Seeing clearer

VAC meeting minutes for April

2010-05-07T14:00:00.001-07:00

Joe moderating

10:05 Opening round, name, agency and one word describing how you feel.

10:20 Questions for Felipe. Introduced a work product by Susanne Foulk regarding referrals in early start. Tables were asked to reflect on what questions they would like for Felipe to answer at next month’s meeting.

Questions included: How do we get referrals? How do vendors get equal access to service coordinators with their marketing materials? Policy for transportation for early start and adult day programs. Where are the referrals? Can a vendor fair increase referrals? Are ILS hours being actively reduced or denied? Is due process being followed? Who makes the decision to use one vendor or another? What factors have led to the reductions in the area of adaptive skills training? What kind of training is provided to SCs regarding how to make an appropriate referral?

Yvette announced that the 2nd Tuesday in May from 12-2 there is a meeting of the FRC with Noriko present regarding Early Start referrals.

10: 30 CAC report (Miguel Lugo:) Meeting included Daniel Rojo (?) on spirituality and Matt Pope, CRA, presenting on emergency preparation. Well attended (18-20 attendees)

FAC report (Yvette Baptiste:) Gloria gave an update, answered questions on the budget. It was suggested that there be more legislative action including a legislative breakfast by families. Not much volunteerism to follow up though.

10:45 Discussion of a forum for discussing employment opportunities for RC clients, building capacity.

10:50 Gloria Wong presented on the budget.

Agenda: FY 2009-2010, FY 2010-2011, LDC closure

09-10 budget: Still a statewide deficit. 50% of RCs in surplus, ELARC in deficit.

Number of appeals at 600, from five per month.

per GW, ELARC had generous services which were highly affected, as well as clients well educated in their rights.

ELARC $4.5M in deficit, after receiving about $4M from DDS in withheld funds.

What does that mean

Deficit is dropping by about $25M per month.

Gloria provided her opinion on the sustainability of the system..

What’s at stake is entitlement.

10-11 budget: Deficit projected at $18B for California.

Governor will release his May Revision

3% reduction will continue for (at least) one more year.

$25M additional cuts to this system.

Individual Choice Budget Model (ICBM) offers the option to families of a fixed budget to use with vendored agencies Per GW, there was discussion of requiring all clients to se ICBM, but as of now the program will be voluntary. Target population to be school-age children. Focus on vendored services. Still working on how budget is to be developed.

Lanterman Developmental Center closing by June 30, 2012ish.

Q&A: Is there any existing residential facilities being used for LRC closure? No.

VAC meeting minutes for April

2010-05-07T14:00:00.000-07:00

Joe moderating

10:05 Opening round, name, agency and one word describing how you feel.

Yvette announced that the 2nd Tuesday in May from 12-2 there is a meeting of the FRC with Noriko present regarding Early Start referrals.

10: 30 CAC report (Miguel Lugo:) Meeting included Daniel Rojo (?) on spirituality and Matt Pope, CRA, presenting on emergency preparation. Well attended (18-20 attendees)

10:45 Discussion of a forum for discussing employment opportunities for RC clients, building capacity.

10:50 Gloria Wong presented on the budget.

Agenda: FY 2009-2010, FY 2010-2011, LDC closure

09-10 budget: Still a statewide deficit. 50% of RCs in surplus, ELARC in deficit.

Number of appeals at 600, from five per month.

per GW, ELARC had generous services which were highly affected, as well as clients well educated in their rights.

ELARC $4.5M in deficit, after receiving about $4M from DDS in withheld funds.

What does that mean

Deficit is dropping by about $25M per month.

Gloria provided her opinion on the sustainability of the system..

What’s at stake is entitlement.

10-11 budget: Deficit projected at $18B for California.

Governor will release his May Revision

3% reduction will continue for (at least) one more year.

$25M additional cuts to this system.

Lanterman Developmental Center closing by June 30, 2012ish.

Q&A: Is there any existing residential facilities being used for LRC closure? No.

Minutes of the January 24, 2010 VAC meeting

2010-01-28T13:44:00.000-08:00

Meeting called to order @ 10:05

Tammy, chair, set agenda and introduced Joe D’Onofrio for an opening round.

Qs: Name, Agency, What’s on your mind? (home or work)

10:20: Conversation at tables: 5 Minutes: What are the questions you are asking to be a topic at today’s meeting or future meetings.

Referrals, what is happening?

Upcoming budget issues. Additional cuts to provider rates. Key Housing corporation. CEO/Senior program?

Concern with cuts absent input from consumers and providers.

Setting Agenda for VAC for the year next month.

Meeting regarding CEO/Senior programs. How to implement? Will there be another 7% rate cut?

10:35 FAC meeting report: 3% rate cut will continue. There has been a levelling off of consumer appeals. There will be a budget reallocation for assessment and infant development intervention from prevention program.

Telling stories to legislators. FRC is having a training regarding that topic. Discussion of presentations being co-presented by a person with developmental disabilities.

10:45: CAC report (Jesse Padilla) Gloria attended and some questions went to how the cuts will affect people with disabilities, particularly regarding the Individual Choice Budget Model (ICBM) and whether clients will be able to to opt in or out. Clients were particularly concerned about cuts to ILS programs.

Access services is changing office and providing sensitivity training.

ELARC has provided 141 emergency backpacks. Few vendors have responded.

10:52, Joyce Miramontes ELARC reference to Alternative Senior Component, CEO components for day programs. Senior component, codes 515, 505, 510, 525, 028, 055, 063 need to offer 518, 505, 063 must offer CEO option. There are questions regarding rates and capacity. With more questions, call Martin Cogan.

There are templates available online for proposals.

Corrective Action Plans (CAPs) might be put in place if an agency does not offer CEOs Senior Alternative programs.

11:00 Are there trainings that VAC might offer or presentations.

Training topics:

Service providers, hard to locate resources to help consumers with all the budget cuts.

DDS meet with VAC before board meeting.

Finding ways to collaborate on insurance costs

Labor law changes.

Risk training cf Person-Centered Risk.

Resource round-up.

Broader spectrum

11:20

Recommendation that the board monitor that necessary ID team meetings are being held went to the board, Was tabled in November and not acted on in January.

Discussion of the importance of our bringing technical assistance, support and motions to the board.

ELARC VAC MEETING MINUTES: 9-24-09

2009-09-24T14:47:00.000-07:00

1. Welcome: Tammy Bachrach – VAC Chair

2. The Role of the VAC: Advisory to the Board and serves as a forum for vendors

3. Board meeting/Community Meetings: looked at tools to help consumers for various purposes (transitioning, etc.) and are available to vendors
a. Consumer Advisory Meeting:
i. Next Oct 5th and Nov 2nd will be held in ELARC Board Meeting Room (12:00 pm to 3:00 pm) as a national community event on Sex and Relationships via teleconference. This event is for consumers, and space is limited. RSVP with Jesse Padilla.
ii. Emergency Training Program is under way for providers and advocates. If did not receive letter, contact Jesse.
b. Family Advisory Meeting:
c. Representatives to CAC & FAC.

4. Report from the Board Retreat
a. VAC’s use of the Consumer planning tools presented at the retreat (action)
1. Vote to discuss four tools for consumers in a future meeting (Available on consumer corner of DDS)
a. My Life, My Future
b. Making Informed Choices
c. Leadership through Personal Change
d. Creating Own Vision Statement
2. Will post on ELARC website to view and discuss putting on agenda for formal presentation of tools

5. Proposal the Board regarding next year’s Board Retreat

6. Update on Budget and Impact on Services (Gloria Wong)
a. 2 weeks ago ELARC received budget and instructions on how funds will be dispersed
b. 334 million taken off the top before funds are given to ELARC, approximate $8 million cut
c. DDS is not using SOAR: Sufficiency of Allocation Report. DDS will come up with new analysis report
d. In Jan 10, DDS will submit report projection, and there may be more potential budget cuts if $334 million propossed budget cuts are not met.
e. Not showing savings because of high volume of appeals (ELARC has one of the highest/200 per mo vs. 3/mo. Appeals are for suspended services (80%). Need to give 30-day notice to families, but still allowing appeals.
f. Future next 9 months/early part of next fiscal year: Individual Choice Budget (ICB) Model with capitated budgets ($14,000) may go into effect
g. Appeals process:
i. Regional Center gives 30 days notice
ii. Family needs to appeal within 10 calendar days to appeal. This is in the law.
i. If family does not appeal within 10 days, they will still get an appeal, but services will be terminated within the 30 days. Fair hearing request needs to be in writing, do not need a full description, just a couple of lines to meet timeline. If family agrees with notice but then changes their mind, this restarts the appeals the process.
iii. Appeal hearing may take a minimum of 75 days.
iv. Available in other languages, except Lanterman Act, upon request. No proper notice restarts timeline.
v. Vendors: can send email to SC to get update on appeals status. If families have questions about the appeal process, refer them to their service coordinator

7. Upcoming Events
a. Training Opportunities
b. New updated Vendor Uniform Holiday Schedule effective Nov. 13, 2009.
8. Hospitality next meeting: contact Tammy Bachrach

ELARC VAC MEETING MINUTES: 5/28/09

2009-05-28T10:21:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-11T14:58:00.000-07:00

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

2009-02-02T15:51:00.000-08:00

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

2008-07-25T23:58:00.001-07:00

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.

------------
What’s going on in the services we provide?
------------
On going issues
------------
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;
------------
Closing Round

-----------------------
SEPTEMBER: HOSPITALITY: Teresa Groak

Teresa de Jesus Groak

VAC Meeting minutes, June 26, 2008

2008-06-26T09:49:00.000-07:00

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. c ameo.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

2008-05-22T10:17:00.000-07:00

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

2008-04-24T09:57:00.001-07:00

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.)

