Profiles Royal Oak, MI

U.S. POSTAGE PAID Non-Profit Organization Permit No. 927 Profiles Royal Oak, MI

Profiles is published by The Arc of Oakland County at 1641 West Big Beaver Road, Troy, MI 48084, 248-816-1900 and is available to members of The Arc. A UNITED WAY AGENCY.

Calendar NEW MEMBERS May AS OF 4/17/18 WE HAVE 525 MEMBERS! 28 – Memorial Day

MARCH MEMBERS June Sharon Abel, Janet Armil, Daniel & Vanessa Brannon, Vaughn & Jennifer Derderian, 6 – The Arc of Oakland County Board Robert Long, Mark Mills, Shelly Pilette, Linda Robinson, Christian Sanders, William of Director's Meeting, 5:30 p.m. AND Soutar, Francis G Thomson, Delano Tyler Annual Meeting, 7 p.m. at Wing Lake Developmental Center in Bloomfield Hills

22 – The Arc Michigan's Disabilitity Policy APRIL MEMBERS Seminar, Lansing Loten Baskin, Latonia Blackmon-Limpscom, John Buchanan, Patricia Courtney, Rebecca Ghazal, Barbara Gilbert, Andrea Gruber, Joseph Hampton, Steven Kapcoe, Vernice Moore, Kevin Nicholls, Pamela Petty, Craig & Kathy Plafchan, July Michelle Rhen, Ken & Kelly Schneider, Rajeshkumar Thanasekaran, Paul Wildrick 4 – Independence Day

2018 Membership Goal 2 , 0 0 0 IN MEMORIAM Kerri Schabinger

The Arc of Oakland County Staff 2018-2019 Board of Directors Thomas F. Kendziorski, Esq. Kathleen J. Chutorash David Loeffler, DVM, Ph.D., President Executive Director Fiscal Intermediary Tom Quakenbush, 1st VP Ronald Cheli, Esq., 2nd Vice President Megan L. Arnold Bernadette L. Duhoski Fiscal Intermediary The Forever Plan Monitor Suzanne Marquardt, Secretary Jerry Rubin, Treasurer Lynn M. Gideon Tom Lias, Past President Niki R. Becker Office Manager, Comptroller Fiscal Intermediary Monica P. Goerg Megan E. Brosky Fiscal Intermediary Delegates-at-large Fiscal Intermediary Monica M. Knoblock Michael Bartnik, Esq. Tracy M. Browning Fiscal Intermediary Tim Hatfield Linda Knox Fiscal Intermediary Kiesha D. Lawton Administrative Assistant Lisa Kowalski Patricia A. Busick Karen Mellott Fiscal Intermediary Diane M. McDaniel Randall Meono Fiscal Intermediary Barbara Scott Designer & Editor, PROFILES Penny J. Canada John Torrone Staff Advocate Allison M. Murowany Public Relations, Development Ann Wiedelman Allison M. Murowany since 1967 Serving persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities Profiles

Volume 43, No. 5 - 6 www.thearcoakland.org MAY - JUNE 2018

"From The 48th Annual Dove Awards Director's Chair" By: Presentation and Silent Auction Tom Kendziorski Over 300 people came together on Friday, April 13, 2018 to celebrate the achievements of the Revisiting the topic of “re-basing” is akin to resurrect- Dove Award recipients at the San Marino Club in Troy. The Arc of Oakland County would ing an old psychological wound that never seems to like to extend a very special thank you to Andrew Humphrey, an Emmy award winning heal. But, our state government insists on continu- meteorologist and reporter at WDIV-TV Local 4, who graciously accepted our invitation ing its bureaucratic quest to redistribute community mental health funding wealth across Michigan to emcee this year's festivities. Andrew was inspiring & charismatic! He did a wonderful without much regard to the inevitable destruction of job entertaining the attendees and highlighting the importance of every award recipient. good, quality programming and those served by this Everyone in the audience truly enjoyed themselves. system.

