ELARC VAC MEETING MINUTES: 5/28/09

CHAIR TAMMY BACHRACH

INTRODUCTIONS

OPEN ROUNDS
FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER HOSTING LICA JUN 9 10AM-2PM
Regional Center and early intervention providers will meet to discuss service

ELARC WHITTIER is piloting paperless POSs.

BUDGETARY ISSUES: Next June VAC meeting Gloria Wong will present
BOARD OF DIRECTORS OPEN COMMUNITY MEETINGS: MAY 27 AND MAY 28.

COMMITTEE UPDATES
CAC: Nominations made for chair and co-chair and discussed budget issues. Gloria Wong gave budget update. Discussed possible SSI proposals and increase in transportation cost. Next CAC meeting is June 2nd in Montebello, CA. Have VAC volunteer for Jun 09.

FAC: Request for VAC representation in Famiy Advisory Committee. Parents have valid concerns about budget cuts. Next FAC meeting is Jun 10th. Have VAC volunteer for Jun 09.

ELARC NEWSLETTER
Register online from website to receive e-newsletter. Vendors are asked to share with consumers.

CASH FLOW has been secured by RC. Gloria Wong's message is to see how we can live within means to avoid repeal of Lanterman Act and 10% cut.

VENDORS SHARE CHANGES THEY HAVE MADE TO DEALT WITH CUTS:
-Proposed vendor cuts: Change consumer transportation from car to public transportation.
-Increase staff medical contribution.
-Reconsider staff vacation and sick leave. Reconsider non-billable staff hours/overhead.
-Counsel staff and families on not canceling sessions.
-Biggest concern is breaking staff and that will impact services.
-Requesting ELARC to assist in tremendous budget changes.
-Supervisory staff taking on direct services.

FRANCES JACOBS COMMENTED TO VENDORS:
-Vendors need to look at diversifying services.
-Vendors, Families, and Regional Centers have to pull together to create strategies.
-Give solutions to your letters to legislature and CC your letter to Gloria Wong.
-Do not make permanent changes in your budget cuts. Use careful wording so that you can go back to the ways things were.
-Services have to be the same for what you get. Service review committees are now being used.
-Service Coordinators reduced 4 hours per pay period/2 per week.

TRANSITION POWERPOINTS are in the works to assist consumers going out into the workforce.

SURVEYS/QUESTIONNAIRES FOR FAMILIES being provided in FAC when they come into the office. Vendors received surveys to hand to consumers, and they, in turn, will send back directly to ELARC.

EMPLOYMENT SURVEY: Tammy Bachrach will present to Board for review.

MEDI-CAL SYSTEM UPDATE: Psychological services affected. If you have Cal Optima One Care, you will not be affected. Donated dental services are available. ELARC SC will look at individual consumer cases. Talk to SCs proactively about consumers losing benefits.

ELARC working with Senator's office to provide info on medical issues, transportation, housing, early identification/intervention. Vendors can also provide info to Frances Jacobs to share to Senate.

Hospitality assigned for next VAC mtg Thurs., June 25, 2009

ELARC VAC MINUTES 2-26-09

INTRODUCTIONS
Meeting called to order on time, Tammy Bachrach presiding as interim chair.

ELARC PROPOSED JOB LINE:
Frances Jacobs announced new ELARC website features in development. Target for finalization is June 09.

JOB LINE
Employers/service providers can post job opportunities.
Consumers can submit resumes and apply online for jobs.
Handout reviewed. Look for previews on ELARC website

Submit Job line input to Karina Gonzalez, Community Services Support Staff, via email kgonzalez@elarc.org or mail: Attn: Karina Gonzalez, ELARC Community Services, P.O. Box 7916, Alhambra, CA 91802.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Request for AB1106 Waiver for Approval to provide a consumer and her child the option to reside in a family home agency certified home. Hearing will be held on 3-10-09, 6:00 pm to 6:30 pm.

STAKEHOLDERS MEETING
Governor has asked everyone to give input at Stakeholders Public Forum 3-2-09 in the Los Angeles area Public Forum. In addition, ELARC VAC voted last month to write a letter requesting the ELARC VAC to all stakeholder meetings.

Training Letter will printed on a quarterly basis and can be picked up at ELARC or downloaded online.

Vendor Calendar needs to be voted on by transportation and day facilities.

NOMINATIONS
Tammy Bachrach was nominated chair by Pat T.
Teresa G. nominated Dan Merrel for Vice chair.
There were no other nominations. Tammy and Dan were elected by acclamation.

