Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout20211026_DDAB MINUTES-OCTOBER 26-2021-FINAL1 JEFFERSON COUNTY DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES ADVISORY BOARD Tuesday- October 26, 2021 2:45 – 4:30 PM MINUTES FINAL I. Introductions Board Attendees: Kim Rafferty (Co-Chair), Owen Rowe, Shelby MacMeekin, Heidi Eisenhour, Cherish Cronmiller, Kelly Matlock Board Absence: Carl Hanson (Co-Chair) Guests: Kate Orville, Gina Amick, Robin Burdick, Catie Morton, Lara Radke, Taylor Webster, Minnie Whalen, Melinda Miller, Debra Dineen, Kimberly Adams, John Eisenhower, Bob Wheeler, Tanya Barnett Staff: Anna Mc Enery, Apple Martine II. Approval of the DDAB Agenda - October 26, 2021, Meeting Changes to Agenda: There will not be a report on the DD budget today and Claudia Coppola of Olympic Neighbors will not be presenting. Motion to accept Agenda with changes: Member Eisenhour/ (M), Member Rowe/(S) Approved unanimously III. Approval of DDAB Minutes- May 25, 2021 Motion to Approve Minutes: Member Cronmiller/ (M), Member Eisenhour/(S) Approved unanimously IV. Public Comments- None V. New Business/Presentations/Updates Minnie Whalen of the Clallam Resilience Project gave a PowerPoint presentation about: a. N.E.A.R. (Neuroscience, Epigenetics, ACEs, and Resilience) Science in connection with I/DD Services. The Clallam Resilience Project: • Is a cross-sector consortium of over fifty organizations working to foster resiliency. • Developed opportunities to connect, learn and educate on how/why to apply NEAR sciences in trauma sensitive care. • Began by holding 7 Community Cafes in Clallam and Jefferson Counties that answered questions around mobilizing a community response to ACE’s. The “Why” of this approach: • ACES can have lasting effects on health, behavior, and life potential. • It is not just what people “do” that affects their outcomes, but it has more to do with what happens when people have developed experiences in early childhood—in behaviors and environment that can cause changes that affect the way genes work. These are epigenetic changes and they are reversible. • Education and Outreach to the support systems/organizations that can give help are the goals of the project. • The desire is to foster trauma sensitive care among professionals, helpers, families, and other organizations with an emphasis on cross-sector system collaboration. • A trauma informed approach can provide access to resources and support in communities. • An organizational approach provides a better benefit for all stakeholders. • A community can develop the capacity, knowledge, and skills to understand and respond to adverse effects of trauma. 2 Minnie Whalen suggested an approach as to “How we can work together” to integrate this approach by joining with the Clallam Resilience Project to: • Receive a newsletter 2 x monthly • Listen to for podcast/video around resilience or trauma informed care • Receive links to events, meetings, videos • Participate in a NEAR Science Workshop/Training for Vendors – (to contextualize ACES and trauma informed care within each agency and into community) • Work on developing an action plan for your agency Staff Mc Enery suggested that everyone take the time to find out what their own ACES are to assist in their own resiliency. In addition to being more trauma informed, it could promote a better understanding of ourselves and others. Staff Martine added that there is an importance in self-reflection. She asked how are we, the people who do this work, address and encourage self-reflection on our own lived experiences. When we are working with ACES and trauma with others, it is not something that is our responsibility to “fix.” Instead, ACES provide a reflection of where the threads in life propagate trauma forward, and what can help change those threads. Staff Mc Enery shared she would like Minnie Whalen of the Clallam Resilience Project, to present a workshop and follow up training on exploring the science and impacts of trauma, (with a focus on individuals who experience Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities), to be scheduled in the winter of 2022. b. Presentation on SMART Teams Kate Orville shared a PowerPoint about understanding SMART Teams and how to create a SMART Team in Jefferson County. The wait time for an autism diagnosis test at Seattle Children’s and/or Mary Bridge can be 9 to 18 months. Having a local resource like a SMART Team for those kiddos- could fill an important gap. https://depts.washington.edu/chdd/ucedd/projects/Projects3.php?y=92 Kate Orville works with WA State Medical Home Partnerships Project for Children and Youth with Special Healthcare Needs (CYSHCN). The Medical Home Partnerships Project (MHPP) is a Washington State Title V funded technical assistance center. MHPP is located at the University of WA Center on Human Development & Disability, the Clinical Training Unit is where they provide consultation, resources and linkages to community partners, while developing coordinated systems of care for youth with autism. In 2013, Kate Orville reported, the WA Health Care Authority launched the Autism Center of Excellence (COE) Certification Program, in response to a Judge’s ruling that Applied Behavioral Analysis is “medically necessary” in children with ASD. However, children with ASD could still not access diagnostic evaluations. In response to the need, Kate Orville said that UW/ Seattle Children’s started a collaboration for COE training. This training draws on expertise of primary care providers, MD’s, ARNP’s and Naturopathic Doctors because they are able to be a provider for a child under WA Medicaid. Kate Orville noted that referrals went up significantly with the COE program in place, but there were still 3,500 families on the wait list for a diagnostic evaluation. In reviewing reports from the COEs, it was determined that the COE training is inadequate by itself and so confidence in diagnosing remained low. This brought about two project improvements to the COE program. These following two projects increased the opportunities for an Autism diagnosis in a timely fashion. 