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Consumer Advisory Council Meeting

January 20, 2012

In attendance: Bryce Fifield, Gordon Richins, Tom Brownlee, Adina Zahradnikova, Claire Mantonya, Cyndi Rowland, Robin Savage, Tina Peck, Mat Bone, Dena Marriott, Ben Ballam, Sharon Weston

Guests: Steve Hansen, LJ Wilde (College of Engineering)

Tom Brownlee welcomed CAC members and introductions were made.  Dena Marriott was welcomed as a new member to the CAC.  Dr. Steve Hansen and LJ Wilde were invited guests from the College of Engineering.

Dr. Hansen was in attendance at the 2011 CAC meeting where he talked about the proposal he was submitting the National Science Foundation for Undergraduate Senior Design Projects. At that meeting, he asked for the input of CAC members about ideas for new technologies to help individuals with disabilities. The NSF proposal was funded for $25,000 over 5 years to provide parts and materials for the design projects. They are partnering with staff of the Assistive Technology Laboratory, service providers, and advocacy groups in the community on their design projects.

A copy of the College of Engineering fall publication features an article that describes one of the completed design projects – a mechanic’s creeper – designed by RJ Wilde and his team members.  Steve and RJ brought the creeper to the meeting and demonstrated its use.  It allows a mechanic to transfer from his wheelchair and then lowers him to the ground so that he is able to slide beneath a vehicle to work on it.

All of the projects are designed to fit the needs of specific individuals. Students work in year-long teams of 4-12 students, using the first semester to design the project and the second semester to build it.  They are able to work on approximately two projects per semester.

Steve explained that they are looking for external help from companies and businesses that can help bring these student prototypes to the marketplace.  He asked CAC members to provide any contacts they may know of.  He also solicited additional ideas for technology design for upcoming student projects that will begin in the fall.  They are particularly interested in design projects that are complex and multifaceted.

CAC members thanked Steve and RJ for their presentation and the information they provided about this exciting project.  Steve invited CAC members to contact him at any time with other suggestions or ideas.

BUSINESS MEETING 

 CPD Core Grant Application.  Dr. Fifield indicated that the CPD will be submitting the new core grant application for the CPD in the next couple of months.  In preparation, we have been gathering needs assessment data from other programs, sister agencies, and state entities.  At the last meeting of the Consumer Advisory Council, individual CAC members listed individual challenges and barriers to services that they face.  After reviewing the needs assessment data with CPD leadership, Dr. Fifield began drafting an outline of the five broad goals to be addressed in a new 5 year plan.  He reviewed these with CAC members.

1.     Provide interdisciplinary, pre service and inservice training to individuals who are working in the field

2.     Provide culturally competent community based services to people with disabilities and their families

3.     Provide technical assistance to organizations that serve the disability community

4.     Conduct research into cause, prevention and treatment of disabling conditions

5.     Develop and disseminate materials about effective services to people with disabilities

Under each of these broad goals there will be specific objectives in emphasis areas such as health, education, early intervention, housing employment, transportation, quality of live, and quality assurance that will be carried out by CPD projects.  Bryce pointed out that we will have the additional task of defining how each of these objectives addresses systems change, capacity building, and/or advocacy.

The CAC Program Committee met last week to discuss the formulation of the new five year plan.  On behalf of the Program Committee, Mat Bone made a motion that the CPD Consumer Advisory Council endorse the proposed goals for the new five-year plan as presented and discussed.  The motion was seconded by Claire Mantonya and passed unanimously by those in attendance.  Bryce indicated that he would forward a copy of the goals and objectives to the CAC members once it is finalized.

CPD Work Plan Status Review. 

A copy of the annual Status Review for the current 5 year plan was forwarded to CAC members for review in the agenda packet.  The report outlines CPD accomplishments through Year 4. On January 12, the CAC program committee met to review and discuss the report together.  Claire Mantonya noted that the information in the report shows that the CPD is doing excellent work and has clearly exceeded the goals and objectives that are outlined in the current five year plan. As Chair of the Program Committee, Claire made a motion that the Consumer Advisory Council sustain the CPD’s efforts in accomplishing the goals as outlined in the 5 year plan and give accolades to the CPD staff for their excellent work.  The motion was seconded and passed unanimously by the full committee.

