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Monday Morning Memo
June 22, 2009
www.arccalifornia.org
(916) 552-6619
May Water Safety Month: http://watersafetymonth.org/
The CA Dept of Developmental Services serves over 700 survivors of near drowning accidents. http://www.dds.cahwnet.gov/Drowning/Index.cfm
Please help support the Monday Morning Memo and all the other publications and projects of The Arc movement. Your $25 annual membership contribution entitles you to full membership in the local chapter, The Arc of California and The Arc of the United States. Send your check to 1225 8th Street, Suite 210, Sacramento, CA 95814 Attn: “Membership”.
The Week Ahead
The Arc of CA wishes a happy father’s day to every father out there in our community. Your participation in your son or daughter’s life is obviously critically important to them and your family but also critically important to our community. For whatever the reasons fathers have not been historically well represented in the advocacy of education and overall inclusion of people with disabilities throughout society. Having said that there are many great dads out there making important lifetime contributions and The Arc is grateful for their work and advocacy. At the risk of not naming so many great advocates I’d like to personally recognize a few dads I know who have made long term statewide contributions in our community such as John Shea, Mark Polit, Rick Rollens, Mike Clark, Dale Dutton, and Dale Sorbello just to name a few off the top of my head.
Monday June 22, 2009
Today is the deadline for the Health Resources and Services Administration’s (HRSA) Advisory Commission on Childhood Vaccines (ACCV) Request for nominations for three vacancies on the ACCV. ACCV, which is authorized in the Public Health Service Act, advises the Secretary of HHS on implementation issues related to the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP), and on the need to have vaccine products with fewer or no significant adverse reactions. The three vacancies are for voting members. In addition to wanting a representative who is a health professional and one who is a manufacturer’s attorney, a member of the general public is also needed. For more information about ACCV, including prior meeting minutes, go to: http://www.hrsa.gov/Vaccinecompensation/accv.htm. See the document at: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/E9-11928.htm.
Today is the effective date for the increased maximum dollar limit for fee agreements for representatives who go before SSA on behalf of Social Security claimants. Based on provisions contained in the Social Security Act and the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 (OBRA), SSA has raised the maximum dollar amount for fee agreements to $6,000.00, a $700.00 increase from the 2002 maximum. Representatives are permitted to use SSA's streamlined process for fee approval if they and their claimants agree on a fee that does not exceed the lesser of 25 percent of benefits still due or a certain dollar amount. An SSA official may approve fees up to the new limit. See the document at: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/E9-2332.htm.
We will be participating the Tarjan Center (UCLA University Center of Excellence on Developmental Disabilities) Community Advisory Committee co-chaired by the co-director Olivia Raynor, PhD and Peter Mendoza (self-advocate) all day in Los Angeles. To learn about the Tarjan Center and it’s many programs such as the National Arts and Disability Center, Community Service and Volunteerism, Post Secondary Education for People with Intellectual Disabilities and Disability Studies for all students, and health related initiatives related to cerebral palsy and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, etc. http://tarjancenter.ucla.edu/.
We will be participating with advocates to review remaining items for advocacy in the budget process with legislators.
Tuesday June 23, 2009
Today is the deadline for the Office of Postsecondary Education request for comments, establishment of negotiated rulemaking committees, and public hearings—Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA). HEA, which was signed on 8/14/08, authorizes Pell Grant scholarships and other financial aid, and model comprehensive transition and postsecondary programs for students with intellectual disabilities. In addition, it authorizes funds to improve teacher preparation and address personnel shortages for special and general education programs. One of the negotiated rulemaking committees will develop proposed rules dealing with topics such as satisfactory academic progress, verification of information on student aid applications, and definition of a high school diploma for those seeking financial aid. The public hearings are scheduled for: 6/15 and 16 in Denver; 6/18 and 6/19 in Little Rock; and 6/22 and 6/23 in Philadelphia—all scheduled between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Following these public hearings, two public forums will be held concurrently. See the document at: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/E9-12092.htm.
