Monitoring and Review Alliance of People with disAbilities April 13, 2011 @Alliance main office in Seattle Present: Lu Walls (Executive Director) and Robert Blumenfeld (Alliance Redmond office branch manager) Outreach: . Alliance is working on a “peer to peer” program to do more outreach to veteran’s, including support groups and IL Skills training. Alliance is very proud of their veteran’s outreach. . On the second and fourth Friday of each month, Alliance targets Latinos and other minorities by hosting various events. Charmine, Hope and Mary Beth . On May 24th the agency hosted a “Show and Tell” IL Lab for some of their AT devices and IL Skills training. . Another method of outreach the Alliance employs is to use their computer lab to draw people to their services. . Alliance has a person on staff who can speak Spanish . A Filapina is employed at the Redmond office of the Alliance. . There are three African-Americans that employed at the CIL, all of whom bring a different skill set to the agency. . Alliance has a Vietnamese work-study student on staff. . The phone message is now available in Spanish and English options . Lucille reports they have definitely seen an increase in Latino consumers in the last year. . Further, due to the change in location and more African-Americans on staff, there has been in increase in participation from this community. . The Redmond office also reports an increase in African-American and Latino consumers. . The new location has also been a boon to “walk-in” consumers. . The CIL doesn’t provide much in the way of Deaf services, but of those Deaf people that use Alliance, they tend to use the legal services that Lonnie Adams provides. . Alliance also began a Facebook page, and hope to attract additional participants and funders . Co-sponsors of July ADA 20th anniversary celebration and the candidates forum (Oct). Housing . Robert and Lu both stated that most IL plans revolve around housing. . Staff attended a seminar that discussed problems and solutions regarding vet’s housing. . Staff members serve on many housing boards in King County, including the “Committee to End Homelessness.” . Staff and consumers are experiencing a dearth of Section 8 vouchers . Alliance continues to work on landlord-tenant disputes (and landlord education) . Using Roads to Community Living to move individuals to housing in the community. . Working with Habit for Humanity to access interest free loan (?). Also worked with Poverty in Action to get housing funding for participants. . On occasion, some apartment managers/ owners call Alliance to let them know they have accessible units and non-accessible units available for rent. . Lu and Robert also stated that the city of Seattle has some housing vouchers and these are also utilized by participants. Transportation . Charity Drummond serves on two housing committees . There are many barriers identified by staff: 1. King County transit closed some bus routes that were profitable and made sense for riders 2. There is a lack of van-accessible vehicles in the paratransit van pool . Alliance is working with the Seattle Commission on Disabilities to address transportation deficiencies. . Alliance has been very active in promoting the preservation of disabled parking (accessible parking) in King County. Working with various municipalities within King County to encourage them to enforce local ordinances. . Robert and Lu reported that paratransit eligibility is not very generous. . They report that King County has done a good job of providing transportation funding. . King County does have a decent accessible cab system, one of the only places in the country that does. . The paratransit computer (dispatch?) system is not very helpful to riders. . Directionally, it is much easier to travel north –south rather than east- west in King County. This is big issue for many participants of Alliance. Transition: Due to time and information constraints, Lu and Robert suggested that this topic be deferred to Charity and Charmaign (sp?) Deinstitutionalization: . In January 2011, Alliance billed 221 hours in Roads to Community Living. February 2011: 220 hours billed. (Even though this is not in the Monitoring and Review reporting period, Robert and Lu wanted to give an illustration of recent activity) . In FY 10, they reported moving seven individuals from institution/ nursing homes (east and west King County) . They report that Home and Community Services staff turnover is not as big of an issue in King County. The staff has been relatively stable and this is beneficial to the sustaining of the program. . City of Seattle took HCS contract away from King County. Alliance was very involved in this process (systems advocacy). . Alliance stated that they are possibly looking at legal action with a Snohomish County nursing home. . Alliance averages $11-12,000 in revenue each month in Roads to Community Living. . Most have moved into Adult Family Homes. . One of the interesting things that was said in my interview with Robert and Lu (not surprising, though) is that they stated that the “idea of choice is foreign to the individuals living in the institutions. “ Alliance staff have