Dr. Fifield invited CAC members to suggest feedback on new initiatives or gaps to be addressed in Year 5 objectives.  Some of the areas that were mentioned included technology training (e.g., the use of Ipads for Autism); addressing the lack of state educational services for training by bringing providers and families together; and providing primary care physicians with disability resources.

Community Investment Fund.

A copy of a proposal for establishing a Community Investment Fund that is administered by the CAC was included in the agenda packet. One of important outcomes of participation on the CAC is for members to gain experience in leadership, involvement in advising organizations, and fiscal management. It is proposed that the CPD create a discretionary fund of $2000-$4000 annually that the CAC will administer and make decisions about how these funds are awarded. Dr. Fifield circulated a concept paper to CAC members that described how such a fund might work and be managed.  He indicated that the CPD will use discretionary funds to seed this project.  Participants discussed this together. Mat Bone made the motion in support of the proposal to establish a CAC Community Investment Fund. Tina Peck seconded the motion and it passed unanimously by those in attendance.  Mat suggested that the CAC program committee work with the Fundraising committee to outline define the scope of the project.  Bryce indicated that the funds must be spent before the end of each fiscal year (June 30) 

CPD Ambassadors.

Gordon discussed the CAC members serving in a role as CPD Ambassadors at events. He suggested investing time and effort to develop a handbook and training or orientation. Claire suggested possibly using teams of people that may involve a parent. Mat suggested putting information about the ambassador program on the CAC webpage giving people contact information for requesting ambassadors to attend an event.  There was a general interest in discussing this further.

40th Anniversary Events.

·     The Disability History film screening and panel discussion are scheduled for this afternoon.  Two CAC members are participating on the panel.  Others are invited to attend.  There will be a reception following the panel discussion in the Special Collections area of the Library where participants can visit the Disability History poster display.

·     On April 21, the American Festival Chorus will be presenting The Messiah in concert.  This event will be dedicated to the 40th anniversary of the Center for Persons with Disabilities.  Specially trained sign interpreters will take part in theatrically interpreting the music.  Bryce indicated that CAC members are invited to attend and will be provided tickets for the event.

·     More information about upcoming 40th Anniversary events will follow.

CAC Officer Elections. 

This year the CAC nominates someone to serve as Vice Chair of the CAC.  Shaunaleen has been serving in that capacity for the past two years. Tom opened nominations for the position of CAC Vice Chair.

Adina Z nominated Ben Ballam to serve in that position.  Ben accepted the nomination noting that he may have a conflict as he is planning to serve a mission.  Bryce suggested that if Ben is willing to accept the nomination, we will have coverage for the period he is gone.  CAC members voted unanimously to elect Ben Ballam as the new Vice Chair of the CAC.

Bryce pointed out that there is a vacancy on the CAC for a representative of a state service agency.  He asked participants for suggestions to fill that position. He noted that the representative need not be from the traditional disability services. These suggestions were made

·    Division of Child and Family Services

·     National Forest Service

·     Workforce Services

·     Legislator

Other

Gordon circulated two information sheets.  The first was a signup sheet for participating on the monthly CAC Blog.  The second was a membership list of CAC work committees.  He encouraged members to participate on the blog and join at least one of the working committees.

Sharon will send a new birthday list to Robin Savage.  Robin chairs the social committee and sends cards on behalf of the CAC to members for birthdays and other remembrances.

Adjourn

Tom Brownlee adjourned the meeting at 12:30 pm.

