July 2012 Staff Reports to the Board for the Month of June 2012

Program Staff position summaries (alphabetically):

Assistive Technology (AT) Advocates (2) Assists consumers in securing and providing information on AT resources and make referrals for services as appropriate. Provides information and referral services about AT issues to consumers, agencies and other interested persons utilizing in-house resources and consulting ATI&R Centers. Gathers and organizes information on a wide range of AT topics. Resolves inquiries of a general nature and makes referrals to community resources and agencies when appropriate. The AT Advocate also assists consumers with locating and applying for benefits programs and resources to fund their needed AT equipment. Provides community education and awareness on the benefits of Assistive Technology to the independence of persons with disabilities.

Community Living Advocates (CLA) (8) CLAs (4) conduct consumer intake procedures and needs assessments. Provide independent living skills training (ILS) in the areas of Housing Seeking/Maintenance, financial management, Transportation/Mobility awareness, Community Resource Utilization, Personal Assistant (in-home care) Management and Self-advocacy. Advocates with consumers when access rights are limited or denied in housing, employment, transportation, benefits and health care. Drafts written Independent Living Plan goals with all consumers or obtains waiver. Serves on Committees to promote Systems Advocacy In the areas of housing, transportation and Personal Assistance and keep abreast of area issues. CLA – Benefits (2) staff provide ILS as well, and have specialized training on financial benefits programs. They assist consumers in applying for all state and federal benefits for which they are eligible, assist consumers in appealing adverse benefits decisions. Discuss work incentives with consumers and the impact of other federal benefits systems on SSI/SSDI and conduct benefits analyses. Network with key agencies such as DOR, SSA, EDD. The CLA for Deaf consumers (2) provides ILS and training to consumers on communications and appropriate use of sign language interpreters. This position serves the entire tri-county area.

Bi-Lingual/Bi-Cultural Information & Referral (4) One position in each ILRC office assists the public, in person and on the phone, acting as initial point of contact with consumers, their families and community. Provides information regarding ILRC’s services and independent living focus and connect them with the staff that will provide the needed services. Provides information regarding disability related resources and services and make referrals of consumers and community contacts to appropriate community services. Maintains and updates Information and Referral resource files. Represents ILRC at informational related community events. Conducts structured outreach activities, with emphasis on under- served population groups. Provides Spanish Language access for consumers by interpreting materials, appointments with service staff.

1 Interpreter Coordinator/Advocate (1) Position Serving Tri-County Area - based in Santa Maria Conducts consumer intake, assessment and follow-up procedures. Provides advocacy on behalf of consumers for communication access. Provides self-advocacy and community resource utilization training to consumers. Updates consumer files and case notes on a regular basis. Provides communication assistance to speech/sensory impaired consumers/staff. Processes and schedules interpreter requests. Secures services of registry members for interpreting tasks in the community. Recruits for & maintains the Interpreter Registry. Facilitates payment of Interpreters through submission of Requests for Payment for interpreter invoices. Provides information/referral to consumers/public regarding services and resources and conducts community education presentations.

Program Manager (1), Serving Tri-County Area - based in Santa Barbara Supervise Program staff, overseeing their duties, providing training, monitoring performance and adherence to independent living philosophy, program objectives and certification standards. Monitor program performance and participate in program development. Develop and provide monitoring tools for staff and board evaluation of service data and goal attainment of service objectives and consumer satisfaction surveys. Conduct annual employee evaluations and assist staff in setting and attaining goals. Make referrals to the Employee Assistance Program when indicated or needed for staff performance. Provide program narrative input to Executive Director and Business Manager for grants and related reports. Keep current on labor laws, personnel management tools and training opportunities. Recruit, screen, interview, candidates for program positions. Provide initial orientation and training to new employees. Update program job descriptions, consumer manuals, and provide input to policies and procedures and coordinate with Business Manager. Process employee time sheets, track/monitor employee leave accounts, provide payroll information to Accountant for semi-monthly payroll, track and initiate salary step increases and submit Payroll Authorizations. Conduct or oversee community outreach, education and systems change projects/events. Serves on committees that network with other agencies and local governments to promote civil rights and increase capacity of access to consumers with disabilities in the community.

