Promoting Self Determination, Independence, Productivity, Integration, and Inclusion of People with Disabilities Vol. 11, No. 3, October 2007 Make Your Voice Heard - Gubernatorial Candidates Speak Out on Disability Issues On October 20, all Louisianians will have the opportunity to select a candidate for Governor and vote in many other state- wide and local races. The field of candidates for governor is huge – 12 people with very different political and ideological mind sets are currently in the race. In order to help readers of the TriAngle and other people with disabilities navigate through their choices, the TriAngle Editorial Board distributed a questionnaire regarding various issues affecting people with disabilities and seniors to each candidate. Seven candidates, Belinda Alexandrenko, , Sheldon Forrest, Anthony Gentile, , Hardy Parkerson and Vinny Mendoza answered the call with information regarding their plans for many offices and programs affecting people with disabilities and seniors. Five other candidates, Foster Camp- bell, T. Lee Horne, , Arthur D. “Jim” Nichols, and Mary Volentine Smith did not.

The governor is the highest elected official in . He or she is involved in all major decisions in the state. He or she also chooses a staff to run various offices and departments, including the Department of Health and Hospitals, Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities, the Office of Aging and Adult Ser- vices, the Office of Mental Health and the Governor’s Office of Elderly Affairs. Leaders in these important offices, serving at the request of the governor, make the day to day decisions about policies and programs that directly affect the lives Gubernatorial Candidates 1,2 of people with disabilities. DD Council page 3 Human Dev. Center page 4 Candidates were asked five questions about various disability and senior issues Advocacy Center page 5 in Louisiana. Because of space limitations, only one question and answer is Community Employment 6,7 printed below. The full text of all questions and answers can be found at www. Work Pays Logo 7 advocacyla.org/govsurvey.php. Resources 8 Alternate Assessment Redesign 9 Candidates were asked the following question: The leadership in the Office for Events 10 Citizens with Developmental Disabilities, the Office of Aging and Adult Ser- Tell Us What You Think 10 vices, the Office of Mental Health and the Governor’s Office of Elderly Affairs All Stars 11 are very important to people with disabilities and seniors in Louisiana. Will you All Stars Nominations 11 commit to appointing to the leadership of those offices only people who are well Laws and Policies 12 qualified, experienced in their field and committed to working for and with the FHF of SELA Announcement 12 populations those offices serve? If yes, what qualifications and experience will Upcoming Election 13 you require, in appointing the leadership to these offices? Polling Place Accessibility 13 Residential Options Waiver 14, 15 The TriAngle Editorial Board attempted to contact each candidate several times Thumbs Up and Down 15 using different methods – mail, fax, email and telephone. Below are the re- Candidate Surveys Info 16 sponses received. If the candidate chose not to respond, that is also noted. (Continued on page 2)

The TriAngle is a joint publication of the Advocacy Center, Louisiana Developmental Disabilities Council, and Human Development Center.

1 (Continued from page 1) fice will make recommendations from T. Lee Horne Belinda Alexandrenko time to time. No response to survey. I will commit to appointing leadership with centered, qualified and experi- Anthony “Tony G” Gentile Bobby Jindal enced individuals dedicated to improv- I will use the following sentences to No response to survey. ing the lives of people with develop- preface all of my answers; I’m just an mental disabilities through advocacy, everyday person with good common Vinny Mendoza systemic change and capacity building. sense. I committed to turning state Yes, I will appoint only qualified and I will recycle leadership with those government into an elite and respon- experienced professionals to be in knowledgeable about services for indi- sive organization. charge of the Office for Citizens with viduals with developmental disabilities Developmental Disabilities, the Office and available resources, as well as Yes, the leadership in these depart- of Aging and Adult Services, The Of- experience in linking individuals with ments will have a professional de- fice of Mental Health and the Gover- community resources. meanor and skills to be not only an nor’s Office of Elderly Affairs. Each effective leader but also set an exam- head of department will need at least I will require specialized experi- ple of the high level of care providing 3-years in the area of expertise and a ence at the GS-7 (for GS-9), or one and services I am committed to. The Master’s or Doctorate Degree. year of specialized experience at the qualifications of these people I place in GS-9 or equivalent level. Special- charge of these important services will Arthur D. “Jim” Nichols ized experience includes experience range from Mental Health Physicians, No response to survey. that equipped the applicant with the Gerontologists, and Physical thera- particular knowledge, skills, and abili- pists. There will also be a person on Hardy Parkerson ties to perform successfully the duties staff that will report to me on a month- Yes. of the position, and that is typically in ly basis on the progress and status of each department. or related to the work of the position to Mary Volentine Smith be filled. No response to survey. John Georges Yes, I will appoint qualified and ethi- Walter Boasso For additional information on the cal people to lead, guide, and direct the I will appoint people who are highly- gubernatorial candidates, The Council Office of Aging and Adult Services, qualified and motivated to help people for a Better Louisiana, http://www. the Office of Mental Health and the and make Louisiana a better place for cabl.org/Governor.aspx, surveyed Governor’s Office of Elderly Affairs. all individuals who reside here. I will candidates on a wide variety of issues. There will be no patronage, nepotism, not appoint people who are politically- Several candidate debates are sched- or cronyism within my administra- connected, but rather people who are uled to be broadcast throughout the tion. Appointed leaders of these offices qualified to make a difference for the state. Newspapers are another source mentioned, and all offices in the State, people they represent. of information. will have the necessary education, experience and proven competence to No response to survey. handle all responsibilities and duties of their appointed position. Sheldon Forrest Yes. Unless there are excessive complaints about the performance of Call the Advocacy Center at 1-800- the current appointments or employees 960-7705 for assistance with any they will all remain in place. My of- voting issues on Election Day!

