- Introductions were completed.
- Minutes were approved; if you were unable to open them, they are available as always on the DD Council website (www.manhattanddcouncil.org).
III. Announcements : May Flyers & Attachments
NYC Fair
There will be a meeting with the members of OPWDD’s Transformation Panel on 5/19/15 at IAC, 150 West 30th Street, 15th floor.
On 6/2/15, there will be a parent panel on advocacy for parents of children who are under 21, on how to get more out of the system. The meeting will be held from 10am to 12pm, at Sinergia – 2082 Lexington Avenue, 4th floor.
YAI
Vacancy list attached, as well as announcements for Health Education Workshops through June, and the Autism Family Support Series through July.
Parent phone in support groups for all caregivers, regardless of family member’s disability diagnosis. Contact Kate Macaluso at 212-273-6242 or kate.macaluso@yai.org.
Adult Yoga Group and Children’s Social Skills Group available through the YAI Autism Center. Contact Laura Mitchell at 212-273-6211, or laura.mitchell@yai.org.
Free open workshops every Wednesday on navigating the system for people with developmental disabilities. Drop in at 460 West 34th Street, 11th floor. Call 212-273-6182, or link@yai.org for referrals and any other information.
AHRC NYC
Program vacancy list is attached.
There will be a free workshop on 6/11/15 on “End of Life Care for People with Developmental Disabilities.” See attached for details and registration information.
QSAC
Current program openings are attached.
UCP of New York City
Family reimbursement for Durable Medical Equipment (DME) available in Manhattan and Brooklyn; see attached for details.
There will be a Disability Pride Parade on 7/12/15. Friends, family, staff and supporters are all welcome; see attached for details.
Archcare at Terence Cardinal Cooke Health Care Center
See attached for openings in the DD Clinic.
ArchCare Senior Life can provide care at home for people who are eligible for a nursing home, but would rather live at home. See attached for details.
Resources for Children with Special Needs
Intensive Advocacy services for children in Manhattan, the Bronx or Queens who have been through the OPWDD Front Door process and need help with Education services; see attached.
Elmy’s Special Services
See attached for program vacancies.
District 75 Office of Travel Training
See attached for their latest newsletter.
**As always – any agency announcements or non-fundraising events can be sent to manhattanddcouncil@gmail.com to be included on the Council Facebook page (anyone) or Council website (dues paying members).
Presentation by Xie Dillon-Vassell: Catholic Guardian Services’ Community Resource and Transition Center
Funded through a BIP grant, the purpose of the Center is to assist in the transition to managed care and person-centered services by educating people with I/DD and their families about the range of supports and services that are available under the Home and Community Based Services waiver and by helping them access these services. You may consult the Center if you are: transitioning from school; new to OPWDD; hospitalized; in a nursing home; an aging parent who can no longer provide adequate care; interested in changing your services; interested in self-directing all or some of your services. You may also contact the Center if you are a provider planning to convert your ICFs to IRAs.
The Center can help individuals get waiver. It can work with MSCs to get supports and develop a transition plan to complement the ISP. It can provide linkages to community resources and providers and can facilitate access to self-direction. For more information, contact (718) 828-0300 x 267; crtc@catholicguardian.org.
- State News
Responding to comments about the Front Door from families, Liz Cambra acknowledged that OPWDD has been hearing from families how difficult the process has been. She explained that the Front Door (FD) was a new initiative for OPWDD, which required some problem-solving. The regional office of OPWDD is trying to hire approximately 100 staff for the five boroughs for the Front Door and other OPWDD initiatives. With the additional staff and on-going training that has been occurring, the Front Door process has become a little easier. The Regional Office is conducting trainings for MSCs so that MSCs can help families understand the process and can participate in the FD process if families need additional support. If a family member is unable to attend an information session because of child care or other hardship, the Front Door staff is able to speak with families on the phone or meet in person with families at their convenience. Kathleen Kingston is the Regional Office FD Liaison and point person for the MSC trainings. OPWDD has released a Front Door resource booklet for families as well as the Front Door manual; both may be found on the OPWDD website. See attached Front Door 7 step process.
As of May 1, a new Certified Residential Opportunities protocol has been implemented, which includes the protocol for managing vacancies in existing residences. In New York City, the process hasn’t changed much. A committee of providers meets quarterly to assist with placement issues, providing feedback as well as ideas as to how to be creative with residential options and how to best serve people with very complex needs. A regional list of people who are Priority I (in emergency situations or special populations, such as aging out of residential schools, leaving developmental centers, leaving hospitals, ready to leave nursing homes) will regularly be shared with providers in order to expedite the process. This protocol may be found on the OPWDD website, it is part of the FD manual appendices- Appendix H.
On June 2 the findings from the START surveys, identifying gaps in services, will be presented at Bernard Fineson. In order to attend you must RSVP at the following link: https://www.events.unh.edu/RegistrationForm.pm?event_id=17792 Trainings will be held May 20 on ASD and treatment modalities and June 3 in the Bronx on Prader Willi.