Systems Change Advocate (1) Position Serving Tri-County Area - based in Santa Barbara Through interaction with the Statewide Network for Systems Change, the Systems Change Advocate provides training and leadership to consumers with disabilities to develop a network for information exchange and advocacy at the local level. The Systems Change Advocate facilitates opportunities for consumers to develop and use the tools and skills needed to address barriers and affect systems change. The Systems Change Advocate is a Community Organizer around State and local issues, legislation and works with consumers and community partners to organize events and volunteer activities according to the State Wide plan and ILRC’s Advocacy Plan.

2 Staff Serving All 3 Counties

Ryan Burke, Veteran’s Outreach Specialist – [email protected] June was a successful month of advocacy in the Ventura County area. A consumer who had slipped through the wide cracks of the VA benefits system was enrolled in the HUD-VASH program for homeless veterans. Efforts of the Veteran Representative, as well as the Community Living Advocate from our Ventura office are to thank for this success. As a result of the tireless communication attempts with various Department of Veteran Affairs personnel, our consumer is on the waiting list to receive a housing voucher through the program. Years ago this consumer had given up on the HUD-VASH program, after he stopped using the VA for healthcare services. Registration has also opened for the Santa Barbara Homeless Veteran Stand Down event, to be hosted on October 13, 2012 at the Santa Maria Fairpark. Homeless veterans have a number of registration locations, and ILRC Veterans Outreach Services is an authorized registrar. The event is anticipating 500 veterans, and getting the word out in our communities is key to achieving this participation goal.

Jennie Morales, Interpreter Registry Coordinator –[email protected] (based in Santa Maria) I am reporting on the month of June. I always like to start with off statistics; coordinating is a huge portion of my position and I feel it gives you board members an idea of how many requests come in every month and how many are actually fulfilled. So, for the month of June, I received a total of 72 interpreting requests. As you can see, a big decrease in the amount of requests coming in due to summer time, etc. This is normal for us during this time of the year along with the Holiday season in November and December. We are also at the end of our fiscal year and that is another reason I believe we are a little slower than usual. We did receive all of our contracts/Purchase Orders renewed so that is a good thing. I did notice the amount has also decreased, another sign of the economy. I received another request this month for a doorbell light indicator from another consumer. I am still waiting on approval. I have been assisting a consumer who has little hearing, however, she is not a sign language user and is elderly. She used our services back in the early 2000s and has returned for more assistance. I help her out here and there when I have time and also have been working with my colleagues trying to assist her as well. It is neat that we can collaborate and assist this consumer; it has been a great teamwork experiences so far, many thanks to you all. I am still providing/doing a lot of advocacy for our consumers’ regarding communication access. It’s a never-ending battle it feels like. I am also starting to print my quarterly service notes for my consumers. This is a perfect time to play catch up with inner office duties, etc. Pretty soon Lu and I will start working together setting up a Preparedness Disaster Awareness forum open to the public, consumers, etc. I am looking forward to that.

Kathleen Riel, Program Manager – [email protected] (based in SB) In addition to the usual duties, reports, etc., June’s highlights include advocacy to retain services for consumers, staff training opportunities and a transition from a nursing home. I strategized and coordinated an advocacy plan with staff to prevent loss of human services that were recommended for budget reduction or elimination by the County of Santa

3 Barbara. I would like to thank to all staff and board members who sent emails, made calls, appeared at the hearings and mobilized consumers to oppose cuts to Human Services (including our own community living services.) Advocacy also continued against further cuts to In Home Supportive Services in the governor’s proposed state budget. A long time consumer who ended up being sent to a nursing home in the LA area after a medical emergency was able to transition back into the Santa Barbara community on June 6th, thanks to the services and supports of the CCT program. I sent out variety of information on training opportunities to staff including Promising Practices in Personal Assistant Services in Emergencies, Justin Dart’s Vision Lives On webinar, and Developing Partnerships: Aging and Disability Resource Centers, Money Follows the Person, and Centers for Independent Living webinar. I also participated in an HR training on Avoiding Wrongful Termination claims.