The DD Council surveyed all candidates for legislative office on their views on disability related issues. The candidates’ survey responses are available at: http://www.laddc.org/survey2007Results.php

2 Gracie Haggard’s Retirement 2007 Inclusive Schools Art Contest: It is with a heavy heart that the Council bids good- “Inclusion = Everyone” bye to our beloved Gracie Haggard, who retired In recognition of National Inclusive Schools Week September 30th after 22 years of dedicated service (December 3 – 7, 2007), the Louisiana Developmental as the Council’s Executive Secretary. Regardless Disabilities Council, in collaboration with partnering of the task, Gracie accomplished it with profes- organizations, sponsors an annual visual and sionalism and a positive attitude, making Council performance art contest reflecting the theme: Inclusion members, staff, guests and strangers become en- = Everyone. Poster, essay, artwork, and performance deared to her in equal measure. Gracie blessed the art entries must illustrate or describe ideas related to council with her many special gifts – too numerous the theme and inclusion of persons with disabilities. to mention – but the one that stands out most is her patience. For over two decades Gracie met the Winning entries from each category will be displayed needs of innumerable Council members, assisted Saturday, November 3, 2007 from 10:00 AM until Council constituents, and adapted to the idiosyn- 4:00 PM during an Art Demonstration/Exhibit at the crasies of three very different Executive Directors Mall at Cortana in Baton Rouge. Winners will also be with grace and kindness. Our gratitude for her ser- honored at an awards ceremony on December 5, 2007. vice and friendship fuels our sadness over missing Everyone is welcome to participate regardless of age her. However, as her friends and colleagues, we or ability. For more information visit our website at share with her our love and send her off with best www.laddc.org or contact Robbie Gray at 800-450- wishes into her well deserved retirement. 8108 or [email protected].

647 Main Street Council Baton Rouge, LA 70802 225-342-6804 (Voice) Officers Elected 800-450-8108 225-342-5704 (TDD) Effective October 1, 2007, 800-922-DIAL (3425) the Council’s Executive www.laddc.org Committee will have a new structure. The positions Grant Awards of treasurer, secretary At the July Council meeting, Council members reviewed multiple responses and parliamentarian were to two solicitations of proposals (SOP) and voted to award the following replaced by the chairpersons grants: of each committee and • $42,000 to North Lake Supports and Services Center (formerly Hammond one at-large member. Developmental Center) to implement the Jambalaya Project, which will The Council’s Executive provide Positive Behavior Supports training and technical assistance to Committee, elected to professionals at the Ascension Parish Recreation Department. serve through September • $15,000 to Innovations in Education to establish the Partnerships for All 2009 is: Lynette Fontenot, Children Together (Project PACT) training modules as permanent, standard Chair; Donna Breaux, Vice- trainings offered by the Louisiana Department of Social Services to child Chair; Kay Marcel, Self- care providers and professionals. Determination/Community Inclusion/Housing Several other programs will continue to receive funding and/or support from Committee Chair; Sandra the Council. These include Partners in Policymaking, LaCAN, Families “Sam” Beech, Health/ Helping Families of Louisiana, People First, Count Us In, and training Education/Employment stipends. For information on other projects funded and/or supported by the Committee Chair and Trudye Council, please visit our website at www.laddc.org and take a look at our Jones, Member-at-large. 2008 Plan.

