NEVADA GOVERNOR S COUNCIL ON DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

Transcription

1 NEVADA GOVERNOR S COUNCIL ON DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES Grants Procedure Manual West Nye Lane, Suite 202 * Carson City, Nevada (775) /V * (775) /Fax

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS Table of Contents 2 Mission Statement & Introduction.. 3 The Grant Application Process..3 The Application Review. 5 Awarding of the Grant and Payment Procedures..6 Other Grant Requirements.. 6 Grant Monitoring..9 Attachments: A) Glossary of Terms B) Executive Summary of draft Five Year State Plan 2

3 Nevada Governor s Council on Developmental Disabilities Mission Statement The Nevada Governor s Council on Developmental Disabilities engages in advocacy, systems change and capacity building activities for people with developmental disabilities and their families in order to promote equal opportunity, self-determination, and community inclusion INTRODUCTION The Nevada Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities (NGCDD) is established under NRS and exists within the State of Nevada under Federal Mandate: Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of The NGCDD is funded annually (approximately $480,000) by the federal Administration on Developmental Disabilities (ADD) with matching funds of 25% appropriated by the Nevada Legislature. The NGCDD accomplishes its federal mandates through several different avenues. Some activities are carried out by NGCDD staff; others are accomplished by partnering with other established agencies and organizations to address areas of mutual concern. Finally, the NGCDD identifies gaps in service delivery and provides sub-grants to develop and implement projects that address innovative ways to fill those gaps and develop infrastructure for the State. These gaps in service are identified through the development of a Five Year State Plan based on Areas of Emphasis as outlined in the DD Act. The DD Act allows the State Councils to determine the areas of emphasis upon which to focus. Each State is required to review current needs of individuals in their State and the services and support available to meet those to determine how their grant funding will be expended. The current Five Year Plan will expire on September 30, 2016 and the new draft Five Year Plan will begin on October 1, 2016 ending on September 30, A statewide needs survey provided direction for the plan and the four Areas of Emphasis identified by and for Nevada are: Employment, Transportation, Health and Self-Advocacy. THE GRANT APPLICATION PROCESS Who may apply? To apply for a project grant from the NGCDD, an organization must be a non-profit entity (as described in Section 501(C) Internal Revenue Code), for profit corporation, educational institution, state agency, or local governmental agency performing or anticipating performing a function relevant to program goals of the NGCDD. Corporations must be registered with the Nevada Secretary of State and licensed to do business in Nevada. Individuals and unincorporated entities are not eligible for consideration. Excluded Parties - It is the policy of the NGCDD to enforce Executive Order # which requires that no contractors or sub-recipients of Federal funding are to be found on the Lists of Parties Excluded from Federal Procurement or Non-procurement Programs. The list of debarred parties can be found on the Internet site at 3

4 How and where are applications filed? Applications must be completed utilizing the grant application process on the website at The home page has a listing of States with Active Notices of Funds Available, click on Nevada Governor s Council on Developmental Disabilities for available projects. Application instructions can be found on the DD Suite Website homepage or by clicking or copying and pasting this link: The NGCDD is no longer using the DD Suite programmatic reporting system so you do not have to enter any objectives, activities or performance measures. Those specific to the grant you are applying for will be listed as reporting template/satisfaction survey template as separate attachments in ddsuite and will need to be completed by the applicant. The required performance measures are already entered in the report for you. Do not delete those. What is the required application format? The application process requires the completion of four separate forms: Project Data Sheet; Project Outline; and Grant Application and Budget (DS-10). Please note the DD Suite application is limited to a specific number of characters in each section and does not spell check. It is recommended you type your information in Word, spell check, and cut and paste into the application to ensure correct spelling and grammar. The NGCDD does not use the ddsuite budget format. The DS 10 is an independent document set up as an attachment in the application process. The DS 10 must be downloaded, completed and submitted as an attachment with your final grant application. If there are questions regarding the application packet, call the NGCDD office at (775) or jessica.banes@dhhs.nv.gov. Project Data Sheet includes identifying information about the applicant; project information; contact information, and signatory authority. Project Outline This section is a narrative description of the project being proposed. Questions posed on the DD suite will elicit the needed information to complete the application. The applicant will be asked to provide an executive summary that clearly states the goals and major activities of the proposed project and the impact it will have on people with developmental disabilities; a description of the organization s qualifications to implement a proposed project; a detailed narrative about the proposed project including specific information on the methodology to be used and an overview of project activities and the major expected accomplishments of the project; and the methods to be used to sustain the project when the grant award has ended. There also may be additional questions specific to the grant. Grant Application & Budget includes a brief summary of the proposed project, and an itemized section containing projections of costs for personnel, travel, operating costs, and, other direct costs and indirect costs. Several sections of the budget are self-calculating. Other documents attached to the application at include, but may not be limited to: Executive Summary of the Five Year State Plan; Grants Manual, the Notice of Funds Available (NOFA); Project Reporting Form; samples of verification of expenditures; and, the Federal Assurances (which must be signed and returned as part of the grant proposal process. 4