Lulzim “Lu” Traga, Systems Change Advocate- [email protected] SB) This past June, we continued our advocacy responding to the additional budget cuts to Health and Human Services. We were focused on protecting and expanding community-based social services locally. Santa Barbara Board of Supervisor’s were considering the potential of eliminating some of the very community based services that our consumer’s heavily depend upon. We emailed and attended the Board of Supervisors meeting and advocated in support of continuing funding for community based social services. Many community members, including myself, spoke before the Board members. I argued that the potential cuts/elimination of these services would endanger the independent living for people with disabilities. Our advocacy proved successful and our efforts were very well received. The Board decided to make these community based programs and services permanent budget line items. I also attended Santa Barbara’s Access Advisory Committee. I am working on accessibility issues brought to our attention by two of our consumers. I reiterated our concerns in regards to these and they were placed on the agenda. As I indicated in my previous board report, we expect to resolve these concerns in cooperation with Access Advisory Committee. I also attended VOAD meeting. Invited were guest speakers from Fire Dept, Sheriff’s Dept, Red Cross, OES, and VOAD. The discussion centered on the Title 19 Public Safety eligibility (of the State Private Nonprofit Org Assistive Program) considers 501 (c) 3 org for Disaster Cost Reimbursement for actual cost previously incurred for essential services (i.e., Category A: food, shelter, debris removal and distribution of supplies, etc). Attended several webinar trainings on State Budget and Advocacy; Video Access and Communication; Parking Access; Voting Webinar training. I also attended several webinar trainings on State Budget and Advocacy; Video Access and Communication; Parking Access; Voting Webinar training. Until next month, best wishes to all!

Santa Barbara County

South Santa Barbara County:

Carol Baizer, CLA-Benefits Coord. - [email protected] This month was filled with the usual Social Security issues, especially initial applications for SSI/DI. This can be a time consuming process and I send applicants worksheets to fill out and bring to their initial appointment with me. The Adult Disability Report portion of

4 the application requires fifteen years of employment and medical history. Having the worksheets completed in advance significantly reduces the amount of time it takes to complete the application on line. There are several batches of paperwork to complete throughout the process and submit to SSA. When consumers have support from informed family members and friends it becomes far easier to wait for an initial decision on the claim.

Ziva Hirsch, AT Program Coord. – [email protected] June was a great month for outreach and advocacy. I attended the ALS support group at cottage hospital and also a lecture on augmentative communication. I went to Jodi House to do a presentation and speak with their consumers about ILRC and assistive technology. We also had a California Community Transitions (CCT) consumer move from a nursing home in LA to a house in Goleta and I helped her get a power chair. I went to Santa Barbara City College and UCSB to get the word out that we are looking for youth volunteers and I attended the Oxnard Department of Rehabilitation staff meeting and spoke with them about our organization. But my favorite part of the month was attending the June Budget Hearings, where we got several staff and consumers to attend together and speak about the reasons why the human services commission is extremely important. The community was very active and everyone’s advocacy made a difference because the human services commission was made permanent and all the other issues that we were advocating for were kept in the budget. Throughout the month I also met with a number of consumers, and have been pretty busy managing Rathbun Fund requests, La Vista grants, and looking for more options to help low income consumers secure funding for assistive technology. Enjoy the sunshine in July!

