|
>Past Conference Minutes
Quarterly Meeting Minutes, April 11 - 13, 2007
ATTENDANCE
* Welcome
* Status of WV Rehab Center
* RSA Teleconference
* Individual Center Reviews/Roundtable
* Strategic Plan Initiatives
* RSA Videoconference
* Miscellaneous Items of Discussion
* Business Meeting
* ADJOURNMENT
Members Present: David Holmes (TN), Donald Dew (GWU), Rick Sizemore (VA), Barry Newill (KY), Barbara Lewis (AR), and Greg Schmieg (GA)
Via phone: Jean Jackson (MD)-04/11, 04/12, 04/13, Don Rullman (PA)-04/11 and 04/13, and Dennis Hart (MI)-04/13
Top of page
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Chairman Holmes welcomed everyone in attendance and reviewed the agenda. Due to the RSA videoconference on Thursday, April 12, it was recommended to modify the agenda to prepare for this videoconference.
Top of page
Chairman Holmes shared a letter he received from Laine Wilder regarding the re-organization of the West Virginia Rehabilitation Center. The Consortium will offer any assistance possible during this time of transition. Dr. Dew recommended that a letter of thanks for all the contributions and support that West Virginia has given since the conception of the Consortium be sent to Mr. Wilder.
ACTION: Chairman Holmes will draft a letter and send it upon approval by the Consortium
Top of page
To better manage the time allotted for the RSA videoconference, all the members discussed what were the most important areas that should be covered. It was decided that the content of the call should be two fold. The first part would define the Consortium, the centers and the relationship between the state agencies to their centers. After discussion seven specific discussion components were identified: Definition and Mission of the Centers, Mission of the Consortium, Accrediting Bodies, Purpose of the Consortium, Dynamic Nature of Comprehensive Centers, Value Comprehensive Centers Add to the State Agency, and Strategic Partnerships. The second part outlines four program specific areas to be presented for evaluation consideration: Types of Clients Served, Individual Client Progress, Center Ability to Meet Needs of Emerging Populations of Clients, and External Evaluations.
ACTION: Chairman Holmes will serve as the facilitator and each center director will speak on a specific area outlined.
Top of page
Carl Perkins - Barry Newill
- The CDPVTC recently completed the development and publication of a new promotional brochure and CD (Copies handed out to participants).
- An article on staff retention was handed out to participants. Author of article obtains speaking fees of $15,000 per day.
- The new roof for the CDPVTC is just about completed at a cost of $1.3 million.
- Kentucky Educational Network has just awarded the Center funding to add internet connections in all student rooms, establish four (4) wireless network areas, and establish a separate student network for training purposes for the student population at CDPVTC at a cost of approximately $80,000.
- Research completed by David Beach, Director of Residential and Security Services, entitled "Predicting Program Completion and Rehabilitation Outcomes of Consumers of State-Operated Comprehensive Rehabilitation Centers" is the only research that has been completed on comprehensive rehabilitation centers known at this time (Copies of research abstracts distributed to participants)
- CDPVTC has been approved to purchase, through a public bidding process, a door security system to add to all of its main entrances, a digital system vicinity card system that will also be electronically connected to its security camera system so that we can better control the security of the facility. All students and staff will be issued an ID badge containing a small computer chip that will activate the entrance doors. This badge will also contain the student/staff picture for identification purposes. An electronic buzzer door opening system will also be added for all who do not have vicinity cards that will be activated by the receptionist and/or dorm desk staff.
- CDPVTC has just purchased a $3,100.00 digital recording camera, with capacity for two input ports to accommodate an audio mixer, and an audio mixer ($1,200.00) to record all of CDPVTC' s training presentations so that we can more effectively and efficiently provide training and orientation for all of our shift staff and begin building a training resource library for staff and students.
- The Governor of Kentucky's office is up for election during the autumn 2007 election.
Top of page
Hiram G. Andrew - Don Rullman
- Enrollment - As of March 7, 2007, 309 students were enrolled in the various educational programs. Overall, a total of 363 individuals are receiving daily comprehensive rehabilitative services provided by the Center.
- HGAC.org - Opening page photos on HGAC's web site (HGAC.org) have been updated and video clips from the CD made available online.
- Dental Assisting Program - On January 30, 2007 the Center received notification that the American Dental Association - Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), reaccredited CTI's Dental Assisting Program for a seven-year period. The reaccredidation was the maximum allowable and was awarded "Without Recommendation".
- Vocational Evaluation - University of Pittsburgh staff are providing in-service to evaluators, therapists and instructors on the topic of functional evaluations. This will lead to a task analysis approach to work tryouts, which evaluators will incorporate into their evaluation reports.