to educate many residents about the Olmstead Supreme Court decision. Emergency Preparedness: . Both offices have an updated emergency preparation plan. Red Cross has provided emergency kits to the offices. The offices are equipped with three days supplies of food, water, etc. for staff and consumers. . There is a petty cash fund in office for such an emergency need. . Staff and consumers have put together an emergency contact form: insurance information, medical information, prescriptions, home, etc . Alliance stated that they have been very active working in the variety of communities in King County (Seattle, Issaquah, Bellevue, Redmond, etc) to incorporate “functional needs” into their emergency preparation planning. . Of the 39 cities/towns in King County, most have emergency preparation personnel. . Robert does a great of the emergency preparation activities for the CIL. . Alliance is part of (Seattle) Public Health’s “Vulnerable” population team that conducts trainings, does outreach, etc. . Alliance uses Facebook as a tool to get emergency information out to their participants. . Alliance has been contracted (by who?) to do focus groups in the area of emergency preparation. Assistive Technology: . Robert and Lu were proud to show me the Center computer lab. There were a variety of units available for participants to use. They showed me six different basic types: four desktops and two laptops. . Alliance has an iPad. . At least 64 individuals used the computer lab in FY 10. . Alliance received a $20,000 matching grant from a foundation in Seattle to purchase equipment software. . Some AT IL skills trainings involve how to use a cell phone, how to use a camera. . Alliance stated that they have a contract with the VA’s office to provide life skills training. . Robert and Lu stated that the staff receives 5 to 10 emails Monitoring and Review Center for Independence March 31, 2011 Present: Trina Forest, Todd Holloway, Chuck, Alonso, Rae, Chuck, Patt Duff, Leah Thomas I met with the CFI staff at their regular staff meeting on Thursday March 31, 2011 at 10:30. After going through a “checking in” exercise with the staff, I explained the purpose of my meeting with the executive director and staff. As it states in the Rehabilitation Act, one the charges of the State Independent Living Council is to “Monitor and Review” the State Plan for Independent Living. While the Rehabilitation Act is not explicit in how to conduct a “Monitoring and Review” exercise, I choose to go to each CIL individually and chat with the staff about barriers, highlights and other reactions to the seven major components of the SPIL: outreach, housing, transportation, transitional services (for youth), deinstitutionalization, emergency preparedness, and assistive technology. Outreach: . CFI is translating their brochure to publish it in Espanol . Most of the their business is done by “word of mouth” through referrals from other agencies . To be more accommodating to Spanish speaking participants, their message is provided in Spanish as well as English. . Alonso handles many of their I and R calls in Spanish: housing and domestic violence issues. . CFI works with Central Latinos in Tacoma . CFI also works with DVR in Kent (DVR has Spanish and ASL fluent staff) . CFI states that they work with more than the local percentage of Native Americans due to Puyallup . CFI is working with Deaf participants (at least two), and hopefully more in the future. . CFI has been working with Tacoma Community House in ethics and cultural training. . CFI has a very good partnership with Hearing Speech and Deaf Center (HSDC) of Tacoma. CFI does some outreach for SSA benefits program with HSDC. . With respect to individuals with TBI, CFI provides a great deal of services to this group of individuals but relatively no advertisement (again, word of mouth) . Todd Holloway is involved in the “BEST” or Brain Injury Support Team. . Leah Thomas does a great deal of outreach with youth and schools. . CFI has been involved with diversity training with Washington Employees Training. . Housing: . CFI has incorporated a centralized intake “Access point for Housing” program that was designed by the Gates Foundation . CFI works with the Associated Ministries Coalition to prevent homelessness. . As with all areas in the state, there is a shortage of accessible and affordable housing. . One item that was discussed was that many apartment managers give their accessible apartments to those that do not need or use it (able bodied individuals) . CFI reported that there is a definite need for housing subsidies (such as the 2060 program in Spokane) . One staff member stated that “lack of knowledge” is really what accessibility is all about. . The waiting list for Pierce County housing vouchers is very long. . Non English speaking individuals need help in the application process due to the language barrier as well as understanding the process such as the need for a credit and back ground check. . Home ownership is not a big issue for CFI participants. Most do not have enough income to make this a realistic goal. . Home owners have used information at CFI to make their homes more accessible (Home modifications) Transportation . CFI has been involved in the NW Justice Project’s suit of Pierce County Transit . CFI reports that Pierce County shuttle (paratransit) might be cut by 50 % in October. . The bus system “does not” work for people that actually need the paratransit, and this further isolates people. . Employment and access to DVR services have been great affected by the transportation cuts. . Some fixed routes have been eliminated in the last year, again, due to budget cuts. . Proposition 1 (on Feb. 8, 2011) election failed, meaning that more transportation will not be expanded (and more cuts are looming). . One of the CFI staff members spoke of the “Bus Buddy” system, whereby experienced bus riders help less experienced ones navigate the system. Anxiety is seen as an issue for some riders. . CFI has provided a variety of bus-sponsored trips, such as youth group to NW Trek and to the Willard Suitcase exhibit. . The lack of bus service has made a big difference on those actually visiting the CFI office. Youth Transition Program . The number of participants has grown to over 30. The group tends to meet every six weeks and have 8 to 15 participants on a regular basis. . The staff often combines events with their “Out and About” program. . For last year’s (Summer 2010) youth workshop, 30 applied, 16 enrolled and 15 completed the program. There were also 3 interns from the previous summer’s program who participated in the entire program and assisted with implementation. . Five of the youth in the CFI Transition Program have 504 Plans. . One barrier (for attracting additional students) is that CFI staff have a difficult time getting information from school counselors. . Leah Thomas attended the youth conference in Atlanta, where she collaborated with youth transition specialists from all over the country. . Most of the individuals in the program are persons with learning disabilities and Autism. . CFI reports a good amount of success transitioning youth to the DVR program. Deinstitutionalization . Chuck does a lot of outreach in this program, including Roads to Community Living (RTCL). . Even though CFI staff works with Home and Community Services (HCS)workers to try to implement, one of the biggest barriers to success is that HCS workers traditionally have a high turnover rate. . The CFI staff stated that “new housing vouchers” will help . Another barrier for the individuals in the program is that affordable housing is often out of reach for individuals. . Chuck reports five (5) successful transitions and Sue (not at meeting) had four (4) transitions. There are many more in process. . CFI staff stated that many of the referrals are “inappropriate” meaning that the participants are ill-equipped to live in the community for a variety of reasons, including poor IL skills training, the housing barrier mentioned above, poor natural supports, and other reasons. . The staff reported that some of the adult family homes did not provide good care to quadriplegics. It was also stated that adult family homes wanted to “cherry pick” participants. . CFI staff also report that nursing home social workers often “want to get rid” of “problem” clients and keep the easy ones. The CIL (CFI) goals (IL Philosophy) are not in synch with the nursing home goals. . One individual that was transitioned only lasted two days back in the community. The supports were simply not there. . Housing is a fraction of what Chuck does in the transitioning process. . Education of participants and nursing home social workers needs to be a priority. Emergency Preparedness . Todd Holloway is the staff person most involved in this area. He worked with Pierce County to develop the emergency preparedness video for people with disabilities and continues to attend the Pierce County Emergency Preparedness meetings and work with Pierce County to include awareness of the issues important to people with disabilities. . CFI has held several Emergency Preparedness workshops for consumers and handed out three-day survival kits . CFI IL staff has worked one-on-one with many consumers to develop safety plans and “grab-and-go” information on medical, prescription, and other resources the consumer might need if he or she has to leave home in a hurry because of an emergency. Assistive Technology . CFI does have a Video Phone for use for Deaf individuals, but the reported “problem” was that users popped in without a reservation (did not make appointments). CFI does not have enough staff to accommodate walk-ins on the spot. . CFI will be working with Washington Assistive Technology Act Program (WATAP) in providing demos for various AT devices. . Chuck really likes the drag and speech AT. . The staff said that almost all of the youth bring in their laptops and are much more tech savvy than older folks. . Todd Holloway stated that he does a lot of education to employers about AT, suggesting that some costs as little as $5. . In order to better access AT, the staff has worked with Easter Seals, ADRC (Aging and Disability Resource Center) , among others. . Todd states website is “ W3C” compliant . One of the barriers for Deaf people to access texting is