ELARC VAC MEETING 3-27-08

2008-03-27T10:13:00.000-07:00

OPENING ROUND

CLARIFY AGENDA/MINUTES

The meeting was called to order at 10:04, beginning with introductions.

Thanks to People's Care for providing the refreshments.

Cathay Liu, VAC chair suggested keeping the goals of the three advisory committees apparent at each meeting. CAC and ELARC board have designated employment as the primary goal.

Designated Representatives for April 08 meetings:
FAC: Doug Pascover, Pat
CAC: Tammy Bachrach; meeting is this Tues. April 1, 4-6pm

Vision Statement: We, the VAC, CAC and FAC work with one voice as a team connecting and communicating the same goals, community inclusion and choice.

Introduction, part II: The attendees at the Whittier office were introduced at 10:30.

PRESENTATION

Last FAC meeting a question was brought up to discuss: Families are concerned that staff are not trained to work with their loved ones. How can families support the VAC to make sure that staff are better trained?

GROUP DISCUSSIONS:

GROUP 1:
Recognition of employees and letting them know that they are an important part of the company; offer employee appreciation incentives and bonuses; telephone/mail surveys

GROUP2:
Question is too broad; we need to work with families to be proactive and meet individuals' needs.

GROUP 3:
Acknowledge vendor's level of expertise; have open communication; offer staff constructive feedback; help families to understand/acknowledge vendor barriers: funding, entry level skills of new personnel, and turnover of staff.

DDS has trained direct support for professionals if you are a group home provider; curriculum is open to other service providers besides group homes. Help families/clients find the right match and vendor level of expertise. Outsource for other professional expertise/specialty.

GROUP 4:
Are there more issues for certain age groups or diagnoses? Offer standardized basic training/orientation of employees; address barriers and issues of concern with parents/families. There has to be communication with parents about their expectations to gain clarity. Vendors should be doing standardized in-house quality assurance.

GROUP 5:
Clarify issues with parents to help meet and match their loved one's needs; if they want or need more expertise that needs to be expressed to vendors.

GROUP 6: WHITTIER OFFICE
Open communication with care providers and family members. Functional Communication (FC) can be an important tool for consumers to express their needs for services.

FC training will take place at Radisson Hotel on July 10-12, 2008. Vendors can send staff for communication training. Flyers are available at ELARC. Everyone communicates differently and consumers feel more comfortable when they are able to communicate using FC training. Communication is vital to support their consumers

Subcommittees are encouraged to have representation and open channels of communication between committees. When hearing representatives' voices it is important to avoid getting into specifics and instead to look at the big picture; stay at the macro level.

ELARC has a legislative influence, and it takes into consideration the context of initiatives and legislation. Outcome has been that small group of representative concerns have been lining up with what is discussed in initiatives and legislation. When looking at the whole big picture, if issues are lining up then it is time to pay attention.

Vendors: Avoid bias toward certain things and listen to what parents/consumers have to say; take all points that line up.

New legislation has been proposed and vendors are responsible for reading monthly paperwork mailed by ELARC to become informed with new legislation.

VENDOR QUESTION: What is the forum to address serious vendor concerns?
Go to your representative. Most subcommittees and Boards have time in their meeting agendas for other committees to voice their concerns. Vendors can pre-request time in agenda.

For example: Occupational therapy there is an unmet meed. Families are having to wait for services, and consumers wanted to find a way to discuss this issue ELARC consumers can only be served by OTs and not OT trainees. FAC is interested in helping with that and understand it more; however, not many early start families attend FAC. FAC encourages family participation during meetings.

MARK STARFORD: BOARD working on a DVD where they are gathering questions that advocacy groups have about employment. These DVDs show people doing what they people describe in subcommittees and employment concerns.

Case stories will be identified to show in DVD. Vendors are encouraged to share success stories during VAC meeting to offer relevant consumer needs being addressed, such as employment, and to share ideas that have/have not worked.

CAC: Consumers are expressing a need for more information on consumers starting own successful business?

Louise: Motion to propose to identify an action step to address needs and have a plan of involvement from one meeting to the next. Motion approved.

ELARC will be following up with graduating consumers; vendors need to ask if they are meeting consumer needs?

Doug: Suggest an action step to have much larger meetings at a town hall level outside of VAC meetings to get a sense to see how people experience the RC system.

WHAT'S GOING ON IN THE SERVICES THAT WE PROVIDE?

ON GOING ISSUES
One of four areas that CAC has identified as issue are gainful employment and reliable transportation for consumers.

MEMBER INPUT FOR NEXT AGENDA
Request to have consumer employment go on agenda for every month.

Transportation issues brought up in Feb. 07 VAC meeting need resolution and closure. Jackie Valenzuela and Martin Cogan will be contacting individual transportation vendors.

Speakers are requested for future meetings. Please contact Cathay Liu for suggestions. Yvette Baptiste offered documentaries/short films on relevant consumer topics.

CLOSING ROUND

REFRESHMENT/RAFFLE ITEM: Cathay Liu requests that the same vendor bring refreshments and raffle item for tracking purposes.

ELARC VAC MEETING 2-28-08

2008-03-03T13:55:00.000-08:00

Cathay Liu – VAC Chair - suggested that the notes be changed to a new format that they be taken to document importation information in a bullet form it was proposed and approved by the VAC

The VLF invited the VAC to join them to be part of the VLF. The VLF is held before the VAC on the 4th Thursday of the month from 9-10 am and the Whittier site will also be available to join them

The phone tree was put into action with about 300 vendors being contacted, there was complaint about the information not being correct and vendors not updating their information and a suggestion was made, that the vendors to be categorized by services provided

A suggestion was also made to have the vendors be able to update their information on the ELARC website; Frances stated that she would look into it

The vendors also stated that they would like to be updated on the state budget by ELARC at the VAC meetings

There was a suggestion last month that guest speakers be invited to do presentations and Cathay stated that she was working on it and would like suggestions from the group for future topics

The Board retreat is set for July 12 and the VAC has 5 slots open if you are interested in attending please notify the VAC

There will be a Supportive Living Services open forum on March 12 at the Alhambra location

There is a committee working on a vendor survey it will consist of three questions 2 open ended and one yes or no question if you would like to help with this project please see Cathay

Miguel from the CAC was to make a presentation to the VAC but he was not present

A member of the VAC that provides transportation suggested that the transportation providers meet every two months and she also stated that she felt that the information that is discussed at the VAC does not pertain to them (there was discussion about this)

Frances stated that there are grants available for those that are interested in receiving help with transportation services, but there has been no response from vendors, a suggestion was made that there be a transportation forum established

A suggestion was made that a broker from auto insurance could be contacted to do a presentation to the VAC

There is a mini conference that will be happening for children in transition there will be more information to follow

There was also an announcement by Frances that all vendors should be attending the person centered thinking training that introduces people to this concept, they are held regularly and consist of four sessions

Minutes, VAC meeting.

2008-02-29T14:39:00.000-08:00

The February VAC meeting was held February 28 from 10 AM until 11:30. The meeting was video conferenced between the Whittier and Alhambra sites.

A new format of limiting the length and details in upcoming minutes was moved and approved by motion along with the previous month's minutes. Below this point the minutes are according to the new format.

KEY POINTS FROM MEETING:

The VLF continues to seek increased participation. To accomplish that, updated contact information is necessary.

Chair, Cathay Liu invited the group to attend the Vendor Leadership Forum meeting which takes place one hour before the VAC meeting. A request was made for vendors to participate in a phone tree to improve attendance.

There may be guest speakers at upcoming meetings. Please recommend speakers you would like to hear.

There was discussion of the non-participation of many transportation providers and suggestion that transportation providers may wish for their own semi-monthly meeting.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

There is a board retreat coming up on July 12. We are looking for volunteers.

ELARC has received a 10% cut to operations and has complied with it, but runs a deficit.

There will be an SLS vendor meeting with Felipe H and Marty C on March 12th.

GLOSSARY OF ABBREVIATIONS USED IN MEETING NOTES:

VLF: Vendor Leadership Forum

SLS: Supported Living Services

ELARC VAC MEETING 1-24-08

2008-01-24T10:05:00.000-08:00

1. OPENING ROUND/INTRODUCTIONS

2. CLARIFICATION/APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF NOV. 07: Minutes approved.

3. FUTURE VAC TOPIC
Skills Development for the individuals we serve: From presence to contribution. This will be discussed next VAC meeting on Thurs, Feb. 28, 2008.

4. GUEST SPEAKER
Miguel Lugo from CAC
Topic:Different ideas to increase consumer participation (i.e. meetings, teleconferencing); What ideas can we share? What does or does not work for VAC? Let's find ways to put consumers in the driver's seat of the CAC.

Ideas: Have Joint meeting between VAC and CAC to discuss/share ideas. Miguel is requesting to meet once during the next month:

-To develop this constant flow of ideas.

-To promote involvement in the CA, and increase consumer (ages teens to adults) participation.

The CAC had a good turnout when a guest speaker presented Sexuality and Relationships. This was a hot topic requested by consumers during a survey and at the Board and Subcommittees retreat last year.

AD HOC MEETINGS SCHEDULED FOR THIS YEAR. Based on AD HOC COMMITTEE, the following Three Outcomes were determined to be important to consumers:

1) Employment, 2)Affordable housing, & 3)Meaningful and Sustainable Relationships.

Other Vendor Feedback/Suggestions: Have other Vendors pass out flyers to consumers who would be interested.

VAC/CAC/FAC need to pull committees together and find ways to create strategies to encourage consumer participation. CAC has been asking for VAC assistance for several years now, and we need to come up with a way to meet.

The CAC and VAC need to create, at a governance level, a time and date to come together. We need to find ways to open the doors to meaningful ways to connect as CAC, VAC, & FAC.