- Cognitive Program - Demand from the districts for the CSEP program is strong and increasing. The program is filled for the Summer Term, with six students already scheduled for the September 2007 Fall Term.
- Financial - Recognizing the long-range financial implications of level funding, along with increased operating costs, the Center continues to aggressively explore cost-saving initiatives and the identification of other potential sources of revenue.
- Facility Renovations - Improvements to the physical plant continue. Environmental controls for the HVAC system have been upgraded with the installation of a computerized/automated control system allowing for individual room control capability.
- Re- Accreditation - Having already obtained a three (3) year re-accreditation of exemplary status with CARF, and a seven-year re-accreditation for the Dental Assisting Program, the CTI is now preparing for the re-accreditation process with the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology (ACCSCT). Among other benefits, this accreditation enables HGAC to obtain both PHEAA and PELL financial aid. A total of $654,607 was received in financial aid last fiscal year, which decreases the VR funding requirement. A site visit by the ACCSCT review team is scheduled for June 18-19, 2007.
- Security: A budget of $250,000 has been established for a card access/security camera system to be installed primarily in the dormitories. Other sections of the facility will be locked down after business hours.
- Veterans Initiative - This project continues to focus on providing at HGAC a comprehensive community re-entry and vocational rehabilitation support program for our returning War on Terrorism veterans. Dr. George Zitnay, nationally known figure in the area of traumatic brain injury, has established the Laurel Highlands Neuro-Rehabilitation Center in Johnstown, titled Project Hope. Dr. Zitnay has expressed an interest for twelve beds and therapy space in the former Crichton space by September 2007. This program would locate an inpatient TBI unit for severely wounded active military personnel at HGAC. As a pilot program, research in various stimulation techniques will be conducted on severely wounded TBI soldiers. We are currently working with the Laurel Highlands organization to identify their facility and equipment requirements, and determine which HGAC services would be needed to augment the delivery of comprehensive rehabilitative services to our returning OEF/OIF veterans.
Top of page
Hot Springs - Barbara Lewis
- HSRC was named to the National Registry of Historic Places in February, 2007. We are in the process of establishing a monument to recognize our designation and seek grant funds for capital improvements
- We are in the process of acquiring a 36,000 square foot building across the street for the Center that is currently a U.S. Army Reserve Bldg. The proposal to acquire the building (at no cost for 30 years) was submitted to the U.S. Department of Education, through a joint effort between the city of Hot Springs and the Army Reserve. The acquisition of the building will allow us to expand several educational programs and add new ones. It may be one to two years before we can actually move into the building; however we are planning for additional budget appropriations.
- We received additional state appropriations this year for general improvements at HSRC. The additional funds will be used for capital improvements and purchase additional cameras, a new PA and phone system.
- We are in the process of updating our Behavior Enhancement manual and looking for ways to provide more positive reinforcements for students who exhibit positive behavior.
- We have revamped our employability skills training center curriculum due to a shortage in available contracts. We have decided not to review our workshop (CRP) certification to allow more flexibility developing modules that will allow more student activities. We will continue to utilize the local CRP in Hot Springs as needed.
- We will be exploring COE certification this year. Currently HSRC does not have a certification.
- We have implemented students' surveys after a student has been enrolled at the Center for 1 month, 6 months and 12months. We have used the information to gain insight on ways to improve services to students.
- We are tracking employment outcomes by obtaining information from our agency database. We are tracking students after leaving the Center at 3 months and 12 months. We are finding more of our students working and when we do, this information is reported to the field counselor.
Top of page
Michigan Career & Technical - Dennis Hart
- The state budget is the BIG issue. Several executive orders have been implemented that effect MCTI including spending and hiring freezes and travel restrictions. We are able to purchase essential items only if it can be directed related to serving students. It is hoped that if a budget can be worked out in the legislature the restrictions may be eased.
- MCTI and the state VR system continue to engage in strategic planning. The responsibilities of the MCTI Director will change somewhat in that I will no longer supervise ½ of the city of Detroit but will pick up 2 Districts on the west side of the state and will be in charge of the "innovation" unit in the state office; charged with new program development, resource development and assistive technology.
- Overall, MCTI continues to do well. We are on target for a "record" year for graduates and even in Michigan's poor economy we are "holding our own" on placement. We will be doing some revisions to the "front end" activities in an effort to improve the outcomes for evaluation and remediation programs. We have no new training programs planned at this time.