3 These two projects, are: • Project ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) -Autism WA Project ECHO supports the diagnosing clinicians of the COE program by using proven adult learning techniques and interactive video, to connect with an expert team located at a medical school or center. Along with groups of community providers who can bring a case to review and give feedback in regular real time collaborative sessions. • SMART (School Medical Autism Review Team) The SMART Team is a collaboration between the local school/early intervention and local medical communities to assess and diagnose autism with the family. By doing the diagnosis closer to home, available local resources can be determined and utilized. There are two different models developed for SMART Teams based on community need and availability. 1. The Traditional Team is where a group collaboratively reviews children in a specific Medical Practice/Learning Center. 2. The Network Version is a county or organization collaborative to get children to Autism Centers of Excellence, which will connect them with appropriate services after diagnosis. Shelby McMeekin commented on the importance and appropriateness of having everyone at the table to share ideas and resources. Not every child’s needs will fit the services available in one community and that is a much bigger discussion. Not all resources are going to be available in every community and that is when the collaborative effort really comes into play to meet the needs of the child and family. Every agency has different rules and by having everyone work together - more is possible. Kate Orville shared that she was impressed with Karen Obermeyer’s work to create a SMART Team in Jefferson County. c. Father’s Group Update Bob Wheeler came to speak as co-founder of the Father’s Group. Bob is also President of Olympic Neighbors, which is operating the only Adult Family Home in Jefferson County for individuals with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities. The members of the Father’s Group are a group of people who have been through all of the stages, from birth through school, transition, employment with their child. Now they find themselves in the later years of life asking, “What are we going to do with our loved one when we are no longer able to take care of them or when we pass on?” Bob Wheeler said that DDA is finally seeing housing/residential services an especially important and critical issue. The Father’s Group has met with State Representative Kevin Van De Wege and made a presentation before the Joint Legislative Committee on Planning for Aging and Disability – (a joint committee between the Senate and the House). Bob said that they have been active in trying to keep this at the forefront with the Legislative Committee. They do have data, he says, but the Father’s Group does not feel this Committee has really analyzed that data from the perspective they hold. Bob went on to say the data is telling us the need is huge now, as well as later. DDA Case Managers told Bob that another Adult Family Home in Jefferson County for individuals with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities would fill immediately. There is concern on Bob Wheeler’s part, and others of their group, that as a rule, housing for this population is not on the State legislative agenda. Staff Mc Enery sent the Father’s Group a draft copy of the DDAB Legislative Agenda, so they could add information about housing needs. Bob expressed appreciation and asked that the DDAB consider this issue as something worth fighting for. 4 Staff Mc Enery shared her impression that residential housing is really the cornerstone of what DDA does, but she believes that a grass roots level effort could accomplish much for individual Counties. Bob Wheeler shared his impression that DDA does not really support housing at the local level for individuals with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities, but instead supports people living in State Operated Living Institutions. Catie Morton, DDA Case Manager noted that annual assessments include a question that asks the birth date of the primary caregiver. It gave her the impression that DDA realizes the need and is working to get statistical information about aging caregivers. VIII. DD Coordinator Info/Updates I. ACAC Grant Projects-2021-2022/ Update Staff Mc Enery shared two ACAC Grants were submitted at the end of March: 1) The first was from the Jefferson Land Trust for accessibility enhancements on their 65-acre Valley View Forest trail system. A new trail would be built, that would lead to an open covered shelter for community events, education programs and would be accessible for all. This grant did not receive funding. 2) The other was from NAMI for a Mental Health Stigma Reduction Program. This project would include news articles, radio spots, public speaking to various groups and developing a short video to show to various groups. The hope is to create a greater understanding of mental health in our community. This grant received funding. Mc Enery also shared two additional ACAC Grants which went forward at the end of August: 1) The first is playground equipment for the JUMP! Playground called a “Serenity Spot.” It’s a quiet place to go, for those with sensory processing disorders. 2) The second ACAC Grant provides assisted listening devices for Centrum events. These two ACAC Grants received a review before the Governors Committee last week and we hope for a decision shortly. II. DD Community Resource Guide Jefferson County- The DD Community Resource Guide has received updates and it includes sixty-one pages of resources. The Guide will be available by email. There is art by Craig Rogers on the cover and inside the Guide. III. I/DDAB draft Legislative Priorities Staff Mc Enery briefly reviewed and shared the draft of Jefferson County DDAB Legislative Priorities and asked for any questions or feedback. A draft copy was emailed to the Board. IV. Transition Network/Job Foundations Melanie Garrick left her position with Olympic Educational Service District, (OESD) #114 for another opportunity. Staff Mc Enery reported that Noah Johnson and Jennifer Akuna from the OESD #114 organized and facilitated the last Jefferson County Transition Network meeting. Staff Mc Enery welcomes the partnership with the OESD. The challenge continues on how to get Special Education teachers to the table. There was a suggestion to bring back our Flight Team. Staff Mc Enery explained that a Flight Team consists of Employment agencies, a P2P Coordinator, DVR Counselor, DDA Case Manager and County DD Coordinator. Members of this Flight Team serve adults with I/DD and their families. The Flight Team presents as a panel, at a School District with parents and students present. Each presenter would share about the services they provide and speak about how those services could support a student’s seamless transition into adulthood. Another suggestion was that each agency gather the best of their service brochures and fliers. Send that information to the OESD #114, who would distribute it to each Special Education Department. 