DD Council Staff, and Transportation providers to discuss further. At the conclusion of this meeting, it was agreed to by the work group to explore other options and approaches to implement the card.
Council Action Requested: None at this time.
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ATTACHMENT U
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Michigan Developmental Council Member Bio
COUNCIL MEMBER INFORMATION Name: EMPLOYMENT HISTORY (SHARE CURRENT AND PAST ROLES) APPOINTMENT INFORMATION Your appointment represents which category? [ ] Person with a disability [ ] Family member of a person with a disability [ ] Agency representatives(list agency): ___________________________________________ ARE YOU INVOLVED WITH ANY BOARDS OR COMMITTEES? List boards and/or committees with position (if held): EDUCATION High School: College: Graduate School: Vocational Program: Other:
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VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE: LIST CURRENT OR PREVIOUS VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES
Name of Volunteer Program Type of Duties Position Held(if any) WHAT DISABILITY ISSUES ARE YOU MOST PASSIONATE ABOUT?