Wednesday June 24, 2009
The Partners in Policymaking collaborative will be meeting for last minute preparation for the upcoming session in Los Angeles focused on work, assistive technology, and legislative visits, and shared vision for the future. See the Project Updates for more…
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) will be meeting from June 24th through June 26, 2009 at 8:00 a.m. at the CDC, Tom Harkin Global Communications Center, 1600 Clifton Road, NE, Building 19, Kent “OZ” Nelson Auditorium, Atlanta, GA. ACIP is responsible for advising the Director of CDC on the appropriate use of immunizing agents. On the agenda are discussions on general recommendations, vaccine supply, and vaccine safety, just to name a few. For more information about ACIP, go to: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/recs/acip/default.htm. For more information about the meeting, contact Antonette Hill at 404-639-8836.
Friday June 26, 2009
The Arc of Riverside County will be holding its annual meeting and awards recognition banquet at the Marriott Riverside. We will be participating in the installation of new officers and joining in the appreciation of advocates in the awards ceremony promoting respect for all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. To learn more visit their website at: http://www.arcriversideca.org/.
Friday June 26, 2009 – June 27, 2009
Partners in Policymaking session in Los Angeles will take place on Friday and Saturday. The session will focus on work, assistive technology, and vision.
The Bill File & Floor Session Calendar
Tuesday June 23, 2009
The Assembly Judiciary Committee chaired by Assemblymember Mike Feuer, will be meeting at 9 a.m. in room 4202 and will hear SB 786 (Yee) Civil procedure: attorney's fees and costs from our bill file.
The Assembly Public Safety Committee chaired by Juan Arambula will be meeting at 9 a.m. in room 126 and will hear SB 18 (Oropeza) Elder or dependent adult abuse from our bill file.
The Senate Human Services Committee chaired by Senator Carol Liu will be meeting at 1:30 p.m. in room 3191 and will hear the following from our bill file:
AB 287 (Beall) Persons with developmental disabilities: employment.
AB 378 (Cook) In-Home Supportive Services: provider training.
The Senate Judiciary Committee chaired by Senator Ellen Corbett will be meeting at 1 p.m. in room 112 and will hear AB 119 (Jones) Health care coverage: pricing.
Monday June 29, 2009
The Senate Appropriations committee chaired by Senator Kehoe will be meeting at 11:00 a.m. in the John L. Burton Hearing Room 4203 and will hear the following from our bill file:
- AB 392 (Feuer) Long-term health care facilities.
- AB 896 (Galgiani) Health care programs: provider reimbursement rates.
Tuesday June 30, 2009
The Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials committee chaired by Senator Wesley Chesbro will be meeting at 1:30 p.m. in room 444 and will hear SB 797 (Pavley) Product safety: bisphenol.
The Assembly Human Services committee chaired by Assemblymember Jim Beall will be meeting at 1:30 p.m. in room 437 and will hear AB 1532 (Lieu) In-home supportive services.
The Assembly Public Safety committee chaired by Assembly member Arambula will meet at 9 a.m. in room 126 and will hear SB 314 (Calderon) Crime victims.
Wednesday July 1, 2009
The Senate Health Committee chaired by Senator Elaine Alquist will be meeting at 1:30 p.m. in the John L. Burton Hearing Room (4203) and will hear the following from our bill file:
- AB 217 (Beall) Medi-Cal: alcohol and drug screening and brief intervention services.
- AB 1269 (Brownley) Medi-Cal: eligibility.
Action Alerts
The Arc of California (Greg deGiere, The Arc of California Public Policy Director)
Any hope of reversing any of the Monday’s cuts any time soon, and any hope of resisting the further cuts that almost certainly are coming in the next state budget crisis later this year, depend on our community successfully holding the Governor and Conference Committee Ten accountable for their actions. If you haven’t forwarded the Action Alert to everybody on your email lists, please do this morning. But please send the URL of the online version (http://www.arccalifornia.org/2009BudgetToolKit.html).