 

Consumer Advisory Council Meeting 

June 21, 2011 

In attendance:  Bryce Fifield, Tom Brownlee, Gordon Richins, Mat Bone, Adina Zahradnikova, Robin Savage, Tina Peck, Kelly Holt (Price), Shaunaleen Crapo, Connie Pehrson, Laura Anderson, Claire Mantonya, Shannon Howard, Jeff Sheen, Sharon Weston

Welcome/Announcements:  Tom Brownlee welcomed participants to the meeting and introductions were made.  Kelly Holt joined the meeting from Price via videoconference, and Claire Mantonya joined by conference phone.  A special welcome was extended to Laura Anderson who joins the CAC as a family representative.  Laura works with the Utah Autism Council and is a mother of a child with autism.  Gordon indicated that Mike Wyatt has resigned from the CAC.  We appreciate Mike’s participation and wish him well in his future endeavors. Shannon agreed to send Mike a card of appreciation on behalf of the Council.

Gordon prepared agenda packets for participants, as well as updates for the CAC binders.

 CPD Program priorities and emphasis areas for the coming year.

Dr. Fifield described the 5-year planning process for the Center for Persons with Disabilities.  For the past several months, CPD staff have been engaged in discussions about CPD strengths, weaknesses, expertise, and funding opportunities as we be begin drafting a new 5-year plan that will accompany the core grant submission in the spring.  A planning matrix was included in the agenda packet.  Later in the summer, we will be ready to involve other groups outside of the CPD such as constituents, agencies, service providers, and community partners about needs that have been identified by their organizations.  From the results of these internal and external needs assessments we will put together the basis of the next 5 year plan.

CPD Strategic Planning Activity

Together CAC members generated a list of what they see as some of the most important issues or challenges.  Some of these included:

  • Medicaid Issues – personal and systemic
  • Finding the best and correct resources
  • Recognition by the community of the need for accommodation
  • Parking issues
  • Dealing with stress and self management
  • Educating legislators/policymakers about disability issues
  • Unemployment
  • Cuts to services, waiting lists, and lack of private pay models
  • Proper maintenance and upkeep of accommodations such as ramps and public access
  • Community awareness and understanding
  • Providing input into the community process, such as decision making or  participation on committees
  • Better communication with and among agencies – creating a stronger network
  • Encouraging different groups with disabilities to work together
  • Education – classroom resources need to be modified to the correct level
  • Accessible recreation
  • Transportation
  • Education and resources for parents and families
  • Prevention of abuse and neglect
  • Better adult services for autism spectrum and aging groups
  • Better maintenance of assistive devices
  • Getting agencies or organizations to respond or call back
  • More advocacy training
  • Best ways to prepare to help others
  • Better family networking
  • Housing issues – availability and accessibility
  • Better information and updates to available technology
  • Better personal accommodations
  • Financial and estate planning
  • Age appropriate classrooms
  • Better ways to coordinate the transition to adult services
  • Educate criminal justice systems and service systems about how to interact with people with disabilities
  • Funding and resources
  • Availability of personal care attendants

Dr. Fifield thanked participants for their input and invited them to forward any additional issues that they may think of to him.  He pointed out that everyone has different perspectives of what the major issues and challenges are.  As part of the strategic planning for the next 5 year plan, the CPD must consider ways to address some of the challenges that are identified by families and constituents. While they are all important, the CPD is able to focus on only a few.  It is important to choose those areas of emphasis where we have the greatest expertise, where funding opportunities are available, and where we can make the greatest impact.

Later this fall, we will have a draft planning document ready to circulate to the group for comment.

CPD 40 year celebration

The CPD will be celebrating its 40 year anniversary over the next year.  Several events and activities are in the planning.  A preliminary planning calendar of events was included in the agenda packet.  Activities will begin in the fall of this year and continue to the fall of 2012.  CAC members were invited to participate and get involved in any of the activities that interest them.  We will share more information as the planning progresses.

Committee Reports

  • Program Committee – The program committee had nothing to report for this period.  Shaunaleen Crapo expressed a willingness to serve as a member of this committee.
  • Membership Committee – Tom invited recommendations to replace Mike Wyatt as a family representative on the Council.  Suggestions can be made to him or to Gordon.
  • Fundraising Committee – The fundraising committee was involved in the development campaign for the CPD Developmental Playground; $40-50,000 was raised. We still have a few features of the playground to fund, such as the shade sails.  We plan to have a dedication of the playground later this summer. Tina invited others to serve on the fundraising committee.  Kelly Holt indicated that she would be interested in working with Tina.
  • Social Committee – Shannon Howard offered to design cards for the social committee to recognize birthdays or special occasions.

