I. Introductions were completed.
II. Minutes from October 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. 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. Call 212.677.4650.
Elly Rufer discussed linking facebook and wordpress to the Council Website. If anyone knows how to link facebook to the Council Website, please contact Elly.
IV. Presentation
Patti Sousloff and Ruth Meyler – The New Charter School of Harlem: Educational Program for Students on the Autism Spectrum. See attached.
1115 Waiver Forum Update
A discussion took place about the waiver testimony. People were encouraged to submit additional testimony to OPWDD.
V. Legislative Report
The budget will be released on January 17th. The Governor’s call letter imposes a 2.5% reduction on each state agency to address what is now a $2.4 billion deficit. IAC will do a budget briefing for the Council at the February meeting.
Regarding legislation, the following bills were passed and signed into law. The Gold Alert bill will aid in locating missing people with developmental disabilities. The ombudsman for the developmental centers will report to CQC. OPWDD-certified facilities must report crimes to the police within 24 hours (formerly 72 hours). Autism insurance.
The OMIG bill was vetoed, but the Governor is setting up workgroups to address some of the issues. (The OMIG is now auditing day treatment programs back to 2006.)
VI. State News
PEF members ratified the new contract on their second vote, thereby saving approximately 3,496 jobs. There is a training on November 15th 10 AM – 1 PM at75 Morton Street in the Activity Center for MSCs and MSC supervisors on MSC regulations for Willowbrook class members.
VI. City News
Local Assistance reductions of $2.5 million will result in cuts to 19 agencies, mostly affecting family support services and camps. For FY 2013 no city tax levy cuts are predicted at this time. The city has had no funding increases in 10 years and the budget is now down to about $10 million. William Lopez is retiring in January.
VII. IAC / Federation Report
IAC: The transportation service is finally running in the black. The membership will be having a short meeting with Clarence Sundram, CQC, on November 17 and with Roger Bearden, also of CQC, on December 8. IAC is watching the OMIG audits of the old day treatment programs. There is concern over CMS not allowing e-mods in IRAs under an agency’s control. IAC is close to hiring a person to focus on educational issues. IAC is promoting IAC Connect, a concept to encourage providers to share or trade back-office and support services. Lobby Days will be 2/14 and 2/15.
Federation: The boro chairs met on October 27, when there was a presentation by Barbara Cajdler, AHRC, concerning the DD/Substance Abuse project funded by DDPC, now beginning an extended third year. Most participants are borderline. Future housing will be pursued through ISS.
VIII. Committee Reports
Family Support – The Manhattan Family Support Fair is on December 1st. Contributions are needed for the gift bag. Please contact Amy Bittinger (see below) with contributions. 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 – See above.
Transition – The committee met yesterday and discussed the 1115 Waiver. The next meeting will be on Wednesday, December 14th at 9:30 AM at P 79, 55 East 120th Street. The Student Information Exchange meeting will be in February. Call Kathy Kelly at 212-780-2724 for more information.
Manhattan Family Support Services Advisory Council – Mindy Friedman will present at the next meeting, which is 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. We need to get more engagement with MSCs in the city. Irina Tuchina will announce the date of the next meeting.
Children’s Committee – No report today.
Next meeting: Thursday, December 8th, at YAI, 460 West 34th Street, 11th floor.