I. Introductions were completed.
II. Minutes from September were accepted.
III. Announcements:
UCP
The vacancy list is attached. Please call 212.979.9700 ext.70 for more information.
YAI
The vacancy list is attached. The fall schedule of the Family Support Series for Caregivers of People with Autism Spectrum Disorders is also attached A fee for service Ballet/Yoga Program is also available. Call YAI LINK at 212.273.6182 for referrals and any other information.
AHRC
Christine Minerly announced that she will be doing free evaluations for aging individuals. The vacancy list is attached.
Resources for Children with Special Needs
Intensive education advocacy program in Manhattan for children who meet OPWDD eligibility requirements for developmental disabilities, ages 5-21.
Elly Rufer discussed linking facebook and wordpress to the Council Website.
Marco mentioned that Council dues are now due for the year.
IV. Presentation
Access to Health Care for People with Disabilities: Presentation
Mindy Friedman – Staff Attorney, New York Lawyers for the Public Interest. Access to Health Care for People with Disabilities. See attached.AdvocacyToolkitnovcouncil2011 AccesstoHCforPWDs_NYLPI_HANDOUTS
V. State News
November 3rd – 3 PM [subsequently changed to November 4, 1-3 pm] presentation of the 5.07 Plan. Anyone in Manhattan will be able to provide testimony about the 1115 Waiver on November 9th. On October 22nd, Jim Moran will be the keynote speaker at the Staten Island Family Support Fair. The 1115 waiver is still on track for 4/1/12 implementation if approved by CMS. A Request for Information for pilot projects for the 1115 waiver is expected in the beginning of November.
On December 31, 2012 OPWDD will be closing its last institution on Staten Island. New residential development is being specifically created for the closure.
The position of Metro DDSO Director has been posted.
In regards to layoffs of state workers due to the membership’s rejection of the PEF contract, this is the first time the state has ever let a function (MSC) go, and not just a title. But not only MSCs will be laid off; other departments will also be affected. Layoffs begin October 19th. The last wave will be November 30th. [Subsequent to the meeting, the PEF contract was altered and sent out for a re-vote. Lay-offs are suspended until the vote results are in.]
VI. City News
Sandra Piggee is still on medical leave. John Paul Gonzalez is filling in. City Council autism funding- will be receiving same amount as last year. It was also mentioned that there will be big reductions in local assistance. On October 27th the Council Chairs will be meeting.
VII. IAC / Federation Report
Lobby days will be February 14th and 15th. IAC is implementing new transportation protocols and monitoring the development of “PROMOTE.” The gold alert is being implemented. Regarding school age educational services, IAC is developing a strategy for increases for 4410 programs. Three EI programs have closed, but others have stepped in to fill the gap.
VIII. Committee Reports
Family Support – The Manhattan Family Support Fair is on December 1st. The brochure will be ready shortly and will be e-mailed to the council. Contributions are needed for the gift bag. Please contact Amy Bittinger (see below) with contributions. An overview of the overnight respite programs available to Manhattan families will be discussed at the next meeting. The next meeting will be on Tuesday, November 8th at 10 AM at YAI, 460 West 34th Street, 11th Floor. Call Amy Bittinger at 718-859-5420 x 234 for more information.
Legislative – There will be huge cuts in local assistance funding affecting city contracts, which are funded with 100% state dollars. The city is conducting a survey to determine who is receiving city-funded services—people living at home vs. people living in residences. The city is no longer funding clinics. City-funded programs have always been a safety net for people with DD who are not eligible for OPWDD services. City-funded work readiness is also an important program. We may want to do some advocacy about what should/should not be cut.
Transition – The committee is in the process of updating the Manhattan Adult Day Services Directory. There have been several recommendations to enhance the information in the directory to provide more complete information for individuals and families. The next meeting will be on November 9th at 9:30 AM at AHRC, 83 Maiden Lane. Call Kathy Kelly at 212-780-2724 for more information.
Manhattan Family Support Services Advisory Council – At the September morning and evening sessions, Judy DeIasi and Al Kaplan discussed the 1115 waiver. The next meeting will be on November 17th at 10:00 AM at Metro DDSO, 75 Morton Street. Call Margaret Puddington at 212-799-2042 for more information.
Service Coordination – The committee is in need of more participants. Please ask your MSC supervisors to allow MSCs to participate in the meetings. Irina Tuchina will announce the date of the next meeting.
Children’s Committee – The committee met on October 6th. Very good turnout of about 50 people, with excellent attendance of parents of young children. Chris Muccioli will announce the date of the next meeting.
Next meeting: Thursday, November 10, at FEGS, 315 Hudson Street, 12th floor.