Roosevelt Warm Springs - Greg Schmieg
- Difficult year still financially due entirely to Medical Rehabilitation Unit (MRU): LTAC (Long Term Acute Care) Hospital not able to treat Medicaid recipients and overall inpatient census lower than budget projections. Likewise, remote outpatient therapy clinics under performing.
- Plan is to shift greater emphasis and focus on Vocational Rehabilitation services; specifically, expansion of CRP Certificate, customized job training, micro enterprising, transitional living, and services to underserved populations (blind, deaf, deaf-blind).
- Other strategic plans are to serve the following populations for both medical and vocational rehabilitation: military and catastrophic workers comp cases.
- Governor Perdue approved $9.9 million in FY 2008 state capital budget to go towards replacement of VRU dormitory - would need to draw down $9.9 million in federal 110 money.
- Smithsonian has given RWSIR a permanent loan to house its "Whatever Happened to Polio" exhibit, funded through a grant from Rotary International. Exhibit will be housed in Roosevelt Hall and open to the public in mid-August.
Top of page
Tennessee Rehab. Center - David Holmes
- Tennessee continues in an Order of Selection serving only Priority Category 1 clients, and we see no change in the Order of Selection at least within the next 2 year period.
- The Center utilization rate is averaging 82%. This is due to smaller counselor caseloads and the fact that Priority Category 1 clients require more time, resources, and one-on-one instruction in many cases. Also, we are preparing for our dormitory renovations and must reduce dormitory capacity to coordinate with four phases of building renovations.
- The Center continues a major emphasis on marketing high schools and identifying potential Transition from School to Work clients. In the month of March we had 7 high schools, students and teachers tour the Center. Also, we provided a special tour for approximately 50 high school students and their parents in March. So far, in April we have 11 additional high schools scheduled to tour the Center. We are also traveling to high schools and participating in Career Day activities.
- The Center has also become a partner with Project Paycheck, which is an annual event in Nashville that brings in major employers and human resource personnel to the Convention Center where job applications are taken on the spot and some job interviewing. Our vocational instructors and job placement coordinator take clients near graduation to this event.
- The Center has made significant progress in filling nursing vacancies. We have a new Director of Nursing, and we have recommended just last week two nurses for employment who will put us fully staffed. Through discussions with the Assistant Commissioner, I have been able to increase my contract nursing dollars and have approval to pursue obtaining nurse assistant positions for our medical dormitory.
- Due to an increasing need for independent living skills, we have designated a building on campus that previously housed one of our occupational skills programs to house additional independent living skills training class activities. Renovations are being completed on this building, and we hope to expand these services and have classroom activities in place by July 1.
- Our Dormitory Renovation project is on course and will begin in July of this year. It is estimated that completion will take approximately 2 years.
- The Energy Management Capital Maintenance Project submitted following our National Training Conference in September of last year has been approved for inclusion in the Governor's budget for next fiscal year. This is a $1.4 million project that includes upgrading and replacement of equipment and systems for gas, electric, and water usage savings.
- We have had an approved, but on hold, Security Upgrade Capital Maintenance Project $650,000 that includes installation of additional security cameras, exterior door alarm system, and security card swipe check installations. We now have a green light to move forward, and installation should begin July of this year.
- The Center will also be undergoing some renovations in our connector area between buildings housing our Vision Impairment Services Program and the Vocational Evaluation Unit, and some Vocational Training programs. This will involve elevator replacement and replacement of some large glass plating that encloses the Connector. This is a $350,000 Capital Maintenance Project. The Glass Connector replacement is considered an energy savings activity.
- Approval has recently been obtained to move forward on cost estimates for an ADA accessibility Capital Maintenance Project to include renovations to widen doors, replace water fountains, bathroom fixtures, and some lighting to remediate accessibility issues in buildings across campus. Also, we will be including ADA approved signage in buildings and at exterior locations across campus.
- As of last week, we have reached a tentative agreement with the local YMCA to utilize their facilities primarily for aquatic therapy with our spinal cord injured students and exercise equipment in exchange for some basketball and indoor soccer clinics that they want to sponsor for youth in the area.
- We have an exterior lighting Capital Maintenance Project approved for $178,000 to add lighting across campus to improve security.
Top of page
Woodrow Wilson - Rick Sizemore
- WWRC recently hosted the Ms. Wheelchair Virginia Gala on the Center's campus. Having the Ms. Wheelchair Virginia event on our campus was a tremendous success. The talent and beauty of the contestants will leave fond memories in the minds of the audience for years to come. Interestingly enough, the new Ms. Wheelchair Virginia, Ms. Buddy Hayes, who happened to have a caring canine companion, is a retired recreation therapist. We look forward to getting to know Ms. Hayes, and involving her on our campus. Michael Chenail and Juliette Rizzo were Masters of Ceremony for the evening. Mr. Chenail is the owner of Compliance Alliance and is a widely recognized leader in the disability community. There were countless positive connections with community partners, families, staff, and students. On Saturday, volunteers with the Council of Organizations held a community yard sale that generated $553.75. Thanks to this great organization for their support of WWRC.