The Arc of the United States
Help Keep the Community Choice Act (CCA) on the Table
Ask Congress to include CCA elements in the health care reform bills
http://capwiz.com/thearc/utr/1/IRTXKSDGVK/NNRTKSEXAY/3519153401
Background
Despite considerable and passionate advocacy by the disability community, the full Community Choice Act (CCA) will not make it into health care reform legislation this year. The cost of the CCA is the main obstacle. The Arc and UCP, along with other disability organizations, are pushing to keep the door open for the CCA by including a demonstration project or a Medicaid option. This means that CCA would still be able to happen, but only in a few states. CCA elements (such as its new services and new quality assurance program) could be tested and proven to work. This is the only opportunity we have for CCA to move ahead during this Congress. Though this represents a huge compromise for the disability community, it is by no means a done deal. We must act immediately. Congressional committees are looking hard to trim costs from their draft health care reform bills. Representative Danny Davis (D-IL) has written a Deal Colleague letter to the leadership of the Energy and Commerce, Ways and Means, and Education and Labor Committees. This letter requests support for either 1) creating a multi-state demonstration project of the CCA elements, or 2) making CCA provisions a state option under Medicaid. We need as many Representatives as possible to sign this letter.
Take Action
You are receiving this action alert because your Representative is a member of one or more of the following key Committees in the House of Representatives that are considering health care reform legislation:
• Energy and Commerce
• Ways and Means
• Education and Labor
We need you to call your Representative's office before Tuesday, June 30. Click on the "Take Action" link and enter your zip code to obtain your Representative's telephone number.
The message is simple:
• Please support adding the Community Choice Act as a Demonstration Project in the health reform bills. The CCA means so much to me because ______________.
• Please sign the Dear Colleague letter from Representative Danny Davis to the leadership of the Energy and Commerce, Ways and Means, and Education and Labor Committees. This letter requests support for either 1) creating a multi-state demonstration project of the CCA elements, or 2) making CCA provisions a state option under Medicaid. Please sign this letter before the Independence Day Congressional recess.
  
Project Status Report
Partners in Policymaking
Jim Lockwood, Coordinator (funded by the State Council Developmental Disabilities)
The June training session is just a week away. All the hotel accommodations have been arranged and only a couple transportation details still need to be taken care of. Marcia Good, Chair of the California State Council on Developmental Disabilities will be welcoming the participants to the June session. Alan Kerzin, Executive Director of the California State Council on Developmental Disabilities, will lead a panel presentation on employment advocacy and opportunities. Mr. Kerzin’s panel will include Marcia Good, Tom Fambro, Margaret Barcelo and Tammy Eudy (a 2007 Partners graduate). This will be followed by Patti Uplinger, Executive Director of Housing Now in Sacramento, presenting on housing options for persons with disabilities.
On Saturday morning Tony Anderson, Executive Director of The Arc of California, will work with the participants to finalize their class vision. Mr. Anderson and Greg DeGiere, Public Policy Director of the Arc of California, will present on Making Contact with State Legislators. Saturday afternoon will include a presentation from Judy Nahman Stouffer, Assistive Technology Educational Specialist from EmpowerTech, on assistive technology resources.
Much of this week was spent finalizing arrangements for the July session in Sacramento. On Friday, July 24, participants will arrive in Sacramento, from L.A. County. They will visit legislators that afternoon and receive training that evening on the functions of State Government. Saturday, July 25, will begin with training on how to advocate at the State Capitol followed by a mock hearing at the Capitol. Each participant will provide testimony at the mock hearing as practice for future advocacy.
Saturday will also include a lunch and afternoon program that includes graduates from prior Partners in Policymaking California classes. The working theme for Saturday afternoon’s program is “The Future of Disability Advocacy in California”. I would like to remind everyone that you can find PIPCA on the web at our website, www.pipcalifornia.org, or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=72647236590. Anyone interested in following us on Twitter can visit http://twitter.com/pipca.
California College of Direct Support
While The Arc of California no longer has a record of several participant agencies we are still able to report to the state that our small portion of the project still represents about 3000 students who have completed 30,000 lessons. As of now Taft College has two courses for the Fall 2009 semester that are open for registration now:
- Teaching Individuals with Developmental Disabilities and Dealing with Challenging Behavior - 5428 - DSE 1505 - 40
- Maltreatment and Safety at Home and in the Community - 5433 - DSE 1506 - 40
To register visit the Taft College website at: http://www.taftcollege.edu/.
Prevention Activities
This Sunday, June 21, 2009 is the 100th anniversary of Father’s Day. This week’s Prevention section will focus on the importance of fathers in their children’s lives, highlight the need for more research specific to father involvement and improved outcomes for children with special needs, and recognize a local father for his strength, ingenuity and dedication on behalf of his daughter.