3 Human Development Center Finds Needed Mental Health Personnel Children with disabilities and their families need access to Typically, disciplines represented on the team may include school psychological services to ensure that educational school social workers, educational diagnosticians, speech benefit occurs from schooling. In the therapists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, metropolitan area, school psychologists are in short supply. physicians, principals, teachers, and other school personnel Louisiana’s answer to this critical shortage is the Louisiana as needed. LAS*PIC interns learn how to partner with School Psychology Internship Consortium (LAS*PIC). families and advocate for effective services. Additionally, LAS*PIC is one of fifteen school psychology internship interns have the opportunity to be members of the School programs accredited by the American Psychological Building Level Committee or Student Assistance Team Association. LAS*PIC is a joint venture between the which is used in Louisiana as a means for collaborative Human Development Center (HDC), the Louisiana problem solving and to provide preventive and intervention State Department of Education (SDE) and seven Local services (commonly known as early intervening services) to Educational Agencies (LEAs) or school districts. During students, teachers, and parents. As members of school-based the past 16 years, LAS*PIC has provided authentic, school- teams, LAS*PIC interns provide a broad range of services based training experiences for school psychology interns. to assist students who have learning challenges, adjustment One hundred fifty two school psychology interns from 28 problems, or other special needs. states across the country have completed the program since its inception. Of these graduates, 48 have stayed to practice Beginning this year, the Recovery School District of in Louisiana schools. The primary purpose of the internship Louisiana (RSD) is host to LAS*PIC interns. The Human program is to prepare school psychology graduate students Development Center through Project PASS (Pupil Appraisal (pre-specialist and pre-doctoral level) with professional Support Services) provides interdisciplinary services in skills and competence required for entry into the profession. LAS*PIC is designed to ensure school 1900 Gravier Street psychology interns establish professional practices Box G6-2 New Orleans, LA 70112 that have been demonstrated as effective and socially [email protected] valid. School psychologists have to know a good deal www.hdc.lsuhsc.edu about school culture and how to make things work in schools as well as how children learn. LAS*PIC is committed to evaluating interns’ knowledge and skill, and RSD schools in New Orleans. LAS*PIC interns, as part of their interpersonal skills and interactions. LAS*PIC adheres PASS, are working to help the communities of New Orleans to the belief that ethical practice is the only acceptable re-establish schooling for returning families. LAS*PIC approach to professional training and service delivery. interns working in RSD elected this placement knowing the challenges they would face. LAS*PIC provides a differentiated professional experience within a network model of training involving a consortium LAS*PIC is an example of effective teamwork and of local agencies. This approach provides both structure and collaborative problem-solving. Louisiana has faced critical individualization for interns with different backgrounds, shortages in many types of personnel needed to provide training needs, and interests. The arrangement includes individuals with disabilities and their families with effective school-based placement with LEAs and seminar instruction services. HDC, the Louisiana Department of Education about professional issues. LAS*PIC is dedicated to and area school systems took a proactive approach and providing vital experiences to help interns become developed an internship that would attract potential school successful in their chosen profession. Utilizing both school- psychology interns to our state. Over sixteen years in based and professional supervisors, the internship provides existence, LAS*PIC is enduring evidence that when students with intensive supervision and comprehensive Louisiana people see a problem they can work together regular and special education program experiences with to solve that problem. The Human Development Center children across the age span. is proud to be a part of a systemic effort to provide good services to individuals with disabilities and their families. School-based placements provide LAS*PIC interns with opportunities to be members of an interdisciplinary school team, including family members and the student.

4 Advocacy Center Works to End Housing Discrimination Did you know that housing authorities sometimes provide programs that allow participants to use their Sec- tion 8 voucher towards home ownership? Or that a landlord must allow a tenant with a disability to make reasonable and necessary modifications to their rental housing? These were some of the topics discussed at a total of 11 trainings that have been attended by 197 people under AC’s United for Progress on Housing in Louisiana’s (UPHIL) project. The course, “Advocating for Accessible Living” presents information about the laws that protect people against discrimination, ways to file a complaint and resources on housing modifica- tions. The final training will be offered in Lake Charles soon. The date and location are pending. The training is free and continuing education credits for social workers and psychologists are available. Contact Lisa Williams for details at [email protected] or 1-800-960-7705 x128. This training will also be offered at the Disabil- ity Summit. See page 10 for more details. The Advocacy Center is also offering a train-the-trainer event to UPHIL participants. It is designed to develop and expand participants’ skills in conducting effective trainings that are specifically related to a fair housing training curriculum in their local area. If you have attended one of the UPHIL trainings this year and would like to attend the train-the-trainer event, please contact Lisa Williams. The Advocacy Center also offers free assistance in filing housing discrimination complaints for people with disabilities. Please make a refer- 1900 Gravier Street ral to the Advocacy Center if you 1010 Common Street Box G6-2 Suite 2600 New Orleans, LA 70112 know someone who has been the New Orleans, LA 70112 [email protected] victim of housing discrimination. 800-960-7705 (Voice/TDD) www.hdc.lsuhsc.edu www.advocacyla.org Suit Filed Against CATS - Baton Rouge Paratransit System A lawsuit, brought by two long- The Advocacy Center first substantial numbers of untimely time paratransit riders, challenges approached CATS about problems pickups, missed trips and trip CATS’ failure to provide paratransit with its paratransit service in 2004. denials; and (3) insure that its service that complies with the After meetings and letters failed to employees are trained so that they service standards of the Americans cure the problems, the individual operate vehicles and equipment with Disabilities Act (ADA). Public plaintiffs filed a complaint with safely and properly assist people transit agencies that operate bus the Federal Transit Administration with disabilities to use the system. services are required by the ADA to in March of 2006, detailing their provide paratransit service to people complaints about the CATS New Staff whose disability prevents them from service. They filed a supplemental using regular buses. The plaintiffs complaint in October 2006. No The Advocacy Center is pleased claim that CATS paratransit pickups findings have been issued on these to announce three new staff are frequently so late or early that complaints to date. persons. Peter Schram is a KAT riders are seriously inconvenienced; case manager working in the New that rides must be scheduled long The suit seeks an injunction Orleans office. Natalie Harrison in advance; and that drivers are enjoining CATS to (1) insure that is an Administrative Support not properly trained in how to treat it provides paratransit service Specialist in the New Orleans individuals with disabilities. at requested times if the service office. Donna Fruge is a CLOP request is made the previous day; ombudsman working in the Lake (2) cease its practice of providing Charles area. Welcome to all.