MOTION: COMMITTEE LEADERS SET MEETING DATE TO MEET.

Motion to Meet with CAC and VAC was approved. Date established for CAC/VAC meeting 1st Tues of Feb. 5, 2008 from, 4:00 to 6:00 pm. CAC meets every 1st Tues of every month in the Alhambra office. VAC rep/Teresa will attend from Whitter office. Teleconferencing will be available in the Whittier office.
Topic will be: Board and Committee Training.

FAC is inviting the CAC to the Wed, March 5, 2008 11 am - 1 pm. FAC meets every 1st Wed of each month in the Alhambra office. Cathay-VAC Chair- will ask Tammy to attend. Teleconferencing will also be available between Alhambra and Whittier as well.

FOLLOW-UP FROM NOV. 07 VAC MEETING
NEW VAC FLYER WILL BE FORWARDED TO FRANCES JACOBS FOR MARCH MEETING TO GET BIGGER, BROADER TURN OUT.
CATHAY/TAMMY/TERESA WILL COORDINATE.

EMILY LLOYD FROM ECF DONATED THE RAFFLE ITEM FOR TODAY'S MEETING-THANK YOU!!!

CONGRATULATIONS TO LAURA RUESGA FROM FIESTA EDUCATIVA FOR WINNING THE RAFFLE!!!

Esmeralda Gomez from ENRICHED SERVICES has volunteered to assist with Vendor Survey being compiled by: Cathay, Joe, Tammy, Patricia, and Doug. Survey will be developed for next VAC meeting.
CATHAY WILL COORDINATE.

PHONE TREE: Mailing Lists will be the partner calling. This will be developed for next month by:
FRANCES/PEARL from Community Services will coordinate.

TELECONFERENCING at the Whittier Office will be available for the next VAC MEETING effective FEB 08; participants need to RSVP due to limited space.
FRANCES/PEARL will arrange.

WHAT IS GOING ON IN THE SERVICES WE PROVIDE?

BOB TURNER FROM LIFESTEPS SPONSORING SOCIAL SKILLS FOR TEENS; IF INTERESTED, CALL 562-508-8927

YVETTE BAPTISTE FROM FRC (626) 300-9171 LOOKING FOR HOUSING ADVOCATES. ANNUAL FUNDRAISER WILL BE AT SAN ANTONIO WINERY (ART SHOW AND SILENT AUCTION)IN SUNDAY, MAY 4, 2008 FROM 2-6 PM. COST: $25.00 includes meal and wine. Take Art Entries now.

FRANCES JACOBS: UNIFORM SCHEDULE DUE ON MAR 31, 2008. PARTICIPATE IN TRANSPORTATION EVENT. AUTISM TRAINING APRIL 2 AND 3 IN BUENA PARK, CA

CLOSING ROUND
CATHAY LIU-CHAIR- IS SEEKING SUGGESTIONS FOR AGENDA AND FOR GUEST SPEAKERS ON HOT TOPICS SUCH AS AUTISM. PRESENTATION WILL BE FOR 20 MINUTES.

HOSPITALITY IN ALHAMBRA OFFICE: RACHEL
HOSPITALITY IN WHITTIER OFFICE: PATRICIA
NEXT MONTH, TERESA GROAK FROM FAMILIAS FIRST WILL DONATE RAFFLE ITEM.
MINUTES FOR FEB O8: PATRICIA

ELARC VAC MEETING MINUTES: 11/15/07

2007-11-15T09:48:00.000-08:00

OPENING ROUND

CLARIFY AGENDA/MINUTES
Minutes approved.

REPORT ON AD HOC COMMITTEE
Ad Hoc (subgroup of Board Members following up on Retreat Debriefing)Meeting scheduled for next month; Cathay Liu will attend.

GUEST SPEAKER: Jesse Padilla
Social Relationships conference was a success and a follow-up was requested.
Add to Agenda for Jan. 07: Power Point Presentation for CAC to discuss outcomes with VAC regarding accountability, etc.

Joint CAC, FAC and VAC meeting will be held in January 2008; date TBA. CAC and FAC representatives were present during VAC meeting.

Patricia De Los Santos will follow-up and help coordinate the ballot to pick one VAC-driven concern to present to the AD HOC Board meeting in Dec. 07. Patricia will email Cathay Liu.

WHAT'S GOING ON IN THE SERVICES THAT WE PROVIDE?
State Council have grants available for new and innovative programs. Flyer went out in the mail and deadline is Dec. 20, 2007

Uniform Holiday Schedule will be due March 31, 2008.
Transportation options are being explored with Access Services. Requesting from Social Services agencies any feedback from community to share any gaps in transportation. Contact Frances Jacobs.

Joyce Miramontes: On Dec. 4, 2007 will start on-going forum to explore opportunities for our consumers.

NOMINATIONS FOR CHAIR RESULTS
CHAIR: CATHAY LIU
VICE-CHAIR: JOE DONOFRIO

REVIEW/ISSUES
Discuss incentives to increase VAC voter participation.

Suggestions: raffle, mail separate flyer, teleconferencing, phone calls, emailing electronic ballots, networking, add biography on each candidate, break VAC groups into specialized subcommittees.

Ideas to make VAC meetings more meaningful:

Promotional notice to do Teleconferencing with Whittier Office in January 08. Send brochure or mailer with more information about VAC and how we address consumer, family, and vendor issues/concerns.

Reevaluate Forum Format; use offshoots of other forums; Vendors are meeting for other specialized meetings.Separate flyers, agendas, invigorating speaker: what are they going to take away with them.

January will announce kick-off: Miguel Lugo - ELARC CAC Chair; flyer/brochure to be developed by Teresa/Tammy

Continental breakfast:

Patricia - fruit platter
Joe - coffee
Teresa - croissants
Brady - juices, cups, napkins
Cathay - quiche
Tammy - sweet pastries, utensils

Frances Jacobs will review mailing list to assign partner calling. Emily Lloyd from ECF will donate raffle item for January. Toolkit for Vendors to know what consumers want. Take 10 minutes to do survey in January and be part of the drawing. Announce Vendor participants names on border of VAC agenda.

Mailer due first week of the month (Wed. Jan. 2 deadline)

Flyer/Brochure: Teresa/Tammy

DRAFT of Survey will be developed for 1/24/01 meeting by Cathay, Tammy, Joe, and Doug

CLOSING ROUND
Next meeting is in January 24, 2008

Hospitality: Continental breakfast
Mentor: Cathay Liu

ELARC VAC MEETING MINUTES: 10/25/07

2007-10-25T09:37:00.000-07:00

OPENING ROUND-Introductions

CLARIFY/MINUTES

RE: VAC-driven issues discussed on 9/27/07

Decide on which one of the 6 VAC-driven issues (Listed on 9-27-07 agenda/minutes) the VAC will take to the AD HOC meeting in Dec. 07.

VAC will send out a ballot to pick one concern.

Patricia, Mercede, and Yvette will develop and mail a flyer to all vendors to vote on VAC-driven issue of most concern. that takes into account the 3 Joint Themes Generated from the Retreat. Ballot/checklist can be emailed, faxed, or mailed back to ELARC. Results will be discussed at the next VAC meeting Nov.15, 2007.

REPORT ON ELARC BOARD OF DIRECTOR'S AD HOC COMMITTEE

Three Joint Themes Generated from the Retreat (CAC, FAC, VAC, Board)

1. Inclusion: Choice, self-direction, participation and partnership as defined at the ELARC Board Retreat with services and supports that increase opportunities for independence, relationships, jobs and affordable housing.

2. Connection: Increase collaboration between advisory committees and Board of Directors, to fulfill ELARC's governance vision.

3. Transformation of the Committee: A proactive governance community that facilitates involvement, communication, partnerships that lead to greater choice and self-direction for the people it serves.

Discussion: Alignment of VAC concerns and Retreat Debriefing

Group 1:
Connect VAC agenda items with AD HOC committee;
Having natural dialogue between vendors and consumers;
Structured trainings to develop awareness;
Address Transportation issues;
Develop stronger relationships to transform.

Group 2:
Inclusion from a Vendor's perspective
There is desire to relate to themes and meet needs, but it is a challenge for providers to do so due to rules, staffing, money issues, etc. Overcoming challenges is a very difficult situation. We need the other groups to be able to help us.

Propose to have advisory committees and the Board to meet and collaborate, every 3-6 months.

GUEST SPEAKER for Nov. VAC - MIGUEL LUGO (CHAIR OR ELARC CONSUMER ADVISORY COMMITTEE (CAC)

WHAT'S GOING ON IN THE SERVICES THAT WE PROVIDE?

Frances Jacobs:

Vendors can be reimbursed for absences that are a direct result of the fires. Notice posted on ELARC website. Please contact is Karina Gonzalez for if you have any questions.

ELARC Staff Development:
Recommended reading for ELARC STaff
First Break All the Rules
The Fifth Discipline

ELARC Training: Person-centered thinking, etc.

Yvette Baptiste
Housing Advocates Needed in the Eastern Los Angeles and Whitter areas to develop a leadership team of volunteer housing advocates in Eastern Los Angeles to promote the development of affordable housing for people with developmental disabilities. Flyer available. Please contact Yvette at Family Resource Library (FRC) 626-300-9171.

Book recommendation for Sexual Behavior for people with disabilities:
The Rules of Sex (Hot Pink Book): Social and legal Guidelines for those who have Never Been Told
Written for Young Adults with Johnny Numez and Dr. Nora J. Baladerian. Available for purchase at the FRC.

NOMINATION FOR NEW CHAIR
Cathay Liu
Teresa Groak
Tammy Bachrach

VICE CHAIR
Joe Donofrio

Teresa Groak will coordinate the flyer and send to Francis Jacobs to be mailed.

REVIEW/ISSUES
Nov. 07 Agenda: Propose Teleconference meeting (TV) for January 08 VAC meeting.