5 Supplemental Information you may submit with your grant application Attachments You may include up to 5 pages of relevant support materials, including samples of newspaper articles, letters of support, etc. In addition, any charts, graphs, statistical information or substantiating documentation of statements listed in the text of the grant should be included in the list of attachments. Programs that received funding in previous grant period will be required to include a summary of the project outcomes in order to be considered for continued funding. The application must be submitted electronically at no later than 5 pm PST by the date indicated on the Notice of Funds Available (NOFA). Grants submitted in any other format or after the deadline will not be considered. APPLICATION REVIEW The following are the minimum requirements for the evaluation and selection of applications to be funded. Grants must be awarded only for appropriate purposes and to eligible programs. The minimum evaluation criteria are: Proposal s response to goals identified in NGCDD Notice of Funds Available, Five Year State Plan , and the NGCDD Expected Outcomes. Applicant understands the background, need for, and scope of project. Sufficiency of proposed project as it relates to the goals and objectives. Sufficiency of benchmarks, objectives and activities to obtain desired results. Rationale and appropriateness of budget. Project sustainability. Capacity of organization or provider to achieve the proposed results demonstrated by past performance. Independent Audit Report from previous year for the applicant organization. Existing staffing pattern of organization and projected changes with grant funding. Program eligibility (501(C)3), State Certificate of Incorporation, Business License, Professional License. Review to make certain that applicant is not on the Federal List of Excluded Parties (see Grant Application Requirements). NGCDD Staff and/or Evaluation Committee may contact any applicant to clarify any response; contact any current users of an applicant s current services; solicit information from any available source concerning any aspect of the application; and seek and review any other information deemed pertinent to the evaluation process. The NGCDD shall make an award in the best interests of individuals with developmental disabilities in Nevada. The NGCDD has the right to make line item changes to the Work Plan and Budget during grant negotiations. AWARDING AND PAYMENT PROCEDURES 5

6 Grant proposals will be reviewed by the NGCDD Evaluations Committee who will in turn make recommendations to the NGCDD Council for final grant award approval. The process may require an oral interview with members of the NGCDD and/or may require amendment to your proposal prior to final awarding of the grant. When the awards are made a Notice of Grant Award (NGA) will be issued by the NGCDD summarizing the grant award. The NGA is forwarded to the grantee for signature and returned to the NGCDD for implementation. In addition, final grant award will be made via the DD Suite, which will require the Grantee confirm acceptance of the award on the DD Suite to implement the Grant. It is the responsibility of the Grantee to notify all pertinent parties within their agency of their responsibilities entailed by their acceptance of the award. OTHER GRANT REQUIREMENTS Project Period - the initial date of the project period is the earliest that funds may be obligated or expended. The termination date of the project period is the latest that funds may be obligated or expended, except to liquidate obligations incurred during the project period. Payment of Funds - Payment for an approved project will be made monthly by way of reimbursement unless otherwise specified and based on the actual expenditures for each month. It is required the grantee submit a Financial Report and Request for Reimbursement (Form DS-14, attachment E) to the NGCDD monthly during the entire project period. This includes the final month and any instances where funds are not requested for that month. Supporting records of grant expenditures must be in sufficient detail to show the exact nature of expenditures. The DS - 14 must be completed by the grantee, signed and dated by the Chief Executive Officer of the organization, and returned to the NGCDD no later than 15 days following the end of the month the expense is incurred, unless an exception has been authorized by the NGCDD Executive Director. Any requests for reimbursement received later than 30 days after the month in which expense is incurred may not be deemed reimbursable. Additional Training on the completion of this form and required support documents will be provided when the grant award is made. Withholding of Payment - The NGCDD reserves the right to withhold funds pending project audits, both fiscal and program, or pending compliance by grantee with NGCDD requirements. Grantees will be notified in writing that such actions are being taken and what will be required in order to reinstate funding. The grantee may appeal such action in writing to the Chairperson of the NGCDD. Budget Revision Requirements Grantees must notify the NGCDD of any revision to the grant per the following conditions. 6

