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Colorado SILC Meetings

Quarterly Meeting May 15, 2024

Meeting Details

  • Date: May 15, 2024
  • Time: 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
  • Location: 1675 Range St., Boulder, CO 80301
  • and on Zoom

Meeting minutes are below or may be viewed on Google Docs here.

If you need assistance with any of the linked documents, please email SILC at coordinator@coloradosilc.org.

Regular Board Meeting Minutes

May 15th, 2024, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

In Boulder

ATTENDEES
COUNCIL MEMBERS GUESTS
Evan Shockley, Chair * Nora Bashir, SILC Coordinator
Scott Lindbloom, Vice-Chair * Amy Smith, Prospective Member
Dan Ashbaugh, Treasurer * Seyanna Hitt, Prospective Member
Martha Mason, Secretary * Peter Pike, The Office
Matt Bohanan, HCPF Rep Sarah Hanson, The Office
Jeremy Chatelain * Leo Santos, NWCCI
Susan Donahoo, DVR Rep David Nelson, CFI
Indy Frazee, Center Rep Rochelle Miller, Connections
Angela Green, CDHS Rep
Caity McManis *
Edgar Morales * Absent
Sage Sigman * none
Ty Smith * Excused
Louise Wilson, 121 Rep * none

*VOTING MEMBER

WELCOME AND HOUSEKEEPING

  • Evan called the meeting to order at 10:05 and welcomed everyone.
  • He went through our ground rules, and gave instructions on microphone and video participation
  • We went around the room and made introductions.

SILC BUSINESS

  • Approval of Agenda
    • Motion to approve the agenda: Scott Second: Dan
    • Discussion: none Vote: Unanimously approved
  • Approval of February Minutes
    • Motion to approve 02/21/24 minutes: Scott Second: Indy
    • Discussion: Martha noted a correction that had been made to the minutes prior to this vote.
    • Vote: Unanimously approved
  • Approval of FFY 2025 Budget
    • Motion to approve the 2025 budget as presented: Dan Second: Sage
    • Discussion: Presented and discussed by Dan Esma on storage unit expenses:
      • Dan mentioned the storage unit costs $106 per month. We discussed finding a smaller unit or negotiating a lower rate. Considerations on the logistics of moving the storage unit to a more central location. Evan Shockley suggested exploring shared storage solutions with other organizations. Nora raised concerns about accessibility and transportation costs associated with moving the unit.
      • Allocation for upcoming conferences and training sessions, including the NCL (National Council on Independent Living) Conference.
      • Evan emphasized the importance of attending the NCL Conference for networking and staying updated on national policies.
      • Dan proposed allocating additional funds for outreach programs to enhance community engagement.
    • Vote: Approved
  • Access and Functional Needs Conference
    • Attendees discussed strategies and resources shared during the conference, focusing on a new way to look at Access & Functional Needs. C-MIST stands for Communication needs, Medical needs, Independence needs, Safety & Support needs, and Transportation needs. The idea is that all of us have varying needs in these areas, so identifying the need is better than labeling the person.
  • SILC Conflict of Interest Policy – Everyone needs to sign this form and get it to Martha

PARTNER UPDATES

Susan Donahue (DVR Representative):

  • Improvements in customer service and accessibility efforts.
  • Introduction of a new online application process and reduced wait times for intakes
  • Development of a new case management system to streamline services.
  • Focus on accessibility, including ASL support and language accessibility.

Peter Pike (Office of Independent Living Services):

  • Update on the Colorado Administration for Community Living Partners group.
  • Discussion on the Securing Employment and Economic Keys to Stability (SEEKS) grant.
  • Efforts to increase capacity for benefits planning, focusing on state and local benefits.
  • Introduction of a new project funded through the Social Security Administration to support individuals applying for disability benefits while working.
  • Updates on partnerships and collaborative efforts to support individuals with disabilities.
  • Emphasis on state and local benefits planning and the importance of understanding all available support programs.

Matt Bohanan (Health Care Policy and Finance)

  • Updates to the Money Follows the Person program and new initiatives to support individuals transitioning from facilities to the community.
  • 28 community grants awarded, focusing on building out support and streamlining transition services.
  • Introduction of targeted case management transition coordination.
  • New demonstration focusing on providing services for 365 days following an individual’s transition from a facility.
  • Offering supplemental services such as food assistance, short-term rental assistance, peer mentorship, and environmental adaptations.

Angela Green (Department of Human Services)

PUBLIC COMMENT 1 :00 – No public comment.

SILC Updates

SILC Coordinator:

  • Updates on current projects and initiatives.
  • Progress on new partnerships and collaborations.

SPIL Development:

  • Progress on State Plan for Independent Living.
  • Discussion on upcoming milestones and deadlines.

SPIL Monitoring:

  • Strategies for monitoring and ensuring compliance with SPIL goals.
  • Nora suggested more frequent check-ins to track progress.

SILC Website, including HB Compliance by June:

  • Updates on website improvements and information dissemination.
  • Peter Pike mentioned new features being added to enhance user experience.
  • Discussion on steps needed for compliance with the state House Bill by the deadline.
  • Evan emphasized the urgency of meeting compliance requirements and assigned tasks to specific members.