cost, though this is becoming less and less of an issue now. Central Washington Disability Resources Monitoring and Review April 13, 2011 (These are all correct) Attendance: Patty Jordan, Marianne Bell, Gretchen Thatcher, Shannon Bright, Kermit Swift, Von Elison Even though recreation is not one of the seven components of the SPIL, the meeting opened up with a discussion on the recreation activities of the Center. Here is a sampling of what was discuss . United Way of Central Washington, the City of Ellensburg, and OutdoorsforAlls Scholarships that help fund “recreation and wellness activities.” . CWDR has held classes on the use of adaptable equipment for recreation. . The agency “Outdoors for All” has visited the CIL and offered recreational activities for Center staff and consumers. . The Youth Coordinator incorporates recreational activities into her program (Part B). . An individual with TBI has made marked improvements in verbal and socialization skills due to recreational activities. . Another great example of a positive outcome for consumers (n the recreational program) is that some have started to eat better, and thus lowering incidences of diabetes. . The staff expressed the theme that inclusion in these activities give participants a sense of “accomplishment” and “pride” and don’t feel as “marginalized” as they once were. Recreational activities remove the barriers of isolation. . All types of disabilities are represented in the recreational activities. It is truly cross-disability. . The Center has used recreational activities, such as going to Leavenworth, NW Trek, the Seattle Aquarium as a way to bond and teach independent living skills training. . Other examples of activities: hiking, kayaking, rock climbing, and camping. Outreach: Deaf, HH, Latino, Native American, Other Ethnic Minority . In Yakima, the CWDR staff reports that they reach out to both active duty military and retired (veteran’s). . CWDR has worked with the SE Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing in Yakima/ Tri Cities to build up consumer base and to do outreach activities. Deaf individuals tend to meet more actively with SWDHH staff. . DSB Representative (Stephanie Coleman) is a connection in the blind community for CWDR. . Alley Cat program is perpetually doing outreach within the artists community. . CWDR reports there is a barrier in really connecting with some minority groups in that churches and families provide “services.” Many in minority group haven’t built a level of trust to seek out agency services. . There are number of LGBT population receiving services at CWDR. There is also a small transgender population. . In terms of serving consumers, CWDR does not report a sizable number of Asians in the catchment area. Housing . CWDR reports that they work a great deal with homelessness, but state that homeless individuals often live on ongoing contain live on the streets because there are too many “rules” in the bricks and mortar (physical structures) homeless shelters and in low-income housing facilities. . Von Elison is a board member of “Community Framework,” an agency that is similar to Habitat For Humanity. They build houses in several states in the Northwestern part of the country. . As is statewide, there is a long waiting list for low-income housing in the area. . There are many barriers to home ownership and rental. Among them: poor credit, criminal records (previous convictions), and long waiting lists. . Gretchen stated that the city planning committee is looking at different housing options. As part of the zoning process, city will encourage developers to build affordable housing. . Emergency shelters are not available in the winter. . There is a domestic violence shelter in town but if you have a family with a 16 year old son or older, he will not be permitted. Transportation The staff is involved in the Community Transportation Committee. . The Community Action agency provides para-transportation to community members who qualify. . Ellensburg has a vibrant fixed route system jointly operated by Central Washington University, local action council, with support from local agencies. . 500 grant-funded surveys to identify transportation needs were completed to assist in identifying the potential for expanding resources for community transit. . Regional transportation: Greyhound, Amtrak, Shuttle to Seatac Airport. Transitioning . There were 15 kids in the Summer Youth workshop last summer . CWDR has been and continues to partner with the school district to provide transitional services . There is an existing program in Cle Elem/ Roslyn High School . One of the discussed challenges was that CWDR has to compete with other non-profits and agencies for contracts. The Center has sell its “uniqueness”: IL philosophy and IL skills training. . One of the challenges facing the kids in the program is that they face a great deal of isolation. Some of the disabilities represented included: mental health issues, learning disabilities and autism. . The transitional program at CWDR is geared towards both college and high school students. . Alley Cat Arts is an avenue to obtain IL skills, especially for those with