7 1. If a budget revision amounts to 20% or less of the category the grantee can transfer the funds providing the NGCDD is notified immediately thereafter in writing. Such a transfer must not exceed 20% of either category involved in the transfer. 2. If a budget revision amounts to greater than 20% of the category the grantee must notify the NGCDD in writing and receive approval before the transfer of funds. 3. If a revision seeks to change the scope or objectives of the grant or grant period the grantee must notify the NGCDD in writing and receive approval prior to making that change. 4. If a revision indicates a need for additional or decreased State funding the grantee must notify the NGCDD in writing and receive approval prior to making that revision. If a revision involves any purpose originally disapproved or restricted as a condition of the award the grantee must notify the NGCDD in writing and receive approval prior to making that revision. Revision requests are to be submitted to the Executive Director by the grantee on the DS-10 with required attachments (including narrative justification). The DS-10 Grant Revision form must show each revised budget item in bold italics. Revision requests requiring relatively few or easily explained changes can be accepted via a letter and/or containing the required information and signed by the grantee. Any revision request must include how the revision will impact or benefit the intent/objectives of the original grant; and if there is a transfer of funds the request must indicate what category the funds are being taken from and why the funds are available for transfer. All revision requests must be made no later than 60 days prior to the end of a project period. All revisions require prior approval in writing. Audit NGCDD grants are subject to inspection and audit by representatives of the NGCDD other appropriate State or Federal agencies to (a) verify financial transactions and determine whether funds were used in accordance with applicable laws, regulations and procedures; (b) as whether certain policies, plans and procedures are being followed; (c) provide management with objective and systematic appraisals of financial and administrative controls, including information as to whether operations are carried out effectively, efficiently and economically; and (d) determine reliability of financial aspects of the conduct of the project. The audit will be performed in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards to determine that there is proper accounting for and use of grant funds. The independent audit or alternate independent financial audit report will become part of the overall grant monitoring process and will be retained as part of the ongoing administrative record of grant activities. It is the policy of the NGCDD (as well as a federal requirement in OMB Circular A-133) to require that each grantee receiving at least $500,000 in federal and/or state funding have an annual audit prepared by an independent auditor in accordance with the terms and requirements of the appropriate circular. Any auditor s management letters which result from the latest independent audit will accompany the current auditor s report. The grantee agrees, upon receipt of the audit report, to immediately forward a copy of the independent audit and any accompanying management letters to the NGCDD. 7