According to the National Center for Fathering a new study (May 2009) shows significant increases in fathers’ involvement in their children’s lives in the last 10 years. This 2009 study represents a repeat of research conducted in 1999, which looked at attitudes about the role of fathers in America. The purpose of the current study is to measure the extent of change that has occurred, whether positive or negative, during the ten-year gap. To view the study visit: http://www.fathers.com/documents/research/2009_Fathering_in_America_Summary.pdf
A 2005 SCIE Research Briefing reports “There is currently very little guidance literature or research concerning fathers of children with disabilities or chronic illness. The literature on families of disabled or chronically ill children tends to focus on the child and mother, and the problems they experience.” The briefing goes on to suggest the needs and concerns of fathers are different than those of mothers and therefore deserve to be served in specific ways. To view this briefing and research recommendations visit:
http://www.scie.org.uk/publications/briefings/briefing18/index.asp
Since the 2005 briefing was released a few studies have been initiated. One of particular interest to The Arc of California comes from the University of Illinois Human and Community Development Department. In February 2009 the Principle Investigator, Brent McBride Ph.D., initiated a study to look at The Direct and Indirect Effects of Father Involvement on Maternal and Child Well Being in Families of Children with Disabilities. The final report is pending, to view the abstract visit: http://mchb.hrsa.gov/research/project_info.asp?ID=115
The following is a newspaper article honoring dads of special needs children.
http://www.examiner.com/x-7230-Atlanta-Special-Needs-Kids-Examiner~y2009m6d20-Dads-are-vital-to-special-needs-kids
We would like to take this opportunity to introduce and welcome Mr. Dwight Stratton, President of The Arc of California and the new Chair of the Prevention Committee. Mr. Stratton has been a part of The Arc of San Diego and The Arc of California for many years and is the proud father of an adult daughter with a developmental disability.
A member of the community that we would like to recognize is Mr. Steve Weaver. Mr. Weaver is the proud father of 2 children one of whom has a developmental disability. He has many roles in our community – father, husband, business owner, advocate, Auburn Union School District trustee, and friend. We were lucky enough to get Mr. Weaver to present and give an equipment demonstration at The Arc of California’s Convention in May 2009. He has taken his skills as a licensed contractor, devotion as a parent and dedication as an advocate and combined them to create EASE (Eagle Accessibility Solutions & Equipment) http://www.accessbyease.com/. In his business his highest priority is safe patient handling and creating an environment of dignity and respect for people with disabilities. Please take the time to visit his website and see for yourself the increased quality of life he can add for those that need his services. Thank you to Steve and his family for the inspiration they give throughout the community.
The Arc of California knows many men who are fathers of children with disabilities. We honor all fathers on this day and pay special tribute to those that have embraced the challenges of parenting children with special needs.
Upcoming Events
June 10 -12, 2009
AAIDD - LIFE CONNECTIONS Enviable Lives: The Business Plan Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana. “While great progress has been made on physical integration of individuals with ID/DD, true social inclusion is still missing. It is still fair to say that for many individuals, they are IN the community but not OF the community.” -Angela Amado We will discuss how Life Connections can create enviable lives for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Meet the leaders Bill Gaventa and Angela Amado. Attend Interactive Cafés, Plenary Sessions, and Panel Presentations on Life Connections and other important topics. Printed resource materials will be available in Interactive Cafés for conference participants to take with them. Conference participants are encouraged to bring their resource materials to share. The conference format is designed to provide numerous opportunities for new and experienced professionals to meet the current leaders in the field at roundtables and other smaller sessions where they can interact is a casual setting. Register for AAIDD's "Creating Enviable Lives" Business Plan Conference today! Hotel reservation deadline at the group rate is May 8th! For more information please visit our web site at www.aaidd.org
October 2009
October 7 - 9, 2009
The 23rd Annual SUPPORTED LIFE CONFERENCE, “A Meaningful Life... Are We There Yet?” Empowering All People with Developmental Disabilities to be Fully Included in the Community. The conference will be held at the DoubleTree Hotel, Sacramento and is presented by the Supported Life Institute and Area Board 3. This year the featured speakers include: • Dale DiLeo, St. Augustine, Florida (Training Resource Network; Author: "Raymond's Room"), • Bill Gaventa, New Brunswick, New Jersey (Elizabeth M. Boggs Ctr. on Developmental Disabilities; Robert Wood Johnson Med. School; Journal of Religion, Disability & Health), • David Hingsburger, Angus, Ontario, Canada (Diverse City Press; Vita Community Living Services), • Molly Sullivan, Portland, Oregon (Griffin, Hammis Associates), and • Sue Swenson, Bethesda, Maryland (Former US Commissioner for Developmental Disabilities; Parent Advocate). For more information visit the website at: http://www.supportedlife.org/
Recently Released Reports, Studies, etc.