TBI. Deinstitutionalization . CWDR reports there have been some problems with Roads to Community Living , these have been statewide. At the current time CWDR is not a vendor in the RTCL process. Some of the issues discussed were: “how to define successful transition,” “ Is Adult Family Home the answer (vs. own apartment/ home)” “ How do we deal with the high turnover of HCS workers on the county level.” . CWDR still provides transitional services but not in the capacity of roads to community living. . Currently, CWDR’s priorities are statewide de-institutionalization and a supported community living environment. Emergency Preparedness . When staff completes an intake, there is a provision asking whether or not the consumer has an emergency plan. . The local hospital holds regular meetings on emergency preparedness that staff participate in. . CWDR staff stated that the extreme weather, such as heat, can have an impact on persons with disabilities who use medications, such as persons with mental health disorders. Assistive Technology . CWDR maintains Communication Devices for Loan within their Resource Library. . CWDR does work with Washington Access Fund and Washington Assistive Technology Act Project (WATAP), primarily through referrals. They are looking to host an AT demo with WATAP in the future. . There are lots of AT referrals with and between CWU and DVR. . The staff is frequently updated on newer devices, both for individuals and for the Resource Loan Library. . The staff get frequent questions about service animals, primarily what their rights are, etc. in housing (not exactly AT, but was brought up in this section) . CWDR has been active in teaching individuals on how to use accessible voting equipment through the HAVA grant process. . The staff make ongoing referrals to Lilac Blind Foundation, Lion’s Club, and various foundations to access assistive technology. Coalition for Responsible Disabled (CORD) Informal Review done on January 4, 2011 The purpose of the “monitoring and review” meeting was to work with the CORD staff to “interview” them about their activities for FY 2010 as it relates to the SPIL, the State Plan for Independent Living. There were seven major areas that were examined at the meeting (all aligned with the 2007-2010 SPIL). I also added an “other” category in case there were things that were not covered . Outreach . Housing . Transportation . Transition (youth) . Emergency Preparedness . De-institutionalization . Assistive Technology I met with approximately eight CORD staff members at 10 AM on Tuesday January 4, 2011. The intent of the meeting is to glean information from the staff (and board, if any were available) on how the CIL progressed in meeting the goals of the SPIL. I only looked at the last year of the SPIL period (Oct. 1, 2009 to Sept. 30, 2010) Outreach to various minority communities. . Agency was connected to Russian Volunteer, but staff reported that it did not work out. . A person of Indian (the country) descent was hired as the outreach coordinator . Agency hired a young person as a staff member (as a means to get more youth involved in the CIL) . Staff members felt that they could do a better job of outreach. Some groups/ communities that could potentially require better outreach include: Hmong, Russian, . The staff is currently working with consumers from the Marshall Islands (South Pacific Islanders) . CORD makes a conscious effort to reach out to the homeless community (the agency viewed this community as an “outreach target”): CORD faithfully attends Homeless Coalition meetings and networks with minority groups represented at those meetings) . CORD staff goes to the ML King Center and works with consumers and staff members there. . CORD made several presentations to VOICES, a low-income poverty group (Cheryl) . There are two Deaf and Hard of Hearing board members at CORD . There is at least one staff member who has TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury). There are several volunteers who have TBI as well. . One comment about outreach to Deaf and HH: Because there is already the Eastern Washington Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (EWDCHH) many deaf and hard of hearing go there instead of to CORD. . However, it was reported by CORD that a deaf couple (or person?) in identifying and procuring housing. . CORD staff reported that the agency did do a cross-training opportunity with EWCDHH on the area of domestic violence. . CORD staff also reported that they did a cross-presentation with the Lighthouse for the Blind agency. Intent is to become more familiar with their agency and hopefully to engage in cross referrals. Housing . The staff reports that there has been some success in a home buyers program, which was started four years ago. They report 14 to 16 successful housing closings (didn’t say whether it was last year or in four years) . CORD sponsored a housing seminar: a “Home Buying Seminar.” . They reported that they have worked with two mortgage lenders to assist consumers in home buying process . Staff involved with housing finance committee . Working with the “Homeless Preference Voucher” program. Staff stated that the