GOVERNOR’S COUNCIL ON REHABILITATION AND EMPLOYMENT OF
PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
AUDIO VISUAL
MEETING MINUTES
Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation, 500 E. Third St., Auditorium,
Carson City, NV
Nevada Job Connect, 3405 S. Maryland Parkway Conference Room, Las Vegas, NV
February 11, 2005
MEMBERS PRESENT:MEMBERS ABSENT:
Bruce BermanBarbara Cegavske
Christine BradyRobert Desruisseaux
Dr. Mick ColemanBill Murphy
Gary CottinoCharlott Serline
Ed GuthrieClaire Soleil
Denyse Lizer
Karla McComb
Margaret MorounGUESTS PRESENT:
Jean PeytonMary Evilsizer, SNCIL
Chris SyversonMelissa Pegg, Clark Co. School Dist.
Dr. Tom VenardosEarlene Robertson, HIWA Program
Gillian WellsAnita Puentes, NDALC
Ronnie WilsonDebra Wagler, Health Div. St. of NV
Jim Barry, Easter Seals
STAFF PRESENT:Pam Gallion, UNLV
Howard Castle, Rehab ManagerPeggy Perkins, UNLV
Lester Murray, Rehab Mgr.
Cecilia Colling, Chief, Operations
Gayle Sherman, Chief, Programs
Bill Hamilton, Program Specialist
Donna Sanders, AAIII
EXHIBITS:
GCREPD Meeting Minutes – February 11, 2005
Exit Interview Information from 2003-2004 School Year
Mid-Year Progress Report by Pam Gallion and Peggy Perkins
SWIB Committee Report by Jean Peyton
Administrator’s Report
Ticket to Work Matrix
Performance Indicators for BSB and BSBVI
GCREPD FY05 Budget
Report on Transition Services
CALL TO ORDER, ROLL CALL, INTRODUCTIONS, AND WELCOME:
Chairperson, Karla McComb, called the meeting to order at 9:10 A.M. The members of the Governor’s Council and guests identified themselves. A quorum was present.
VERIFICATION OF POSTING:
Donna Sanders verified that the posting was accomplished.
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APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF DECEMBER 10, 2004:
Gary Cottino moved for approval of the December 10, 2004 minutes. Dr. Tom Venardos seconded the motion. All were in favor.
REPORT ON CLARK COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT (CCSD) EXIT TRANSITION DATA PROJECT:
Melissa Pegg, CCSD Transition Services Project Coordinator, remarked that 1,086 Clark County School District students exited by means of a general diploma, adjusted diploma, or aging out at the age of 22 years during the 2003-2004 school year. The CCSD had an exit interview process as part of the Transition Outcomes Project and 62 percent of the graduating students answered the exit interview, resulting in 669 interviews. Of those who interviewed, 83 per cent received either Option 1 or Option 2 diplomas. Seventy-six percent (76%) of the responding students were in a general education classroom setting.
Melissa Pegg said 40 percent of the students stated the special ed staff assisted them with link aging. Twenty-six per cent were helped by adult agencies, and of them the Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation (BVR) was the leading service provider. Of the students who graduated, 47 per cent had employment and 14 per cent planned to go on to full-time work after education, while 40 per cent of graduates indicated they would go to post secondary education.
She said that a problem with the survey is that the respondents could make multiple choices, consequently, statistical outcomes could be imprecise and the survey tool will be changed to make results more reliable. She also said that some schools had no exit interviews. Some students said the school does not work with special needs students.
Dr. Tom Venardos remarked he was satisfied with the turnout, this being the first survey done. Christine Brady said she would be interested in knowing what kind of accountability there is for the pilot or alternative high schools. Dr. Mick Coleman asked if the total population of students 16 and over was about 4,000. Dr. Tom Venardos confirmed that figure.
Melissa Pegg remarked that the full report will be not completed until perhaps September and there will be more information forthcoming.
UPDATE ON MID-YEAR PROGRESS OF REHABILITATION SATISFACTION/NEEDS ASSESSMENT SURVEY:
Pam Gallion gave an update on the FY 2005 Needs Assessment/Satisfaction Survey, which focuses on employers, transition students and on general BVR program consumers. Her survey center will call transition students and ask them if they have a job, or insurance, vacation, or other benefits. They will be asked if they exited high school via traditional diploma, if they aged/out or another scenario. She said this is the first time the survey center will have added this grouping to the assessment.
Melissa Pegg asked if the survey is for students who have gone through VR services. Pam Gallion said yes. Gillian Wells asked for a copy of the tool that was used for the transition
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students. Christine Brady requested a copy of the employers’ survey. She also asked if, when the data is received on the employer instrument, will the data indicate employer size. Gary Cottino said last year he had recommended that the survey include the question: “Are you an affirmative action employer?” It would be interesting to learn how many employers have an affirmative action plan so the Council can see what kind of affirmative action the employers are taking.