8 Where OMB Circular A-133 does not apply to a particular sub-recipient the grantee will provide, on a yearly basis, an alternate independent financial audit report to show evidence that the sub-recipient abides by standards of sound fiscal practice and should continue receiving grant funding. Any findings, deficiencies, questioned costs or other reportable conditions will be identified and brought to the attention of the bureau/office and sub-grantee in writing. The Director will notify the sub-grantee of the corrective action required and the expected timelines for resolution, in writing. *It is the responsibility of the grantee to assure the safekeeping of all project records and to be able to promptly produce them upon the request of state or federal representatives. Consumer satisfaction surveys Grantees are required to conduct a consumer satisfaction survey to assess participant satisfaction with ALL grant activities This survey should be completed by the participants for all activities and the originals forwarded to the NGCDD for reporting performance measures to the federal government, and ensuring the grant is meeting the goals established in the draft Five Year State Plan. Acknowledgement Under the grant award all written work product is required to include the NGCDD logo and the following statement: This publication is supported by the Nevada Governor s Council on Developmental Disabilities through grant funds from the Administration on Developmental Disabilities, Administration for Children and Families CFDA # The contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the NGCDD or Administration on Developmental Disabilities. All other products funded under the grant are required to include the NGCDD logo. GRANT MONITORING POLICIES The purpose of the Grant Monitoring process for the NGCDD is to provide a timely and consistent, multi-level analysis of the performance of each grantee. The process will consider the goals and objectives established at the time of the grant award, while assuring compliance with all applicable State and Federal fiscal guidelines and requirements. As extensively as practicable, these grant monitoring procedures will have, as their basis, requirements for internal accounting and administrative controls in compliance with NRS 353A.020, the Nevada Department of Administration, Internal Control System, and any appropriate Federal mandates for fiscal reporting. Responsibility Monitoring of GRANT will be conducted as a function under the direction of the Executive Director of the NGCDD. It is understood that the overall process of monitoring the utilization of resources and the resulting benefit to the designated population will involve a range of input from NGCDD members, fiscal staff, other experts in the field of services for developmental disabilities. The overall grant monitoring process will be threefold and consist of: 8

9 Ongoing program analysis of routine program activity conducted by NGCDD staff will ensure progress toward objectives and milestones identified at the time of the grant award; timely expenditure of funds; and, the ongoing communication between the NGCDD and grantee. Quarterly Reports Grantees will be required to complete quarterly reports to include a year-end summary following the fourth quarter. The purpose of the quarterly report is to provide the NGCDD with program information in a timely manner to allow decision-making and program redirection prior to total disbursement of grant funds. The NGCDD Executive Director/Council staff will review the quarterly reports and prepare a summary for presentation at the NGCDD s quarterly meetings. The reviews will include: funding utilized compliance with federal grant guidelines and assurances outcomes, objectives and performance measures, and milestones follow-up on any recommendations from previous quarter areas of concern/recommendations for intervention NGCDD fiscal staff review NGCDD staff concerns about grantee s performance toward fulfilling grant outcomes, objectives, performance measures and milestones after reviewing reports and meeting with grantees; will be reported to the NGCDD evaluation committee and presented to the NGCDD at their quarterly meeting for considered action by NGCDD. If concerns on performance are not remedied, the executive director may stop funding the grantee with majority vote from the NGCDD and a special meeting may be scheduled for this purpose. Yearly program/grant review: A yearly review of all levels of service activity, fiscal activity, record keeping and overall program performance as compared to the objectives and goals of the grant, direct customer feedback, independent audit results and recommendations will be conducted by the NGCDD. GRANT COMPLETION PROVISIONS At the completion of the grant period the NGCDD and grantee agree that the following provisions survive termination until satisfied: 1. The grantee will account for and present to the NGCDD, all claims for expenses properly accrued under the terms of the grant but not submitted for reimbursement at the time of grant completion or termination. 2. The NGCDD will pay those properly accrued and presented expenses as allowed within the framework of the grant. 3. The NGCDD will satisfactorily complete work in progress at the agreed rate (or a pro rated basis if necessary) if so requested by the grantor. 4. Neither the NGCDD nor the grantee will withhold performance based in these provisions solely based on nonpayment of fees or expenses accrued up to the time of completion or termination of the grant. 9

10 5. The NGCDD will provide access to appropriate documentation as related to the performance of the grant, as requested by the NGCDD and as required by the NGCDD for final grant performance review and reporting. 6. The Grantee will retain all books, records, reports and statements relevant to this Grant for a minimum of three years. The retention period runs from the date of payment for the relevant goods or services by the State or from the date of termination of the Grant, whichever is later. Retention time shall be extended when an audit is scheduled or in progress for a period reasonably necessary to complete an audit and/or to complete any administrative and judicial litigation which may ensue. 10

