- Introductions were completed.
- Minutes were approved; if you would like to refer to past minutes, they are available as always on the DD Council website: (.manhattanddcouncil.org).
III. Announcements: See Flyers Distributed at the Meeting
AHRC
Program vacancy list is attached. Funding (up to $1,000) is available for Emergency Reimbursement in Brooklyn and Queens for items such as back rent, utilities, mattresses. Requests must be submitted before June 30.
Community Service Society
A brochure was distributed describing “ICAN,” providing information on getting help with Managed Long Term Care. ICAN is the “Independent Consumer Advocacy Network.” A copy of the brochure is attached.
YAI
Information is attached detailing vacancy highlights for the month of June: autism assessments and neuropsychologicals; free psychological and psychosocial evaluations for Queens residents; mindfulness training for parents; workshops open to parents of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Please see attached flyers or email link@yai.org.
ArchCare Senior Life
This PACE program is available to adults ages 55+ with intellectual and developmental disabilities as well as those without disabilities (including caregivers). The program provides all- inclusive care such as health care services, day services, recreational activities, monthly support meetings. Please see flyer which includes locations and contact information.
UCP of New York City
Please refer to flyer for a list of services and supports for 2016. Funds for home modifications are available in 5 boroughs. Call 917-965-2950 x 109 or x112.
Presentation on HRA and IDNYC Updates – Tips on Successful Ways to Access Services, Accommodations, and IDs, Jennifer Shaoul, Executive Director of Disability Affairs, and Keisha Orr-Hudson, Office of Client Advocacy and Access, NYC’s Human Resources Administration
Jennifer Shaoul explained that HRA oversees the following benefits and programs: case assistance, employment services, SNAP, medical insurance, child support enforcement, homelessness prevention and services, immigrant services and language access, IDNYC, HIV/AIDS services administration, home care services, adult protective services, domestic violence services, emergency food services, and home energy assistance program. Jennifer’s office works to ensure that HRA’s services are accessible to people with disabilities. Starting this summer people will be able to apply for many benefits online. Already about 75% of SNAP applicants apply online.
IDNYC is an identity card issued by HRA that all New Yorkers, including those who are undocumented, can receive. The card is accepted as proof of identity by city agencies when applying for city services and by police officers. The card entitles the person to free membership at museums and zoos, discounts at everything from entertainment to prescription medications. It enables people to open a bank or credit account at some banks, serves as a library card, grants access to government buildings, and much more. It is an inclusive card, without stigma, since it is available to New Yorkers with and without disabilities.
Because some applicants with disabilities do not have documentation sufficient to prove their identity, Jennifer’s office created alternate provisions to help people apply: through caretaker relationships, whereby the caregiver documents (guardianship papers, or letter from executive director of the applicant’s residence, etc.) verify the person’s identity. Keisha Orr-Hudson explained this process in detail. Keisha stated that it is easy to make appointments to apply, and cards are issues within 2-3 weeks, sometimes as quickly as one week.
Please see the many useful handouts (attached) that Jennifer and Keisha provided.
- State News – Ellen Bleckman
- Respite rates. OPWDD is looking closely at rates and trying to assist programs to continue.
- As a result of feedback from families, OPWDD has revised the priority categories for residential opportunities. Category 1: emergency situations where the person is homeless. Category 2: substantial need which includes people at home with aging caregivers, or caregivers unable to manage, as well as people aging out of residential schools or transitioning from developmental centers and nursing homes. The latter three groups were previously in Category 1. This change is intended to provide equal access to people living at home. Category 3: Current need; stable situation. Individuals needing a relocation have not yet been classified.
- The enacted budget includes $120 million for new services, $10 million of which is set aside for residential opportunities for people in Categories 2 and 3. The funds will be awarded by March 31. The NYC region is getting the largest share. A stakeholder group in each region will decide on a rationale for how the money should be awarded.
- The Residential Request List (RRL) lists everyone who has requested residential services, regardless of when those services will be needed. The Certified Residential Opportunities list (CRO) lists those with a current need. People needing placement in the near future must be on the CRO list. To add a person to the CRO list for Manhattan contact: Ivett Dixon 646-766-3298 or ivett.dixon@opwdd.ny.gov.