The event was a great success as we raised over $11,500 in the Silent Auction & Raffle and Medicaid rate structures for behavioral health and over $17,500 in Sponsorships. developmental disabilities services in Michigan in the past relied heavily on “historical” factors. As a re- sult, the rates favored those regions within the state that were instrumental in assisting with the closure of state-operated centers, particularly those serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). In an effort to resolve the rate payment imbalance, and to simplify the system, the State of Michigan’s Department of Health and Human Ser- vices (MDHHS) in 2010 embarked upon a process of “re-basing” the Medicaid rate structure, effectively reducing rates in those regions that historically bene- fited from higher rates and increasing rates in regions that had been historically low.

The impact of this endeavor was most pronounced on the eve of the 2014 fiscal year. Just days before the start of FY14, the MDHHS announced its re-basing strategy for the fiscal year. Up until that time, re- basing efforts were somewhat masked by increases in the overall Medicaid population, an artifact of the economic recession that plagued the state and the nation. However, as the economy improved and as the Medicaid population started to decline, the re- configuration of the Medicaid rates toward a statewide norm caused immediate and dramatic results.

The reality is that those communities that early-on More highlights of the 2018 Dove Awards Presentation & embraced community solutions for persons with I/

Silent Auction are on pages 4-7. DD created increasingly elaborate, effective and

Continued on Page 3

Misson Statement 2018 Annual Meeting Information...... Page 2

The Arc of Oakland County advocates for the rights and full participation of all children 48th Annual Dove Awards Program Highlights...... Pages 4-7 and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We strive to improve systems of 2018 The Arc Michigan's Disability Policy Seminar...... Page 8 supports and services; connect families; inspire our community, and influence public policy.

2018 Annual Meeting ELECTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Wednesday, June 6, 2018 – 7:00 p.m. Wing Lake Developmental Center 6490 Wing Lake Road, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301

ANNUAL MEETING SPEAKER

Kristin L. Rohrbeck, M.A. Director of OUCARES Oakland University Center for Autism Outreach Services

OFFICERS Office Name Term Ends President David Loeffler June 2019* 1st Vice President Tom Quakenbush June 2019* 2nd Vice President Ron Cheli June 2019* Secretary Suzanne Marquardt June 2019* Treasurer Jerry Rubin June 2019* Past President Tom Lias June 2019*

DELEGATES-AT-LARGE Tim Hatfield June 2019 Linda Knox June 2019 Lisa Kowalski June 2019 Karen Mellott June 2019 Randy Meono June 2020* Nadine Milostan June 2020* Barbara Scott June 2020* John Torrone June 2019 Ann Wiedelman June 2019

All names in BOLD font (with asterisk *) are up for election

2 We Need Your E-mail Address We are collecting our members’ e-mail addresses so we can send out electronic flyers, event reminders, action alerts and any other important information regarding The Arc. Please send us The Arc of Oakland County is now on Facebook the e-mail address you would like us to use either by e-mail & YouTube. Visit www.thearcoakland.org and ([email protected]) or to the The Arc office. look for the social media icons.

Shop on AmazonSmile & Help Support The Arc of Oakland County

The Arc of Oakland County is now registered with AmazonSmile!

When first visiting AmazonSmile, customers are prompted to select a charitable organization from almost one million eligible organizations. In order to browse or shop at AmazonSmile, customers must first select a charitable organization. For eligible purchases at AmazonSmile, the AmazonSmile Foun- dation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price to the customer’s selected charitable organization.

TOOTSIE ROLL DRIVE 2018 by Thomas F. Kendziorski, Esq.

The 2018 Knights of Columbus Tootsie Roll Drive is now history. Members of The Arc of Oakland collectively helped the Knights of Columbus St. Pope John XXIII Council #5436 in Waterford and the Bishop Gallagher Council #2569 in Royal Oak. These funds will directly benefit children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities within our community. Each council is also required to forward 20% of what is collected locally to the Knights of Columbus state council for distribu- tion to state-wide organizations serving those with special needs. Several other Oakland County councils regularly donate a portion of their Tootsie Roll dollars to The Arc of Oakland County: Milford, West Bloomfield, Farmington, Auburn Hills, Pontiac, Highland, Rochester Hills, and Troy. Thanks, everyone!