Rosa Lopez, Bilingual Information and Referral - [email protected] This last month has still been busy with a lot of phone calls from people seeking help with housing and benefits help. I have helped Carol with a Spanish-speaking consumer who is now trying to become a citizen to try to emmigrate his wife here from Guatemala. I have also helped Petra interpret some new personal assistant applicants. I continue to update our resource files and look for new information to post in our reception area. We finally have our new ILRC Handbooks both in English and Spanish versions and I have been printing those up to send to our other offices. There have been more Spanish speaking consumers lately asking for help with benefits and I have interpreted more with Carol, the only unfortunate thing is some of the consumers looking for help do not have legal status and there is not much help for them, but they still appreciate getting any information they can get. I have been trying to help one of our consumers look into housing, I have tried to look up on craigslist any listings for her on a regular basis and she has not been able to find housing yet. I try to keep her hopes up and remind her that everyone is having a hard time now, with housing and economics. I will continue to help her until she finds housing. I hope everyone is having a wonderful summer and enjoying the heat.

Petra Lowen, Community Living Advocate- [email protected] My statistics for June 2012 are as follows: I had 7 self-care intakes (requests for personal assistant referrals), 2 for new consumers. I had 3 personal assistant placements, two for consumers on In-Home Supportive Services. I had 5 community services (housing) intakes, 3 of them for new consumers. I had 2 housing placements. I had 141 consumer contacts. I also had 127 community contacts. I talked to 19 non-consumers with housing questions and provided information. I interviewed 7 personal assistant applicants and added 2 personal assistants to our resource pool.

5 I did an intake for a new consumer who rents under section 8. She was in an upstairs apartment but her arthritis got worse and she was looking for a downstairs apartment. Luckily one became available in her complex and she was able to move there. Her caseworker with the County Housing Authority was making the process very difficult (it required an appointment to get the new voucher) so the consumer asked me to meet her for the appointment. Afterwards she said that this worker had never been that nice to her. There is another appointment scheduled for later this week to finalize the process and I will again meet her. I have been told by several consumers that having a witness at appointments with the Housing Authority (both County and City) makes a big difference so I am happy to do this. Several co-workers and I attended 3 budget hearings with the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors to advocate for adding the Human Services Commission budget, ProPay, veterans’ services, mental health services and funding for acute psychiatric beds back into the 2012/13 budget. I also sent several e-mails. There was enough public support that the supervisors decided not only to fund the services for the coming year but also to make them regular line items for future years. We felt that we were part of democracy in action. I attended the grand opening of the new 12-bed acute detox facility. It is right downtown, in a beautifully remodeled house and they added wheelchair access.

Cathy Martin, CCT Transition Program Coordinator - [email protected] The CCT Program during the month of June continued providing services for consumers that had transitioned in previous months. I was following through with referrals for IHSS, adaptive technology and modifications on their new residences. I am currently working with consumers that will shortly become eligible for the program and have gone back and looked at re-enrolling consumers, that for one reason or another, were disenrolled. I am still getting referrals from nursing home discharge planners and I am encouraged about the positive attitude they have about the CCT Program and the ILRC. There is the possibility of several more transitions in the near future.

Ken McLellan, CLA- Deaf - [email protected] (based in SB) I followed up with Tri-counties deaf communities as we empower them towards equal access and independence. I'm going to figure out why there is such a long waiting period for individuals with disabilities and their rights. I don't want anyone to be stuck in a situation with no communication such as sign language interpreters or written English. We need the workshop to educate the community to be aware of the diversity of disabilities and hope we will help with their frustrations. Have a good month! Happy summertime!!!

North Santa Barbara County

Elizabeth Houston, Community Living Advocate -Deaf – [email protected] First of all, I would like to say that it was nice to have met new faces such as Ziva, Nadia and the others that I have not met in person, but only via emails, however I felt it is worthwhile to meet ILRC staff at the retreat meeting that way we will not feel like strangers to each other. I felt a little sad for Haven leaving ILRC, but hope she will come by to say hello at our Christmas party. Secondly, I wanted to add about one of my Deaf consumers who came to see me and was very frustrated, confused, and scared at the of loss communication with the DMV people because

6 they use MSL and can not read at all, so they came to beg me to help them and I went to the DMV and explained to the supervisor that they can request an interpreter for the oral test. Unfortunately the supervisor kept on telling me that they can watch a video with Captioned Closed (CC) which lead to more problems that I had to disagree with and argue about the effective communication. Finally he agreed and I gave him Jennie's direct number and he asked for my name so I gave him my business card and with a smile and said thank you. The next day, the DMV did contact Jennie and scheduled an appointment with an interpreter for them and then within a few days, they came back to see me to tell me thank you and that they passed the oral test and they told me they would not have succeeded without me. It was a good feeling to know that I did my best to help my Deaf consumers.

