PRESENTED TO: The honorable Governor John Kitzhaber, Oregon’s Legislative Assembly, and the people we serve Graphics of Wheelchair basketball Worker with Developmental Disability at Computer Letter Z in American Sign Language Skier with amputation Reading Braille Wheelchair user displaying fish he caught SILC 2010-2011 Annual Report Oregon State Independent Living Council Table of Contents Cover letter........................................................................................ Page 3 What is the Independent Living program?...................................... Page 4 What are the State Independent Living Council’s duties? ............. Page 4 Who are the State Independent Living Council’s members?.......... Page 5 How is the Independent Living program structured?..................... Page 6 What has been accomplished?......................................................... Page 7 Where are Centers for Independent Living located? ...................... Page 8 Service statistics .............................................................................. Page 9 Consumer Achievement & Satisfaction ........................................... Page 9 Fiscal Report...................................................................................... Page 10 Acknowledgements........................................................................... Page 11 Graphic of Oregon's Silver Falls Dear Governor Kitzhaber, Oregon legislators, disability advocates, community partners, and interested parties: It is our pleasure to present the State Independent Living Council’s Annual Report for federal fiscal year 2011. 1992 amendments to the Rehabilitation Act require that a State Independent Living Council (SILC) must be in place before a state can receive Independent Living program funds. SILCs then co-develop state plans to guide the funding and implementation of Independent Living services. Development of an approved state plan enabled $1,374,626 in federal funds to flow into Oregon in federal fiscal year 2011. This assisted individuals with disabilities to become more self-sufficient, healthy and active community participants. Demonstrated results consistently show that just 3% of the consumers served through this program replace more public funds than the federal investment, by helping people become employed and/or reduce their need for public supports through better management of life with a disability. During federal fiscal year 2011, the SILC was able to boost its performance as the lead entity for driving IL program improvement. We strengthed methodology used to evaluate data, and applied what was learned to drive needed change. In addition, members and staff of the SILC participated in numerous committees involved in the transformation of Oregon’s healthcare system. In that endeavor, the SILC sought to integrate the voice of people with disabilities into the process, creating greater disability awareness and a more relevant and effective healthcare system. We are glad to have served the State of Oregon by bringing a unique, cross-disability voice to this process. We hope this report will help you discover the economic benefit to the State and the personal benefit to Oregonians with disabilities provided through the Independent Living program. Sincerely, Ann Balzell — SILC Chairperson Graphic of Oregon's state seal Page 3 What is the Independent Living Program? The Independent Living Program (IL) is based on a philosophy voiced in the founding documents of our nation, that ALL individuals are created equal, with certain inalienable rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. IL philosophy includes the belief that disability is a natural part of the human experience, and that self-determination, informed choice, independence, and accountability apply to ALL people regardless of whether a person currently has a disability. In order to support the independence and personal responsibility of people with disabilities, the IL program uses a peer mentor model to deliver services including, but not limited to, information and referral, skills training, peer counseling and advocacy. Federal funds flow from the federal Department of Education’s Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS), with a portion of those federal funds granted directly to grass root, private, non-profit Centers for Independent Living (CILs) in each state. Another portion, which has state matching requirements, is granted to Designated State Units (DSUs), which also operate the Vocational Rehabilitation programs for each state. What are the SILC’s Responsibilities? Guidance in Section 705 of the Rehabilitation Act defines the SILC’s primary responsibility as participation in the development of a State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL), as well as improvement of the IL program through monitoring and evaluation of the SPIL’s implementation. The SPIL specifies goals, objectives and activities for