5 Community Employment for Persons with Significant Disabilities

In the , fewer than one-third of people with disabilities are employed. Of people with dis- abilities who are employed, the majority work only part-time despite the fact that, when asked, most who are employed part-time report that they would prefer to work more hours. This means that nationally, people with disabilities are likely to be unemployed or underemployed. What do we know the employment of people with significant disabilities in Louisiana?To accurately answer this question, one must first know the total number of people with significant disabilities. Because there isn’t a single definition of what constitutes a “significant disability” or a registry or database that identifies all people with significant disabilities, it is difficult to determine how many adults in Louisiana have significant disabilities. Generally, most people with significant disabilities require formal employment services to find and main- tain jobs. In Louisiana, both Louisiana Rehabilitation Services (LRS) and the Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities (OCDD) provide employment services to persons with significant disabilities. These agencies have their own way of determining who is eligible for services and collecting informa- tion about the people they serve, services they provide and community employment outcomes. For the most part, the systems are not designed to “talk to each other”. This adds to the difficulty of accurately describing who receives employment services and determining community employment outcomes for people with significant disabilities. In addition, some people with significant disabilities are not aware that services designed to assist them to obtain and maintain community employment exist; or are aware that they exist but falsely believe that if they work they will lose their eligibility for Medicaid and/or Social Security benefits and thus do not seek work nor apply for employment services. To get a general idea of how well Louisiana is supporting citi- zens with significant disabilities find and maintain employment, we looked at the sector of the adult population of people with significant disabilities that is most readily counted. Data from the Louisiana Department of Education reveals that 2,361 stu- dents age 18 -22 have disabilities that likely make them eligible for employment services from LRS and/or OCDD. This past year, LRS provided employment-related services to about one- fourth (n=598) of this group of 18-22 year old school exiters. At the time this article was written, OCDD was not able to provide data on the number of 18-22 year old persons with significant disabilities who receive OCDD/Medicaid-funded employ- ment-related services. However, experience indicates that it is unlikely that a significant number of the remaining 1,763 indi- viduals received employment-related supports and services from OCDD/Medicaid funded programs. This points to a significant Freddy House enjoys working gap in services. ( Continued on page 7) at Office Depot.

6 (Continued from page 6)

Recently, OCDD and LRS have Arc of Greater New Orleans. This dreams of being a professional begun to coordinate their efforts helped him get his job at Office artist one day. For now, Freddy to address this issue through Depot. Freddy works part-time is saving some of the $8.00 per the establishment of the “Sup- almost every day. He looks for- hour that he now earns for col- ports Waiver” and by adopting ward to going to work. He used lege. Freddy says his motto is, common core competencies and to ride the bus but recently one “I always do your best and never training for personnel that provide of his co-workers (the security give up!” community employment services officer at the store) gave him a (i.e., Supported Employment). bike and he now rides it to work. Freddy’s story illustrates how This alone won’t ensure that all Freddy likes riding his bike better community employment can people with significant disabilities than taking the bus. He leaves provide both a means and an have access to community em- from his home about an hour end. Freddy now has a means to ployment. However, it represents before his shift starts and arrives pursue his greater aspirations of an important first step and dem- about ½ hour before he has to going to college and becoming an onstrates the commitment of both punch in (that’s a motivated em- artist. At the same time, Freddy agencies to address this important ployee!). Freddy shared with us has expanded the circle of people issue. that his life has changed in many who care about him and whom he positive ways since he started looks forward to seeing everyday Why does community employ- working. For one thing, he has a (i.e., his co-workers) while at the ment matter to people with lot more money and that is impor- same time providing income to significant disabilities? To answer tant to him because he is thinking purchase and do things that add this question, we asked Freddy about taking classes at Delgado meaning and quality to his life. House, a recent graduate of East Community College. Freddy par- Jefferson High School. Freddy ticipates in art competitions and shared that he received supported also wants to be a writer. Freddy employment services from the

“Work Pays” Logo Finalized - Look for It Throughout the State

Work pays for people with disabilities, employers and the community at large. For the employee, work provides a salary and sense of self worth. For the employers, workers with disabilities provide a reliable workforce. For the community at large, the employment of people with disabilities provides a greater tax base.

The Work Pays logo, at right, was recently adopted by a group of professionals working toward increased employment of persons with disabilities. Look for it on publications of member organizations and in an upcoming media blitz to educate people with disabilities about the benefits of employment and employers about the benefits of hiring people with disabilities.

Don’t forget - October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month!