program is similar to Section 8 Voucher program, but vouchers are only available for one year. . Worked with Northwest Fair Housing on Land-Lord Tenant issues (resolving complaints and acting as informal mediator) . The staff stated that they have served close to 100 consumers in housing (all facets of housing) . One comment from the staff is that cutting of “Disability Lifeline/ GAU” is going to have a major impact on how consumers approach housing. . Another comment was that the ripple effect of the economy has created a situation where more folks are coming in for services (of all kinds, but particularly housing) . CORD works with many folks from Walnut Corners low-income housing group . Comment: Section 9 lottery is challenging for both consumers and CORD staff . There is more affordable housing in Spokane than in other parts of the state . It was commented that shelters are now full and churches are seen as warming centers. . Center staff actively uses the Commission on Human Rights to investigate housing discrimination complaints. . CORD is partnering with the Northwest Justice Partnership to access attorneys in FH issues . CORD works with Volunteers of America to assist with the homeless population. . One big challenge that was mentioned is: “Landlord Education.” . CORD partners with the Fair Housing Alliance one time per month to hear housing complaints (and to make the appropriate referrals) . CORD staff annually attend the Washington State Fair Housing Conference. CORD goes there and networks with “successful” landlords and brings information back to Spokane. . CORD received SHB 2060 funds to operate some housing programs. Transportation . CORD staff serves on the Transportation Advisory Committee in Spokane. . CORD frequently advocates against cuts in services . The agency works to promote positive change in paratransit in the Spokane Transit Authority . Comment: “There is no (or limited) nighttime bus service, so there is a visit to the ER, one must take the bus.” . Comment: “There is no accessible taxi service, and the taxi system appears to be unregulated.” . Comment: “Sidewalks are a problem during winter due to lack of snow removal.” . CORD staff have written letters to the editor regarding transportation. Transition . Youth have been in advocating some issues, including giving information to the Commission on Human Rights (for housing), working with the ML King Center and the Spokane Fair Housing Association . CORD held a summer transportation program where they managed a budget of $50 a day. “The object was to save money.” . Youth also actively involved in employment activities through work source. . There were some challenges discussed, such as the difficulty in getting into schools to reach 504 Students. Regarding the Part B program, CORD stated they are entering their fourth year (?) and have to deal with such issues as staff turnover (schools and CORD?), but are now starting to develop strong relationships. . CORD starting to make “foster care/ transitional” relationships for youth. Deinstitutionalization . Transitioned or in the process of transitioning 31 individuals out of nursing homes. . Program (CORD has contract with State HCS for “Roads to Community Living) participants have gone to CORD due to word of mouth (nursing home residents telling other NH residents about CORD’s Road to Community Living) . The staff reported that they assisted someone from Tacoma to Spokane . They reported that “community networking” is key to getting folks out of nursing homes. They need to talk with housing people, furniture people, clothing folks, dish ware people, etc. to make it all work. After the “Deinstitutionalization” section ended, I ran out of time. I emailed Linda McClain to try to get information on Emergency Preparedness and Assistive Technology. Two of her staff emailed me with the following information (sent by Lois, staff member at CORD) Assistive Technology: I have provided resources/referrals through I&R's this year, but only a few. Primarily, I have made arrangements for delivery of equipment to enable nursing home transitions to independent living. The source of this equipment is the state approved contractor list. I haVEalso referred a few people to DVR and Easter Seals for equipment. Emergency Preparedness: I have attended a FEMA Training, Regional Emergency Planning meeting, and regularly attend the Special Needs Committee at the Spokane Fire Department. I recently began to attend the COAD meeting that is a collaboration between North Idaho and this region of Washington. Early last year I began meeting with Jan Doherty of the Fire Dept. to begin planning emergency preparedness workshops @ CORD, as well as developing a community resource with the Salem Lutheran Church located 1 block from CORD. This would be a community shelter/resource short-term until the officials can direct people elsewhere. This effort is to address the many homeless people living near CORD. Cheryl has joined this effort with me. I also have a volunteer attend because she is a member of the TBI groups. ( Assistive Technology and Emergency Preparation comment are via email from Lois King, staff member of CORD)