- WWRC is approaching the July 1, 2007 deadline for a fully operational plan at WWRC. We have a state-level strategic plan that talks about the numbers of people we serve and the percentage of our graduates that are successfully employed once they finish their training programs. Through planning efforts, WWRC has multiple staff and teams involved in the development of goals for four Focus Areas or Centers of Excellence. Each division has also been charged with the development of a plan, down to a detailed level, to illustrate their relationship to the Centers of Excellence and what measures they will use beginning July 1, 2007, to demonstrate their contribution toward the accomplishment of the mission. WWRC has learned many important lessons that are applied to the future planning such as gaining staff input into the planning process, involvement of external stakeholders in planning, and perhaps most importantly, how to demonstrate WWRC values through articulating outcomes. The new OD/QA unit could not be coming on line at a better time, and we look forward to their role in assisting the Center in this new era where demonstrating your outcomes is equivalent to "staying in business." In the big picture, everyone should be working toward the finalization of a fully operational plan for WWRC, which will be implemented on July 1, 2007. This will be represented in a single document available to every staff member.
- Our Student Government Association increased attendance from approximately 17 at the March meeting, to 58 at their general student body meeting on April 11, 2007. This type of progress is the result of a vibrant, inspired group of young leaders who are committed to building our community. A number of our staff also attended and we are well on our way to having 75 people in attendance at the monthly meeting. Thank you to Mike Kelley and Christy Wagner for their support, with special recognition to SGA President, Darryl Willis, and the other officers for their continued hard work and dedication.
- A meeting was held this week in Richmond. Bob Edmiston, Tom Blosser, Cindy Bassett, Barbie Ostrander, and I attended to participate in discussions with FRS as they embark on developing the "Roadmap to Success." It seems clear that there are opportunities through video conferencing to provide a higher level of service and consultation to our key customers. We will see that the minutes of this meeting are posted for anyone who is interested. I anticipate that we will have continued dialogue at the divisional and departmental level about supporting this approach to case management. FRS partners will be on campus Thursday, April 19, for the regularly scheduled Operations meeting with members of the Executive Staff at noon in the Switzer building.
- Our hearts go out to Virginia Tech and anyone who has been affected by the tragedy on their campus. I'd like to say thank you to the many staff who have reached out in various ways to offer support. The Center Staff have asked me to express their appreciation to the Consortium for their concern and for the letter e-mail sent to WWRC.
Top of page
GWU - Dr. Donald Dew
- Dr. Dew is scheduled to leave The George Washington University on June 30, 2007.
- Personnel changes:
- Dr. McGuire-Kuletz has been appointed Director of the Mid-Atlantic Rehabilitation Continuing Education Program effective April 1, 2007.
- Ms. Fran Butler has been replaced by Ms. Pamela Bradley.
- Recruitment is under way for two new Human Resources Specialists (trainers). The first will have a leadership focus and the second will have a more general focus.
- The current SOCRC grant ends on September 30, 2007. There are monies for one additional meeting (July 2007).
- Proceedings will be printed by the first week in May.
Top of page
Thursday, April 12, 2007
The recommendations from the September 2006 National Training Forum were reviewed as well as a punch list of recommendations that had previously been agreed upon by the NCSOCRC Directors. Chairman Holmes incorporated this information into a draft 2007-2008 NCSOCRC Strategic Plan. The proposed Draft Strategic Plan for 2007-2008 was reviewed by the Consortium Directors and was approved. David Holmes stated it was important that the Directors provide feedback to their staff and particularly those that attended the National Conference in September as to the recommendations coming out of the Track Sessions and the Director's agreement to these recommendations. The Track Session regarding Development of Evaluation Guidelines for Life Skills/Pre-vocational skills was discussed further. It was felt that there should be a way to track measurable outcomes of clients that the Centers' serve. It was determined that ideas should be shared at our next meeting as to identifying a functional assessment or instrument to be developed to measure soft skills. Dr. Dew suggested that this could possibly be a research topic that could be submitted as a proposal for a study grant. Dr. Dew will research this. Through discussion it was recommended that the subgroups schedule follow-up meetings to continue with their initiatives. The subgroups should have a means to report to the Consortium on the outcome of their follow-up meetings.
