I. Introductions were completed.
II. Minutes from May were accepted.
III. Announcements
YAI
Health Education Workshops (free trainings for professionals) begin in June. Please see attached brochure. The vacancy list is attached. The spring schedule of the Family Support Series for Caregivers of People with Autism Spectrum Disorders is also attached. Call YAI LINK at 212.273.6182 for referrals and any other information.
AHRC
The vacancy list is attached.
Resources for Children with Special Needs
Please see attached general flyer and Intensive Educational Advocacy flyer.
The new council website should be premiered at the end of June. Anyone who would like to have art from their programs or photos of individuals on the site should email Elly Rufer at erufer2000@yahoo.com
IV. Presentation
Jane Hsu – SpecialPlaydate.com. Jane founded Special Playdate, an online service connecting parents with other parents seeking playdate opportunities for their children with special needs, ages 1-25. Members can securely search for appropriate peers in their local communities and can also use the private message system to connect with other parents before scheduling a playdate or revealing personal information. The site also offers weekly Playdate Tips. The organization runs workshops as well as facilitated playgroups and intensive social skills-building sessions. For more information, go to: www.specialplaydate.com. Contact: info@specialplaydate.com
V. State News
No news to report today.
VI. City News
In honor of MR/DD Awareness Month, the Bureau held a transition conference June 1. There has been much advocacy for renewing the city’s 1 in 150 autism funding; this funding provides the only services available to those who do not meet OPWDD eligibility criteria.
Agencies receiving city local assistance funding must complete a survey showing the number of people attending their programs and their places of residence. The City is concerned that some people getting family support-type services live in certified residences rather than at home with their families. Though it is understood that people in residences also have socialization needs, the city feels that given limited fiscal resources, family support-type services should be targeted to families whose children reside at home. However, they are considering utilizing a transition period, slowly shifting the balance between home and residence. The issue will be presented to IAC.
VII. IAC / Federation Report
With one week left in the legislative session, IAC is closely following a number of bills drafted in response to the articles in the NY Times on abuse in OPWDD facilities, including bills to:
• Limit each staff person to 60 hours/week with no more than one consecutive double shift and no more than two double shifts within 7 days.
• Create a registry for prospective employers of workers subject to the criminal background check who were fired for substantiated abuse (with due process protections)
• Require that employees be fired for substantiated physical or sexual abuse. This would supersede future collective bargaining agreements.
• Create a Gold Alert, an alert system similar to the amber alert for missing vulnerable persons.
• Supply residential waiting list information to the legislature on a regular basis.
• Increase the number of unannounced OPWDD visitations to programs.
The Federation met June 8. They focused on the potential use of public housing for people with developmental disabilities. They also discussed children aging out of EI and special education. They discussed the role of city-funded services. The Council Chairs will meet in the end of June.
VIII. Committee Reports
Family Support – The next meeting will be on June 14 at 10:00 a.m. at UCP/NYC, 120 East 23rd Street, 5th floor. Call 212-979-9700, ext. 708 for more information. Planning will begin for the Family Support Fair at this meeting.
Legislative –Following the NY Times articles on abuse in OPWDD facilities, the Assembly is holding hearings around the state. The New York City hearing is June 10 at 250 Broadway, at 10 AM. To register, call Katie Birchenough (518) 455-4371.
Transition – The committee met June 8. Almost all the graduates are placed, and those not yet placed are in the process. Randi Rosenstein, Esq., of AHRC presented on guardianship. A statewide group is advocating with the Regents for diploma options for students with disabilities. The next meeting will be on September 14 at 9:30 at UCP, 122 East 23rd Street, 1st floor boardroom. Call Kathy Kelly at 212-780-2724 for more information.
Manhattan Family Support Services Advisory Council – The next meeting is on an update on the implementation of budget cuts as well as current legislative issues, presented by Wini Schiff. Wini will present at both the evening session June 9, 5:30-7:30 p.m. and the morning session June 10, 10:00 a.m.- noon, both at 75 Morton Street.
Proposal Review Committee – Please see the attached list of family support services awards. An RFS to re-bid crisis intervention services was awarded to YAI.
Service Coordination –The MSC Forum had a great turnout and was a big success. Thank you to Irina Tuchina, chair of the committee.
Children’s Committee – No report today
Next meeting: Monday, September 19th at YAI, 460 West 34th Street, 12th Floor.