- City News – Sandra Piggee
Sandra announced that awards have been announced for the RFP for autism services. Paola Jordan and Yesenia Estrella shared the names of the contract awardees:
- Manhattan: Jewish Center in Manhattan, New Alternatives for Children, YM & YWHA of Washington Heights and Inwood, YAI 4
- Queens: Birch Family Services, GallopNYC, QSAC, Samuel Field YM & YWHA
- Brooklyn: City Access New York; Edith and Carl Marks Jewish Community of Bensonhurst. Hebrew Educational Society, NYSARC NYC, Shorefront YM & YWHA of Brighton-Manhattan Beach
- Bronx: Montefiore Medical Center, Mosholu Montefiore Community Center, Sinergia, UCP of NYC
- Staten Island: GRACE Foundation, Jewish Community Center of Staten Island, On Your Mark
- IAC/Federation – Jim Malley
IAC: IAC has surveyed staff vacancy and turnover rates for the past several years. Rates have jumped 20% in the past year and this is before any influence of the increase in the minimum wage kicks in. Anticipating a worsening situation, IAC is trying to communicate with anyone who might have an influence to allow an increase in DSP salaries.
4410 preschools have been hurt by the results of the initial audits which were, rightly, aimed at those who were obviously abusing the system. The good results from subsequent audits have not redeemed the perception that the entire field is amok. The result has been to punish the entire field: no increases for 6 years followed by a 2% increase last year. This area needs help.
There has been a 4% COLA increase for the 853 schools.
IAC is deftly opposing a bill which would require a call to 911 and to the district attorney’s office any time a reportable incident is filed. The association of district attorneys opposes the bill.
There is nearly $2 billion allocated for affordable housing over the next 10 years. Affordable housing has always gone to other groups; OPWDD has funded our field. IAC is trying to get $100 million earmarked for DD. Along a similar vein, there is a push to involve the City HPD to work to provide housing for our community.
The IAC annual conference is taking place June 9 and 10.
Federation: No meetings are scheduled.
VII. Committee Reports
Family Support Services: The June meeting will be on transition planning, employment, and educational services and supports for people with disabilities, presented by George Fernandez, Access VR. The annual Family and Professional Resource Fair will be held December 13, 2016, at the NY Academy of Medicine. Next meeting: Tuesday, June 14, 2016, 10:00 am – noon, Sinergia, 2082 Lexington Ave. at 125th Street, 4th floor. Information: Yesenia Estrella (212) 643-2840 x 349; yestrella@sinergiany.org.
Legislative: Lynn Decker reported that IAC and other provider associations held a press conference at the State Capitol in Albany to advocate for a fair rate of pay for direct support staff, commensurate with their responsibilities. The goal is to secure higher pay in the next budget. The campaign is called “300 days to better pay,” sponsored by the #bFair2DirectCare coalition. The next meeting will be announced. Information: Lynn Decker 646-442-4188; ldecker@cidny.org.
Transition: Kathy Kelly reported that 60 of the 90 2016 graduates have places selected. About 15 are still in the Front Door process. IAC has invited Kathy and other borough transition chairs to work with the 853 schools on the transition process. A co-chair is needed for this committee. Please contact Kathy Kelly to volunteer or to suggest someone. Next meeting: Wednesday, September 14, 2016, 9:30 am – noon, located to be announced. Information: Kathy Kelly (212) 780-2724; Kathy.kelly@ahrcnyc.org.
Manhattan Family Support Services Advisory Council: Margaret Puddington reported that Hope Levy presented on the Justice Center at the June evening meeting. Several new people attended, drawn by the topic, but there were not many regular members in attendance. Therefore, elections for council officers were postponed to September. The next meeting will be in September, date and topic to be determined. Information: Margaret Puddington (212) 799-2042; Margaret.puddington@gmail.com.
Service Coordination: The June 2 annual forum was very successful. The committee thanked the presenters and organizers. Marco Damiani applauded the excellent work of Carol Lincoln, Irina Tuchina, Anice Cox, and Jessie Backe in putting together yet another successful forum. Next meeting to be announced. Information: Carol Lincoln (718) 859-5420 x 225; clincoln@ucpnyc.org.
Childrens/Education Committee: This committee is in need of a co-chair. To volunteer or to suggest someone, please contact Christina Muccioli. Next meeting: TBA. Information: Christina Muccioli (212) 780-2532; Christina.muccioli@ahrcnyc.org.
VIII. New Business
Elections for DD Council officers were held. The slate presented by the Nominations Committee was elected unanimously. The newly elected officers for 2016-2018 are:
- Chair: Marco Damiani
- Professional Vice Chair: Kathy Kelly
- Parent Vice Chair: Susan Williams
- Secretary: Elly Rufer
- Treasurer: Jessie Backe
Marco expressed much appreciation for Marilyn Rubinstein’s contributions as vice chair.
There will be a Disability Pride Parade on July 10 in Manhattan, Madison Square to Union Square. Information: www.disabilitypridenyc.org.
There will be an Executive Committee meeting over the summer