Vocational Rehabilitation Council Kathleen Olson, Chair 505 E. King Street, Room 502 Carson City, Nevada 89701-3705 775-684-4040 Voice 775-684-8400 TTY 775-684-4184 Fax Meeting Minutes Rehabilitation Division Offices 1325 Corporate Boulevard, Reno Members Present: Members Absent Staff Ralph Baker Cruz Bonilla William Hamilton, Rehabilitation Division Bill Bauer Marcia de Braga Beth Horrigan Ed Guthrie, Jr. Guests Marsha Lakes Linda Lueck Myla Florence, Director, DETR Lorraine Marshall Karla McComb Libby Jones, DETR s Director s Office Kathy Olson Mike Becker, Chief, BSBVI Mike Stubblefield Richard Nelson, Manager, BVR Gillian Wells Scott Youngs, ADA Nevada Pat Williams Kitti Barth, Governor s Committee on Robert White Employment of People with Disabilities Maynard Yasmer Exhibits 1. Meeting agenda 2. Minutes of June 30, 2000 meeting 3. Vocational Rehabilitation brochure and Council s VR brochure draft 4. Financial Participation Assessment addendum #104 5. Vocational Rehabilitation Council 2000-2001 Master Plan 6. Workforce Investment Board report by Karla McComb 7. Barbara Legier report on Disability & Employment 2000 8. Barbara Legier report on RCEP Schedule of Training CALL TO ORDER & ROLL CALL Kathy Olson, Chair, called the meeting to order at 10:05 am, took roll, and asked those present to introduce themselves.
VRC MEETING Page 2 MINUTES Bill Bauer moved, and Toni Caruso seconded, approval of the minutes of June 30, 2000. They were approved unanimously. CHAIRPERSON REPORT Kathy Olson discussed Council membership. Toni Caruso and Cruz Bonilla will have completed two terms and will depart in spring 2001. The first terms of Marcia de Braga, Lorraine Marshall and Mike Stubblefield will expire by summer. Bill Bauer, Mike Stubblefield,, Pat Williams and Kathy Olson will serve on a recruitment and nominating committee regarding membership. Kathy Olson introduced Kitti Barth, recently appointed to head the Governor's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities. She presented an award to Kathy Olson as the first (and 25 year) director of the Governor's Committee, for service to disabled Nevadans. Kitti mentioned the implementation of a memorandum of understanding between the Governor's Committee and the Rehabilitation Division. She is also working on a memorandum of understanding with the Social Security Administration with respect to the Ticket to Work Program, to be implemented in 2002, and has videos on the program for viewing. Kitti said State Senator Bill O'Donnell will support the Medicaid buy-in, which will help people on SSI return to work. Lorraine Marshall commented that she sees a need in education and a support structure for employers who have questions about, or need assistance for, employees with degenerative conditions, for example. Kitti is available to meet with employers and employees to provide information and support, and she has been working on collaborative efforts of this sort. COMMITTEE REPORTS A. Marketing & Advocacy 1. Legislation Subcommittee. a) ADA brochure. Per Council request, Scott Youngs and Bill Hamilton produced a concise new color ADA brochure and asked the Council to review it and discuss its use. The Council wants it to educate employers and to distribute to legislators. Other potential uses include 200 copies for a human resource management meeting being held in Sparks on January 17, a DETR legislative exhibit at the State Legislature, and the Governor s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities. Recommended changes include recognition of Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation with its entities on the resources page, and availability in large print and on audiotape entered in the text. Mr. Youngs guessed that copies could be produced at UNR for $.60 to $1.00 each. Optional brochure printing locations were discussed, such as the State Printing Office, Kinkos and UNR. Bill Bauer moved adoption of the brochure as a draft, appointment of a committee to review changes, and approval to print at least 2,000 copies with Council funds. The motion was seconded by Lorraine Marshall and amended to include review by the brochure and the legislation subcommittees. Mr. Yasmer asked to review the brochure changes prior to printing and suggested that the Rehabilitation Division could place an order for brochures for the Division, but not for the Council. The motion passed unanimously. As