CAC Webpage and blog

Connie Pehrson invited CAC members to visit the CAC webpage and read the blogs that are written by CAC members.  http://www.cpdusu.org/about/committee/about/

She encouraged those who had not submitted bios to do so.  She is happy to work with anyone individually to write a blog.  She suggested using some of the important topics that were listed at this meeting as a subject for the blogs. Gordon will be writing the July blog; Tina will be writing a blog in August; and Ben in September.

CAC Chair Report

Tom presented Bryce and Jeff Sheen a certificate and expressed his thanks for their support and networking.

In March, Claire, Kelly and Tom attended the advocacy summit in Los Angeles.  This was a good opportunity to meet with the ADD Commissioner and staff and to collaborate with other state representatives.  Kelly agreed that they learned a lot about advocacy while there. Claire  reported that the Commissioner is taking assertive steps to help the self advocacy movement become better organized both nationally and within states.

Tom, Claire and Kelly were invited to attend the signing of HB 230 (elimination of MR term) and attend the reception.  Tom was asked to present the award to the legislator responsible for sponsoring the bill at the Heroes on the Hill reception.

The state DD Council will be hosting a 40 year anniversary celebration on the Sept 20 at Thanksgiving Point.  There will be an advocacy seminar and luncheon.  Accomplishments of the DD Council will be highlighted.

Tom reported that People First - GAP has a webpage. It is also linked from the CAC webpage.  They are hoping to have more People First groups become active around the state.

CPD Directors Report

Dr. Fifield briefly summarized some of the projects that the CPD has initiated.  Two large grants were awarded to the CPD in the past year.  The Smart Start program is a $15 million grant with the state of New Mexico to evaluate the effectiveness of the extended school year in the early grades. The National Children’s Study is a national longitudinal health study of children from pregnancy to age 20.

This spring, Dr. Judith Holt was awarded a career award for Human Services through the College of Education.

The Autism Clinic at the CPD is in progress.  It is an interdisciplinary program of CPD service staff and departmental faculty from the College of Education and Human Services.

 Bryce is working with a home automation group incorporate motion sensors in a model apartment. 

Bryce presented a paper on early Mormon pioneers with disabilities at a conference in St. George last week.

Laura Anderson reported that the Utah Family Links Conference for the coming year will be held in several remote locations of the state rather than centrally in Salt Lake City, allowing more people to participate. She suggested that the CAC may want to get involved in the conference held in this area.

Bryce thanked participants for their attendance and input at this meeting.  The meeting was adjourned. 

 
Consumer Advisory Council Meeting

January 27, 2011

In attendance:  Bryce Fifield, Tom Brownlee, Adina Zahradnikova, Tina Peck,  Gordon Richins, Mathew Bone, Connie Pehrson, Charlotte Spencer, Ben Ballam, Robin Savage, Jeff Sheen, Claire Mantonya, Kelly Holt, Sharon Weston, Diane Green

Guests:  Annette Ryan, Dr. Steve Hansen and Dr. Dave Christensen (Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering)

The meeting was conducted by Tom Brownlee, Chair.  Tom welcomed participants to the meeting, and introductions were made.  Ben Ballam, Kelly Holt, and Adina Zahradnikova were welcomed as new members to the Council.

Dr. Fifield introduced Dr. Steve Hansen and Dr. Dave Christensen from the USU Mechanical and Space Engineering Department to the group.  They have been involved with our assistive technology program over the years.  Currently, they are working on a grant application to the National Science Foundation to fund student senior design projects.  They want to collaborate with a team of people to help generate ideas and to test prototypes.  In past years, the senior design projects dealing with assistive technology have been very popular with students. Dr. Fifield asked CAC members if they were interested and would be willing to serve as an advisory group to this project.  Council members were very interested in being involved.