TRANSITION FORUM COMMITTEE REPORT:
Gillian Wells said that on November 17, 2004, the Transition Forum met to examine the current interlocal contracts between the school districts and VR. From this discussion the Transition Forum decided to have Lincoln, Clark, Washoe and Churchill County school districts and VR report on how interlocal contracts are working. She said the next issue of The Funnel e-newsletter would be written specifically for youth with disabilities.
The next Transition Forum meeting will be held on February 23, 2005. The interlocal contracts will be discussed. She thanked BVR for allowing TF members the opportunity to review and give input to the BVR transition brochure.
Gillian Wells announced that Senate Bill 22, which creates an interagency advisory board on transition services would be discussed at the State Legislature February 14, 2005 and she encouraged the Council to attend. Karla McComb indicated she hoped to attend the hearing to give testimony in support of SB 22.
SCHOLARSHIP SUBCOMMITTEE REPORT:
The report will be reviewed at the next regular Council meeting.
DISCUSSION/REVIEW OF EFFECTIVENESS OF JANUARY 18, 2005 COUNCIL MEMBERS ORIENTATION TRAINING OF REHABILITATION COUNSELORS PRESENTATIONS OF A CASE REVIEW:
Gary Cottino remarked for those who attended the meeting/orientation Las Vegas on January 18, 2005, that he appreciated the work by those who made the presentation and explain the VR process in great detail. He suggested that the orientation be done annually. Bill Hamilton stated a survey was sent to those who attended and eight responses were received. Four said they had a better understanding of the VR process. Two people preferred to see this repeated annually or even more frequently than annually. Other comments about the orientation were all positive.
DISCUSSION ON THE REHABILITATION DIVISION’S VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION PROGRAMS POLICIES, PROCEDURES AND PRACTICES AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON RECOMMENDATIONS TOWARD IMPROVED EFFECTIVENESS AND EFFICIENCY:
Gary Cottino said that at the orientation meeting questions arose, such as are there ways the VR programs can do better or work more efficiently? Discussion at the orientation included items such as not enough employees and problems in recruiting and keeping VR counselors. Ed Guthrie observed that VR counselors seem to be doing a great job but the VR system in Nevada and elsewhere seem to be playing catch up all the time, in part because of counselor vacancies
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and an inadequate supply of counselors to fill positions here and nationally. The problem of turnover and vacancies occurs in businesses too, especially in southern Nevada. Hence, if there are “environmental issues,” how do entities adapt to accomplish their work?
This led to Council discussion about how to deal with issues of vacancies and the accomplishment of work responsibilities. Denyse Lizer suggested that recruitment could begin in high school, by informing high school students that they could have a career in vocational rehabilitation. Mary Evilsizer asked if Rehabilitation Technicians could assist the VR counselors or do outreach. She also said that some consumers find the VR system “cumbersome” and wondered if there could be a “fast track” to services. She also asked if VR could subcontract to do program outreach, for example, to free up counselor time.
Mick Coleman concurred with elements of the discussion, such as coming up with ideas and working with the Council to “put our heads together” and doing better with existing resources.
Gayle Sherman said she is interested in suggestions for improvements to Nevada’s VR programs. She commented that VR has filled 17 vacancies since October 2004, counselors being 11 of those positions. She expects that counselor salaries soon will increase, and new recruitment strategies are being implemented. She believes that employment outcomes will increase as positions are filled and new counselors gain experience. She said that UNLV has been certified to provide a CORE-accredited master’s degree program in VR counseling. She added that in fiscal year 2004 the application processing time was 40 days. In fiscal year 2005, the average time is 28 days, whereas the national standard is 60 days.
Karla McComb appointed an ad hoc committee to meet and work with Mick Coleman and Gayle Sherman, to dialog and develop some specific recommendations that can help the VR programs. Gary Cottino will chair the committee, with Dr. Tom Venardos, Chris Syverson and Ed Guthrie also appointed to the committee. A report from the committee should be made at the May 2005 meeting.
A ten-minute break was declared at 10:30 a.m.
OTHER COMMITTEE REPORTS:
a. State Independent Living Council
Mary Evilsizer reported America Star Casinos donated $172,470 to help individuals who are on the waiting list for equipment. On February 15, 2005, there will be a press conference to recognize America Star Casinos support. This donation brings the statewide independent living budget to over a million dollars. She stated there are 193 people on the waiting list.
She informed the Council that the Department of Human Resources is doing a tremendous amount to help increase the budgets for the independent living programs. She stated that there could be an additional 4.5 million dollars in funding.
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b. Governor’s Workforce Investment Board Committee on Employment of Persons with Disabilities
Jean Peyton said the committee met on January 24, 2005 and a major topic was the questionnaire that comes through the Nevada JobConnect offices. She stated the committee felt the questionnaire did not gather data they thought was needed and this left a lot of gaps. Jane Williams and Dr. Tom Venardos were recruited to develop some questions that will be reviewed at the April meeting.