CLOSING ROUND
Hospitality: Patricia De Los Santos (Easter Seals)
Mentor: Teresa Groak

ELARC VAC MEETING MINUTES: 10/25/07

2007-10-25T09:35:00.000-07:00

Planning Ahead

2007-10-01T16:46:00.000-07:00

September 24, 2007 the Eastern Los Angeles Regional Center Vendor Advisory Committee sponsored a training on planning and supporting individuals with planning ahead and end of life wishes.

This one-day overview provided an introduction on how to establish communication of end of life wishes for people with developmental disabilities.
We learned about:
Ø Why we need to have this conversation
Ø What role person-centered planning has in this topic
Ø The difference between competency and capacity
Ø Help people look at learning from their efforts and focusing on improving the future.
Ø Decision making ability of people with developmental disabilities in health care decisions
Ø The difference between a living will and an advanced directive and when they are needed
Ø Health care powers of attorney
Ø The role providers and staff play in end of life situations

Ø How to talk with someone you support about end of life
Ø The grieving process of people with developmental disabilities
Ø What to do when you are faced with this situation
And lots more . . .

Leigh Ann Kingsbury has been working in the field of developmental disabilities for almost 30 years; starting her career as a summer camp counselor in the late 70’s. Since that time, she has worked for several non-profit agencies and several states, helping people with disabilities leave institutional settings, return to their communities, and establish the lives they want. She founded a small supported living agency in Wilmington North Carolina and has worked on several systems change projects in North Carolina and other states, including projects that support people with psychiatric disabilities. She is the former director of the NC Person-Centered Planning Initiative.
Currently Leigh Ann is the lead consultant on an End of Life project in Washington, DC, and in Toronto, Canada. She is also the Regional Director of Arc Services, Inc. in New Bern, NC. She is consulting in several other states on person-centered planning and/or communication of end of life wishes. She is an Essential Lifestyle Planning Mentor Trainer, a PATH trainer and a Respecting Choices End of Life Planning Facilitator.
Leigh Ann holds a Bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation from the University of Maryland, and Master of Public Administration and Graduate Certificate in Gerontology from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington.

After a morning of understanding all the legal terms associated with planning ahead we spent the afternoon practicing real life scenarios in small groups. We then discussed all the options collectively with all who attended to learn from each other. We would like to thank Leigh Ann for all of her insights and experience and look forward to future learning in the area of supporting individuals and families to bring planning full circle and create a end of life that one desires.

I would like to thank all of the agencies that attended and hope that we can all share our learning to others and continue to provide and share resources in the areas of end of life.

ELARC VAC MEETING MINUTES: 9-27-07

2007-09-27T10:10:00.000-07:00

VAC VISION STATEMENT

TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF INDIVIDUALS

TO COMMUNICATE DIRECTLY WITH GENERAL COMMUNITY, ELARC STAFF, THE BOARD, DDS, AND ONE ANOTHER

TO PROVIDE TRAINING

TO INCREASE VENDOR PARTICIPATION AND HAVE IT BE MORE REPRESENTATIVE

TO INCLUDE COMPREHENSIVE AND SYSTEMS THINKING ABOUT THE SYSTEM AS A WHOLE

1. OPENING ROUNDS

2. CLARIFY AGENDA/MINUTES: MINUTES APPROVED

3. REPORT ON BOARD/RETREAT DEBRIEFING:
REPRESENTATION NEEDED IN THE FOLLOWING
A. BOARDING MEETING AD HOCK: 10/1/07 AND 10/12/07:CATHAY LIU
B. BOARD MEETING 10/9/07
C. TRANSITION FAIR: 10/22/07-10/23/07
D. JOINT MEETING FAC, CAC, VAC

Advisory Committee Discussions
CAC: Relationships, Transportation; FAC: TBA

VAC: Discuss VAC-driven issues
1. Build life-long relationships with providers and peers
2. Access
Not processing applications
Poor quality service
Transportation Companies

3. Vendors are required to give notice when terminating services with consumers; however, ELARC Staff/Consumer are not required to give Vendors notice when client wants to discontinue services; this causes agency/staff hardships; Can the Board consider that both parties prior notification?

4. Healthcare professionals are not aware of 1) services provided by Regional Centers and 2) providers like us for the consumers

Public Awareness to show in a positive light that our consumers can integrate successfully in the community. Expanding and sharing information to consumers

5. Allowing programs (such as Speech Enrichment program) to have one licensed professionals (OT or SLP) supervising trained professionals to cover more people; Adaptive Skills training. Using available resources for clinical services. Licensed vs. certified staff and supervision.

6. Normalization principles dominate now.
Programs are geared toward group activities
Parents want inclusion and day programs
CAC members/consumers need to come to meetings
Vendors can help develop leadership by consumers
Clarification of RC policies during transition from High School to allow for building life-long relationships

WHAT'S GOING ON IN THE SERVICES WE PROVIDE?

Contact: Joyce Miramontes: jmiramontes@elarc.org; 626-299=4868

Second Annual Transition Summit, Start Now! Planning for Adult Life (handout)

The College of Direct Support- extend staff training and looking of volunteers; looking for proposals (handout and Oct. 5 deadline for letter of intent)

Contact: Yvette Baptiste at FRC 626-300-9171
Macy's is supporting FRC with One Shopping Day (Oct. 13) buy 15% discount cards ($5.00) at FRC.

FRC Proposal has been chosen by UCLA Center; we are looking for volunteer housing advocate program and FRC recruiting consumers in San Gabriel, Whittier or ELARC catchment.

Grant from Target to do Early Childhood Literacy: having Story time at FRC and look out for announcements (Pajama Story times).

Contact: Tammy Bachrach from Easter Seals
HUD application issues. This has been brought to the attention of Don Knabe's office to take letters and information will be posted on the blog

REVIEW ACTIONS/BURNING ACTIONS:

BY-LAWS TO BE POSTED UNDER THE VAC AND BECOME MORE ORIENTED TO ADVISORY COMMITTEES (FAC, CAC, VAC); SEND FINAL COPY TO FRANCES JACOBS FOR POSTING

ACTIONS? WHO? BY LAWS FOR POSTING ON THE WEB
FIRST MOTION: TO END THE VISION STATEMENT DEVELOPMENT PROCESS AND PASS A RECOMMENDATION TO THE BOARD MEETING (BASED ON FOLLOW-UP FROM RETREAT); APPROVED

MOTION TO LIMIT THE VISIONING DEVELOPMENT OF THE MEETING TO APPROXIMATELY 10 MINUTES IN ORDER TO ENSURE TIME TO DEVELOP A RECOMMENDATION AND PRESENT IT ONE OR MORE TO THE BOARD BY JANUARY 2008: 15 IN FAVOR/ NO OPPOSITIONS: APPROVED

CLOSING ROUND:

HOSPITALITY: TERESA
MENTOR: DOUG

Learning Community August 3, 2007

2007-08-03T17:38:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone:

Yes we met again it was the first Friday of the Month. We were two strong but we still worked hard on figuring out how we can bring the skills and tools of person centered practices to our area in a consistent and strategic way that it changes the lives of people in a meaningful and directed way.

We used thinking tools to look at what we have accomplished and what's next.
Please chime in and add to the 4 plus 1 question.

What have we tried:

We have put on trainings in PCT, Coaches training, person centered teams and positive and productive meetings.

Inviting community members to our meetings

Met in local cafes

Provided a BBQ

What have we Learned?

We need more agencies to be involved to increase our learning

That we need to expand our Learning community

U.K. has developed standards that their evaluators are using to evaluate organizations based on PCT tools and skills.

We have a core group of providers that have completed the above learning opportunities

We have a strong commitment from the Regional Center in the learning

What are we pleased about?

We are still figuring this out together with vendors and the Regional Center

New learning from other areas of the world are providing us with great tools and specific data that this is working.

What are we concerned about?

Nothing will change or change will take so long

We don't have the right people in the room to make the change happen

Participation is not constant and how to make is so to seek the desired changes that matter.

What's next?

Big Plan - Looking at assisting families and individuals to develop great descriptions of how they want to live at scale.

End of life wishes training on September 24, 2007 at Temple City Community room.

G2G project- becoming a G2G project for this area and what it would take to accomplish this with the work we have already done so far.

Providing a ongoing coaches support and practice initiative.

See you next month,

The Gathering 2007-Portland, Oregan

2007-08-01T17:01:00.000-07:00

We started the Gathering with a world cafe. Claudia Bolton and I gave a brief overview of how to run a cafe conversation and quickly got the group of over 100 to look at questions that matter to our work. The questions that engaged our thinking were:

Round one

What have you been trying and learning about Person Centered Thinking, Person Centered Planning and Person Centered Approaches?

Round two

•What would you like to learn this week about Person Centered Thinking, Person Centered Planning and Person Centered Approaches?
•What Question, If I explore it during my time at this Gathering, could make the most difference in my life and work?

Round three

What do you hope to accomplish for this next year with regard to Person Centered Thinking, Person Centered Planning and Person Centered Approaches?What do you hope to learn and do?What do you hope to come back and tell us about next year?

For the Finally

We had a closing round table by table to list the themes of these conversations and Graphic recorders documented it for us. Sorry, I did not get a picture of this for you to view.

We then did an activity called the Speak Easy. This is where 16 people that gave us a 5 minute overview of what they were working on from around the world. This gave us an overview to topics that we could later get more information from the learning marketplace session. We moved every 5 minutes to hear a different topic to get a taste of what intrested our passions. Very fun for us but must of been exhausting for the hosts of the topics who had to give there 5 minute talk 16 times every 5 minutes. Some of he topics were: Comfort Zone exercise to help people to move towards action and away from panic; how to use PCT tools and skills within a state evaluation tool operated in the UK; Positive and productive Risk; How to conduct person centered reviews, Person Centered Supervision-new training to be out by end of year; and person centered budgets just to name a few.

