Adult Issues Committee

Minutes of Meeting

Independent Resources, Inc.

January 17, 2014

09:40 – 11:40 a.m.

Members Present: Larry Henderson, Chair; Carol Barnett; Karen Gallagher; Terri Hancharick; Gary Mears, Ed.D.; Bill Monaghan; Barbara Monaghan; Vivian Turner; Debbie Veenema

Members Absent: Sonal Cercena; Ed Tos

Staff: Kristin Cosden; Al Rose

Guests: Vince Jacomo, Jr.; Ron Lewis; Cindi Ventresca (Delmarva Power); Bob George; Marny McLee (Citizens Corps); Laura Waterman (Disabilities Law Program)

  1. Call to Order:The meeting was called to order at 9:40 a.m.
  2. Approval of Minutes:The minutes were approved as mailed.
  3. Approval of Agenda:The agenda was approved with one addition: D) S.E.I.U. (Service Employees International Union)
  4. Chair’s Report:Larry reported that IRI is proceeding with their project to train and provide coaching to clients who want to start their own business. The proposal IRI submitted to the DD Council to help fund that project was tabled until the Council’s March meeting as there was not a quorum at the January meeting.
  5. Staff Report:Al reported the first Partners session will be the weekend of February 21 and 22 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Dover. We currently have 19 applicants accepted. The Committee would like to have one more who is the parent of a child with developmental disabilities age birth to three. The reason is the state’s Birth to Three Office will provide $1,500to the Partners program if one of those parents attends the program. Also, the LIFE Conference was a success. We had about 500 people attend and have received numerous favorable comments.
  6. Current business:
  1. Conference Discussion with Delmarva Power: The above listed representatives from Delmarva Power discussed their policies for turning off power for people with disabilities who are unable to pay their bill. Ron Lewis mentioned a person with a disability who cannot pay their bill can submit a form filled out by a doctor stating how power is critical to that person’s health or recovery. The form is good for 120 days and then it would have to be resubmitted if the person still cannot pay their bill. Laura Waterland mentioned that, if the slightest thing is wrong on the form, it is rejected. People who don’t pay their bill and do not submit a form from their doctor will have their power shut off 15 days after a shut off notice is received. Al mentioned that a person needs a shut off notice to be eligible for financial assistance provided by several agencies. A person who submits a form from their doctor does not receive a shut off notice and, therefore, is not eligible for that financial assistance, plus their bill continues to add up while the form is in effect. Vince stated he would check with his company to see if a shut off notice can be provided to those folks. Vince mentioned the Good Neighbor Energy Fund administered by the Salvation Army has funds available to help people so their power is not shut off. He also told Committee Brigit Shelton (302-283-5808) is Delmarva Power’s Customer Service Representative. She can be contacted if customers have a question or problem paying their bill. Larry mentioned that anyone, not just a person with a disability, can apply for the Salvation Army funding, so it is depleted fairly quickly. Committee agreed they would be happy to have Delmarva Power participate on a panel during the upcoming conference to explain their policies and how a person with a disability, who is in danger of having their power shut off, can get assistance.
  2. Potential Conference Workshops and Presenters: Committee reviewed a proposed list of workshops and presenters for the conference being planned for October 2014. A number of changes were suggested. Committee decided on the following names for the three potential panels: State’s Emergency Managers; Shelter Operations and Staying Safe at Home. They also recommended some additional panelists for two of the panels. The changes and additions are noted in Enclosure 2 “Emergency Situations for Persons with Disabilities Conference”.
  3. Review of Committee’s State Plan Objectives:Committee reviewed the list of state plan objectives they have been assigned. Educating Employers on the benefits of hiring people with disabilities is completed. The STAND Project and planning for the Emergency Situations for Persons with Disabilities Conference are being worked on currently. Two still need to be addressed. One involves educating parents, people with DD and state legislators on the importance of adequate dental care for people with disabilities over age 21. The other involves educating the parents or guardians of children with DD on their children’s potential to work, volunteer and/or participate in internships that can lead to employment.
  4. S.E.I.U. (Service Employees International Union):Terri discussed how representatives from this union are in Delaware trying to organize workers who provide direct support to persons with disabilities. They are in the process of contacting advocates and parents to try and convince them of the benefits of forming a union for direct support staff. Terri listed a number of draw backs with the proposal to include she would have to go to training to learn how to take care of her daughter, something she has been doing successfully for twenty-six years. Also, people currently choose their support staff and they develop a relationship during the hours for which they qualify. Under the proposal, support staff could work for several people and that close relationship could be lost. Terri suggested Council invite a representative from S.E.I.U. to a meeting to discuss their proposal
  1. New Business: Bill Monaghan mentioned that Delaware People First is losing members. They have gone down from about 60 to 15. He said the reason is the group is now required to focus solely on advocacy issues. There is now no funding allocated for any recreational opportunities, social activities or trips as was done in the past. Bill also mentioned there is an upcoming meeting with Rita Landgraf, Jane Gallivan and Pat Maichle to try and resolve the problem. There being no other new business, the meeting adjourned at 11:40 a.m.

Follow Up

  1. Staff will contact potential panelists for the Emergency Situations for People with Disabilities Conference.
  2. Staff will update the potential panels for the above conference.
  3. Staff will look into inviting a representative from S.E.I.U. to a future Council Meeting.

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