Medicaid Waiver 101 Workshop June 11, 2009 by Peter Harbage (Peter Harbage Consulting LLC) and Theresa Sachs and Jim Frizzera (Health Management Associates). “The report includes an overview of waiver mechanics, what other states have done, some baseline program data provided by the Department of Health Care Services, and options for California. An overview of the mechanics of Medicaid waivers and options for California& are outlined in the following documents presented at the June 11, 2009, Medicaid seminar hosted by the Senate Office of Research. Visit the CA Senate Office of Research on Health issues for several related reports: http://www.sor.govoffice3.com/index.asp?Type=NONE&SEC={7D7EBF3E-BB2C-42AF-8033-B04B3155FBC3}. The contact is Kimura Flores, Principal Consultant, California Senate Office of Research, (916) 651-1837, Kim.Flores@sen.ca.gov, document can be downloaded at: http://www.sor.govoffice3.com/vertical/Sites/%7B3BDD1595-792B-4D20-8D44-626EF05648C7%7D/uploads/%7BA60DC974-BA50-408E-8291-5893DF222BCF%7D.PDF.”
News Articles
Democrats plan to pass California budget plan next week
Sacramento Bee Thursday, Jun. 18, 2009
By Steve Wiegand and Jim Sanders swiegand@sacbee.com
Democratic legislative leaders vowed Wednesday that the Legislature will pass a "share the pain" plan early next week that will close the state's deficit without completely shredding California's social service safety net. Whether it will contain a tax hike on cigarettes and a new tax on oil production, however, is problematic. Only an hour or so before Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg, D-Sacramento, and Assembly Speaker Karen Bass, D-Los Angeles, made their early-next-week predictions, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said he wouldn't sign a plan that was balanced with tax increases.
"I am very, very much against any tax increase whatsoever," the governor said. "And I'm also talking about fee increases. None of that will fly with me." The rhetorical staking out of ground by the key figures in the current version of the state's ongoing fiscal melodrama came a day after the Legislature's joint budget conference committee adopted a plan to balance the budget for the fiscal year that starts July 1. The plan includes about $2 billion in new oil production and cigarette taxes to help bridge the $24 billion budget gap, and a $15-per-vehicle registration fee to finance the state park system. Steinberg and Bass said the conference committee's plan was a "reasonable response" to the package of deep cuts and revenue shifts that the governor had proposed last month. And they offered a fusillade of figures to back up their contention: About 45 percent of Schwarzenegger's proposals were completely accepted by the committee, according to Bass, and 93 percent were accepted to some degree….
http://www.sacbee.com/politics/story/1956231.html?storylink=lingospot_related_articles
Dan Walters: Economic nonsense and the budget
Sacramento Bee Sunday, Jun. 21, 2009
By Dan Walters dwalters@sacbee.com
The politicians who are fashioning – or not fashioning – a new state budget often spout economic theories as the bases for their actions. They speculate about the origins, depth and longevity of the state's severe recession while expostulating about the economic effects of cutting spending or raising taxes. And much of it is nonsense, whether uttered in ignorance, reflecting rigid ideological dogma or rationalizing politically expedient positioning. One of the wrangle's fundamental conflicts, for instance, is whether they should do the minimum necessary to cover the current gap between income and outgo in hopes that economic conditions will improve (Democrats are prone to that approach) or take bigger, permanent bites out of spending on an assumption that more bad times lie ahead (Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's position).