Sandra Santana, Community Living Advocate/Bilingual Information & Referral – [email protected] This month along with the usual CLA and I&R tasks with consumers and intakes I was able to participate in a Public Speaker meeting involving budget issues via teleconference. The discussion was involving cuts to IHSS services. As you all know it is an ongoing battle to fight for these critical services to remain in place allowing our consumers to continue living independently. Without these critical services some would not be able to remain in their own homes. Many recipients actually spoke along with family members and supporters. Without consumer participation and our support the cuts would increase, as it allows vulnerability. Prior to budget hearings I did my best to advocate for homeless related services and other core services that assist many of our consumers. I have noticed an increase in referrals from Department of Rehabilitation. It is good to see an increase in consumers setting and following through with both educational and work related goals. We have been able to assist many with related services, which include assistance with referrals for accessible transportation, public and mobility assistance including help with AT equipment. I have assisted more consumers throughout this month with transportation than in years past. Possibly due to the economy and prices of gas. One issue I had to deal with was a consumer needing transportation for himself and his scooter. It was so very difficult to find someone to provide immediate help for him and this is an issue that really needs to be addressed in the community. The consumer came in and lost power to his chair and was not mobile. Because AMR had passed over their contract to a local agency there were problems. I saw first hand the lack of services for consumers that use mobility equipment. Transportation is very limited. I did communicate my concerns on to local transportation including AMR and other providers under the ADA. I will continue my quest to advocate for consumer rights. Education is the key.

Ventura County

DeAnna Grove, Community Living Advocate- [email protected] In June, I worked closely with Ventura County Behavioral Health in coordinating mental health, medical, and homeless services for several of our consumers. Many of the consumers that we are assisting with mental health diagnosis are currently homeless and are in need of permanent housing. On a very positive note, a new low-income housing project will be opening soon in downtown Ventura and I assisted many of our consumer’s in applying for residency. Mid month, I was contacted by a consumer who was denied his request to keep a service dog in his rental unit. I was able to obtain the legal wording and ADA and Fair Housing Acts

7 needed from the City of Simi Valley and the Housing Rights Center in order to assist the consumer in re-writing the service dog request to the property management office. After submitting the second letter, the service dog was approved to stay in the apartment complex with our consumer. Lately, we have had several requests for AT equipment and I have been assisting consumers in applying for grants to fund their purchases. Most have been approved and those items have been received. These purchases greatly help our consumer’s live more independently in our community. I am continuing to coordinate with Ryan Burke on assisting our VA consumers in obtaining VASH housing and home modifications.

Jennifer Martinez, Information & Referral – Bilingual- [email protected] This month was once again filled with callers seeking housing resources and money for living expenses. As an outreach effort I attended the Community Safety and Wellness Day held in Thousand Oaks and spoke with people from local clinics and hospitals about our services and gave them some of our brochures to display at their facilities. This month I was able to move our VP phone from its original station to one of the office rooms and the private setting seems to be working better for Ken to conduct business from here. I am looking forward to seeing how well consumers adjust to its new location. I have registered our office to participate in and attend the Annual Ed Hunt Rehab Point Project Picnic and we look forward to continuing the outreach efforts next month.

San Luis Obispo County

Paul Collagan, Community Living Advocate Benefits – [email protected] Hello everyone. June was an exciting month. I was able to present my services to Tri County Regional Center (TCRC) and have already had a new consumer from them. TCRC provides person and family centered supports for individuals with developmental disabilities to maximize opportunities and choices for living, working, learning, and recreating in the community. I was invited to meet other counselors and a new consumer at Pathpoint. Pathpoint is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping people with disabilities or disadvantages to reach their fullest potential. I was able to attend a Social Security training seminar on SSDI denials and steps to take to make the case easier for a hearing at Social Security.