the IL program over a three- year period, designates a network of Centers for Independent Living that will provide the IL services to consumers, identifies unserved or underserved areas, program resources and a plan for their use. Additional Rehabilitation Act duties of the SILC include: Improving working relationships among a variety of federal, state and private service programs (specific programs are outlined in the Act). Ensuring SILC meetings are public, with sufficient advance notice provided. Page 4 What are the SILC’s responsibilities? continued Submitting periodic reports, as required by RSA (specifically, an annual 704 Report, completed collaboratively with IL program partners). Holding hearings and forums as the SILC deems necessary to carry out its functions (including State Plan development hearings and needs assessments) Preparing a SILC resource plan, in conjunction with the DSU/Office of Vocational Rehabilitation Services. Supervising and evaluating staff to carry out the functions of the SILC. Who are the SILC members? Required membership includes a combination of current or past consumers of Independent Living services; representatives of Centers for Independent Living (CILs) and private businesses; other persons with disabilities and their advocates, parents, and guardians. Representatives from the Oregon Commission for the Blind (OCB) and the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (OVRS) serve in ex-officio, non-voting positions. The majority of SILC members must be individuals with a disability. 2011 members were: Name Location/Representing Ann Balzell - Chair Portland Cindy Campbell Neotsu Tony Ellis Medford Barry Fox-Quamme CIL Representative, Portland Ryan Green Sherwood Angel Hale Ex-officio - Oregon Commission for the Blind Jackie Hovey Elgin Wendy Howard CIL Representative - Klamath Falls Janet Lowther Salem Dodie McKenzie Grand Ronde, Section 121 Project Representative Susan Melero Corvallis Randy Samuelson CIL Representative - Grants Pass Sherry Stock - Vice Chair Molalla Stephaine Parrish-Taylor Ex-officio - Office of Vocational Rehabilitation Services Mike Volpe Corvallis Dean Westwood Portland Page 5 How is the IL program structured? The SILC and two types of program partners function together to make up the Independent Living program. State Resource Management & Accountability of Program Grantees is the main function of the two Designated State Units (DSUs) - the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (OVRS) and Oregon Commission for the Blind (OCB). The Office of Vocational Rehabilitation Services monitors all grantees receiving funding that is guided by the State Plan for Independent Living. Oregon Commission for the Blind has a distinctive role as a DSU in that it is also a consumer service provider, due to the organization’s unique expertise and resources for serving individuals who experience low vision or blindness. Consumer Service and Systems Change is the main function of the Network of Centers for Independent Living (CILs). The goal of CILs is to teach, model and support consumer independence and community participation. Coordination of Statewide Planning and Enhanced Program Effectiveness is the main function of the SILC. State Plan for Independent Living Picture of people looking at building blueprint 2011 marked the beginning of a new 3-year state plan period. Significant work was done to implement strategies for achieving new goals and to set in place appropriate monitoring and evaluation structures. 3-Year objectives to measure achievement of goals which target access to housing, healthcare and transportation include: A 10% increase in people with disabilities and service providers reporting adequate access to needed information and resources A 50% increase in the number of people with disabilities and service providers reporting access to peer supports Three new state-level partnerships for CILs 18% increase in consumers participating in a new collaborative activity with or on behalf of people with disabilities Page 6 What has been accomplished? Graphic of yardstick In this first year of the new state plan, base line measurements were taken, which will make it possible to assess achievement of objectives during the final two years of the state plan period. Following are examples of progress made in state plan strategies. Making information and resources available that help to reduce the need for public supports: Partnership developed with State Unit on Aging (SUA) to bring together aging and disability programs for effective provision of information to individuals seeking to avoid or delay the need for Medicaid or other long-term supports. Community accessibility improved through participation in 213 ADA advocacy efforts. Those specific to state plan goals include 37 for housing, 45 for healthcare, and 44 for transportation. 