… Democrats and Republicans are equally guilty, meanwhile, of emitting self-important nonsense about the impacts of their actions on the state's recession-wracked economy. While Democrats claim that cutting "safety net" programs and/or public payrolls will worsen the recession by taking money out of circulation, Republicans claim that raising taxes will retard recovery by discouraging investment and/or consumer spending. Both practice voodoo economics. The entire deficit on which they are working, $24.3 billion including Schwarzenegger's desired reserve, is well under 2 percent of the state's economy. The lesser cuts and taxes they are debating would merely shift relatively small amounts of money from one form of spending to another, all within the state's economy, so the macro economic impact would probably be nil, no matter what they do. The greater threat to our economic future would be a prolonged political stalemate, followed by enactment of another dysfunctional, gimmick-laden budget, thus providing more proof of our chronic inability to govern ourselves.
http://www.sacbee.com/walters/story/1963775.html?mi_rss=Dan%20Walters
Autistic children in the cross hairs of state budget crisis
Fresno Bee Saturday, Jun. 20, 2009
By B. Anderson banderson@fresnobee.com
An explosion of childhood autism and a shrinking state budget could be setting up the central San Joaquin Valley for health-care crisis when those children grow up. The reason: If young autism patients don't get the help they need, they'll just need more help -- and costlier help -- later in life. And it looks like thousands of children could fall through the cracks under proposals now on the table in Sacramento, health experts say. "We're pretty scared right now," said Marion Karian, executive director of Exceptional Parents Unlimited, a Fresno nonprofit that serves children with special needs, including those with autism… Early care pays off. Dylan Martinez didn't start talking until he was 2 1/2 years old. His parents, Stephanie and Jared Martinez, credit Exceptional Parents Unlimited with helping him learn. "He's gone from babbling to four-word sentences," said Jared Martinez of Tollhouse. Dylan, who qualified for Early Start programs, got help from a tutor provided by ACES, a Fresno autism agency, when he turned 3. Now, as a 4-year-old, he attends a regular preschool, his father said. Without the early help, Jared Martinez said, "I don't know where he would be right now."
…A major issue is eligibility. Nonprofit agency directors and autism activists say the very young will be affected by a proposal to tighten eligibility for Early Start. The program provides early intervention services to children from birth to age 3 who have developmental delays or are at risk of having one. Risk factors include premature birth or low birth weight. Riddick of the Central Valley Regional Center estimates that 15% to 20% of children would lose eligibility for services. … The eligibility change is "clearly the most painful and controversial" of 15 proposals, said Rick Rollens, an autism activist from Sacramento. Rollens has an 18-year-old son with the disorder and is a consultant and lobbyist for the Association of Regional Center Agencies in California. Under the eligibility change, children between the ages of 24 and 36 months would need to have developmental delays of 33% in two categories -- cognitive, self-help, physical, communication or emotional -- or a 50% delay in one area, based on evaluation. Now, toddlers need to have a delay of 33% or greater determined in only one area, such as speech. …"During these extraordinary times, doing our very best to maintain vital services is a high priority of the Department, Mullen said in an e-mail. "A Prevention Program would allow regional centers the flexibility to continue providing essential services to these infants, toddlers, and their families," she said. …
http://www.fresnobee.com/local/story/1485634.html
Plan to Close Yuba Disabled Center Has Some Support
News 10 (ABC) Sacramento, Stockton, Modesto.
By Deborah Hoffman
YUBA CITY, CA - The California Department of Developmental Services is planning to close a Yuba City home for the developmentally disabled. Sierra Vista, on Stabler Lane, houses 40 adults with developmental disabilities. There are 130 employees. According to DDS spokeswoman Nancy Lungren, the closure would save the state $4.2 million in fiscal 2010, and $15 million annually after that. California is facing a $24 billion budget deficit. "We would not be doing this if it weren't for the state's fiscal situation," said Lungren. "But we have to make some very painful cuts." Lungren said DDS will be working with employees to help them find new jobs and will working with clients and their families to determine a suitable alternative to Sierra Vista. Despite the obvious upheaval, some advocates for the developmentally disabled see the closure of Sierra Vista as a positive move for the clients.