FRC ANNOUNCEMENT: YVETTE BAPTISTE
FRC to host local LICA Council on 3-10-9 12 to discuss FRC activities for 2009-2010. FRC needs to develop next 3-year plan, and would like input from early intervention plan (parents and children in foster care). If you have any ideas, please call ELARC FRC 626-300-9171.

Transition from Early Start to Pre-Kindergarten conference 3-14-09; registration extended. Ask for Susan Hanagawa. $10.00 fee to cover lunch; looking for vendors to sponsor food items, i.e, breakfast, water, soda.

Film Day: last month viewed Autism the Musical.
Next month 2-29-08, 9:30 am: documentary on a family raising twins, one with Downs Syndrome 2-29-08 930 am

ELARC Hospitality for March 09: Armando Villega/Sandra

BUDGE CRISIS PRESENTED BY GLORIA WONG IN DETAIL
On 2-19-09 budget finally signed and passed for 2009-2010.
3% reduction cuts on regional center operation and vendor purchase orders will go into effect to Feb. 1, 2009; retro adjustment will affect vendors. ELARC sending letter to Vendors that adjustment will be made for Feb and Mar 09. This 3% Permanent Reduction is scheduled to sunset June 2010 when budget open to forums once again.
Per DDS, an additional 100 million needs to be saved by Regional Centers for 209-2010 fiscal year. For budget crisis updates, subscribe to ELARC newsletter and check website.

END OF MINUTES

ELARC VAC MINUTES 1-22-09

Meeting called to order by Esmeralda Gomez, acting chair at 10:18.

Meeting began with an announcement that the agenda would be adjusted and introductions.

Theresa (Lin?) from the board began with announcement that the board is interested in moving toward supported employment and hoping vendors can inspire clients to meet their goals.

There was a discussion of the budget principally of the fact that no one knows what is about to happen other than the 3% cut but that the total savings sought by the state could amount to roughly a 20% cut. You may contact Elizabeth Harrell for information about the Regional Center’s understanding and plans. Frances Jacobs suggested a letter from the VAC to DDS requesting input as stakeholders into cuts.

Esmeralda and Tammy Bachrach were nominated and elected as the new chair and vice-chair, respectively.

There was a presentation from Mark Starfford and Esmeralda on the board’s focus on employment. The CAC chairs will be visiting some of the larger providers.

A DVD was screened on the topic “Everyone can work.”

VAC Meeting minutes, July 24, 2008

VAC July 24, 2008

Opening Round

Report on Retreat:  Do a second mini survey; smooth transition successful employment.
Website job bank; School district LA and El Monte discussion taking place with ELARC to work with student in school (to consider competitive employment).

Will continue working with school districts. ELARC has working relationship with LAUSD and El Monte School District.

Volunteers to develop resource guide. Job bank development/search engine is being developed by Frances. Any employer will be asked for permission and discretionary instructions.

Mini Surveys go out to families to get leads for successful consumer employment. Developing a work group to open up. Identify and needs and develop resources.s

Employee handbook still in process.

Client Satisfaction Survey: Ask VAC if it is something that the VAC wants to take on? Voted yes.

Deadline: February deadline for first draft and open community-wide; aim is earlier.

Parent in Whittier ELARC are interested in networking in family and getting the word out. Micro-enterprising. Lily Whittier contact.

Committee Teresa Groak, Emily Lloyd, Patricia De Los Santos at ELARC Whittier 4th Thursday September 10 am.
Client Services Survey – Georgina Garcia
Approved, minor corrections will be made.

Look into going out with bulletin in November.
Include a self-addressed/stamped enveloped; looking for vendors to donate stamped envelopes

Follow up plan of action:
Clarify wording, make it simpler, and comprehensive.
FAC volunteered to survey families who come into FRC.
Veronica: can ask SCs can interview.

One final meeting: Reconvene with representation from ELARC.

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What’s going on in the services we provide?
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On going issues
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Member input for next agenda

Speakers for next Sept/Nov VAC meeting suggestions for VAC meetings
Chair of Autism Society Rita Rubin (interested in talking to VAC; does volunteer work and ELARC parent. Giver her 20 minutes. Give us a month’s notice October.

Jesse Padilla volunteered to be a future VAC speaker.

Yvette B:
FRC 7th annual vendor fair; sept 16; 4-7pm;
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Closing Round

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SEPTEMBER: HOSPITALITY: Teresa Groak




Teresa de Jesus Groak

VAC Meeting minutes, June 26, 2008

Coffee was abundant before the meeting.  Whoever brought it should get a rate increase and an envelope stuffed with referrals.  