We participated in set up of the learning market place. This is a concept that allows the particpants to determine what sessions and topics are going to be discussed. Topics were held for 45 minutes and hosted by anyone wanted to get more information or having information to share with others. I conducted one on how to craft powerful questions. Particpants who wanted to host and conduct session on topics would place it on a large post it and place it up on a board. The board looked something like this. Particpants decided where and when they wanted to meet and then there was time for negotiation and compromise if topices and times conflicted. This is a way to have the particpants decided what topics they want to learn about.

Gathering Day two:

In the morning we had presentations from families, self advocates, schools, seniors and mental health. They gave short talks on their latest learning and were available to give more extensive information as many of them signed up for learning market sessions.

The afternoon was set up for many of the learning market session

At the end of the day we had a panel discussion on graphics to enhance skills as a faciltator.

Gathering Day 3:

Good to Great Oregon

We learned about organizational change from Michael Smull, Helen Sanderson and Mary Lou Bourne. They discussed what is happening around the world and what they see on the horizon.

Michael Helen

We were able to see and hear from all the G2G (good to great) projects happening around the country and what they are learning. How to build accountablitliy and becoming a person centered organization. Discussed what the and how to provide that type of trianing and ongoing mentoring to accomplish this as well as defining a leadership plan, business plan and strategic planning to enhance the movement to becoming a person centered system.

Mary Lou

Next we learned how important it is to learn about process mapping. "If you want to make change" learning how to do this is critical. Process mapping is getting everyone in the room to analyze a function or process of your work to better assist us in understanding how things get done. Then you go through a process to clarify roles and simplify. Many orgainzations who have done this process have found that they can became more efficant and found easier ways to accomplish their duties and objectives to reach their ultimate vision.

Then Michael Steinbruck went throught the Learning Community website and materials and how to make the information more accessible and keep it interactive.

Gathering Day 4:

Coaching was the theme. Management has to take advantage of the learning from coaches. Every manager over time must become a coach for agencies to become successful in person centered services. The learning community that coaches are the motor for change. What we are learning doing this work is that we have to develop coaches if people are to become person centered lives. Coaches are the individuals who are leading the change and guiding and teaching. It is a movement from training to coaching. The need to provide ongoing practice and learning that is necessary for us to change how we provide services to individuals and families.

Then Mary Lou shared information for figuring out How PCT is making a difference for individuals and organiztions. How data can be collected and used to see progress and outcomes for implementing person centered thinking tools in your organization.

The afternoon we practiced tools. We had 7 stations for tool practice and we conducted 2 45 minutes sessions on explaining tools to use in the following areas:

tools for problem solving

Building community

Thinking about the future

Citizenship

Biographical timelines and history maps

team building

building living descriptions

Tammy Costlow and I showed how you can use the card call activity and rounds through Positive and Productive meetings to problem solve.

Gathering Day 5:

We spent the last half day on person centered supervison. There will be a workbook out soon and a training guide similar to Positive, Productive Meetings that guide us into teaching how to be a person centered supervisor. Most of us have become superviors through experience and time on the job but have not hand any formal trianing. Not everyone but in the room I was in a large percentage of us all learned on the job. Giving some credance to figure out how we can assist managers to be effective and demonstrate Person Centered approaches and practices in their work.

Other attendees participated in the Art of Caoching - exploring practice models of coaching conversations and how to use appreciative inquiry.

or they attended Person Centered Planning and individualized budgets

It was great learning and my hope is that more of us from Southern California can go next year.

ELARC VAC MEETING 6-28-07

2007-06-28T10:13:00.001-07:00

1. OPENING ROUND

2. REVIEW GROUND RULES

3. CLARIFY AGENDA/MINUTES

4. DISCUSS UPCOMING BOARD RETREAT JULY 7, 2007
MARK STARFORD: DISCUSSED THE ROLE OF THE BOARD/ADVISORY COMMITTEES
A. OUR GOAL IS T BRING ALL ADVISORY BOARDS TOGETHER
B. WHAT SHOULD THE DAY BE LIKE? REPRESENTING DIFFERENT AREAS OF VENDORSHIP
C. WHAT WILL WE DO TO START PARTICIPATING MORE CLOSELY AND BUILD SENSE OF COMMUNITY AND BUILD COMMUNICATION?
D. ENSURE THAT EVERYONE UNDERSTANDS WHAT IS BEING SAID/DISCUSSED
E. BOARD RETREAT INPUT QUESTIONS ANSWERED IN SMALL GROUPS TODAY

** CAC survey data will also drive retreat conversation - over 200 survey responses collected

ALANA HAMPTON: RETREAT PROCESS
GROUPS ANSWERED 2 QUESTIONS FOR RETREAT
1. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO WORK COLLABORATIVELY AS A DIVERSE GROUP?
2. WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE TO THE VAC?

GROUP 1
1. Better communication between vendors
2. Every vendor should have a monthly CAC and send a representative to the RCs CAC to bring back info. for consumers
3. Have CAC from all RCs go into communities and do a survey with consumers at least once a year to get feedback
4. Hire more SCs to lighten caseloads so that they can work more intimately and efficiently with their clients
5. Have more if not all flyers and info provided to consumers in plainer language with graphics

GROUP 2
1. Communication: Transparent, unfiltered form for discussion among stakeholders
2. VAC will provide ways for parents and clients to get information about their service options
3. Opening dialogue between agencies and the consumers they serve.

GROUP 3

1. Board and VAC member to have a mutual understanding of what each party does
2. continue the dialogue/partnership
3. Future improvements
Provide the Board with more concrete action items and recommendations in a more formal and structured way
Develop consistent ways to select quality, committed VAC members that understand the duties, commitment and VAC objectives.

GROUP 4
1. Transportation provider should not be part of the VAC b/c input because VAC meeting not addressing Transportation's concerns; want more participation from RC
2. ELARC's VAC and board of Directors have common goals and work in unison to achieve mutual vision.
3. Establish a PLAN OF ACTION when consumer is at at providers responsibility for long time to consumers floating around.
4. Resolve consumer issues rather than changing providers.

Six Representatives of the Committees will participate at the retreat
1. Oscar Carvajal-Infant Development
2. Tammy Bachrach-ILS, SLS, SE
3. Teresa Groak-Behavioral Services
4. Pat Thornburg-Supported Employment
5. Need Rep from Residential: Joyce will make contacts
6. Doug Pascover,ILS
7. Alana Hampton-ABA emphasis on child
8. Baldo Paseta -Transportation: need confirmation

All Representatives were voted in May 07 to participate in retreat.

5. WHAT'S GOING ON IN THE SERVICES THAT WE PROVIDE?

6. REVIEW ACTIONS/BURNING ISSUES: none

7. CLOSING ROUND

June 07
Minutes:Teresa Groak
Hospitality: Alana Hampton
Mentor:Doug Pascover

ELARC Vendor Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes 5-24-07

2007-05-24T09:38:00.000-07:00

ELARC's VAC Meeting Thursday, May 24, 2007Time: 10:00 - 10:15
Item/Question: Opening Round
Who: All
Discussion/Information: Information
Outcome: We all shared what is going well in our lives.

Time: 10:15-10:30
Item/Question: Health Insurance for Consumers
Who: Pastor Charles Mackie and Rick Liuag
Discussion/Information: 2006 Medicare Advantage Plans
Outcome:

A. Medicare is overwhelmed with claims because more people turning 65 than ever.
Outsourcing allows private insurance to designs health plans to take some of the burden.
Requirements:
With Medicare Advantage Plans, Patients must get exact same medical
benefits (Medicare and Medicaid) with some ancillary benefits (i.e,
hearing aids); plans can be tailored to thepatient's
needs. Medicare Advantage Plans is restricted on how they
advertise to consumers who qualify for this program. They are
partnering with nationwide ministries, regional centers, hospitals, etc. Need Vendor
support to spread the information. For consumers who are dual eligible Medicare and Medicaid; will provide info. to RC.

B. Alternative for Group Health Insurance with Vendors available. Will leave info. with RC.
Contact: Relief Plus, Rick Liuag 888.528.8538

Time: 10:30 - 10:40
Item/Question: Rosemary Crossley
Who: Brady Miller-Wakeham
Discussion/Information: Information
Outcome: On July 23, 2007, WAPEDH will host a community breakfast for Rosemary Crossley in uptown Whittier. www.wapedh.org

Time: 10:40-11:00
Item/Question: Facilitated Communication Training
Who: Marylin (FCT Trainer)
Discussion/Information: Information
Outcome: Consumer Sean was asked to share his experiences with FCT. The ss="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">FCT
Training allows consumers with developmental delays to communicate
functionally. Training opened up information available for non-verbal
consumers.
*Flowchart of steps is needed to what steps to take to learn about communication and contact information.

Time: 11:00-11:05
Item/Question: New Vice Chair
Who: Joe
Discussion/Information: Discussion - Nominations for vice chair
Oucome: VAC voted today and elected Cathay Liu as the New Vice Chair

Time: 11:05 - 11:15
Item/Question: FAC/VAC/CAC
Who: Joe/Yvette
Discussion/Information: Information
Outcome:
Ideas on how the committees can work together/Pick 6 Representatives of
the Committees July 7 during the retreat (Nominees: Oscar Carvajal-Infant Development, Tammy Bachrach-ILS, SLS, SE, Teresa Groak-Behavior Services, Pat Thornburg-Supported Employment , Jesus Fregoso-Residential, Doug Pascover, Alana Hampton-ABA emphasis on child, Baldo Paseta-Transportation);
Representative voted to participate in retrea.