11 ATTACHEMENT A GLOSSARY OF TERMS The following are definitions of terms most commonly used in the award of the Council on Developmental Disabilities grants and contracts: Budget - A planned program for a fiscal period in terms of: - estimated costs, obligations and expenditures of funds required for support of designated services, materials and other allowable cost items. - sources of funds for financing, including project income, reimbursement anticipated and other resources to be applied. - explanatory and workload data on the projected program and activities. Cost, Direct - A cost which can be specifically identified with a project. Direct costs include salaries and wages of employees assigned to the project and the costs of materials, services and travel incurred in carrying out the project. Cost, Indirect - A cost which is not readily identifiable with a project, but is necessary for the overall operation of the project. Indirect costs include costs of administration, data processing and accounting activities. The specific costs to be included in this category are determined by Federal agencies or the Office through direct negotiation. Cost-sharing or Matching - The actual monetary value of resources used by the grantee to fund the approved project costs not borne by the office. The cost-sharing requirement is typically referred to as a ratio which indicates the required percentages of office and non-office financial support. Cost, Total Project - The allowable direct costs and indirect costs incurred by the grantee in carrying out the requirements of the grant, less any applicable credits. The total project costs consist of those paid with both Office and required cost-sharing funds. The term developmental disability means a severe, chronic disability of an individual that is attributable to a mental or physical impairment or combination of mental and physical impairments; is manifested before the individual attains age 22; is likely to continue indefinitely; results in substantial functional limitations in 3 or more of the following areas of major life activity: (I) Self-care. (II) Receptive and expressive language. (III) Learning. (IV) Mobility (V) Self-direction.(VI) Capacity for independent living. (VII) Economic self-sufficiency; and (v) reflects the individual s need for a combination and sequence of special, interdisciplinary, or generic services, individualized supports, or other forms of assistance that are of lifelong or extended duration and are individually planned and coordinated. Federal Fiscal Year- October 1, of the current year to September 30, of the following year 11

12 Financial Audit - Review of an organization's financial records and systems for the purpose of issuing an opinion on the permissibility of the costs and the accuracy of the organization's financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Grant Period - The interval of time, up to two fiscal years, for which the project is funded. In-Kind Contribution - The value of non-cash contributions provided by the grantee or third parties. In-kind contributions may include donated space, use or lease charges for property and equipment, or the value of goods and services directly benefiting and specifically identifiable to a project. Prior Approval - Written permission to use grant funds for certain purposes not included in the approved budget, or to change certain aspects of the project in a way not originally planned. This approval must be obtained from the Council before undertaking the proposed action. Project - The collection of services and associated activities funded under the grant. Project Income - That part of project funding derived by the grantee from any activities conducted in the performance of the grant. Examples of project income include client fees. The State share of project income is determined by the percentage of State participation in the grant that generated that income. State (Nevada) Fiscal Year July 1, of current year to June 30, of the following year. Third Party Revenue - Any funds received for payment of services from someone other than the service provider or service recipient. Examples of third party funds include payments by Medicaid, Medicare, Blue Cross, and other health insurers. 12

13 ATTACHEMENT B NEVADA GOVERNOR S COUNCIL ON DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES Executive Summary Five Year State Plan October 1, 2011 September 30, 2016 INTRODUCTION The Nevada Governor s Council on Developmental Disabilities is funded through a formula grant authorized under Subtitle B of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of The purpose of the Councils, as defined by statute, is to engage in advocacy, capacity building, and systemic change activities that contribute to a coordinated, consumer and family centered, consumer and family directed, comprehensive system of community services, individualized supports, and other forms of assistance that enable individuals with developmental disabilities to exercise self-determination, be independent, be productive, and be integrated and included in all facets of community life. The Councils utilize strategies such as training, educating policy makers and communities, coalition development, barrier elimination, and demonstration of new approaches to service to meet the mandated purpose. These strategies are incorporated into a five-year State Plan that includes, and is based on, a comprehensive review and analysis of services, supports, and other assistance in the State available to individuals with developmental disabilities. 13