Palm Sunday weekend occurred near the end of March this year, and the weather was cool, but sunny with temperatures in the 40’s. Twelve good friends and members of The Arc, myself included, volunteered their time! I would like to publicly recognize the following folks for their enthusiastic support and commitment to the cause: Rosemary Rangi, Harry Mamassian, Randy Meono, Jerry Rubin, Jodi Rubin, Jerry Richart, David Loeffler, Jackie Perantoni, Ron Cheli, Pam Cheli, and, Angel Cheli. Thank you and see you all next year!

11 Transition to Adulthood: Key Considerations by Tom Kendziorski and Penny Canada

When your son or daughter with special needs, especially one with an intellectual or developmental disability, reaches the age of 18, many legal and financial benefit changes will occur. Here is a handy listing for your consideration:

• Apply at the Social Security Administration (“SSA”) for Supplemental Security Income (“SSI”) benefits the month after turning 18, which brings along automatic Medicaid eligibility; o Note: apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (“SSDI”) for a Disabled Adult Child (“DAC”) if one of the parents is: retired over age 62 and receiving SSA pension; or, disabled receiving their own SSDI; or, deceased. o Note: Medicare will come to the DAC beneficiary two years after receiving SSDI by way of a parent’s work record.

• Apply at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (“MDHHS”) for “Adult Home Help Services” once Medicaid is established; the individual must be found dependent on others for one or more activities of daily living;

• Apply for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (a.k.a.,Food Stamps) at a local Michigan Department of Health and Human Services office. In most cases not available to an individual with disability who is under age 22 and still living at home with parent(s). It is possible for a person with disability to receive Food Stamps prior to age 22 while still living in their parent’s home, but they must be enrolled in the “MI-CAP” program. o The “Michigan Combined Application Project” (MiCAP) is a state Department of Health and Human Services program that lets a person obtain food benefits when he/she begins to receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI). An individual qualifies for this food assistance if he/she meets each of the following characteristics:

– Age 18 or older – Receive SSI and no other type of income – Meet the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) definition of independent living (getting the full rate of SSI, currently $750 per month – federal; $14 – state) – Resides in Michigan – Purchases and prepares food separately – Is not currently an active case in the regular Food Assistance Program (FAP)

• Apply to the Oakland Community Health Network (“OCHN”) for long-term developmental disability support services at either: o MORC, Inc., or, o Community Living Services – Oakland.

OCHN Intake telephone number: 248-464-6363; must have Medicaid eligibility

• All males, age 18, must register with the Selective Service System (www.sss.gov);

• Consider establishing a Power of Attorney, a Patient Advocate Designation, or perhaps a Guardianship, as may be determined appropriate;

• Special education: plan for Transition Services (post-high school program);

• Obtain a state I.D. at a local Michigan Secretary of State office;

• Consider opening an ABLE Act savings account (Michigan on-line registration available at: www.MIABLE.org; national information at: www. ablenrc.org);

• Consider your estate plan, in particular, creating a “Special Needs Trust” to protect loss of future governmental benefits: o Seek a lawyer referral to author the necessary documents. o Seek financial planning advice. o Write a “Letter of Intent.”

• When ready and in need of competitive employment support or post-high school continuing education support, contactMichigan Rehabilitation Services (“MRS”) to ‘open a case-file’ to develop an employment plan;

• Consider personal income tax issues by obtaining a copy of The Arc Michigan’s Annual Income Tax Guide. A free copy may be found on-line at: http://thearcoakland.org/informational-resources/income-tax-guide/

10 Continued "From the Director's Chair" on Page 1 higher cost care models. These efforts included a fairly extensive array of options that afforded individuals and families considerably more choices for support, and much more individually-tailored service plans. These plans yielded very positive outcomes. People are living longer and their lives are richer in experiences. However, variety and the corresponding success come at a price.

