VAC meeting minutes for April

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

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.

Minutes of the January 24, 2010 VAC meeting

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

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

CHAIR TAMMY BACHRACH

INTRODUCTIONS

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

ELARC WHITTIER is piloting paperless POSs.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ELARC VAC MINUTES 2-26-09

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ELARC Hospitality for March 09: Armando Villega/Sandra

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

END OF MINUTES

ELARC VAC MINUTES 1-22-09

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

VAC Meeting minutes, July 24, 2008

VAC July 24, 2008

Opening Round

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

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

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

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

Employee handbook still in process.

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

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

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

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

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

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

One final meeting: Reconvene with representation from ELARC.

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

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

Jesse Padilla volunteered to be a future VAC speaker.

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

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SEPTEMBER: HOSPITALITY: Teresa Groak




Teresa de Jesus Groak