Ideas on how the
committees can work together
1. Someone from VAC should go to other meetings and vice versa; committees to separat.
2. Broaden the BLOG Internet communication; VAC happy to resource.
3. Meet together, all in the room together once, twice, four times per year.
4. Would like to know other committees

Time: 11:30 - 11:35
Item/Question: Learning Community Gathering/Future Trainings/Developing On-going Learning
Who: Joe
Discussion/Information: Information
Outcome:
On-community appointing trainings (June 1st -First Friday of the month,
Temple City, CA/Joe's house) and community outreach; also focus on
Consumers receiving services. Submitted a grant for community-wide
forum.

Time: 11:30 - 11:35
Item/Question: Transportation/MTA rates going up
Who: Frances for Jessie Padilla
Discussion/Information: Information
Outcome: Awareness and speak up; wage enhancement activated

Time: 11:35 - 11:35
Item/Question: Parent Support Group
Who: Yvette
Discussion/Information: Information
Outcome: New 6-week Parent Support Group available in Whittier at Easter Seals

Doug Pascover will be Mentor for June 07. Patricia from Easter Seals will provide Hospitality.

APRIL 26, 2007 VAC MEETING DISCUSSION POSTERS

2007-02-15T14:39:00.000-08:00

Question: What is the next step in the process of improving the Vendor Advisory Committee? This process began by addressing what the group saw as it's purpose, with a goal of adjusting the agenda and format of the meeting to best fulfill that vision. We have now discussed our highest value activities and the possibility that some of these activities will take place during the regular meeting, some will take place in separate subcommittees which will report back, and some take place here. Please add your feedback in the comments section, below.

So, to get to next steps there seem to me to be a few other questions that might inform the answer to the main one.

Do you feel that the activities we discussed at our tables are well enough defined to implement? If so, what would those activities look like during a meeting, if not, how would you propose to define them better?
What do you think would make sense as a reason for a given activity to take place during the regular meeting, in a subcommittee or here?
Can you think of goals or objectives we could establish to monitor progress on these activities?

Note: This post is being chemically altered to remain at the top of the page until one week before the next VAC meeting. There may be newer material beneath.

Also note: I will list the actual activities we discussed as soon as I get the list.

My Job Title

2007-02-07T08:10:00.000-08:00

I kind of wondered why the pre-registration asked for a job title. I didn't think of a conference directory and if I had thought of it, I would not have thought anyone would read it. Putting "Limericist" was meant as an in-joke between me and whoever did the data entry. A limericist is someone who writes limericks.

So, for Pam Hayes of Valley Light Industries who insisted on Monday I bring her a limerick on Tuesday and never showed up to receive it:

When charlatans are all about
Let your heart be untroubled with doubt.
You still can seem saintly
By just hinting faintly
You found one not in the room out.

2007-01-26T21:57:00.000-08:00

OK! I'm back with the program & have my username and password figured out! Thanks for the tip Doug. I also wanted to point out how much I am enjoying the VAC meetings!

Posters from VAC 1-25-07

2007-01-25T14:01:00.000-08:00

An Educational Post

2007-01-23T10:09:00.000-08:00

Greetings, all. This post exists because the one below was too long to print. This is a basic blog post. Up top, "Seeing Clearer" is the blog title. Just above, where it says An Educational Post is the title and date of the post. What you are reading right now is the post itself. Below, on the left, you see which of us posted this (Doug), followed by the time of this post, and on the right the number of comments.

If you want to read the comments and add your own, you may click on the word comments below. If you click below, where it says 10:09 AM, you can view this single post, with comments as a separate web page. I still haven't figured out why you'd want to, but you can.

For more information, you can click on New to blogging? which is a link on the right, just below where it says New Here?

Time to Think Presentation - Part 1

2006-11-29T17:45:00.000-08:00

Here are the powerpoint slides from Joe's presentation on the book "Time to Think" by Nancy Kline:

Time to Think Presentation - Part 2

2006-11-29T17:44:00.000-08:00

TIme to Think - Presentation part 3

2006-11-29T17:41:00.000-08:00

VAC Minutes 11-16-06

2006-11-22T16:27:00.000-08:00

Here are the minutes for November's VAC meeting. Please e-mail me at alanalh@yahoo.com if you noticed anything I left out. Thanks to Patricia for transcribing the Items for Information and to Joe for the delicious homemade peanut butter cookies!

Edited to add: I just realized that I left out Joe's excellent presentation on Time to Talk by Nancy Kline in the minutes. I will edit the minutes to reflect the presentation and get up the revised version soon after the Holiday weekend. Anything else I miss?

VAC Agenda - November

2006-11-08T20:02:00.000-08:00

Here is the agenda for November's VAC meeting. We will be following up on what we discussed last month, all which can be found on this weblog, so please review come prepared to provide input on what we would like the VAC's vision to be at our next VAC meeting, Thursday, November 16th.

Also, please scroll down and provide feedback to the questions to the second and third post below.

VAC Minutes - October

2006-11-08T19:54:00.000-08:00

I'm working on getting my scanner to cooperate in order to provide clearer minutes, however until then, here are the minutes for October's VAC meeting.

Question #1 (a-c)

2006-10-27T14:05:00.000-07:00

The ELARC Vendor Advisory Committee (VAC) used its meeting yesterday, October 25, to discuss the purpose, vision and format of the VAC. This process can be expected to continue over several months. Several themes, emerged, listed below. Please review the list below and leave your ideas in the comments below to any of these questions:

1a. Which of the items on the list are of the greatest value?

1b. Do you have any suggestions for rephrasing any of these?

1c. Is there anything you would like to add?

For those of you who are knew to this site, brief explanations can be through in the two links on the right under the heading New Here?

For those of you who are new to the concept of the blog, you can add your opinion, either anonymously or under your own name, by clicking on the word "comments" at the bottom of this post. It is appropriate in the comments not only to leave a new opinion but to respond to other opinions there as well.

If you have any further questions, please call Alana at home any old day and time, even in the wee hours. Don't worry about it, she hardly needs rest. Or you can email me at the address shown when you click on my name.

Now the list:The following are proposed to be the most valuable functions for the VAC:

-To communicate directly with the general community, the local disability community, the ELARC staff and board, DDS and one another.

-To improve the quality of life of people with disabilities.

-To increase vendor participation and have it be more representative.

-A closed session of the VAC without ELARC staff present to start each meeting.

-New categories of committees, particularly tailored to facilitate transition and cooperation between vendor agencies.

-Complete feedback loop between VAC and board, collaborative.

-Representation of legislative and political action.

-Serving as a change agent.

-Providing training.

-Include comprehensive and systems thinking about the system as a whole.

What do you all think? Which of the above resonate and which are less or more important? My instinct is we need no more than 5 items on this list to take a next step.

Question #2

2006-10-27T14:01:00.000-07:00

Hi, everybody. This post is following up on the Vendor Advisory Committee meeting from yesterday. A summary is above in the post accompanying question #1. The question here is, what parts of the existing VAC meeting should be condensed, moved to a subcommittee or eliminated?

Remember you can answer anonymously if you choose to.

More photos of VAC notes...

2006-10-26T13:18:00.000-07:00

VAC Notes - Vision Statement

2006-10-26T13:01:00.000-07:00

Here are the photos of the notes taken at the VAC which adressed what we would like our Vision to be:

Summer is over

2006-09-29T12:02:00.000-07:00

Hope everyone had a great summer and eager to get the ball rolling. We started off the Fall season with a week of Michael Smull. He spent two more days of person centered thinking training. He also spent time with ELARC service coordinators, Board of directors and families. We are in the next stages of planning and looking at providing weekly PCT training for vendors, families and service coordinators. We hope that this will be on the way by the end of year no later then January. The two day training will be broken into 4 modules. Therefore the two days can be completed in one month time in three hour blocks of time. We are hoping that this format will make the training more available to all and then can be done on an ongoing basis so if you are not able to attend module 2 one month you can get back on track the next following month so that you can complete the whole two day training.

We are looking to schedule two more training in the area of End of Life wishes using person centered approaches and Positive and productive meetings. I will be coordinating with Leigh Ann Kingsbury and Amanda George who are experts in these two areas and are intrested in assisting in the near future.

We also had Jack Pearpoint and Lynda Kahn out in September. To gather more of the type of training that they do you can go to www.inclusion.com. There training was on how to make a difference. They provided a multi media presentation that was very interactive and exercise driven. Check there work out.

Learning Community

2006-08-04T20:31:00.000-07:00

The first Friday of August brought a few of us together once again to brief each other on how we are doing in the skills of person centered thinking. We shared the information that was presented at the week long conference in Portland. Many updates of the PCT materials were presented from the diffent states and countries represented at the gathering. Tri-Counties Regional Center presented at the gathering which we reviewed in hopes to have some future collaboration. It's getting close that's right Michael Smull will be out September 13th and 14th with a location to be determined for a two day trianing. Information to come.

Postcards from Portland, last day

2006-07-28T10:27:00.000-07:00

Today the session was divided into two separate presentations, one on educating law enforcement about people with disabilities and the other, from which this report comes, covers basics of the MAP and PATH processes for person-centered planning.

Insight of the day: "Considering the nightmare scenario helps every stakeholder understand what they need desperately to avoid." -Ruth Gordon, UK.

Today the conference only goes until noon at which point I'm to be turned loose on Portland on my own recognizance.

Postcards from Portland, Day IV

2006-07-27T10:03:00.000-07:00

The morning began with presentations by family members including a parent-run group in Australia, a parent advocate from New Jersey and a group from Pennsylvania requiring their county to use ELP. The afternoon will be a "Learning Marketplace"

A presenter from the UK mentioned an interesting sounding book called The Keys to Citizenship by Simon Duffy.

Insight of the day: It's important to ask all the participants (including the professionals) before an ELP meeting what needs to accomplished for them to feel the meeting has been successful.- Ruth Gorman.(UK)

Special Bonus Insight: British people have many different ways of talking funny. -Your correspondent.