Kelly Hannula, Community Living Advocate - khannula @ilrc-trico.org Last month I had the wonderful opportunity and honor to attend the NCIL conference in Washington D.C. with Jennifer Griffin. It was my first time in D.C. and a place I have always wanted to visit. Thankfully, we had absolutely beautiful weather with very little humidity. I was able to attend several workshops. One particularly interesting workshop was on fundraising for non-profits. This was perfect timing since it is one of our goals coming out of our last staff retreat. I am eager to share the information I gathered with Anna and others as we embark on this new future project. Jenn and I met with representatives from Barbara Boxer’s and Lois Capps office. Both Boxer’s office and Capps were very receptive to our advocacy in regards to independent living for our consumers. We also dropped off many advocacy packets to other congressmen and

8 representatives that we didn’t have appointments with. We both had a wonderful time meeting many other CIL staff especially the ones in California. It was helpful for me since I have referred many consumers to other CIL’s. Now I can put a face to the name. Hope everyone is having a wonderful summer.

Cary McGill, Assistive Technology (AT) Advocate- [email protected] Assistive Technology is busy and I have had many requests for funding, especially for those with very low income, Medi-Cal insurance does not provide or no insurance whatsoever, those who are currently without a home, or have been referred in from other organizations where funding was not available. Many kind community members, and past consumers, have remembered us when they are getting rid of perfectly fine AT and the devices have found homes with current consumers. Funding for doorbells for the hearing impaired, hearing aid repairs, and reading pen have been funded and are making a difference in consumers’ lives. The donations for the Vets’ STAND DOWN event of walkers and wheelchairs have expanded to 16 walkers and three manual wheelchairs and also one quad cane. I am looking for walking canes now. This was due to the generosity of senior centers, private citizens, advertizing at yard sales, and past consumers. I also have been doing many hours in Peer Support that has been very rewarding. Computer problems had put me in a whirlwind but with the wonderful tech support they finally figured out the software problem, I call it the Gremlin in the box, and I have, “memory” now….fun, fun, fun. Peace to all and have a wonderful July.

Jerry Mihaic, Bilingual I&R - [email protected] Some activities that I was involved with in the month of June included further implementation of the Options Counseling program and the finalization of the SUSTAIN SLO project at Cal Poly for this school quarter. The students I worked with are very grateful about their experience with the ILRC and are very excited about getting involved with the program when they get back to school next fall. They now consider themselves “ambassadors” for the Independent Living Movement and all the contributions they can make throughout their academic years. There was a nice celebration event at Cal Poly at the beginning of June that brought together all the students, faculty and community members. Later in the month I met with one of the manufacturing and industrial engineering professors who heads the SUSTAIN project to see what worked and what improvements could be made next quarter. At the LOC (Latino Outreach Council) meeting this month I made a very good contact with the Executive Director of the State Council on Developmental Disabilities Area Board 9. Her office covers the tri-county region and we discussed ways we could collaborate to serve the SLO County better. Networking with other agencies and state/county organizations in our area is always vital to provide the best service we can, given limited resources and a growing need in our community. I continue to read articles submitted by the CDR (California Disability Rights) whose mission is: To Improve the Quality of Life for All Persons with any Disability Through Education and Training - By Working to Remove Barriers Through Advocacy and Change in Public Policy. At the Agency Advisory meeting I learned a lot more about health services provided by the CHC (Community Health Centers of the Central Coast) as an overview of the organization was presented by the Community and Government Relations Officer and Foundation Director. The month ended with our monthly conference call for Options Counseling. This is where IL offices throughout the state that are involved in the options counseling pilot program discuss

9 various topics and get updates from the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) office of the California Health and Human Services Agency. As always, best wishes to all ILRC staff and Board members.

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