I. Introductions were completed.
II. Minutes from November were accepted.
III. Announcements
If you haven’t done so yet, please pay your Council dues.
UCP
The vacancy list is attached. Please call 212.979.9700 ext.70 for more information.
YAI
The vacancy list is attached. Save the date for Winter Series Health Education Workshops, starting in January, see attached. Call YAI LINK at 212.273.6182 for referrals and any other information.
AHRC
The vacancy list is attached. AHRC is in the process of creating a referral and information central intake.
Resources for Children with Special Needs
Helene Craner is retiring. The Council expressed their thanks for her many invaluable contributions to Council work over the years. Annual Camp Fair is January 28th. For information, call 212.677.4650.
QSAC
For enrollment, please call (718) 728-8476 ext. 1222
Elly Rufer is consolidating the council website. If you would like to change or add anything, please let Elly know.
It was announced that Matt Sapolin, Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities, passed away.
Presentation
End of Life Considerations: Randi Rosenstein and Marcia Richman, AHRC. Please see the attached.
IV. State News
The OPWDD website now has a career path link; job opportunities with OPWDD and the voluntaries, if they wish to participate, will be listed.
Two additional New York Times articles are anticipated.
There is funding to accommodate individuals returning to the community from developmental centers, as well as additional funds for those individuals who have extremely challenging needs.
MSC is being transitioned from OPWDD to the voluntaries by attrition; state MSCs who leave are not being replaced.
Commissioner Burke has been in discussion with CMS regarding the 1115 waiver application. Additionally, CMS will be reviewing incident reports, ISPs, and some other areas.
Manhattan still has funds available for new community habilitation and residential opportunities for individuals with a high level of need.
V. City News
No report today
VI. IAC / Federation Report
IAC is watching next year’s projected deficit grow from its present $3.5 billion.
IAC is working on a paper on transition from day hab to employment.
They are also exploring possibilities now that DOH has approved telemedicine for diabetes management and psychiatry.
The residential committee is reviewing the quirks in guidelines on fire safety, choking, and lease renewals. They are also discussing OPWDD’s new policy on smoking (not permitted in certified facilities) as it impacts on services (e.g, ISSs where the residents wish to smoke).
IAC is working jointly with OPWDD to ensure that IRMA functions as intended.
Non-public schools have lost $27 million over the last 3 years, due to lack of increases.
IAC has begun searching to fill the new position of Director of Education Services.
Lobby days will be in February 14th and 15th.
On January 19th the Commissioner visits.
Federation: The meeting scheduled for December 14 was cancelled and has not yet been rescheduled. The Federation plans to rely more on the Consumer Advisory Committee.
VII. Committee Reports
Family Support – The Manhattan Family Support Fair was the biggest ever: 605 attendees, including 228 family members. Thank you to everyone who volunteered. There was very positive feedback. We may consider larger space for next year. The next meeting will be on Tuesday, January 10th 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 a meeting at IAC of all borough councils to discuss the legislative platform. The next meeting of this committee will be after the DD Council on Thursday, January 12th at 12 PM at AHRC, 83 Maiden Lane, 11th Floor. Call Judy DeIasi at 212-780-2667 for more information.
Transition – The next meeting will be December 14th at P. 79, 55 East 120 Street, at 9:30 AM. Call Kathy Kelly at 212-780-2724 for more information.
Manhattan Family Support Services Advisory Council – Richard Monck will present at the next meeting, which is on January 5th 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. She can be reached at 212-273-6100 ext. 2418.
Children’s Committee – Marilyn Rubinstein will present on Turning 5 at the next meeting on January 4th, 9:30 AM – noon, at the Jewish Guild for the Blind, 15 West 65th Street, ground floor. For more information, contact Christina Muccioli at 212-780-2532.
Next meeting: Thursday, January 12th, at AHRC, 83 Maiden Lane, 11th floor.