Postcards from Portland, Day III

2006-07-26T10:23:00.000-07:00

The third day of the 2006 ELP Trainer's Conference is dedicated to organizational change. Primarily the agenda for today is made up of presentations by the personnel of agencies that are participating in the "Good to great" program presenting their stories. Speakers have been or are scheduled to be representatives from three Oregon-based organizations, Tri-Counties Regional Center and groups from Canada and the United Kingdom.

Michael Smull requested that the name "Good to great" be used very intentionally by only groups who have formally committed to a mutual learning process. I'm still waiting for the "insight of the day," and this post will be updated this afternoon.

OK, the insight of the day today comes from Dave Mulvay of Tri-Counties Regional Center in a private conversation (I'll check later if it's ok to share this) that the IPP and the ISP can be a single shared document providing the service coordinator assurance that they understand the focus of the agency's work and the vendor assurance that those areas where creativity and risk are accepted that creativity and risk will be tolerated.

Postcards from Portland, Day II

2006-07-25T10:15:00.000-07:00

The second day of the ELP learning community conference was dedicated to person-centered thinking coaches. The emphasis is on not necessarily formal training but the roles that some people can play in informally habituating the new skills withing an organization. Topics include the need for coaches (making person-centered approaches ambient and habitual), some coaches training materials, supporting coaches and a feedback process (later today) meant to improve the coach training.

Insight of the day: Groups taking themselves too seriously can obstruct change- Alison Strong

Portland Post Card

2006-07-24T15:29:00.000-07:00

Greetings from Portland Oregon and the Essential Lifestyle Planning Gathering 2006. Today's session began with a fast review of the planning tool changes created in advance of this year's conference. Well, it really began with positive productive meeting processes but I'm a poor reporter of such things.

The working lunch included a demonstration of ELP tools available on the intranet at Tri-Counties Regional Center (TCRC.) designed to make the identification and use of appropriate tools to be easier for ELP planners. This is an excellent resource for TCRC staff. It would be swell if something similar may be available on the ELP website.

Two instruments that have been used for essential lifestyle training. Graham Seaton, whose brother is an adult with autism demonstrated a movie-based ELP instrument done for his brother (which is available for a fee.) The next was a newsletter format Essential Lifestyle Plan written by a woman who receives support.

The final presentation is a discussion of "Life Plans" by the Pathfinders group from California.

Fifteen states and four countries are represented at this gathering.

Insight of the Day: In terms of the ELP corporate approach there is developing a use it or lose it approach to training certification. There is an emphasis on keeping abreast of changes which strengthens change.

Communication with the Community

2006-06-15T17:07:00.000-07:00

This is the second in a series of weekly posts by members of the Vendor Leadership forum. The idea is that each week, one of us will write a short paragraph about thoughts that we have regarding the availability of person-centered support and then ask a question. All are invited to respond in the comments. So here is installment two.

What stops us from learning? Sometimes we are just too busy to learn-people mentally register something they've learned but it disappears amidst the day-to-day presures of life. Sometimes people simple don't think things through and so a mistake made or something which worked really well is forgotten. Sometimes learning doesn't happen because of blame culture-because people feel unable to 'own-up' to mistakes, the learning that might have resulted is buried and instead people cover their tracks.

So here is the question how do we ensure that learning is taking place? How do we find staff that are keen to learn? How do we as organizations provide a learning culture and environment?

Learning Community Meeting 6/2/06

2006-06-05T13:02:00.000-07:00

6/2/06

We discussed the VAC/FAC/CAC Task Force Meeting on 5/25/06. At this meeting, The Chairperson of ELARC's Board of Directors presented the attendees with an agenda. We spent the majority of the meeting time going over mission statements of each advisory committee. It may be more conducive to having a dialogue among the members if there is less structure. No members of the FAC was present.

Doug from ¡Arriba! had a meeting with parents on 6/1/06. One parent wanted to start his own weblog. Questions for the vendors may be posted on Seeing Clearer. This way parents and vendors may communicate directly about services needed and provided.

Communication within the community

2006-06-05T08:02:00.000-07:00

This is the first in a series of weekly posts by members of the Vendor Leadership forum. The idea is that each week, one of us will write a short paragraph about thoughts that we have regarding the availability of person-centered support and then ask a question. All are invited to respond in the comments. So here is installment one:

As a service vendor, I receive a great deal of input from clients and families that ¡Arriba! already serves. This provides me some insight into the needs and wished of people who already work with us. However, I recognize that the input I receive has an automatic bias in that it comes from people whose needs our agency is already competent to address. Styles and modes of support that may be needed but for which we do not provide are not made known to us because our communication begins only after the client has been determined to have needs that we can address.

Do clients and families have a forum in which to discuss their needs with vendors that can lead to innovative solutions?

VLF Meeting Minutes and a new feature for this site

2006-05-25T15:06:00.000-07:00

The Vendor Leadership Forum held it's regular monthly meeting this morning between 9 and, well, a little after 10.

Members present:
Joe, Chair, Alana, Doug and Toni Gonzales representing vendors as well as Liz, Cecilia and Jess representing the Regional Center.

1. Joe described the Supported Living Conference held in April to the group. At the conference Joe co-led a session on person-centered thinking and PATH as an instrument for person-centered planning.

2. Upcoming trainings by other parties were discussed. The California Supported Living Network will be sponsoring a one-day training session on community-building with Jack Pearpoint and Lynda Kahn on either September 18th or 19th in Los Angeles.

July 24-28 in Portland, Oregon there will be a week-long session on person-centered thinking.

3. Upcoming Michael Smull Consulting. VLF is exploring the last week of September as a time to bring Michael back. The concept now is that Michael will be asked to repeat the two-day introductory training for new agencies wishing to use his instruments toward person-centered thinking, as well as a one or two-day session to deepen the understanding of people who have already been trained.

4. Learning community, a new feature to make this blog more compelling for non-members was discussed. Details below.

5. VLF PATH. The PATH (see post of February 9, or Click here to see the PATH. Note: The PATH is our plan to foster short-term system change,) was reviewed to determine whether commitments had been kept and were up to date. In large part, they are with two remaining responsibilities to complete: Contact Matt Pope of Protection and Advocacy to inform him of our activities and complete a commitment to provide Yvette with some information.

6. There was discussion that all people promoting the development of person-centered plans should complete plans on themselves.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:05.

The VLF Learning community will meet on June 2 at 2PM at CHOICESS.

The next VLF meeting is scheduled for 9AM on June 22

New Feature
During the discussion, it was raised that to improve this blog as an instrument of transparency it would be useful to add content of interest beyong the doings of the VLF. To that end, beginning in June, each VLF member will commit to posting a one-paragraph essay with an open question to the community each week. The plan is that this will begin with Doug, the first week of June, with Joe to post once the second week, Alana the third, etc. We look forward to those conversations with all of you.

Open Invitation

2006-05-08T06:22:00.000-07:00

The Vendor Leadership Forum would like to host a conversation with clients and families about our direction and focus. Our hope is to begin with a two-hour discussion using The World Cafe process and guidelines. World Cafe is a technology for determining the direction of a conversation with open objectives.

Because the ELARC VLF focuses on change within the Eastern Los Angeles County Regional Center catchment area, we would like to make this meeting as convenient as possible for clients and families within our catchment area, although the invitation to attend is open. If you are a user of services through ELARC, please leave a comment if there is a month or season and a day of the week and time which would be best for your attendance.

CSLN Conference

2006-05-01T16:31:00.000-07:00

The California supported living Network is have it annual conference in San Diego on May 17th and 18th. It's not to late to attend. There will be a few presentations related to person centered thinking. Obtain registration information on their website at www.supportedliving.com. Go to the new and events section to download a registration form. Hope to see ya there.

CSLN conference

2006-05-01T16:19:00.000-07:00

Vendor Leadership Forum meeting 4/27

2006-04-27T13:20:00.000-07:00

The regular monthly meeting of the Vendor Leadership Forum (VLF) was held this morning between 9:15 and 10 in the board room at The Regional Center. The meetings are open and held on the fourth Thursday of every month except August and December, from 9:00 (or as soon as a room opens up)-10.

The attendees this month were

Joe, Chair

Vendors:Alana, Kai (Cathay), Doug and Edith

Regional Center staff: Roxy, Joyce

At the meeting there was discussion of next steps. The main points were:
1. Depth of interest in training of vendors in Person-Centered Thinking should be assessed to determine how often the first trainings should be scheduled.
2. VLF members and service users should be communicating directly. Alana will contact families participating in the Mark Starford training to set up a meeting which will be open to families and vendors generally.
3. The upcoming Learning Group meeting (Next Friday at 2PM at CHOICESS 135 Live Oak, Arcadia) will compare where we are on the PATH (click here to see) with where we planned to be.
4. We need accountability in process and clients and families are good agents of that.
5. Families interested in person-centered services should be encouraged to set up a website/weblog like this one which can be linked to advance conversation.
6. World Cafe facilitation methodology may be useful in communitywide conversations.

The meeting adjourned early proving that anything is possible.

Attendees, I'm a lousy note-taker. Did I miss anyone or anything?

Minutes from VLF meeting 3/23/06 (from Joe)

2006-03-25T23:38:00.000-08:00

Opening round:
We discussed everyone’s positive experience from their attendance of the training with Michael Smull

Upcoming trainigs:

CIRCL Gathering, April 20, 21 Santa Cruz. Exploring the forensic needs San Diego September 29th. Ticket to work March 29th by familia Unida 323- 261-5565. You can work without losing your Medi-Cal- trainings through out the south land call PASC at 1-877-5654477. CDCAN teleconference meetings contact Marty Omoto to get on the email list of when they occur at martyomoto@rcip.com

More feedback on Michael Smull coaches training:

We discussed how to involve more people from vendors, families, service coordinators, clinical team at our next trainings. At this time we have not had opportunity to debrief from this week to set the next step. We should have more information by next meeting with follow-up. We discussed the need to get up to speed with our own local trainers so that we can keep us heading along the path more consistently and not getting stuck in anyone place to long. We discussed how to be held accountable for the learning of the tools and getting proficient at using them.