5 Staff Mc Enery reported that there are no transition students leaving school this year. However, there may be individuals transitioning that we do not know about. That is why the DD Program has a contract with the YMCA Family Resource Coordinator, Tanya Barnett. Tanya works to connect individuals and families with DDA. V. Jefferson County DD Program Audit- by DDA is scheduled on November 15, 2021. Staff Mc Enery thanked Taylor Webster from Cascade Community Connections and Robin Burdick from Skookum for sharing crucial information on Professional Development trainings and the efforts made by providers to work with clients during COVID. DDA is looking at quality improvement, provider monitoring tools, contracts, budgets and they also asked to see a number of six-month reviews for clients in both IE and CI programs. VI. Jefferson Co. Employment Provider Evaluations- Provider evaluations are complete and Staff Mc Enery reported that all Employment Providers did a terrific job. VII. Wise Contract- Staff Mc Enery reported that a contract with Wise is in place and there is a Community Inclusion Training scheduled for November 4t. Facilitator Josie Sparks will be speaking on how to strengthen client relationships with local community members and how to find opportunities for clients to volunteer and contribute to their community. There will be a second day of work with Josie Sparks for Skookum, and then with Cascade. The focus will be on the 6-month reviews and case notes for clients. Staff Mc Enery expressed her enthusiasm for this process as it is good to have someone looking at community inclusion as a valuable part of what each of these agencies does with clients. In early 2022, Staff Mc Enery said Jefferson County will bring in a presenter called Shana Luther to talk about Social Media Safety, regarding friendships, relationships and sexuality. VIII. Third Intellectual/ Developmental Disabilities Awareness Panel The Third I/DD Awareness Panel is scheduled for Tuesday November 23rd and will be focusing on law and justice. Staff Mc Enery is inviting a staff member from DDA who oversees community protection and focuses on being part of a mental health team. Staff from Juvenile Services, the Public Defender’s office, Law Enforcement, and the Prosecuting Attorney’s office will also be invited. This meeting may not produce a myriad of answers, but could provide a good discussion. IX. Old Business-Informational Items Informational Items: i. Update/Developmental Disabilities Administration/(DDA) Catie Morton reported there have been changes in Case Resource Managers. This has affected Clallam County more than Jefferson County. Starting November 1st there will be a new Case Resource Manager for Clallam and they will have a caseload of school age children. About ten families will receive a new Case Resource Manager. ii. Update/Division of Vocational Rehabilitation for Jefferson County Lara Radke reported that since the last meeting there has been a staffing change. Trisha Burke is the only Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor supporting Jefferson County, but she is traveling frequently because she also covers Clallam County and a part of Kitsap County. Starting November 15th, DVR is planning to begin in person services; they will be open Tuesdays. Thursdays and Friday mornings. The Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor will be coming to Jefferson County every Tuesday, so in-person intakes are available for customers, not comfortable with Zoom. Laura said that DVR is excited to be able to work in the schools again. 6 iii. Update on Learning Support Services Port Townsend School District Shelby McMeekin reported that there are challenges, but the schools are fully open and they are excited about that. The focus is on stabilizing the kids and helping them deal with transitions. The focus is on social/emotional skills and re-teaching any skills that students may have lost over time. The District has hired new staff. A part-time Behavior Specialist, (at the elementary level) to help create and teach behavior plans and a part time Social Worker to help with specific elementary level skills. In addition, a mental health counselor is now working full-time all three buildings. Despite these increases there are still some staffing issues. Shelby is excited about strengthening the Transition Program with the recovery funds earmarked for this. iv. Update about Jefferson County Housing/OlyCAP Cherish Cronmiller reported that OlyCAP still has tenant assistance funding for property owners and well as funding for utilities and water. The Head Start early childhood programs are hiring and would like to talk to anyone interested in working from 1- 40 hours a week. X. Public Comments None XI. Future/On-Going Agenda Items: • Developmental Disabilities Council’s North Star Omnibus Bill Project • Jefferson Co. DD Service Information Forms- 2021-2022 • Post School Outcomes Report-Transition Services/Jefferson Co School Districts • Status of Group Employment- Recycling Center • Update- Arc of the Peninsulas Services in Jefferson County • Update- Transition Individuals in IE/GRP/CI Services during COVID- Cascade & Skookum • Update- County Survey-Public Knowledge of Services/ County Collaborative • Update- Local People First Group • Update- YMCA Family Resource Navigator • Update/School Special Education Programs/ Shelby MacMeekin-PTSD Special Ed Director