VRC MEETING Page 3 to distribution of the brochure by Division personnel, Mr. Yasmer will determine who may be involved in this effort. b) Legislation Committee, in general. Lorraine Marshall understands through Kathy Olson that a concern of the Council's--state match for the VR programs--is progressing well, so her subcommittee took no further action on match. She wants the subcommittee to receive or develop a charter, an understanding of what it can do to help the Division and work with it and may e-mail suggestions to committee members. They include Ed Guthrie, Jr., Mike Stubblefield,and others on a committee list distributed by Mr. Hamilton. The subcommittee will work with Mr. Yasmer and the Division. c) Equitable treatment of the newly disabled. Lorraine will have a report at the next meeting, after she has had a chance to discuss this with Dennis Shillinburg. 2. Videotape Subcommittee. Marsha Lakes, Karla McComb, Bob White and Linda Lueck met about a video to promote the VR programs to employers, estimating the cost at $1,000/minute for a scripted program produced in a studio. It would include actual footage of clients placed in jobs. They recommend a collaborative effort, including cost sharing, with the Governor s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities. Kitti Barth concurred, and she will contact a former VR client, who is one of her clients, regarding video production. Joe Tyler and the community colleges were mentioned as possible low cost video producers. A locally produced video is more desirable than those produced in other states because using Nevadans in the video is important. The subcommittee will return next meeting with a report on collaboration, production and cost for a video. 3. Brochure Subcommittee. Kathy Olson s subcommittee produced a revised tri-fold brochure (The Key to Winning Job-Ready Employees) that uses bullet points and is easy for employers to review as to the VR programs and job readiness of VR consumers. Discussion focused on the value of this brochure compared to one recently prepared by the Rehabilitation Division (Putting Nevadans with Disabilities to Work Makes Good Business Sense) and a glossy 8 ½ x 11 Division-produced packet that counselors believe is useful to present what the VR programs are about. Which product will answer what employers want to know about the VR programs and job candidates? Mr. Yasmer, Bob White and Kitti Barth believe that qualities employers look for include people who are literate, punctual, have a positive attitude, have ethical work practices, have basic skills and can be taught new skills at the jobsite. The brochure be written to convey these qualities in association with the VR programs. For consistency to other DETR brochures, Myla Florence wants the format of the VR programs brochure to be like that of Putting Nevadans with Disabilities to Work Makes Good Business Sense, and she likes this title. She believes that textual differences between this brochure and the Council subcommittee brochure can be reconciled but wants to see that VR program services and one-stop services are included. Beth Horrigan said that terms in the Council brochure like assistive technology, auxiliary aids and devices, and consultation and training may not be understood by businesses. Moreover, the term no cost resources in the Council brochure, to many people, may imply no value. Beth believes that the financial incentives portion is well laid out. Lorraine Marshall and Bob
VRC MEETING Page 4 White advised against narratives in the brochure, and they support bullet points whenever possible. Lorraine then moved that the subcommittee continue with the bullet point approach in a brochure. The Council unanimously agreed. When produced, Kitti Barth wants copies of the brochure. B. Oversight. 1. 1. Review VR policy on financial participation. Bill Bauer moved that the Rehabilitation Division revisit the financial participation assessment policy in the following ways: remove it from the application process, assign its timing to the place in the case where the rehabilitation plan is co-developed, and associate the assessment with current income instead of the previous year's income. Second by Gillian Wells. After discussion about pros and cons of the policy, Council members were reminded that they had been mailed an invitation to participate in and review the VR programs' policies and procedures, beginning on December 12. On motion by Bill Bauer, second by Gillian Wells, the Council unanimously voted for review of the policy by the Division. Recommended changes will be presented to the Council in 2001. 2. Annual consumer satisfaction survey of VR programs and DETR functions. Kathy Olson invited members to volunteer for this project, done in late winter to early spring, to the extent it is feasible as written in the Proposed Rule for the VR programs. Work includes preparation of surveys and solicitation and receipt of input from consumers--those receiving service and those whose cases are closed. In the past, input also was taken at public hearings. Gillian Wells, Marsha Lakes and Tony Caruso agreed to help. ADMINISTRATOR S REPORT Maynard Yasmer said the Rehabilitation Division s need for state matching funds for the VR programs should be met. Ralph Baker asked how many counselor positions have been requested for the VR programs. Mr. Yasmer said the Division is not asking for new positions, but the recommendation to the State Legislature is that vacancy savings will not be required of the VR programs. The VR programs thus could fill positions right away, not remain vacant to create