Joan Schmidt runs Creative Living Options, a non-profit that seeks to find community-based living solutions for the developmentally disabled. "We just don't think they can thrive in places like Sierra Vista," said Schmidt. "We have seen so many people transformed by the ability to live on their own with the help of services rather than in a closed environment." Stacy Cole used to live at Sierra Vista and with the help of Creative Living Options now lives in her own condominium and has several jobs at horse stables in the Auburn area. "It's much better to live in the community," said Cole. "I'm very happy." Cole's mother abandoned her to an institution at the age of 3 and she never saw her parents or her family again. She lived in 36 different institutions and group homes. "I did not like living there," Cole said. "Should close it (Sierra Vista) down, let everybody out." Schmidt first met Cole seven years ago. "She was really thought to be somebody that had the kind of challenges that wouldn't allow her to live in the community," said Schmidt. "Seeing her now it's just such a change. She is thriving."
Schmidt hopes the families of Sierra Vista clients will seek out programs that help the developmentally disabled live in the community.
http://www.news10.net/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=61296&catid=2
Dunagan found guilty of sexual assault-again
Dunn County News Monday, June 15, 2009
By Phoebe King phoebe.king@lee.net
It took the jury less than 30 minutes to return a guilty verdict in the trial of a former Colfax municipal judge accused of sexually assaulting a man with developmental disabilities. Eugene E. Dunagan, 72, currently serving a 10-year sentence for sexual assault of a man with autism, returned to Dunn County Circuit Court Thursday to face another accuser. He was charged with second-degree sexual assault, a Class C felony that can carry a penalty of up 40 years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000. The state, represented by Assistant District Attorney Andrew Maki, proved beyond a reasonable doubt that Dunagan knew the victim was mentally deficient when he assaulted him. …Although Dunagan’s attorney, Phil Steans, repeatedly attempted to show the young man was capable of discernment and that the case was really about consensual homosexual sex, jury members said afterward the “evidence spoke for itself.”
... Abuse of power. Dunagan first came into contact with the young man while sitting as a Colfax municipal judge. The victim, 16 years old at the time, went to court to pay an underage smoking ticket. According to the young man’s original testimony, Dunagan had told him he could pay off his fine by doing work at Dunagan’s Colfax home. After the young man had done yard work for Dunagan two days in a row, the judge (and retired Colfax High School teacher) invited the boy into his house where he instructed him to remove his clothing. According to the criminal complaint, the young man told investigators that he would go to Dunagan’s home after school or on Saturdays, and that Dunagan would give him $5, $10 or $20 for sexual favors. Sometimes, the young man said, Dunagan told him he had to submit to Dunagan’s sexual advances “for free.” Prosecutor Maki said he was pleased and satisfied with the verdict. “Yes, [the verdict] was fast, but I had confidence in my case,” he said
http://www.dunnconnect.com/articles/2009/06/16/news/doc4a36a2ee04888901335947.txt
ARC supporters protest cuts
Effingham Daily News June 19, 2009
By Bill Grimes
OLNEY — If state Rep. David Reis didn’t already know proposed human services funding cuts were creating an uproar, he found out Thursday. More than 80 people — including developmentally disabled people, parents, caregivers and friends — picketed Reis’ legislative office in downtown Olney Thursday. The group was protesting proposed budget cuts that would cause cessation of a number of services provided by Teutopolis-based ARC-Community Support Systems. The proposed cuts also are expected to affect other human service agencies, such as Effingham-based Heartland Human Services. One service in danger is home-based support systems. Sue Wood of the Lake Sara area, whose 27-year-old son Joshua receives such services — said the ARC program is vital for Joshua’s continued development.