14 COUNCIL COMPOSITION The Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000, PL , mandates the Council composition as follows: No less than sixty percent of the Council must consist of individuals with developmental disabilities; parents or guardians of children with developmental disabilities; immediate relatives or guardians of adults with mentally impairing developmental disabilities who cannot advocate for themselves. Members representing this group may not be employed by any state agency that provides services to people with developmental disabilities. Of the 60% represented, 1/3 must be individuals with developmental disabilities, 1/3 must be parents or guardians of children with developmental disabilities or a relative or guardian of an adult with disabilities and 1/3 may be a combination of the first two groups. In addition, one member of the Council must be an immediate relative or guardian of an individual who resides or has previously resided in an institution or an individual who resides or has previously resided in an institution. The balance of the Council is composed of representatives from agencies that administer programs that provide services to people with disabilities and include: the Rehabilitation Act, IDEA, the Older Americans Act, Title V and XIX of the Social Security Act, the Protection and Advocacy agency and the University Center for Excellence. One non-governmental provider agency is also represented. Council members are appointed by the Governor to serve a three year term. Statutes provide for rotation of council membership and Council bylaws establish a maximum of three consecutive terms for members, except for those members representing mandatory agencies. FUNDING Each state council receives funds from the Federal Administration on Developmental Disabilities, Administration on Children and Families, Department of Health and Human Services in the form of a basic grant calculated on a population formula and a required matching requirement. Nevada is a minimum allotment state based on the current formula and has received, on average, $470,000 per year. Although Councils determine how funds will be used, the funds flow through a state agency designated by the Governor of each state. The Designated State agency in Nevada is the Department of Health and Human Services, Directors Office. FIVE-YEAR STATE PLAN Each State Developmental Disabilities Council is required to submit a five-year plan to the Administration on Developmental Disabilities outlining the intended use of federal funding allocated for its basic operational grant. Federal law mandates that the plan address some or all of the Areas of Emphasis established by Congress. The Areas of Emphasis are as follows: Early Intervention, Health Related, Housing, Employment, Transportation, Community Supports, Quality Assurance, Recreation, Education, Child Care 14

15 Each five-year plan is reviewed and updated annually. An Annual Program Performance Report is submitted indicating Council activities and progress made toward each identified Goal. The Goals and Objectives established by the Council to be addressed during the five year period, October 1, 2011 through September 30, 2016, are: Goal I: Provide training to promote/encourage informed decision making by individuals with developmental disabilities, leading to increased independence, productivity and full inclusion in their communities. Objectives: 1.1 Educate a minimum of five (5) service, social, faith based, and/or philanthropic organizations per fiscal year regarding full inclusion and participation of individuals with developmental disabilities in their planning, activity development and outreach. Activity: A speakers list comprised of Council Staff/Council Members/ People First & past graduates of Partners in Policy Making & Community Partners will be established to educate Nevada communities. Activity: Council members/staff will participate in the development of the Families First Conference. Activity: Council Staff will continue to act as a member of the Interagency Coordinating Council (ICC) which provides guidance to the Early Intervention Services Program. Activity: Council members and Staff will take an active role in the Nevada Commission on Services for Persons with Disabilities. 1.2 Partner with Nevada Communities to develop a minimum of 12 community based events and activities to be held in all regions of the State of Nevada each fiscal year, to educate and inform individuals with developmental disabilities, their families and professionals about services and supports available in their local community. Activity: Public Awareness Collaboration Events (PACE) events will be developed in communities across the State of Nevada to inform individuals with developmental disabilities of their options. These events will include agencies and services related to all areas of emphasis identified in the Developmental Disabilities Act. 1.3 Educate a minimum of 45 community based employers/employer groups (i.e. Chamber of Commerce, Business Leadership Organizations, Native American groups) and 20 job developers per fiscal year in all regions of the State of Nevada, on best employment for individuals with developmental disabilities. Activity: The Council will continue to be active in improving employment infrastructure for people with developmental disabilities. 15