The past four years of re-basing has dramatically changed the community mental health services landscape, particularly in Oakland County. In our corner of the state, the Oakland Community Health Network (OCHN) will once again have to come up with another $14 million or so to balance its budget for FY19. This will make five fiscal years in a row where OCHN reserves have been used to accomplish a “no cuts, but no increases” policy relative to services! My higher math skills place this figure at over $70 million going elsewhere within the state rather than for services for children and adults with disabilities in our county. Rumor has it that much of that money was not used for mental health services at all, but went back into the General Fund coffers of the state to fill a pot-hole or two.

This on-going MDHHS-sponsored methodology of re-basing, along with short-sighted and dramatic legislative reductions over these years of the so-called “General Fund” dollar for our local community mental health have significantly impacted, individuals served, their families and their direct service caregiv- ers --- those least capable of coping with such change.

Understand that drawing from the local OCHN reserves cannot go on indefinitely. Eventually, the “administrative efficiencies” that this office has de- manded from its providers over the years will dry up. Soon, the caregiver workforce will thumb their collective noses at the direct care vocation and go to work at a Wal-Mart, McDonald’s, or any other job where the future is not so stagnant. On the horizon will be deeper cuts and reductions in services to the providers of all services. Limitations will become the norm. Choice will only be a dream.

We must find a viable, long-term solution. Our state legislators must acknowledge the problem before it can help. Continue to write your legislators and communicate the need for quality local mental health services. We must continue this advocacy on behalf of those we love and serve.

Summer is almost here and the livin’ is supposed to be easy. …..…………. TFK

2018 Culture of Gentleness Conference August 23-24, 2018 Weber's Inn 3050 Jackson Road Ann Arbor, MI 48103 $175 for full 2 day conference; $100 for one day registration Social Work CEUs and SCECH credits for teacher available Register at https://2018cogconference.eventbrite.com

3 Congratulations to the 2018 Dove Award Recipients!

THE ARC OF OAKLAND COUNTY ADVOCACY GOLDEN DOVE AWARD HALL OF FAME AWARD Sheryl Brown, Retired Director of Special Services, John Williams, Executive Director, Progressive Lifestyles, Inc. Walled Lake Consolidated Schools

JANET and PAUL MacCORMACK LIFETIME ACHIEVE- EMPLOYER / CONTRACTOR OF THE YEAR AWARD MENT AWARD Neil King Physical Therapy, Rochester Hills Leah Rosenbaum, President and CEO, JVS PROVIDER OF THE YEAR AWARD PRESIDENT’S AWARD Dutton Farm, Rochester Lydia Gray, Director of Rehabilitation Services, JVS INCLUSION LEADERSHIP AWARD DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD Transportation Department of the Older Persons’ Commission, Nathalie Demers, Assistant Director, Rochester Community Living Centers, Inc. COMMUNITY LIVING AWARD MEDIA DISTINCTION AWARD Hickory House, Milford Justin Rose, Sports Reporter and Anchor, WXYZ Channel 7 ROBERT THOMAS SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL AWARD SHELDON DUNN INSPIRATION AWARD Kristen Hardy, Supports Coordinator, MORC, Inc. George Lewis Tyler Lenchek VOCATIONAL SERVICE AWARD Matthew Jewell, Job Coach, AL CARTER VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD New Horizons Rehabilitation Services, Inc. Tori Weingarten RESIDENTIAL SERVICE AWARD YOUTH VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD Elaine Major, Team Leader, Community Homes, Inc. Silvia Robazza EDUCATIONAL SERVICE AWARD LEONARD CERCONE TEACHER OF THE YEAR AWARD Karin Hofmann, Paraprofessional, Christina Barnes, Special Education Teacher, Grayson Elementary School, Waterford School District Beaumont Elementary School, Waterford School District

4 SOCIAL SECURITY WORK INCENTIVES by Penny Canada

The Social Security Administration (SSA) continues to identify ways to enhance their support of student transition outcomes for youth ages 14-25 with disabilities receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Two Social Secu- rity programs that are significantly underused (and under advertised), for working SSI recipients are the Student Earned Income Exclusion (SEIE) and Plan for Achieving Self Support (PASS).