7 National Resource Center on Psychiatric Advance Directives is a central gathering place for stakeholders to learn about psychiatric advance directives and how to complete these legal documents. NRC-PAD has recently added a blog and has begun hosting web conferences. Visit www.nrc-pad.org for more information.

Find Family Registry is a national registry to help family mem- bers connect with missing relatives with intellectual disabilities. Visit www.thearklink.org/findfamily/ for more information.

Kids As Self Advocates (KASA) is a national, grassroots project created by youth with disabilities for youth. Joining is free and open to anyone who would like to be part of the network. Visit www.fvkasa. org for more information.

A Family Guide: What Families Need to Know about Evidence-Based Practices published by NAMI, is designed to inform families about evidence-based practices (EBPs) in children’s mental health and to share information on an array of treatment and support options. Knowledge is power and informed families are in the best position to advocate for the most effective treatment and supports for their child and family. www.nami.org/Template.cfm?Section=child_and_teen_support&template=/ ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=47656

Trauma Among Youth in the Juvenile Justice System: Critical Issues and New Directions, recent- ly published by the National Center for Mental Health and Juvenile Justice, provides an overview of the extent and causes of trauma among justice-involved youth, including a review of tools for screen- ing, assessment and treatment and current trends in implementing trauma services within the juvenile justice system. www.ncmhjj.com/pdfs/Trauma_and_Youth.pdf

How to Improve ROI: Employment Solutions for Small Business A short video of a roundtable discussion between three small business owners and the former Assistant Secretary of Labor on how a small business can tap into available resources and increase return on investment by hiring people with disabilities. To view the video, please go to: http://www.dol.gov/odep/newfreedom/coc2007/videos. htm.

The Impact of the Americans with Disabilities Act: Assessing the Progress toward Achieving the Goals of the ADA,” and “Implementation of the ADA: Challenges, Best Practices, and New Opportunities for Success,” published by the National Council on Disability, provide an overview of issues related to the Americans with Disabilities Act. Both are available at http://www.ncd.gov.

This public document was published by the Advocacy Center, the Louisiana Developmental Disabilities Council and LSU’s Human Development Center at a total cost of approximately $4,868.50 for printing and mailing. For this edition, 2800 copies of this public document, including reprints, were published. This document was published to inform the public of issues relating to persons with disabilities under authority of Louisiana Revised Statutes 28:752 and Public Law 106-402. This material was printed in accordance with the standards for printing by state agencies established pursuant to R.S. 43:31 (B) 1.

8 Louisiana Alternate Assessment 1 – Redesign Under the federal No Child Left Behind law, all stu- An additional challenge is that the new/revised assess- dents must participate in the educational accountability ment must be in place prior to the end of this school system. This requires states to conduct annual assess- year, requiring LDE to produce the instrument within ments of every student’s academic performance. States approximately three months. To accomplish the job, are allowed to develop alternate assessments for stu- LDE enlisted a hand selected core group of six educa- dents who have the most significant cognitive disabili- tors of students with significant cognitive disabilities. ties. Since students with the most significant cognitive This group of educators was provided with the stan- disabilities have very unique individualized education dards, benchmarks and grade level expectations and plans, creating a single instrument that gauges prog- given the task of selecting benchmarks and grade level ress and/or performance of every one of these students expectations (GLEs) perceived to be most crucial or seems to be a contradiction in itself. Considering the pivotal to students with significant cognitive disabili- issues with an instrument of this nature it is not surpris- ties. They also selected benchmarks and GLEs that ing that what the Louisiana Department of Education should be omitted or not considered for the alternate (LDE) has been using for several years has received assessment. mixed reviews from practitioners and family members. It did however meet the requirements of the U.S. De- The result was a set of extended standards or grade lev- partment of Education (USDOE) - until now. el expectations that are aligned with each set of GLEs for every subject’s standards and benchmarks. The The most recent USDOE peer-review of Louisiana’s group then created three levels of difficulty or com- system resulted in a change in Louisiana’s status and plexity to each extended standard. Developing extend- a requirement that Louisiana make some changes to ed standards presented the problem of ensuring that its alternate assessment. USDOE is requiring LDE to there was variation and increasing complexity from redesign the alternate assessment (i.e., LAA1) so that one grade level to the next. These extended standards it is aligned to the state academic content standards were reviewed by a group of general education and and linked to grade level measures of students’ subject special education teacher groups to determine whether proficiency. The federal position appears to be based the extended standards and difficulty levels met the on the premise that what teachers are asked to assess core or essence of the general education standards (i.e., usually drives what, how and who they teach. By GLEs). By LDE staff members’ own account, some requiring an alignment of the alternate assessment with extended standards appear stretched beyond the gen- the same standards as all students, it sends a strong eral education curriculum benchmarks and GLEs. message that it is expected that students with disabili- ties, even students with the most significant cognitive Although the redesigned alternate assessment does not disabilities, be considered when curricula are planned, address functional skills, students with disabilities will assessments are designed, and instruction is provided. have Individualized Education Plans (IEP) and any need area and/or skill deficit should be addressed and LDE has long claimed a comprehensive curriculum assessed in accordance with the student’s IEP. In ad- – that is, one that covers all subjects and is for all stu- dition, the progression from one grade to the next for dents. Unfortunately, the initial design and foundation students eligible to participate in the LAA1 will still be of the current curriculum and the corresponding assess- determined by the School Building Level Committee. ment system did not consider students with disabili- ties – particularly students with significant cognitive The revised LAA1 should send a clear message that disabilities. This lack of universal design built into the students with significant disabilities should be includ- current curriculum and assessment resulted in a neces- ed and may even assist some teachers with drawing sity to attempt to retrofit the assessment for students the connection to how to extend the curricular stan- with significant cognitive disabilities. dards to address the needs of all students. However, it raises the concern of whether ( Continued on page 10)