Meeting called to order at 10:15.  Teresa Groak chairing this meeting.

Introductions until 10:18

Build relationship with DOR.  Information is being shared and information about joining meetings will be shared as available.

10:20 Client Satisfaction survey.  Georgina from Maxim has prepared a survey which was presented.  Discussion of distribution.  The questions were read:

Are you satisfied?

Are you satisfied with caregiver/staff

Are services being provided in a timely manner

Is the agency providing the services described by your program manager?

Are you happy with the amount of help the agency provides?

What best describes the overall level of customer service provided to you?  

Do you feel your caregiver is adequately trained?

What training/background would you prefer your caregiver/staff to have?

Can you suggest how the agency can improve the delivery of service?

Discussion of the risk for strange results.  Discussion of other languages, large font, graphics.  Cover letter necessary.    Some guy named Doug will serve on the committee with Georgina.  God's speed.

10:40 What's going on in the services that we provide?  Mark Starford presented How I Want to Spend My Time, a booklet and contract for insuring that choices are made thoughtfully especially when receiving new services.  Designed to be used by individuals on their own or with a small amount of support.

CAC/FAC feedback.  Esmeralda had some feedback.  Micro-enterprise.  How will vendors be trained?  Tammy from Easter Seals provided information.  Discovering the stage, developing the business plan.  cameo.org for more information.  Actually, cameo.org is a landmine clearing agency.  Appropriate but if someone knows the correct link, please leave it in the comments.

ELARC working with Kerry (SIC?) Griffin to provide training.  

10:50 Preparation for annual retreat.  Focus on increased meaningful employment.  Motion to empower Cathay Liu (Doug, 2nd Pat) to choose 6 representatives from the VAC for the board retreat to represent various areas with an emphasis on diversity.  Vote passed without objection.

11:00 Return the FAC presentation (20-25 minutes) by a month.  Assisted communication and technology.  Motion by Pat Thornburg, Second by Georgina.  Passed without objection.  Sherry Brady, Rita Rubin.

11:07 Mark presented that AB 2424 passed with the expectation of amendments.

11:10 Please contact Teresa Groak or Regional Center (Pearl Ramirez (626) 299-4793) if you are not receiving notices of meetings.

11:11  Minutes approved as mailed.  (Motion Esmeralda, 2nd by Doug.)

11:12 Joyce Miramontes: There will be a "Resource Roundup" for agencies that provide employment services quarterly, beginning with August 7.  RC will be choosing the providers according to the regional center's criteria.  

Claudia volunteered to provision the next meeting.

11:15 Closing Rounds:  Share your excitements.

Pat Thornburgh announced that San Gabriel Valley Training Center is negotiating three new enclaves.  Claudia Estrada announced that a CAC member living at Canyon Springs DC is being allowed to volunteer at a local hospital.  Many hope to sleep, barbecue.  Almansor Center is opening an occupational therapy clinic downtown and may open one in Alhambra.  

11:25: Volunteers for FAC: Esmeralda, Doug

Raffle won by:  Beatriz Gonzalez a Starbucks gift card donated by Patricia.

11:25 Adjourned.

ELARC VAC Meeting 5/22/2008

10:15 Opening round:  People were compelled by intimidation and peer pressure to introduce themselves and say something positive, which is reprehensible.

Some highlights:  The Family Resource Center is cooperating with the Chinese Parents Association.Easter Seals is partnering with CSLA for parents of people with developmental disabilities to receive information regarding behavioral support through free classes.   Shield Healthcare is preparing children's books and coloring books to explain durable medical equipment.People's First convention coming up.   Almansor Center collaborating with Department of Rehabilitation.  Pat's golf handicap is coming down.  Frances has a new wall.

10:30 Membership Recruitment:  Theresa Groak:  We will be doing a phone tree for next month.  Purpose is to increase vendor attendance.  It was successful last time and we hope the phone tree will achieve similar results last time.  Please email Pearl Ramirez at ELARC if you discover the contact information you are given needs updating.

10:35 VLF Report:  A client satisfaction survey is being prepared by Maxim Pasadena Respite.  This stems from an FAC question about staff training.  Contact Georgina Garcia at gegarcia@maxhealth.com with input.  Bring in instruments you are using or questions you would like answered about your agencies.