16 1.4 Participate in three community based educational forums to provide input on integrated educational choice for individuals with developmental disabilities. Activity: Council Staff will continue to act as staff for the Interagency Transition Advisory Board (ITAB). The ITAB is legislatively mandated to provide recommendations on transitioning students to the legislature. Activity: Council Staff will continue to provide services as a facilitator for the Annual Nevada Student Leadership Transition Summits 1.5 A minimum of 10 agencies that provide direct service across the state of Nevada to individuals with developmental disabilities will receive information on nationwide best practices in the employment first philosophy for individuals with developmental disabilities. Activity: Council members and Staff will take an active role in the implementation of the Statewide Strategic Plan developed as a result of the Employment Summits, including serving on the Statewide Stake Holders Committee, and support of Summit outcomes and best practice options. Activity: Council Members and Staff will participate in the implementation of the Statewide Action plan developed through the Employment Summit process including the development of employment opportunities and training for transitioning students. GOAL II Ensure Self Advocates have information and skills necessary to participate in advocacy and policy making activities. Objectives: 2.1 Establish or strengthen a minimum of one program for the direct funding of a State self advocacy organization led by individuals with developmental disabilities. Activity: The Council will support the People First Program in dissemination of information regarding post secondary education and employment options. Activity: Collaborate with local chapters of People First, local advisors and school counselors to recruit and sponsor Student First organizations. 2.2 Biennially support a minimum of one program to provide leadership training to at least 25 individuals (10 individuals with developmental disabilities and 15 parents/family members of individuals with developmental disabilities). Activity: The Council will support self and family advocates to work in collaboration with multiple state and local organizations (i.e. Nevada Early Intervention Services, Nevada Parents Encouraging Parents, Nevada University Center for Excellence in Disabilities, state school districts) to encourage the dissemination of information regarding post secondary education and employment throughout the lifespan of individuals with developmental disabilities. 16

17 Activity: The Council will promote Partners in Policy Making Training agencies to include discussion on post secondary education and employment. Activity: Co-sponsor biennial classes of Partners in Policymaking to develop a pool of parents and self-advocates with knowledge and skills in advocating for services and systems changes for people with developmental disabilities to serve on advisory boards and committees as representatives of individuals with developmental disabilities. Activity: Maintain a Consumer Leadership fund to provide opportunities for self-advocates and parents to participate in conferences and trainings that will improve their advocacy skills. Activity: Co-sponsor conferences for parents and self-advocates that increase their knowledge about services, supports and trends at both the state and national levels. Activity: Collaborate with Developmental Disabilities (ADD) partners to support People First through the National and Community Service program. 2.3 Support and/or expand a minimum of one program to encourage the participation of individuals with developmental disabilities in cross-disability and culturally diverse leadership groups. Activity: Council supported self-advocacy organization will be expanded into identified crossdisability and culturally diverse groups throughout Nevada. GOAL III In conjunction with individuals with developmental disabilities and community entities, develop and strengthen systems that improve quality services and access to quality services and supports in their local communities. Objectives: 3.1 Educate at least one community transportation system in each region of the State annually about the needs of individuals with developmental disabilities and provide training on access to community transportation. Activity: Council staff/members will participate in Transportation coalitions across the State to implement effective transportation programs for individuals with developmental disabilities. Activity: Training will be provided to individuals, groups or transportation systems. 3.2 Annually, provide a minimum of 50 health care professionals in the State of Nevada with information they need to provide quality services to individuals with developmental disabilities. Activity: Support the ongoing development of an information and referral system to provide information to service providers within the State of Nevada. 3.3 Collaborate with existing statewide efforts to provide information & support to a minimum of 500 individuals with developmental disabilities and care givers through the State about self advocacy regarding their health care; and, the importance of oral, dental care, nutrition, exercise, vision, 17

18 behavioral health and all other areas that support health and a healthy life style throughout their lifespan. Activity: Work with stakeholder entities to write policies and procedures which will break down barriers to accessing health care and related programs/services. Activity: Share information, as it emerges, regarding the Health Care Reform Act to the developmental disability community. Activity: Pursue the development of developmental disabilities educational health forums/summits for individuals, families, health professionals, behavioral specialists and human service professionals in order to facilitate quality, coordinated care. 3.4 Participate in a minimum of one housing group in each region of the State to expose them to the housing needs of individuals with developmental disabilities and keep accessibility a primary focus. Activity: The Council and Council staff will educate the housing community and keep the developmental disability community abreast of housing opportunities, barriers and legislation by participating in community housing organizations and staying informed on Housing and Urban Development (HUD) opportunities. Activity: The Council Executive Director will continue to be the Housing Development Specialist Liaison for individuals with developmental disabilities 18