Dr. Christensen described a wheelchair lift design that they have worked on over the past two years.  He explained that they are looking for new ideas, in areas that haven’t been targeted before.  The current planning is to focus on devices to aid the aging population.  They are actively looking for ideas and exploring existing needs.  As the program progresses they will want individual involvement in the development and use of the devices. 

Participants brainstormed for a few minutes about possible ideas.  Some of these included:

  • Seatbelts are difficult to buckle and release for people with limited range of motion or sight.
  • A reaching device with fine motor skills for people who have difficulty in bending or reaching
  • An umbrella or canopy mechanism for wheelchairs
  • Page turners (with a lighter touch)

Jeff Sheen suggested they contact Dr. Keith Christensen from the Landscape Architecture and Environmental Design Department who has a great amount of experience in creating accessible environments. He has a personal interest and experience in AT design. He is also affiliated with the CPD and has collaborated on many research grants and projects.

Dr. Christensen and Dr. Hansen provided their contact information and invited members to contact them with other ideas or suggestions they may have.  Those who are members of other organizations that may like to be involved can share this contact information with them.

They thanked the Council for their time and their willingness to be involved.

CPD Five Year Plan

 Bryce explained that the funding agency (Administration on Developmental Disabilities) requires the CPD to develop a 5 year plan for each grant cycle.  The CPD is currently in year 4 of the 5 year plan.  The funding agency also requires formal feedback as to the progress on each of the goals and objectives outlined in the plan from the Consumer Advisory Council as well as input into the development of that plan.

A copy of the progress report for the 2009-10 year was reviewed prior to the meeting by the Program Committee, and copies were made available in the agenda packet.  Claire Mantonya, Chair of the Program Committee, reviewed the information in this document with CAC members.  It was the consensus of the Program Committee and those in attendance that the CPD has more than met and exceeded the goals as outlined in the progress report.

Mathew Bone made a motion that after a personal review of this document CAC members found that the Center for Persons with Disabilities at Utah State University is in compliance and has exceeded the goals set forth in the 5 year plan.  The CAC finds the CPD to be performing above expected levels.  The motion was seconded and passed unanimously by those in attendance.

 On behalf of the Consumer Advisory Council, Claire thanked Dr. Fifield and the dedicated CPD staff for the excellent work they are doing, as represented in this report.

Committee Reports – Tom asked Committee Chairs to describe the work of their committees for new members, and he encouraged members to join those committees that are of interest to them.

 Bylaws Committee – Tom Brownlee chairs the Bylaws Committee.  Tom explained that the bylaws were recently updated, and further changes will probably not be made during this grant cycle.

Program committee.  Claire Mantonya chairs the Program Committee.  They provide input to Dr. Fifield on the development of goals/objectives in the 5 year plan and make recommendations as to the progress in achieving these goals.  Claire invited others who were interested to join the Program Committee.Bryce indicated that he would like to meet with program committee in advance of the next meeting where we will be doing a formal needs assessment in preparation for the next grant submission.

 Membership Committee – Tom Brownlee chairs the membership committee.  He welcomed Adina, Kelly, and Ben as new members.  Gordon will see that each of them gets a binder of orientation materials.  Tom encouraged members to review the information in the binders.  Updates to the information are distributed as needed.

Fundraising Committee:  Tina Peck chairs the fundraising committee.  She invited additional participation on this committee.  The purpose of this is to raise money for the CAC to use on the initiative of their choice. Last summer the CAC donated money for the developmental playground.  There is a plaque on the wall of the playground recognizing the donation.  She invited members to join the fundraising committee or to forward ideas for fundraising activities to her.

Social Committee – Robin Savage chairs the social committee.  She sends cards to members to recognize important occasions.  The committee also assists in organizing activities for the CAC.

Gordon asked CAC members to contact him about becoming involved in one or more of the committees.

CAC Webpage and Blog presentation.  Connie Pehrson works with the web committee of the CPD.  She demonstrated how to access the CAC Corner which is posted on the CPD website http://www.cpdusu.org/about/committee/ Much of the information such as bylaws, orientation materials, a membership list, and meeting notes are posted to that site.  Connie asked members to provide short bios to include on the website.  She invited members to suggest other items that could be included.