savings. Case services funds also will be ample in the budget. Myla Florence said the Dept. of Administration argued against new positions when existing positions are not filled. Mr. Yasmer also discussed a proposal before the upcoming Interim Finance Committee, the hiring of an independent consultant to evaluate the needs of the Division for an improved automated report system. In addition, the Division is working with the One Stop Operating System, a reporting system associated with one-stop shops, into which information data might be funneled. The feasibility is yet to be determined. VRC MASTER PLAN FUNCTIONS Kathy Olson referred to the VRC Master Plan matrix begun at the September training in Henderson, subsequently refined into the current 8-point document. Council priorities and activities should be linked to functions in the plan, but often it has strayed to other projects or priorities. A major item is the Council s annual report (function 6) regarding performance of the VR programs and the Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation. Bill Bauer said it would be hard for the Council to assess DETR functions. Materials mailed the Council in October should be useful for the report. A committee
VRC MEETING Page 5 is needed to work with the Council s staff liaison to prepare the report due the end of December to Governor Guinn and the U.S. Department of Education, but the full Council should be given the opportunity to review the outline of the proposed report. The Council asked Bill Hamilton to prepare an outline for review by all Council members, also to have Bill Hamilton, Kathy Olson, Mike Stubblefield, Lorraine Marshall and BSBVI Deputy Chief Rob Johnston work on the written report. On motion by Mike Stubblefield, seconded by Bill Bauer, the named subcommittee members were given responsibility to write and submit the report. The motion passed unanimously. REPORTS FROM OTHER COUNCILS AND ENTITIES A. State Workforce Investment Board. Karla McComb was not present but submitted a report that was mailed to members and was available to others. B. State Department of Education. Marsha Lakes said there was a training program regarding a career development and transition for exceptional children conference in Iowa. Next year s meeting on secondary transition issues will be in Denver and she should be able to assist some Nevadans attend it. Marsha also is responsible for convening an advisory group regarding State of Nevada Assembly Concurrent Resolution 16. It addresses graduation requirements for youth with disabilities and allowable accommodations for individuals with disabilities who take proficiency examinations (such as reading). The idea of a vocational diploma equivalent to a standard high school diploma is a recommendation the group is making. Mr. Yasmer noted the importance of this issue and will appreciate hearing more about it as the State Legislature meets. She also discussed the proficiencies that are being required of students and can provide materials on standards expected of them. C. Developmental Disabilities Council. Ken Vogel was not present but did submit a report that will accompany the minutes. D. State Independent Living Council. Ralph Baker said the Council is working on the State Plan for Independent Living, due June 2001. The Council is working with the State s Medicaid unit on the implementation of the U.S. Supreme Court s Olmstead decision. It affirmed the right of people with disabilities to live in the least restrictive type of setting rather than being institutionalized. It also prohibited people being placed on a waiting list for home health services that enable them to live at home. The State of Nevada s Medicaid division appears to treat the Olmstead decision as a suggestion, not a mandate. The Council also will work at the State Legislature on a Medicaid buyin proposal, which would allow disabled individuals to retain health insurance if they return to work. E. Mental Health Planning Council. There was no representative present. REPORT FROM VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION PROGRAMS A. Training meetings. A report from Barbara Legier was mailed to Council members regarding a training she attended in Pennsylvania in September. It was available for distribution at the meeting. A handout regarding future trainings for VR program personnel, in Southern Nevada and in Northern Nevada, also was provided. Council members are welcome to attend and should contact Barbara at 775.684.4078 or Bill Hamilton at 775.684.4073. B. ADA training in Oakland. Bill Hamilton reported on an all-day training he attended in Oakland in September, on the employment and the public accommodation provisions of the Americans with