CIL UPDATES

Indy sent her report after the meeting because of time constraints.

Association of Colorado Centers for Independent Living (ACCIL)

  • ACCIL supported, offered amendment language and actively participated in more legislation than ever before in this past session.
  • The ACCIL Conference is planned for some time in Sept or October. Planning has been happening for the past 2 months.
  • Contract with the state designated entity is nearing completion.

The Atlantis Community (Atlantis) Denver

  • Getting a new Executive Director

Center for Independence (CFI) David Nelson, Grand Junction – No Report

Center for People with Disabilities (CPWD) Maria Stepanyan, Boulder

  • We had a great presentation from Heather Kamper on happenings at CPWD.

Center Toward Self-Reliance (CTSR) Bill Edwards, Pueblo – No Report

Connections for Independent Living (Connections) Rochelle Miller, Greeley

  • The building fire is almost repaired and staff are back in the office with temporary power arrangements.
  • Connections officially became a Benefits Enrollment Center and 6 staff members are now WIPSEA certified after arduous training and passing a very difficult testing process.
  • Connections kicks off its second year of summer Youth Outdoor Equity fun. Check our website or newsletter for the fun details.
  • Nora Barrandey is Connections newest board member. Nora is a professional investment planner and Professor of Economics at UNC.

Disabled Resource Services (DRS) Denise Meyer, Fort Collins

  • DRS is also now a Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC)
  • In addition, DRS has 6 staff members who are now WIPC certified. DRS and Connections worked together to make that happen.
  • DRS has hired 2 new staff, one for housing / 55+ and a data entry person. We have one more position to fill before we are at max capacity.
  • DRS had one of our senior staff members, Katie, retire. She was 82 years young!
  • DRS now has two Braille machines. One for each location and have partnered with the Larimer County Office of Emergency Management to provide information to the public in Braille.
  • DRS has several fundraisers coming up, Blues Fest in July and in August our Annual Mad Hatters Tea party.

Northwest Center for Independence (NWCCI) Ian Engle, Craig – no report

Southwest Center for Independence (SWCI) Kelsey Bell, Durango

  • Our Veteran Directed Care Program is fully up and running and we now have six consumers enrolled.
  • We did a merchandise fundraiser in April and had a great turnout of support.
  • Three of our employees recently completed an American Sign Language course.
  • A blurb about our Center will be playing on KSJD radio every Thursday in June.

The Independence Center (The I-C) Indy Frazee, Colorado Springs

  • The IC sponsored SB24-019 this legislative session, which focused on parking for people with disabilities. This bill addressed issues related to parking placards, license plates, and parking devices (such as parking meters/ kiosks). The bill passed and is headed to the Governor’s for signature. Congrats! Maybe he’ll even travel to The IC to sign it.
  • The IC is happy to announce the hiring of new Team members in Information & Referral, Options Counseling, AS WELL as a new Director of Independent Living Services. Welcome to Tamara Trujillo!
  • The IC has been out and about delivering Disability Etiquette trainings with Teams at our local parks, preparing for the upcoming Spring and Summer seasons.
  • The IC has been excited to meet with newly appointed Team members with the City of Colorado Springs, more specifically personnel overseeing Housing! “accessible, affordable, universally designed, visit-able”

COMMITTEE UPDATES – Evan commended the committee chairs for getting reports done before the meeting.

  • Membership: (Martha) Please see report
    • One update to report
    • No comments or questions
  • Youth Committee: (Ty & Edgar)
    • Discussion on volunteer needs and logistics.
    • Current recruitment efforts have resulted in three confirmed participants.
    • Plans to expand outreach to meet the goal of 15 participants.
    • Discussion on the impact of YLF on participants and the importance of volunteer support.
    • YLF Volunteer Orientation:
      • Training session for volunteers participating in the Youth Leadership Forum.
      • Emphasis on the impact of YLF on participants and the importance of volunteer support.
      • Plans for the upcoming YLF, including logistics and volunteer responsibilities.
  • Finance: (Dan)
    • Dan reviewed budget updates and expenditure plans.
    • Dan highlighted the need to spend down remaining funds efficiently.
    • Discussion on potential uses for unspent funds to avoid losing them.
  • Public Policy: (Scott)
    • Updates on policy initiatives and advocacy efforts.
    • Focus on promoting self-advocacy and leadership among individuals with disabilities.
  • SPIL Committee: (Evan) Please see 2021 SPIL and 2025 SPIL Draft
    • Development of 2025 SPIL.
    • SPIL monitoring activities.
    • Emphasis on ensuring that SPIL goals are met and compliance with state and federal requirements.
  • Governance Committee: (Jeremy)
    • Review and updates on governance practices and bylaws.
    • Jeremy Chatelain reported ongoing efforts to align bylaws with current practices and address any discrepancies.
  • Resource Development Committee:
    • Need for a new chair and meeting schedules.
    • Discussion on potential grants and funding opportunities.
    • Efforts to identify and apply for grants to support SILC activities.

CHOOSE NEXT IN-PERSON MEETING LOCATIONS

August – CFI in Grand Junction

ADJOURN: 3:30 PM

Minutes submitted by Martha Mason, Secretary 05/22/2024

Corrected and resubmitted 06/01/2024

And again on 06/03/2024