The website also features monthly blogs by CAC members.  She invited members to sponsor a blog and circulated a sign-up list for those who are interested in participating.

Connie shared a feature story that was posted to the CPD website about Blake and Robin Savage.  The feature stories are written about people who have benefited from the CPD and would like to share their story.

Chair Report.  Tom Brownlee reminded participants that the work of the legislature has begun.  He encouraged everyone to be involved in the process and to follow and advocate for the legislation that impacts the disability population in Utah.  Services for people with disabilities have been cut dramatically, and people need to work with their legislators to let them know how they can help.

The Legislative Coalition is sponsoring a reception with legislators at the Capitol Rotunda on February 2 from 4:30-5:45 pm.  This is a great opportunity to meet with legislators and discuss the issues.  Be sure to invite your legislator to participate. You can RSVP by calling Trisha Rouse at 801-673-4118 or email trouse@usilc.org

Gordon is including information about important legislation to follow in his emails to the CAC.

Director’s Report.  Dr. Fifield reported that there have been many changes to report since the last CAC meeting.  There is a new Dean of the College Education and Human Services

– Beth Foley.  Dr. Foley is a former employee of the Center for Persons with Disabilities and is well aware of the services and research that is done here.

Dr. Richard Roberts retired from the CPD this summer after more than 20 years.  His position as Director of Research and Evaluation has been filled by Dr. Mark Innocenti who is also a long time employee of the CPD.

There has been a name change of the BRASC program which is a day care program for adults with disabilities.  It is now the Developmental Skills Laboratory.  The DSL is housed in an old fraternity house on 8th East.  During the past summer, several renovations were made to that facility, including a new fire safety system.

The past year was the most successful year for CPD.  The funds coming from grants and contracts exceeded $15 million.  Two new major grants were received during the past year:

1)    The National Children’s Study is a national initiative. The Study will follow children across the United States from before birth until age 21 years.  Cache County is one of 30 locations that will begin enrolling women to participate in the Study.  The Study in Cache County is being conducted through a collaboration between the Research and Evaluation Division at the CPD and the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Utah. The goal of the Study is to improve the health and well-being of children and help in understanding the role that various factors have on health and disease.  

2)     The Start Smart Program is a 5 year research study being conducted in four New Mexico school districts. This study will conduct a cost-effectiveness analysis of an extended school year intervention.

A “Smart Apartment” is being designed on the 3rd floor of the HSRC building as a demonstration of prototype technology that can help people live on their own.  This was done in collaboration with a corporation from Draper that supplies technology for independence.

Tom and Bryce thanked Council members for participation in this meeting.  The meeting adjourned at 1:15 pm.

 

Center for Persons with Disabilities
CAC Program Committee Meeting
April 30, 2010

In attendance: Bryce Fifield, Claire Mantonya, Gordon Richins, Tina Peck, Connie Pehrson, Sharon Weston

The Program Committee of the Consumer Advisory Committee (CAC) met to review the progress for Year 2 of the CPD Five-Year Work Plan.  A copy of the status review document was circulated to Program Committee members two weeks prior to the meeting.  Each of the committee members had a chance to review the document prior to this discussion.

Bryce provided brief information about how the core grant funded through the Administration on Developmental Disabilities provides administrative structure for the CPD through the development of a five year plan.  The Developmental Disabilities Act mandates that a Consumer Advisory Committee will provide input on the development of the 5-year plan and feedback on the annual progress.  The Status Review Document summarizes the goals of the 5 year plan and describes the annual progress towards meeting them.  Each goal is divided into selected areas of emphasis with the associated objectives and activities.  Program Committee members discussed these together.

Goal 1:  The URLEND and IDASL programs are central to meeting the objectives outlined in Goal 1.  The CPD more than doubled their anticipated goal for 2008-09.  Claire noted that she observed students from these programs who attended the Policy Seminar in Washington D.C.  Their interactions with legislative staff were important in providing input from the perspective of self advocates.

Goal 2:  The CPD exceeded the annual performance goal by providing services to nearly 1,000 more than the targeted number of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.