9 October 20 Election Day 20 Advocacy Center Board Meeting, New Orleans. Call 1-800-960-7705 for more information. 23-25 The Power of Three - La. Disability Summit, Alexandria. Call Hilda Trahan at (337) 478-2299 for more information.

Job Fairs for persons with disabilities will be held throughout the state during October, National Disability Em- ployment Awareness Month. For more information, visit www.LaMMP.org or www.lbln.org.

November 16 Louisiana State Autism Conference, Lake Charles. For more information, contact Pat Giamanco, (800) 955-3760 or email: [email protected]. 17 Election Day

January 16-17 DD Council Meeting, Baton Rouge. Call 1-800-450-8108 for more information.

Families Helping Families Resource Centers in each region of the state sponsor local and regional workshops on issues such as education, transition, advocacy, community supports, disability specific, and other topics of inter- est to people with disabilities and their families. For information on workshops in your area, contact your local Families Helping Families. Contact information on the each center can be found at http://www.fhfla.org/ or by calling 1-800-922-DIAL or 1-800-450-8108.

Tell Us What You Think The Louisiana Developmental Disabilities Network (the Developmental Disabilities Council, the Advocacy Center, and the Human Development Center) is inviting comments from self-advocates, family members, advocates, providers and any other interested citizens to assist us with our planning process. Please take the time to complete our very brief online survey, “Tell Us What You Think” at www.laddc.org.

( Continued from page 9) Developing and implementing a requirements to families. While some educators will misinterpret new alternate assessment in a very these challenges are daunting, this the assessment as a standardized short time frame presents a myriad new assessment requirement also program that students with sig- of challenges to the state, including presents an opportunity to improve nificant disabilities are expected to those related to test design, profes- instruction and meaningful general progress on as they are promoted sional development for educators education access for students with from one grade level to the next who must administer the assess- significant disabilities. regardless of their performance on ment, and communicating new those grade level skills.

10 All-Stars One person who does not let her disability hold her back is Latoya Jackson of Baton Rouge. With support from Employment Connection, a supported employment provider in Baton Rouge, Latoya is working part time as a hostess at the International House of Pancakes. Thirty-one years old, Latoya was born in Baton Rouge but spent some of her school years in Detroit, where she attended high school. She returned to Louisiana to live near family and to raise her two sons. In her spare time Latoya also enjoys sewing and reading. Living a full and active life in the community, Latoya can truly be called an “All-Star”.

Latoya Jackson Ashley Walker is a young man in his twenties who lives in Shreveport, Louisiana. Ashley is a person with disabilities including blindness, Ce- rebral Palsy, and Quadriplegia. To assist Ashley in handling his affairs, he was interdicted in 1999 and, as a result, he lost the right to vote. In 2006, Ashley and his mother attended a voting training and demonstra- tion of accessible voting machines in Shreveport. The technology is similar to the “scanner” which Ashley uses to communicate. In the last few years, Ashley had become more and more interested in politics and elections. He regularly listened to debates and used his communication device to try to convince friends and family to vote for his candidate. (Among Ashley’s political heroes are John Kennedy and Rosa Parks.) Ashley Walker At the training session, Ashley and his mother told staff of the Advo- cacy Center about Ashley’s interest in voting and his desire to modify his interdiction so that he could vote. An Advocacy Center attorney agreed to represent Ashley, and the appropriate documents were filed with the court to modify the interdiction givingAshley the right to vote. Ashley has since registered to vote and is looking forward to exercising his new legal right in the statewide election this fall.

ALL-STAR NOMINATIONS

The Triangle is soliciting nominations for its All Stars feature. The All Stars column highlights individuals who demonstrate that they are successfully living in integrated and inclusive communities, or have contributed to changes in systems, services and/or policies that have resulted in more inclusive and integrated communities. Nomination forms are available on any of the three Triangle websites or at www.advocacyla.org/allstarnom.php or by calling 1-800-960-7705, ext. 143. Please consider nominating someone who deserves to be recognized as an All Star!

11 Forward Motion on Mental Health Parity Law On September 18th, the U. S. Senate passed the Mental Health Parity Act of 2007 (S. 558) which would require health insurers to provide the same level of coverage for treatment of mental health illnesses as they do for physical illnesses. The bill exempts companies with fewer than 50 employees and exempts group health plans and companies in the event that the cost of coverage for treatment of mental illness exceeds 2% of the plan’s total cost in the first year of treatment or 1% in each subsequent year.