VRC MEETING Page 6 Disabilities Act. Peggy Mastriaonni of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and John Wodatch of the U.S. Department of Justice made presentations. C. Vocational Rehabilitation Programs. 1. Interface of VR programs with one-stop centers in Nevada. Mike Becker, Chief of BSBVI, said that his program is co-located in Carson City at the Frontier Plaza facility and he would like to move a team to the Henderson office if, and when, appropriate space can be found. In terms of recommendations to the Statewide Workforce Investment Board, he cited a problem with the accessibility of computers in the resource center and has been assured that the problem will be taken care of. For BVR, Richard Nelson said that two counselors and a rehabilitation technician are working in a one-stop center in Las Vegas and this seems to be working well. Some cross training is going on in Las Vegas. In Northern Nevada, BVR is trying to secure space to enable another counselor to move into the one-stop center. Where co-location has occurred, BVR staff members appear to enjoy the facility and work. The Reno District Manager has been recommended for membership on the local workforce board. Mr. Nelson wants to impress on the Statewide Workforce Investment Board that career centers need to be accessible for people with varying disabilities. 2. General program report. Discussion occurred around recent and ongoing audits of programs including BVR and BSBVI. When the Legislative Counsel Bureau audit is concluded it will become a public document and will be available to the Council. COUNCIL LOG A. Web site relevant to disabled Nevadans. Lorraine Marshall addressed the idea of a one-stop Internet website for Nevadans to be able to find state resources on topics such as housing, jobs, support groups, the Americans with Disabilities Act, assistive technology, etc. Many sites are maintained by Nevada agencies but seldom link to each other. Also, there are problems with being bobby compliant (a web-based tool that analyzes web pages for their accessibility to people with disabilities, such as low vision problems). Kathy Olson said the website of the Governor s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities met this one-stop objective two years ago. Lorraine will review the site and make a report at the next meeting. Address: http://www.state.nv.us/b&i/epd/ Then click on Local Resources on the home page. B. Bulletin Board. Bill Hamilton reported that presently the State's Department of Information Technology does not yet have an operational bulletin board. He will stay in touch with the Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation to learn if the bulletin board idea is feasible in the future. Beth Horrigan asked if a bulletin board could be arranged through the Rehabilitation Continuing Education Program out of San Diego State University, and Bill Bauer mentioned a national bulletin board for rehabilitation councils through Saint John's University (stjohns.edu), Michelle Warren. Bill Hamilton asked if the Council would really use it or if the concept is simply a nice idea. E-mail to and between Council members was cited as already available for all but several members. There was no resolution with respect to further pursuit of anything other than e-mail.
VRC MEETING Page 7 C. Parents Forum. The Council discussed whether the idea, discussed in June, could be pursued in the light of all the other Council work. Gillian Wells believed that a family or parent component involved in the VR process was lacking and deserved effort. She agreed to chair the subcommittee on the list that was distributed. COUNSELOR ISSUES Beth Horrigan and Pat Williams reported that a problem some vendors to BVR and BSBVI are not being paid for services provided for two or three months from the time they bill until they are paid. The impact has been lost job developers and job coaches to other entities where they are paid monthly. She asked if there was a way that the VR programs could set up a similar payment schedule. Bill Hamilton also cited six week to fourteen week delays in payment to two vendors to the VRC. Maynard Yasmer will look into these problems. EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR VR CLIENTS Lorraine Marshall mentioned two opportunities at her place of business and Gillian Wells mentioned a volunteer coordinator position, information and referral specialist position and family specialist position at Nevada PEP. PUBLIC COMMENT There was none. FUTURE MEETINGS The Council agreed on the following dates in 2000, for which the video teleconferencing facilities at the Nevada Department of Transportation in Carson City and in Las Vegas have been reserved: February 2, April 6, June 8, September 7 and November 16. The Council may want to arrange a training as well and might discuss this at the February meeting. Ms. Olson also asked members to be in touch with her or Bill Hamilton well in advance of each meeting if they have ideas that may be appropriate for the meeting agenda. ADJOURNMENT Following a motion by Bill Bauer, the meeting was adjourned at 2:00 pm. Recorded by: Denise Phipps, Sierra Nevada Reporters Edited by: William Hamilton, Rehabilitation Division
VRC MEETING Page 8 Approved by: Kathleen Olson, Chair