Bernard Fineson developmental center will be closing in 2017. An RFS has been disseminated for residential services for 100 current residents. RFS proposals are due back May 29.
There will be changes of auspices for Edwin Gould and Catholic Charities.
On May 8 Acting Commissioner Delaney held a forum regarding changes to workshops. The responses were mixed. Some people were happy to be working in integrated settings; others were fearful. Local sessions will be held in New York City. Dates and times to be announced.
JoAnn Lamphere has been named Deputy Commissioner, Division of Person-Centered Supports, replacing Gerry Huber.
Marco Damiani pointed out that additional clarification is needed regarding the changes just announced in allowable clinical services in IRAs.
- V. City News
Sandra Piggee reported that the April 7 local services plan meeting with representatives from the DD Councils and FSS Advisory Councils was productive. The local services plan was signed off by the city and is awaiting state approvals.
Sandra also announced that DOHMH concept papers were widely disseminated on three topics: autism, vocational services, and DD clinics. Council members expressed surprise: none had received these concept papers. Sandra explained that an RFP will be released based on these service concepts. The former city autism contracts end on June 30. The money that funded those contracts is being base-lined. There is no new money for the RFP. The RFP will not be limited to providers with autism contracts; any qualified providers may apply.
Council members strongly objected that there was no Council input into this RFP. No Council chair meetings have been scheduled. The Manhattan DD Council will write a letter reminding the city of the Councils’ official advisory status and of the obligation of the city to solicit Council input. The Manhattan DD Council would like to know (1) what the process is for engaging councils in any RFP, and (2) what the amount is for the RFP.
Sandra also announced that DOHMH will create a Road Map to mental health with a unified vision of mental health services. Council members would like to know whether this will include services for people with developmental disabilities.
- IAC/Federation
IAC’s Board has authorized funding for a part-time position to provide linkages among family groups for stronger family dvocacy. Karel Karpe has been hired.
IAC’s annual conference is June 4 and 5. Topics include Person-directed housing, telehealth, and many other issues.
VII. Committee Reports
Family Support Services: At the last meeting, the committee had a presentation on self-direction by Laura Mitchell, YAI.
Amy Bittinger will be stepping down as co-chair after the 2015 Fair. Michelle Lang will also be stepping down; she will go on maternity leave in October. Yesenia Estrella, Sinergia, has volunteered to serve as co-chair, as has Annie Rivera, UCP. A third co-chair would be very welcome. Please let Marco Damiani know if you are willing to serve as co-chair. The committee has begun working on the Fair, which will be held Thursday, November 19. To volunteer to work on updating the Directory, or if you have suggestions about workshop topics, please contact Amy. The next meeting will be Tuesday, June 16 (note the changed date), 10:00 am – noon, YAI, 460 West 34th Street, 11th floor. Information: Amy Bittinger (718) 859-5420 x 234; abittinger@ucpnyc.org.
Legislative: The date for the next Legislative Breakfast is still in flux. At this time we should be alerting OPWDD to our needs. The next meeting will be announced. Information: Jim Malley (212) 928-5810; jmalley@esperanzacenter.net.
Transition: The committee met yesterday. Of the 100 June graduates, 40 are identified for supported employment; 60 for oday habilitation, about half of them are nearly finished with the Front Door; 32 have service authorizations and providers selected; 8 have services authorized but no provider selected; 14 are in the eligibility process; 8 families are not responsive.
The Committee asked whether Council will have a presence in the ADA celebration events. Council members agreed to explore options for participation. The next meeting will be Wednesday, June 10, 9:30 am – noon, AHRC, 83 Maiden Lane, 11th floor Board Room. Information: Kathy Kelly (212) 780-2724; Kathy.kelly@ahrcnyc.org.
Manhattan Family Support Services Advisory Council: At the last evening meeting, Linda Schellenberg discussed how to prepare a personal profile and how that profile can ultimately be used as a letter of intent. The next meeting will be Monday, June 1, 5:30-7:30 pm, at Resources for Children with Special Needs, 116 East 16th Street, 5th floor. The topic will be: new ideas about Guardianship, presented by Stuart Flaum, parent and managing director, Special Needs Family Planning. Information: Margaret Puddington (212) 799-2042; Margaret.puddington@gmail.com.
Service Coordination: The topic at the last meeting was CASA services. The MSC Forum will be Thursday, May 28, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm, Pace Universaity, 3 Spruce Street, Upper Level; pre-registration required; $25 fee. Registration is now above capacity. The next committee meeting will be June 26, location to be announced. Information: Carol Lincoln (718) 859-5420 x 225; clincoln@ucpnyc.org.
Children’s/Education Committee: The next meeting will be announced. Information: Christina Muccioli (212) 780-2532; Christina.muccioli@ahrcnyc.org.
Family Engagement & Outreach Committee: The Executive Committee has targeted legislative visits by families in the fall. Next meeting to be announced. Information: Lynn Decker (917) 575-5166; lynn_decker@me.com.