Student Earned Income Exclusion (see: SSA P.O.M.S. at § SI 820.510, https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/ lnx/0500820510) is an income exclusion to all individuals receiving SSI, who are under the age of 22. During 2018, an eligible student can exclude up to $1,820 of earned income per month until the total annual exclusion of $7,350 is used; this is renewable each calendar year until the student remains under 22 years of age.

Eligibility Criteria —

1. The person must be under 22 years of age, single or married. 2. The person must be regularly attending school a. Grades 7-12 and Transition Program – 12 hrs/week b. College – 8 hrs/week (not credit hours)

The eligible person can also be another person in the household, who decreases potential income to the SSI recipient who is one of the following:

1. Eligible for SSI 2. A working young parent (under 22, a student, and not on SSI) of an SSI eligible child, or 3. The brother or sister in a household (under 22 and a student) of an eligible SSI sibling, or 4. The spouse of a SSI eligible person 5. A married couple, both eligible for SSI

How to Apply —

Request, in writing, that a student is found eligible for the SEIE with the local SSA office. Attach a written statement from a school official verifying the person is a student and the required hours are being met. This program can be retroactive for up to two years and two months if the student is currently under 22 years of age.

Plan for Achieving Self Support (PASS) (see: SSA P.O.M.S. at § SI 870.001, https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/ lnx/0500870000) is a provision for individuals receiving SSI benefits to set aside money and things he or she owns to pay for items or services needed to achieve a specific work goal.

Your goal must be a job that will produce sufficient earnings to reduce your dependency on Supplemental Se- curity Income (SSI) payments. A PASS is meant to help you acquire those items, services or skills you need so that you can compete for an entry level job in a professional, business or trade environment. You can contact your local Social Security office to find out whether a PASS is appropriate for you. A PASS may allow an individual to be eligible for SSI if current resources, such as SSDI, prohibit eligibility.

9 The Arc Michigan 2018 Disability Policy Seminar June 22, 2018 MSU University Club I Lansing, MI 48910

8 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. continental breakfast & registration

8:30 a.m. – 8:45 a.m. welcome Sherri Boyd, Executive Director, The Arc Michigan Dohn Hoyle, Public Policy Director, The Arc Michigan

8:45 a.m. – 9:15 a.m employment First Yasmina Bouraoui, Deputy Director, MDHHS, Developmental Disabilities Council

9:10 a.m. 9:45 a.m. Sub minimum wage Terri Robbins, Advocacy Coordinator, Michigan Statewide Independent Living Council

9:45 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. voting rights Mark McWilliams & Noah Walker, Michigan Protection and Advocacy Services, Voter Outreach Specialist

10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. departmental & community updates / 298 / hcbS Tom Renwick, Director of the Bureau of Community Based Services, MDHHS, Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities Administration

12 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. working lunch Governmental Affairs – Questions/ Responses from Gubernatorial Candidates Betsy Weihl, Partner, RWC Advocacy Dohn Hoyle, Public Policy

1:30 p.m. – 3 p.m. Federal updates Nicole Jorwic, Director, Rights Policy, The Arc of the United States

8 5 2018 Sponsorships The Arc would like to thank the following individuals, companies, & organizations who generously contributed