The House has not yet passed its version of the Parity Act, but supporters of the Bill in the House are urging Speaker Pelosi to set an early voting date. Supporters are hoping for a realistic voting date of mid-October.

House and Senate Reach Agreement on SCHIP Language After months of wrangling with the Senate over the SCHIP reauthorization bill, the House Democratic leadership agreed to a compromise on expansion of this critical program. The compromise more closely resembles the less-cost- ly Senate bill, which provided $35 billion in additional funding for the program, paid for through a 61 cent increase on the tobacco tax. Approximately four million children who would otherwise be uninsured will receive coverage under the compromise legislation. The legislation aims primarily to enroll children who are currently eligible, but not yet covered. Both the House and the Senate must pass the compromise bill before it can be sent to the President and signed into law. President Bush has repeatedly asserted his intention to veto the bill, citing concerns that it is an incremental step toward government-run health care and that it covers too many families. The President is insisting that Congress instead pass a short-term reauthorization before the program lapses on September 30, 2007.

FY 2008 HUD Funding Bill Passes Senate The FY 2008 bill to fund the Departments of Transportation and Housing and Urban Development is one of only four appropriations bills to pass both the House and Senate. The House passed its bill in July and the Senate passed its version on September 12th. The House bill includes an increase in funding for Section 8 vouchers for people with disabilities. The Senate bill does not include this language. So – if and when there is a House-Senate Conference - disability advocates will be supporting the House provision. Section 8 vouchers are of critical importance to people with disabilities who need access to affordable housing in the community.

Families Helping Families of Southeast La. Opens Doors Families Helping Families of Southeast Louisiana (FHF of SELA) is the newest member of the Families Helping Families of Louisiana network. FHF of SELA, created to serve families in Orleans, Plaquemines and St. Bernard Parishes, will move into its new center located at 4118 Franklin Avenue in New Orleans on October 16th. The new center began operation on July 1st working out of the Families Helping Families of Greater New Orleans Center in Harahan.

Under the leadership of Executive Director Carol Calix, the staff of FHF of SELA is anxious to begin providing quality services to individuals with disabilities and their families living in Or- leans, Plaquemines and St. Bernard Parishes out of their new center. For more information, visit the center’s website at www.fhfsela.org or call 800-766-7736 or 504-888-9111.

12 Upcoming Elections – Vote on October 20 and November 17

The 2007 fall elections are fast approaching. In this state- wide election, voters will choose not only Governor, but also Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Attorney Gen- eral, Treasurer, Commissioners of Agriculture and Insur- ance, members of the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, State Senators and Representatives and various local elected officials. The decisions made by these elected officials can have a significant impact on your daily life.

Polling Place Accessibility - Complain for Change

The state of Louisiana has received federal funding to increase accessibility of polling places throughout the state. Election of- ficials in each parish have reviewed the accessibility of all parish polling places and have been given the opportunity to apply for these federal funds to make needed changes. Many parishes have made a commitment to make the voting process easier for all people, including people with disabilities. Others have not.

Over the years, many people with disabilities have found a way to make voting work – by voting early, voting absentee, always bringing a friend to assist in navigating the process, etc. Others have decided that voting is not worth the effort. Now is the time to advocate for change – if your polling place is not accessible, let your local election officials and the Advocacy Center know. Many accessibility issues can be fixed simply and cheaply. Other times, a polling place change is the best option. Either way, now is the time to make your voice heard – by voting and complaining when necessary.

If you have questions about voting or registering to vote, contact the Advocacy Center at 1-800-960-7705.

The Advocacy Center will be staffing a voting hotline on Election Day and throughout the fall. Trained staff will provide technical assistance on the spot and can refer you to legal assistance if necessary.