Shield Healthcare is willing, once the survey is completed, to ship out questionnaire with their supplies.  FRC also willing to help distribute surveys.

VLF will be contacting Jimmy Williams of Department of Rehabilitation around collaboration between the department and ELARC vendors.

Department of Rehab's policy on post-secondary education, requires full-time students defined as carrying 12 or more units.  This negatively impacts people with cognitive and communicative disabilities.  FAC is encouraging the board to contact the Association of Regional Center Agencies to lobby for a change in the DOR policy to consider the ability of a student to carry a full load.

Evening and weekend series of Person-Centered Thinking tools.  Now offered on Wednesdays.  Night and weekend trainings are being considered.  

Supported Living Networks are providing a free forum on September 26 related to individualized services.  Plans are for more of these events following the September forum. 

FAC discussed ongoing collaboration with VAC.  Request 30 minute block of time at June meeting for presentation and discussion of communication.  Request was approved after a good deal of conversation.

11:10 CAC REPORT:  Cathay Liu will present on employment at Ability First.  Wednesday, June 11, from 9:30-11:30.

11:15 ANNOUNCEMENTS:  July 9, Parent to Parent Mentoring group from Australia will be visiting to mentor other parent groups about person-centered thinking tools.  Contact Joe D'Onofrio at CHOICESS if you're interested.

Board retreat is coming up July 12.

NOTE TO ALL VENDORS:  MAILING TO ELARC HAS CHANGED: SEND ALL MAIL TO ELARC TO

Eastern Los Angeles Regional Center

PO BOX 7916

Alhambra, CA 91802-7916

No longer address correspondence to 1000 So. Fremont under pain of non-delivery.

RAFFLE and ETCETERA.

Patricia De Los Santos will provide next month's raffle prize.

This month's prize winner was Leticia Vasquez.

11:28:  Closing round.  Question:  What are you all doing this weekend?  Minutes end here.

ELARC VAC MEETING 4/24/08

1. OPENING ROUND: ALHAMBRA AND WHITTIER OFFICE

2. CLARIFY AGENDA/MINUTES
CAC rep for next month: Dan Merrell
FAC rep: Esmeralda Gomez

3. PRESENTATION: Board Presentation on Employment: Community Inclusion
Presenter Cathay Liu discussed Employment First Policies that will affect community Inclusion for persons with developmental delays (handout available).

Examples of Successful Micro enterprise are featured in the latest ELARC Community Report booklet.

Discussed Process and Obstacles with Department of Rehab (DR) and how ELARC collaborates with consumers and vendors.
Tony has referral names for DR Counselors: Deborah Grimm; Steve Thompson in Pasadena, CA; Carmen in Whittier; Debbie Williams in West Covina office; Tony will forward names to Cathay.

4. WHAT'S GOING ON IN THE SERVICES THAT WE PROVIDE?
ECF runs art programs for consumers with DDs; integrated new site in Downtown LA. Grand Opening Fall 08. Reception for artists in San Pedro, CA on Sat. May 10.

5. ON-GOING ISSUES
Information on Survey is requested to have vendors give feedback.
FAC/VAC Vision Dialogue discussed

6. MEMBER INPUT FOR NEXT AGENDA
Recommendation made by FAC: OT assistants, There is movement on this isssue and Community Services has been contacted on this.

VISION DIALOGUE: Bring ideas to suggest for next VAC meeting to be included in
Sherry Brady, Linda, and Liz took notes.

Sample Questions to be discussed. VLF is available for for pre-planning for this group. Conferences calls are also available. WE need to keep VLF going to improve services and provide training to families. You need be a part of change that is happening. DIVERSIFICATION is the key to be a successful vendor.

VLF: Vendor Leadership Forum meets at 9:00 am before VAC meeting. Meeting Wizard available for conference calling. VLF (subgroup) mission is to give information to vendors: way to make sure services are meeting the broad needs of consumers, expand outreach, and discuss strategic planning and envisioning.

7. CLOSING ROUND

THANK YOU TO MARILYN RAGER & DAN MERRELL FROM MAXIM HEALTHCARE SERVICE FOR DONATING RAFFLE PRIZE AND BREAKFAST ITEMS.

MAY 22, 2008 - HOSPITALITY & RAFFLE PRIZE: LAURA RUESGA FROM FIESTA EDUCATIVA
2ND RAFFLE PRIZE: MERCEDE SHAMLO EASTER SEALS
DRINKS: ESMERALDA GOMEZ FROM ELS (ENRICHED LEARNING SERVICES, INC.)