Next learning community meeting:

First Friday of every month next meeting is at 2:00 4/7/06 @CHOICESS office

Path review:

Did not have time to review

Sharing tools used from the last month:

We passed around an end-of-life manual that has person centered thinking tools infused within the document. Looked over some scenarios that can be used along with the PCT tools to assist us with aging and end-of-life wishes.

Review actions:

This meeting went long and the discussion was extensive on our feedback with the training over the last three days. We did not have time to review any action items. So I will make it a priority to have some information at the next meeting of our next steps.

Frances reported that families wanted training in the area of technology and Augmentative and Facilitative communication training. She would like the VLF to co-sponsor the training with them in the near future.

Closing round:
To use the communication chart instead of the traditional ABC behavior record. (Alana)

We did not have time to go around the room but since I am drafting these minutes I will commit sharing and doing an exercise next month.

Smull Training 3/21/06

2006-03-21T21:09:00.000-08:00

I am including an overview on the afternoon training for Tuesday, March 21st, 2006.

The Purpose of today’s meeting was for service Providers and ELARC Commuunity Services and management to discuss strategies for partnership in implementing Person Centered Planning with the facilitation of Michael Smull...please note that this is an ongoing dialogue with the Michael Smull, the VLF and the Regional Center...

Michael initiated the dialogue by presenting a visual of an arrow (do you have this graphic Joe?). The left of the arrow represented the lowest standard of care, including health and safety, the middle represented good but payed care and the furthest point to the right of the arrow represented lives integrated in the community. Michael posed the following questions to the Regional center and Service provider’s:

1. What percentage of RC’s clients would we say are living fully integrated lives?
2. Where would we say a majority or our clients lie on the arrow?
3. What would it look like if there were clients living person centered lives integrated in the community?

After a facilitated discussion on these issues, attendees were divided into four groups, each a mix of service providers and Regional Center staff to do an exercise in the what impacts our ability to create an environment of more person-centered lives. Both positive and negative factors were discussed and changes that could be made to each of these factors were identified in order to help move the system closer to a system that supports Person centered integrated lives.

To all in attendance, please feel free to make corrections and additions...

Meeting Minutes (from Joe)

2006-03-08T06:58:00.000-08:00

On march 3rd we had our second Learning community meeting. Alana, Cathy and Joe were present sharing ideas of how to keep the momentum going and the learning happening in phases. We have a good start with the first round of person centered thinking training and coaches training. After this months coaches training with the regional center and vendors we will strategize with Michael Smull on the next steps for follow-up with existing service coordinators and vendors as well as the next round of person centered thinking training. Joe shared some work that is being shared from Northstar Services in using the four questions. What have you tried, what have you learned, what are we pleased about and what are you concerned about. Next meeting April 7th.

Meeting Minutes (from Joe)

2006-03-08T06:57:00.000-08:00

Minutes from our last VLF Meeting:

Liz shared the schedule of events with Michael Smull the week of march 20th. It will be at the South Pasadena Community Center.

Update on trainings: Symposium with Tri-Counties Regional Center, CSLN conference and CIRCL gathering Lee gave a quick update on the Micro-enterprise training provided by Sherry Beamer Dale Dutton and
Liz shared information on the Grass roots day in Sacramento. The idea was thrown around to look at doing another vendor fair.

The path was distributed to VLF as well as copies were available for the VAC. Thanks Yvette.

Joe passed around an example of what’s working tool that was used in a team meeting.

Review actions:
Sarah will send out information to the vendors.
Liz will provide more information regarding Grass roots day to the VLF
Joe to put the minutes on the BLOG.

Tools to share at next meeting:
Liz and Alana will use what’s working tool
Lee is using the learning log
Joe is using important to/for, donut and whats working tools at next weeks presentation on end of life issues.

VLF PATH

2006-02-09T15:03:00.000-08:00

The Vendor Leadership Forum met this morning to do a PATH exercise, essentially a quick planning activity to determine the VLF's vision of the future and how to get there. To see the chart, click on the photo above.

The PATH chart will receive periodic updates and we welcome input from everyone in the comments section below.

Joe D'Onofrio chaired the meeting.

Also in attendance were:
Cindy King, Almansor Center
Liz Harrell, participating on behalf of ELARC
Rodney Mojarro from PALS
Doug Pascover from ¡Arriba!

What is the VLF?

2006-02-09T13:52:00.000-08:00

This is Doug's version. Corrections, disagreements and additional information are welcome in the comments section. Oh, and to people unacquainted with California's system for community-based support to people with developmental disabilities the following post will be approximately gibberish. Sue me.

Around 2000/2001 The East Los Angeles County Regional Center (ELARC) perceived that resources were not available to fully offer their clients the kinds of services (individualized, integrated and dignified) that clients were increasingly requesting. Frances Jacobs, ELARC's liaison to the vendor community, approached Yvette Baptiste, then employed by a major vendor and chair of the Vendor Advisory Committee, about the Regional Center's interest in stimulating innovative new approaches to serving clients. In response, and with ELARC's interest and support, Yvette founded the Vendor Leadership Forum (VLF).

Since that time, the VLF has grown increasingly active in innovation, reform and learning towards a future where people with developmental disabilities have ready access to whatever support is needed for a full and integrated life.

Now under the Leadership of Joe D'Onofrio, the VLF has chosen to position itself as containing the vendors' responsibility for innovative approaches to change, in partnership with the Regional Center, clients, families and other stakeholders. Specifically, we are working to broaden and deepen Person-centered Thinking (PCT) as an approach to the delivery of support.

Over the past year, the VLF has retained Michael Smull as a consultant, and begun regular meetings for the purpose of cooperatively learning about PCT and its delivery and for the purpose of effecting change, wherever necessary, to make PCT-based services available to Regional Center clients.

The team decided to start this weblog in order to make our work as transparent to the community as possible, to invite feedback from other stakeholders and to document our journey so that we learn better along it. Minutes of VLF meetings, notice of upcoming events, records of past events and other documentation will be available here.

Any questions?

New to blogging?

2006-02-09T12:34:00.000-08:00

This post will explain the basics of what you are looking at and why the Eastern Los Angeles County Vendor Leadership Forum (VLF) created it. Another post, which you can read by clicking here explains what the VLF is.

What is a blog? The term BLOG is short for WEBLOG, basically a simple web-based journal with dated entries, typically with the most recent entries visible and the most recent one at the top.

What is the purpose of this blog? The purpose of this weblog is to allow anyone interested to follow the progress of the VLF, what decisions are being made and actions planned. Those who wish to, may contribute to the progress, decision-making and plans by giving feedback on this site. How to do that is explained below.

How can I give my opinions? Each entry has two sections. Immediately visible is the "post." This is the section which begins with the date it was posted and the title and continues in text and pictures beneath that title. On this weblog, the posts will be written by members of the VLF. Beneath each post, you will see small print giving a number and the word "comments." Comments are the second part of the entry and anyone can contribute their thoughts, ideas, questions, etc. here. Simply click on the word "comments" and you will be able to view the comments that have already been left and add your own.

What is the best way to read a weblog? For people who are merely mildly curious, read a post or two. For someone vitally curious who finds this site in the future, it may be useful to start at the beginning and read the whole site. In that case, it is useful to understand that a weblog is written backwards. To read chronologically, begin with the post on the bottom of the page, not the top. Also, only the most recent posts will be visible from the "front page." There are monthly archives available and linked to on the right.

What, if any, are the groundrules? The authors of this website understand that for many people, this system can be frustrating and opportunities to express yourself too rare. We do not require that commenters use a civil tone, stay on topic or praise anyone. We do wish this site to be comfortable for anyone interested, however, so we may exercise our power to delete comments if they:

1. Use profanity.
2. Include personal attacks against individuals by name, or if a single individual, criticized personally can be identified from the comment, or
3. Appear to be spam.

For instance, it is acceptable to say "All ILS providers are ravening wolves," or "One ILS agency I know of has an ugly Executive Director" but it is not acceptable to say "The Executive Director of ¡Arriba! ILS is an irredeemable scoundrel without hope of heaven," however obvious that may be to everyone,

Spam? Are you kidding me? Nope, like every other form of electronic communication, blogs get spam (comments not pertaining to the topic which promote other websites or businesses.) To make this site as accessible as possible we will begin without Spam filters, but may add some later. Available spam filters include a requirement that a commenter identify themselves through a blogger account (which may be itself anonymous) or that they type a code which is intentionally hard to read.

Introduction and Welcome

2006-02-05T07:26:00.000-08:00

Friends,

This site is intended to be a journal of a coalition seeking to improve the availability and quality of person-centered support for people with developmental disabilities. The team-members and I hope that through this website, our efforts will be transparent to the community, a tool for learning and a source of feedback from stakeholders especially the people we serve and their families.

At the present moment, the team writing here will begin as:

Joe D'Onofrio of CHOICESS, a provider of supported living services to adults between downtown Los Angeles and the San Gabriel Valley.
Alana Hampton of Reach, a provider of Applied Behavioral Analysis in eastern Los Angeles County.
and
Doug Pascover of ¡Arriba!, a provider of Independent Living Services in eastern Los Angeles County.

We expect the team to grow over time to include other members of the East Los Angeles Regional Center Vendor Leadership Forum.

It's our hope that you enjoy this process. For those of you who are new to blogging, you may join the conversation by clicking on "comments" below any post.