Goal 3:  Data for Goal 3 is reported by the number of hours of technical assistance that is provided by CPD staff to agencies.

Goal 4:  Even the number of publications and national presentations is down, the average for the past two years still exceeds the targeted amount in Goal 4.  It was pointed out that the current economy has impacted grant funding resulting in fewer publications and national presentations.  Some research projects do not lend themselves to formal publications and require technical reports instead.

Goal 5:  Because a great deal of dissemination is done electronically and through the CPD website, the amount far exceeds the projected goal for the past two years.  Bryce urged committee members to visit the CPD website [www.cpdusu.org].

Bryce asked Program Committee members to provide a recommendation based on the information provided in this report to the full CAC at the June meeting as to whether the CPD has failed, met, or exceeded the goals outlined in the CPD 5 Year Plan.

Claire Mantonya indicated that the CPD staff are doing excellent work and have clearly exceeded the goals outlined in the 5-year plan.  She made a motion, seconded by Connie Pehrson, that after reviewing the CPD 5-Year Status Report the Program Committee members agree that the CPD has exceeded the goals outlined in the 5-year plan.  The vote was passed unanimously.  Claire will give a Program Committee Report at the June meeting asking CAC members to endorse this decision.  She suggested that a paper copy of the Status Report be included in the agenda packet mailed to CAC members for the June meeting.

Bryce indicated that the feedback provided by the CAC will be included in the CPD annual report to the ADD.  Last year, the federal project officer favorably commented on the process that was described in the annual report for involving the CAC in planning and reviewing progress of the 5 year plan. He thanked Program Committee members for their input and participation in this review.

 

CPD Consumer Advisory Council
February 1, 2010
Meeting Notes

In attendance:  Bryce Fifield,  Helen Post, Claire Mantonya , Jeff Sheen, Tina Peck, Tom Brownlee, Gordon Richins, Robin Savage, Sachin Pavithran, Connie Pehrson, Sharon Weston

Welcome/Announcements:  Helen welcomed participants to the meeting.  Jason was unable to attend this meeting due to a death in his family.  Participants expressed their condolences and asked Robin to send a card to Jason and his family on their behalf.  Sharon will arrange to send flowers to the funeral.

Program Committee Review and Report of CPD 5-year plan:  Claire Mantonya reported that the Program Committee met on January 15 to review the goals and objectives of CPD 5 year plan.  It was the consensus of the committee that the goals as outlined in the 5 year plan were broad enough to allow flexibility for the program to grow.  This is Year 3 of the 5 year plan.

The program committee also discussed emerging issues and trends to be considered in the upcoming workscope of CPD programs, such as issues of abuse/neglect and seclusion/restraint, person-centered planning, resources for families, and social networking skills.  Plans are currently underway to establish a collaborative program between the three sister programs (the CPD, Disability Law Center, and the State DD Council). 

Claire commended the CPD for doing a great job.  In many cases the CPD has already exceeded the goals set forth in the 5-year plan.

Claire made a motion that the Consumer Advisory Council approve the CPD 5 year plan with no modifications. Tom Brownlee seconded the motion, and it was passed unanimously by CAC members.

Bryce expressed his appreciation to members of the program committee for taking the time to review the goals and operational objectives included in the 5 year plan and the support of the CAC in approving them.  He noted that some of the emerging issues and trends that were identified by the program committee are being addressed to some extent by current CPD projects, and he will continue keep these in mind as the CPD explores future funding opportunities.  The CPD will be submitting its continuation application in the next six weeks.

CAC Committee Reports:
Bylaws Committee – Helen reported that the changes to the Bylaws that were recommended at the last meeting have been made, and there are currently no changes under consideration.   Two issues of concern that have been raised include whether or not a conflict of interest is created when a CAC officer also serves as chair to a committee.  Participants discussed this together and agreed that a conflict is not created when a member serves in more than one capacity on the Council.  The CAC is a small council and often requires that council members fulfill more than one role or responsibility according to their willingness and ability to do so.

A second item discussed included term limits for CAC officers.  Participants agreed that the rationale for term limits was to increase opportunities to develop leadership skills and capacity.
 