Knights of Columbus Select Councils from Mark & Ann Wiedelman BRONZE SPONSORS — Oakland County Buss & Company, P.C. ($350) $100 Wm Sullivan & Son Funeral Home ($350) A. J. Desmond & Sons PLATINUM SPONSORS — Tom & Mary Kendziorski ($325) BorgWarner Tom & Christine Lias ($300) Robert Buzzelli $1,000 Robert & Francine Stern ($300) Vickie Denny The Autism Society of Oakland County Laura Gannan Barron, Rosenberg, Mayoras & Tim Hatfield Mayoras, P.C. SILVER SPONSORS — Suzanne Marquardt MGM Grand Detroit $250 New Gateways Parent Group MORC, Inc. Button Eddy Kolb & Sorrentino, P.L.L.C. Joseph Qatsha Kyle & Penny Canada Dennis, Josephine & Perry Rexin John Keegan on behalf of CIBC Bank John Torrone ($750) Community Homes, Inc. Expert Care Management Services Ina Mae (late John) Wilcox Harvey & Carole Rabinowitz ($700) Gorman's Joseph McKevitz Karen Mellott GOLD SPONSORS — Otlewski & Maloney, P.C. $500 Tom & Judy Quakenbush A SPECIAL Afia John P. Schoeffel THANK YOU TO — Anonymous Barbara Scott In Memory of Jennifer Summers Whole Foods Market of Birmingham Ron & Pam Cheli for donating the sweet treats Civitan Club of Pontiac, Inc. SS Hans, M.D., P.C. Alex & Rose Marie Adah ($200) Tim Manning Linda Knox ($200) Randall Meono David & Sandy Loeffler ($200) New Horizons Rehabilitation Services, Inc. Joe & Lisa Kowalski ($150) Jerry & Judy Rubin Progressive Lifestyles, Inc. ($120) Mary T. Schmitt Smith Ed, Janet, and Mark Sherlitz

6 2018 Silent Auction Donations The Arc would like to thank the following individuals, companies, & organizations who generously contributed

Ale Mary's / Tom's Oyster Bar The Detroit Zoo Suzanne Marquardt Simply Good Kitchen / Terry' s Terrace Edward Street Dental Diane McDaniel Skate World of Troy Andiamo, Royal Oak Emagine Entertainment McMillin Tours Slows BAR BQ Anonymous English Gardens Meadow Brook Hall at Somerset Inn The Art Experience The Epicurean Group Oakland University Springhill Pooled Trust Arthur Murray Royal Oak Fieldstone Winery Meadow Brook Theatre Stagecrafters Dance Studio Fox Sports Karen Mellott Starbucks Astrein’s Creative Jewelers Frames Unlimited MGM Grand Detroit Tappers Diamonds & Fine Bahama Breeze John & Lynn Gideon Michigan Opera Theatre Jewelry Beans & Cornbread: Goldfish Swim School, Miner's Den Jewelers Toyology A Soulful Bistro Birmingham LMP Industries Trader Joe's Bigalora Gordon Food Service, Inc. Modernistic Cleaning & Troy Dental Care Bordine's Gorman's Restoration Vera Bradley Jennifer Brandt Griffin Claw Brewing Company Joe & Allison Murowany The Village of Rochester Hills Buddy's Pizza Tim Hatfield Neil King Physical Therapy The Whitney California Pizza Kitchen The Henry Ford / New Horizons Wayne State University Maggie Carl's Golfland Greenfield Village Rehabilitation Services, Inc. Allesee Department of Carol Lewis Day Spa Henry Ford OptimEyes Oakland County Parks & Theatre and Dance Dan & Linda CasaSanta Holiday Market Recreation WDIV CBS TV Home Depot Painting with a Twist The Westin Book Cadillac Ron & Pam Cheli Jax Kar Wash The Parade Company Detroit Steve Chulig Tom & Mary Kendziorski Pewabic Pottery Wheelhouse Detroit Comcast Linda Knox Prestige Portraits Bob White Community Housing Network Kona Grill PRP Wine International Mark & Ann Wiedelman Cookies by Design Harry & Maria Kokkinakis Harvey & Carole Rabinowitz WJBK - Channel 2 Costco Joe & Lisa Kowalski David & Julie Race Wolverine Solutions Cranbrook Academy of Art & Kruse & Muer Roberts Restaurant Group WTVS Art Museum Lamphere Center Ronin Sushi WXYZ Cranbrook Institute of Science Megan Leavy Royal Oak Golf Center Wyndham Garden Sterling The Dearborn Inn Leon and Lulu Jerry & Judy Rubin Heights Detroit Institute of Arts Tom & Christine Lias Sanders Candy/ Lee Yambura Detroit Princess Riverboat David & Sandy Loeffler Morley Candy Makers Inc. Detroit Red Wings Lucky Strike, Novi Barbara Scott