ACTION: Dr. Dew will submit a proposal for a study grant application. David Holmes will send the approved 2007-2008 Strategic Plan and punch list of approved recommendations to the Directors to share with their staff. Focus Groups from the National Conference are to proceed with the recommendations of their Track Sessions.
Mr. Schmieg introduced Peggy Rosser, Assistant Commissioner Rehabilitation Services for the Georgia Department of Labor and Carl McRae, Director Vocational Rehabilitation for the Georgia Department of Labor. Ms. Rosser updated the Consortium on the recent events concerning RSA. Georgia is the first state being evaluated by RSA. Ms. Rosser felt that the purpose of the videoconference should be made clear. Chairman Holmes shared the outline of the videoconference for input from Ms. Rosser. She felt the information that the Consortium would be providing was sufficient.
Top of page
The videoconference with RSA was held as scheduled. Consortium Directors provided input as to the definition of a Comprehensive Rehabilitation Center, Mission, values, and the importance of services provided to clients. In terms of evaluation Consortium Directors identified areas that should be included in any evaluation of Center programs and services. State Agency Directors Peggy Rosser, GA, Robert Burns, MD, Jim Rockrock, VA, and Andrea Cooper, TN provided input as to the importance of the comprehensive centers to the overall VR Agency and benefits to individuals with disabilities served by the agency.
It was determined that RSA would conduct an evaluation of the comprehensive centers in 2007 to determine how the center's fit into the overall VR Agency and to identify Center best practices. An evaluation tool will be determined and information regarding the evaluation study itself will be forthcoming.
Top of page
Friday, April 13, 2007
It was agreed that the training forum held in September was the most productive to date. The center directors have reviewed the draft of the proceedings prior to the final print. As discussed many of the goals identified were incorporated in the new strategic plan. Dr. Dew is moving forward with the final printing of the proceedings for the September 2006 National Forum.
ACTION: Each attendee will receive copies of the Proceedings, as well as a punch list of action items from the National Training Forum and the new Strategic Plan.
In reviewing the 2005-2006 Strategic Plan, Chairman Homes identified a goal that has had little action, developing a Training Academy. This goal would benefit all the centers by offering a forum for staff to obtain training on best practices. Dr. Dew recommended compiling a list of training the centers have completed to add to the Training Academy.
Considerable discussion among the Directors took place as to the April 12th videoconference with RSA. Dr. Dew recommended that the centers consider a peer review that will run concurrently with RSA's evaluation. The insight that the state agency directors gave during the videoconference was extremely beneficial. It was discussed the possibility of inviting the State Agency Directors to be involved in the next SOCRC meeting to discuss and prepare for an upcoming RSA evaluation. The Directors will need to develop the agenda for the next meeting with major focus on conducting an independent evaluation of the Centers, identifying who, what to be measured, how to further define successful outcomes, and how to involve the State Agency Directors.
ACTION: Chairman Holmes will draft a letter of thanks to all state agency directors that attended the videoconference and copy all others.
Top of page
Secretary's Report
With the departure of Laine Wilder it was identified that a new secretary should be elected. Barry Newill nominated Rick Sizemore, Jean Jackson second and none opposed. Rick Sizemore was approved as the new NCSOCRC secretary by unanimous acclimation. The Minutes from the December 11 - 13, 2006 meeting were approved as written. The Minutes from the
March 22, 2007 Videoconference meeting were approved as written.
Action: The new Consortium Secretary will be Rick Sizemore.
Treasurer's Report - Don Rullman
The invoices for the 2007 consortium dues will be sent to the director's attention. The treasurer's report was presented by Treasurer Don Rullman. The report was approved by the Consortium.
New Business
With the nearing retirement of Dr. Donald Dew, Chairman Holmes shared a proposal from Dr. Dew to continue as a consultant. There was discussion of the proposal and Rick Sizemore made a motion that the Consortium approve a vote of confidence as to an interest to continue a professional relationship with Dr. Donald Dew on a consultative basis. Greg Schmieg seconded the motion and it was approved unanimously to proceed with discussions with Dr. Dew regarding a future consultative relationship. The specifics of a contractual agreement will be reviewed at our next meeting.
ACTION: Chairman Holmes will contact Dr. Dew with the Consortium's intention. He will also request that Ms. Maureen Kuletz attend the July meeting to establish a relationship and receive feedback from her.
Top of page
It was determined that the Consortium's next Quarterly Meeting should be held in either Washington D.C. or Baltimore and the tentative date for the next meeting is Wednesday July 25th through Friday, July 27th.
Being that there is no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 11:45 a.m.
Respectfully Submitted
Denise Burson
Executive Secretary
RWSIR, Georgia
|