Bryce recommended that the Bylaws remain unchanged for the remaining term of the 5 year plan.  As the CPD prepares to develop a new 5 year plan, the Bylaws will be formally reviewed and necessary revisions made.

Membership Committee – Gordon reported that the CAC is anxious to fill vacancies on the council – a parent representative, minority representative, and an agency representative.  Helen suggested that the CAC brochure and membership application materials be updated and forwarded to council members for their help in recruitment efforts.

Connie Pehrson will include CAC membership information on the CPD website.

Helen Post indicated that the Parent Center has a bilingual administrative assistant who would offer interpreter support as necessary to Sra Suarez or other Spanish speaking members in their participation in meetings.

An electronic vote on membership applications could be conducted rather than waiting for the next meet to approve applications.
 
Fundraising – Tina Peck will meet with Bryce to discuss ideas for fundraising events.  Bryce suggested the CAC get involved with the fundraising campaign for the completion of a new CPD playground for very young children to be located on the southwest corner of the building.  Bryce invited participants to visit the CPD website to view the plans for the playground project at http://www.cpdusu.org/help/playground/   Bryce and Tina will discuss ideas for getting the CAC involved in the fundraising plans.

Social committee – Robin Savage will send a sympathy card to Jason and his family from the CAC.  Sharon and Connie will finish the birthday list of CAC members to send to her.  Robin invited others to give their ideas for her for social activities. 

Chair report
Helen asked Gordon and Sharon to work together to update the membership list with the dates of appointments so that we can keep track of rotation for council members.  Bryce will contact Adina Zahradnikova at the Disability Law Center about assigning representation on the CAC.

Secretary position:  Helen indicated that Mandee Buckley has resigned from the CAC for personal reasons.  This leaves the secretary position vacant.  Helen asked for nominations or volunteers to fill that position.  Tina Peck indicated that she would be willing to serve as Secretary.  Helen Post made a formal motion proposing that Tina Peck finish the term as the CAC secretary.  The motion was seconded by Connie and Robin and unanimously passed by those in attendance.

Helen clarified the term limits as outlined in the bylaws.  Officers serve for two year terms with the Chair and Secretary positions being replaced in the odd years, and the Vice Chair in even years.  Gordon indicated he would work with the membership committee to look at the officer positions and the terms for rotation.

Participants discussed filling membership vacancies.  Tina suggested that we recruit new members from the GAP (Grassroots Advocacy Program).  Gordon will work with Claire for suggestions.  Helen indicated that she will encourage graduates of the Parent Center’s leadership academy to consider applying to serve on the CAC.

Director’s Report
Bryce expressed his appreciation to CAC members for their service on the council and the committees.  He has been pleased with how the work of the CAC has become more formalized over the past year.

Bryce reported that the CPD has a medical staff member volunteering in Haiti with a group from the Salt Lake City area.
 
The CPD is recruiting for a replacement for Dr. Richard Roberts, Director of Research and Evaluation.  Dr. Roberts will be retiring this summer.
 
The CPD has a new Faculty Fellows program that will help connect and recognize other campus faculty who collaborate with CPD programs.  Currently, there are six Faculty Fellows who have been accepted to the program.  The CPD will recognize them at a reception this spring.  Information about these individuals is featured on the CPD website.

The CPD teleconference suite has been completed.  We are anxious to try it out at one of our future meetings with the CAC.
 
The CPD recently received a large grant award for the Indian Children’s Program, which is a three way collaboration of the Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico programs that serve Native American children with disabilities living on the reservations.
 
Dr. Fifield is currently serving on several search committees including recruitment of a new dean for the College of Education and Human Services as well as a replacement for Matt Knotts as Director of the Disability Law Center.
 
The CPD continuation proposal is due March 15, and Dr. Fifield is working to develop and submit the budget and workscope for the upcoming fiscal year.

Jeff Sheen, Sachin Pavithran, and Marilyn Hammond recently returned from a trip to the Philippines where they made many contacts and developed relationships for future collaboration.  More information about there trip is available on the CPD  Website.