Jean Peyton said Goodwill of Southern Nevada is doing job training and teaching job skills for their youth program. She added that Western Area Construction Association (WACA) attended the Committee meeting in the North and described their apprenticeship program. The WACA was unclear how to deal with people with disabilities and was encouraged to talk to BVR and the Council to better understand how to work with people with disabilities.
ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Dr. Mick Coleman stated the number of closures for BSBVI was ahead of schedule. As of January, 2005, there are 87 closures. Regarding the Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation, he remarked VR is behind schedule. He said people need to be in a work status for 90 days in order to be counted.
Dr. Coleman stated the RAISON program will be one year old in March, and VR is working on the data side to get better information. He referred to the written reports regarding transition and said the schools know who to go to in the VR offices in order to work more effectively and make the interlocal agreement a working document.
Dr. Mick Coleman stated Joanne Wilson Commissioner of RSA contacted him in December regarding independent living in Nevada. He said the Office of Disability Services was transferred from VR to the Department of Human Resources and RSA had some concerns, notably that the Rehabilitation Division remain the designated state unit and retain responsibility for the independent living grant from the federal government. He remarked Mary Evilsizer and Todd Butterworth did a tremendous amount of work regarding these issues. Mary Evilsizer thanked Dr. Coleman and his team for the work accomplished with the SILC and the Office of Disability Services
Ed Guthrie asked about the funding in President Bush’s budget. Dr. Coleman said the vocational rehabilitation budget has not been cut. Ed Guthrie queried whether VR draws down 100 percent of the federal dollars that are available. Dr. Mick Coleman replied not always.
Ed Guthrie suggested the possibility of working together with a not for profit partner to write a contract to do job coaching and other services. Dr. Mick Coleman replied this could be a possibility for discussion in the future
UPDATE ON THE SELECTION OF STATE REHABILITATION COUNCIL MEMBERS TO ATTEND, AND TRAVEL COSTS ASSOCIATE WITH THE MARCH 21-22, 2005 REHABILITATION SERVICES ADMINISTRATION TRAINING IN SEATTLE:
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Bill Hamilton stated Dr. Tom Venardos, Gary Cottino, Christine Brady, and Christine Syverson will attend the meeting. In addition, two VR staff will attend.
REVIEW/POSSIBLE ACTION ON LINE ITEMS OF THE COUNCIL FY05 BUDGET:
Cecilia Colling reviewed the FY 05 budget and said the trip to Seattle will take $2,000 of the unallocated funding. Ed Guthrie moved to approve the budget as revised. Dr. Tom Venardos seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried.
DISCUSSION ON DEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYMENT, TRAINING AND REHABILITATION BILL DRAFT REQUEST FOR 2005 NEVADA LEGISLATIVE SESSION:
Dr. Mick Coleman stated VR has a bill draft request (BDR) which relates to staffing responsibilities that are in BVR/BSBVI and in the Administrator. The BDR outlines a more clear division of duties on the programmatic side. He said there would still be a separation of budgets with BSBVI and BVR. A hearing is scheduled on Monday, February 14, 2005.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
There were no public comments.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES:
Mary Evilsizer said Senior Dimension in Las Vegas is interested in hiring people with disabilities to do telemarketing for Medicare Services. She also said AARP is starting a senior employment program and it is a wonderful opportunity for seniors re-entering the job market.
Christine Brady said IGT is looking for a part-time clerkship.
Ed Guthrie stated at Nellis Air Force base, there is a 30-45 day period where an extra 500 meals per meal period (1500 meals per day) need to be served. This is a temporary job but for those hired, but could lead to competitive placement in the hotel casino industry because they would have six weeks’ worth of training in providing meals to the military. Ed Guthrie said the employee would make $6.25 hour with another $2.56 an hour going into a retirement program. The wage could go as high as $10.50 an hour.
ADJOURNMENT, NEXT MEETING DATE, AND POSSIBLE AGENDA ITEMS:
Bill Hamilton announced the next Council meeting will be on Friday, May 13, 2005, same location as today. Karla McComb reminded the Council that if there are any agenda items, they should be sent in or requested at least one month ahead of the scheduled meeting. Karla will send the agenda items to Bill Hamilton. There are four agenda items for the next meeting to date:
The HIWA Program, Medicaid Buy-In. Earlene Robertson will make a presentation.
The report on the Seattle training in March.
The State Plan.
A report from the ad hoc committee.
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Karla McComb adjourned the meeting at 11:30 a.m.
Recorded by:
Karen Yates, Captions Unlimited of Nevada
Edited by:
Bill Hamilton, Rehabilitation Program Specialist
Approved by:
Karla McComb, Chair