Meetings and Minutes

Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC)
October 13, 2004
Endependence Center, Incorporated - Norfolk, Virginia

Membership Present:

Lewis Atkins, Marcia DuBois, Susan Prokop, David Benjamin, Celestine Walker, George Hubbs, Rob Hazelton, Jenny McKenzie, Sheila Cox-Combs, Jeff Pittman, Tim Edwards, Stephen Joseph, Philip Sieck

Jane Ward Solomon, Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired (DBVI)
Theresa Preda, Department for Rehabilitative Services (DRS)

Bill Ward, Sally Michael

Janet Dorsey, Alan Schlank

Lisa Grubb

Sandra Wagener, Martha Sieck, Stephen Johnson

Chairperson Susan Prokop opened the meeting by thanking Endependence Center, Incorporated (ECI) for hosting the Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) and for providing morning refreshments. [1]

The Valley Associates for Independent Living recently received funding from the Rehabilitative Services Administration.Center for Independent Living (CIL) Representative and SILC Council Member Marcia DuBois expressed her gratitude for the support of the Council during the application process.[2]

Chairperson Prokop made mention of the recent passing of Christopher Reeve. This is a great loss for the advocacy community. We can take his lessons and reinforce our own intentions to go and fight a good fight.We will carry on in his honor and memory.

Prokop reminded the Council of the upcoming Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) training. DRS Ex-Officio Council Member Theresa Preda asked everyone to notify her if you are unable to attend.

Chairperson Prokop opened the floor for public comment.

Youth Council Member Stephen Joseph shared information on the Youth Leadership Forum (YLF) stating that he highly recommends youth attending.Fellow Council Member George Hubbs added that he was one of the founders of the YLF. The Forum is held in July for one week and is sponsored by the Board for People with Disabilities.The application process is competitive.Hubbs committed to send information to SILC Staff Lisa Grubb so that it can be shared with the Council. [3]

Executive Director Stephen Johnson welcomed the SILC to ECI's new facility stating that the facility is still a work in progress however the office space has doubled and they have been able to invite community organizations to rent space. Johnson made available annual reports available for those who were interested.ECI will be hosting an open house on December 10 from 12:00pm until 6:00pm, and invite the SILC members to join them for the event.If anyone is interested in a tour today please let him know and he would be happy to accommodate.Johnson shared some of the programs offered by ECI.Approximately 900-1000 people are served with direct services each year.

1. Consumer Family Participation Grant Project - A fund has been set up for people with disabilities & their families to support them in attending training. SILC Staff Grubb is on the task force for this project.
2. The Advocacy and Medicaid Department is headed up by Maureen Hallowell.
3. A full time staff person works in the nursing homes trying to tap into resources so people can live independently.
4. CDBG monies were obtained to do home modifications
5. There is a Youth Transition program for youth with disabilities from the age of 15-25 years.
6. Staff also work on the Olmstead Initiatives
7. Two full time staff works on housing placement, counseling and advocacy to assist in maintaining a more independent housing situation.
8. Through Systems Advocacy, ECI strongly encourages people to get involved in organizations.
9. There are 32 staff members
10. ECI serves South Hampton Roads.A satellite office is located in the south area of Hampton. The goal is to have a site in the Western part of the catchment area.

DRS Deputy Director Mary Margaret Cash brought greetings from DRS Commissioner

Jim Rothrock and stated that DRS is grateful for the relationship with the SILC and they welcome the new members.

Chair Susan Prokop opened the floor for the business meeting.

Secretary Sheila Cox Combs opened the floor for discussion of the July 2004 Council draft minutes. [4]

Member Lewis Atkins requested the following corrections be made:

1. Under the CAS Update, change 'or' to 'of' in the following sentence: Dorsey also commended Fritz for his leadership during the crucial beginning or the CAS Project.
2. Under the SPIL Report, remove 'Janet' in the following sentence: Dorsey Janet shared that the Council does reach out to non-council members to serve on the committees.

Council Member Marcia DuBois moved to accept the July 2004 minutes as corrected. Council Member Atkins seconded the motion. There being no further discussion, the motion carried unanimously.

Treasurer Rob Hazelton noted that the financial reports had been emailed prior to the meeting. We are currently 13 days into the current budget. Council Member Hubbs moved to accept the financial reports as presented. Council Member Jeff Pittman seconded the motion.The floor was opened for discussion.

The discussion included inquisition as to whether the reports reflected the purchase of the SILC computer purchased.Let the minutes reflect that the financial report does include the purchase of the SILC Computer.

Council Chairperson Prokop opened the floor to discuss the current formation and the proposed formation of the committees of the SILC based the new State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL). The Executive Committee made the recommendation to encompass the following committees.Prokop requested Committee volunteers by voice.Staff Grubb will complete operational instructions for the new committees.

1. Operations Committee - This Committee will include the actions of the current SPIL Committee, 501c3 Committee, Bylaws Committee, Nominating Committee, and any Operational duties of the Council.
   
   Chair: Sheila Cox Combs
   
   Members: Rob Hazelton, Lewis Atkins, Jenny McKenzie
2. Consumer Services Committee - This Committee will include the actions of the current Housing Committee, Transportation Committee, Employment issues and all service oriented activities of the Council.
   
   Chair: Bill Ward
   
   Members: Susan Prokop, David Benjamin, George Hubbs, Jeff Pittman, Celestine Walker, Sally Michael, Denise Goode (DRS), Teri Barker-Morgan (VBPD)
3. Consumer Education - This committee will include the actions of the current Consumer Education Committee and other items such as the Council website, newsletter, and all other Council communications.
   
   Chair: Marcia DuBois
   
   Members: Lewis Atkins, Philip Sieck, Stephen Joseph, Celestine Walker, Tim Edwards, Sally Michael
4. Youth Advocacy- This committee will be respon