13 Residential Options Waiver to be Available Soon People with developmental disabil- 4. Residents of private ICFs/DD developed to meet his individual- ities needing home and community based on their waiting list protect- ized needs. Although someone’s based waiver services will soon ed dates cap may be $58,802, his plan may have another option to provide 5. Individuals with DD who qual- be less than that if their needs can them with the supports they need ify for the ROW based on their be met with fewer resources. to live more independent lives. waiting list protected date who are The Office for Citizens with Devel- not residents of an ICF/DD The ROW will provide some ser- opmental Disabilities (OCDD) vices not included in other waivers hopes to have approval from the Unlike the New Opportunities that many people will find appeal- Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Waiver (NOW), the ROW is a ing. Dental services, transportation Services (CMS) on the new Resi- capped waiver for children and services, and intensive community dential Options Waiver (ROW) by adults, with individual cost caps supports are the most noteworthy. December 2007. determined by the institutional Intensive community supports are level of care that the person would specialized behavioral and psy- Funding for 200 ROW slots was require. Louisiana’s private ICF/ chiatric supports for people in the included in the 07-08 state budget, DD rates are determined using the community who are at imminent but additional people will actu- ICAP assessment, and an individ- risk of institutionalization. Host ally receive ROW services if their ual rate is assigned in one of four home and companion care are two current institutional funding/rates categories (intermittent, limited, other new waiver services to Loui- can fully fund their waiver services extensive, pervasive). ROW siana. A host home offers children and meet the requirements of the methodology utilizes the individual and adults a welcoming, nurtur- Money Follows the Person Dem- ICAP and aligns the ICAP with the ing family atmosphere in a family onstration project. The funding private ICF/DD rate for 1-8 bed home environment with a thera- will ‘follow’ the individual into facilities (exclusive of the provider peutic focus on individual needs. the community. These persons fee). The final figure is the maxi- A ‘companion’ provides services will not require any newly-funded mum expenditure amount for waiv- in the waiver recipient’s home and waiver opportunities and will not er services per participant. For ex- lives with the recipient as a room- be subject to prioritization from the ample, if the individual is currently mate through the companion care waiting list for OCDD waivers. residing in an ICF/DD community service option. home and the cost of services is For those needing one of the 200 $70,098, an individual plan will be The ROW also includes Shared newly-funded slots, priority will be developed for their ROW services Living Services which include 24 given to the following groups: which cannot exceed $70,879. If hour staff support and responsibili- a person is currently living in his ties as designated in each recipi- 1. Persons needing diversion from or her family’s home and receives ent’s individual support plan. The crisis a ROW slot, an ICAP assessment Shared Living Conversion option 2. Persons being served through will be completed to determine is available to existing public and the OCDD Host Home pilots and his institutional level of care. If private ICF/DD providers wish- Mentor contract the assessment indicates ‘limited’ ing to convert their ICF/DD home 3. Adults and children with de- category, the person’s individual to waiver services and may serve velopmental disabilities living in ROW plan would be capped at up to six individuals or the cur- nursing facilities $58,802. Each person will have rent bed capacity of their ICF/DD, an individual cap based on ICAP whichever is less. The Shared determined need and a plan will be ( Continued on page 15)

14 Thumbs up to Sen. Butch Gautreaux (D), Morgan City, for his support of the DD Council funded Count Us In project. Count Us In is a new government internship program for adults with developmental disabilities through Bayou Land Families Helping Families. Sen. Gautreaux and his staff actively participated in the yearlong planning process for the program, attending numerous planning meetings and providing crucial feedback on essential components of the program. Sen. Gautreaux requested that his office serve as the first intern site for the new program. His request was granted, and on October 1, 2007 the first intern arrived for work at Sen. Gautreaux’s office.

Thumbs Down to the gubernatorial candidates (Foster Campbell, T. Lee Horne, Bobby Jindal, Arthur Nichols and Mary Volentine Smith) who did not take the time to respond to the TriAngle Editorial Board’s questionnaire regarding their plans for important policy, programming and staffing issues for people with disabilities and seniors. As the highest elected official in the state, the new Governor will make many decisions that significantly influence the lives of people with disabilities and seniors. Their lack of participation limits the opportunity for informed choice for TriAngle readers and voters throughout the state.

tional Services (for persons exiting unable to make decisions indepen- ( Continued from page 14) ICFs/DD up to $3000), Personal dently, he can have an authorized Living option is also allowed for Emergency Response System, Pre- representative who understands the new or existing providers for up vocational Services, Professional rights, risks and responsibilities of to three individuals in a shared Services (OT, PT, Speech, nutri- managing his supports within his home setting. These homes may tional, social work, psychological), individual budget do this for him. be either owned or leased by the Respite Out of Home, Specialized waiver recipients or the provider. Medical Equipment and Supplies, Since this waiver is not yet ap- Support Coordination, and Sup- proved by CMS, all of the services Other services included in the ported Employment. and other aspects of the waiver are ROW are Assistive Technology, still in draft form and subject to Community Living Supports In keeping with the principles of be changed by CMS, but OCDD (similar to Individual and Fam- self-determination, OCDD in- expects it to be approved without ily Supports in the NOW), Day cluded a self-direction option in substantial changes. The Notice Habilitation, Environmental Ac- the ROW. This option allows the of Intent with more details on the cessibility Adaptations (home and waiver recipient to coordinate the ROW was published in the 8/20/07 vehicle – no service cap), Nurs- delivery of up to four designated Louisiana Register. ing Services, One Time Transi- ROW services. If the recipient is

15 Legislative Candidates and Gubernatorial Candidates Share Views on Disability Related Issues

The DD Council surveyed all candidates for legislative of- fice on their views on disability related issues. The can- didates’ survey responses are available at: http://www. laddc.org/survey2007Results.php

The TriAngle Editorial Board also surveyed guber- natorial candidates on issues affecting people with disabilities and seniors. Visit www.advocacyla.org/ govsurvey.php for all the questions and answers. See the cover article for additional information.

Please learn your legislative and gubernatorial candidates’ views and cast an informed vote on October 20 and November 17.

P.O. Box 3455 Baton Rouge LA 70821-3455

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