“We have no place else for him to go,” Wood said. “The socialization he gets from being around other people and the classes he takes are so important.” Joshua, who communicates through sign language, said he’s concerned about losing the money he receives through ARC’s sheltered employment program. He’s not the only person who has that concern. “I’m Josh’s personal assistant,” said ARC employee Nancy Thompson. “So, if the funding goes, I’m out of a job.” ARC Executive Director Dick Reimers said the purpose of Thursday’s picket was to let Reis know what is at stake. “We want to take our message to where it will do the most good, and that’s our state representatives and senators,” Reimers said. “It’s their responsibility to find enough money to take care of people with disabilities, as well as the elderly and children. We’re always the bottom of the barrel.” … http://www.effinghamdailynews.com/local/local_story_170115115.html
DCF: Underage drinking costs Florida $3B a year
The Associated Press
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- A state agency says traffic accidents, crimes and medical costs incurred by underage drinkers are costing Florida more than $3 billion a year. A study released Tuesday by the Florida Department of Children and Families shows violent crime committed by minors while drinking costs about $316 million. Alcohol-related traffic crashes by minors costs about $642.7 million. Other costs to the state from underage drinking include fetal alcohol syndrome, suicide and abuse treatment. According to the study, the number of Florida minors who reported drinking in the past 30 days was higher than the national average at 37 percent, compared to 29 percent.
DCF officials say the statistics show the need to expand prevention programs.
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/florida/AP/story/1099486.html
Funding Opportunities
Career Ladder
The Arc of California posts job announcements in the Career Ladder section every week because we would like to contribute to steering quality candidates to professional positions that support people with disabilities and we are trying to communicate to Direct Support Professionals and People with Disabilities that there is a real “career ladder” in their chosen profession.
Human Services Connection: You want to provide quality services to people with disabilities... We can help. Human Service Connections provides real solutions for the issues facing disability organizations today. If your organization is facing an immediate need for leadership, HSC provides nationwide executive level recruitment searches. We can help your organization find qualified individuals that fit your agency's culture and will lead your organization toward providing excellent supports to people with disabilities. If your organization's leadership changes will be in the future, HSC provides assistance with succession planning to ensure a seamless transition of leadership for your organization. In addition, HSC provides other consultative services in the areas of strategic development & implementation, business development, executive coaching, turnaround assistance for agencies in crisis, and training on various topics for audiences from direct support to executive level leadership. http://webconnect.sendouts.net/CN_Frame.aspx?ID=humanserviceconnect&SiteID=WebConnect&Group=humanserviceconnect&Key=CN&startpage=2
Assistant Program Manager, Developmental Disability Services, $50,000.00 - Maryland
Progressive developmental disability service provider is seeking an Assistant Program Manager to aid in the management of their day programs. These programs serve approximately 150 people with developmental disabilities. Specialized services include supports for people with significant behavioral and medical challenges as well individuals of retirement age. Qualifications: Candidates should have a Bachelor's Degree in a social service related field and experience managing programs for people with developmental disabilities.
Program Manager, Developmental Disability Services, $50,000.00 - $60,000.00 (Based on experience) – Multiple We are looking for a Program Manager to head up several programs for people with developmental disabilities north of Houston. The Program Manager will oversee our Home and Community Based Waiver Services. The program currently supports approximately 40 individuals with developmental disabilities. This position will have the support of several Home Managers and Case Managers/Service Coordinators. The Program Manager will also oversee a day program as well as additional programs for individuals with disabilities who live with their families.
Chief Financial Officer, Developmental Disability Services (Excellent salary based on experience) – Multiple Mid-sized, developmental disability service provider is seeking a highly motivated detail-oriented individual to oversee their organization's accounting activities in the state of TX. Responsibilities include supervision of A/R, collections, A/P, P/R, cost report, audits, budgets, and other applicable accounting functions. Position will have three direct reports. CFO will be instrumental in choosing and overseeing transition to a new accounting software solution.
State Director Developmental Disability Services, $100,000.00+ (Negotiable based on experience) – Pennsylvania Large disability services provider is looking for an experienced, motivated leader to oversee their social service programs in the state of Pennsylvania. Provider offers a wide array of services to children and adults including residential, vocational, day services, therapeutic foster care, and in home supports. Over $20m budget. Qualifications: Ideal candidate will have a Master's Degree in a social service related field, experience working in for-profit supports systems, and at least 5 years leadership experience in similar programs. This organization has great opportunities for advancement and is looking for candidates who want to grow with them.
State Accounting Manager – Maryland Salary: Please include salary requirements with application
Progressive social service organization seeks a highly motivated detail-oriented individual to manage our state accounting activities. Responsibilities include supervision of A/R, collections, A/P, P/R, cost report, audits, other applicable accounting functions, budgets, analyzes F/S. Some travel required.
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