253 ADA technical assistance or assessment activities were conducted for private and public organizations, expanding access for people with disabilities to many of the things they need to remain independent. Efforts to close gaps in peer support mechanisms were initiated through a statewide assessment of gaps in common types of support groups available around the state. In addition, 27 individuals with disabilities were trained as peer mentors during the year. Providing information to improve working relationships between programs was the focus of a cross-training video developed for Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors, explaining how to obtain training and mentorship for consumers with disabilities who need skills to overcome barriers in gaining or maintaining employment. Participation in the Oregon Disability MegaConference collaborative provided 455 consumers and disability service providers with training on assistive technology and other resources that foster independence and reduce support costs. Making program improvements: Improved Oregon’s federal IL program reports by developing and implementing a statewide report review tool to locate errors and highlight reporting areas needing improvement. Page 7 Map indicating location of centers for independent living within Oregon. Abilitree - Bend HASL Independent Abilities Center, Grants Pass Eastern Oregon Center for Independent Living, Ontario, The Dalles & Pendleton Independent Living Resources - Portland Lane Independent Living Alliance - Eugene SPOKES Unlimited, Klamath Falls Umpqua Valley Disabilties Network, Roseburg IL Program Service Statistics Graph of age of consumers showing most 25-59, followed by 60 and older, then 20-24, with least 19 and underPage Graphe of Consumer Disability Types, showing most consumers having physical or multiple disabilities, followed by mental/emotional or cognitive disabilities, with vision, other and hearing disabilities at much lower numbers. Page 8 Giving Consumers Tools to Achieve Their Goals Graphic of toolbox with hammer, gloves, paint brushes, etc. I am 30 years old and felt stifled in gaining employment due to a learning disability, and the anxiety and depression I struggled with. I attended a Work Readiness class at my local Center for Independent Living, hoping to overcome some of my employment barriers. The instructor encouraged me to pursue some one-on-one skills training and counseling from a peer, so referred me to an Independent Living Specialist (ILS) at the Center. The ILS helped me to identify additional areas that seemed to be holding me back from employment. I needed to develop positive body language and communication skills, computer skills, self-esteem, motivation, and time management skills. The ILS encouraged me to set goals and mentored me as I took steps to address my many employment barriers. For example, I learned to structure my time, making it more effective by using a day/month planner to set timelines for various tasks. The planner helped me reduce some big time-wasters, like TV watching. I received some tutoring in basic computer skills, which helped me overcome my fear of computers and feel more comfortable applying for jobs online. As I gained new skills, the ILS started to notice my physical appearance changing for the better. I began to smile more, make eye contact, and have a more positive posture. The great news is that I was hired full time in the maintenance department of a local school. I’m so thankful for what my local CIL did in helping me learn to put my best self forward. -Consumer from Lane County How beneficial are IL services? A statewide consumer survey on IL service satisfaction reported that: 87% of the consumers would likely return to a CIL for additional services, if needed. 86% would refer someone else to a CIL for services. • Page 9 SILC FINANCIAL REPORT OCTOBER 1, 2010 – SEPTEMBER 30, 2011 REVENUES Rehabilitation Act Title I Innovation & Expansion Funds $1,800 Contributed by OCB - Receive federal portion only Rehabilitation Act Title I Innovation & Expansion Funds $347,026 Contributed by OVRS State General Funds to Match OVRS Title I Contribution $69,974 State General Funds - For SILC duties outside of Section 705 $5,000 TOTAL REVENUE $423,800 EXPENDITURES SILC SECTION 705 EXPENDITURES Meetings $20,620 Training & Conferences $3,023 Partner Outreach & Education $2,300 Administrative Support, Services & Supplies $272,822 Direct State Plan Monitoring & Development Expenses $11,850 TOTAL $310,615 SILC NON-SECTION 705 EXPENDITURES $1,962 TOTAL EXPENDITURES $312,577 Matched federal fund carryover to Fiscal Year 2012 Budget $111,223 Page 10 Acknowledging our Partners Good partnerships are essential in the type of work done by the SILC. That’s why we are extremely grateful for the many agencies, public officials, and private citizens who have contributed to efforts creating more effective inclusion and independence for people with disabilities, by partnering with and supporting Independent Living services and Independent Living philosophy within our state. Thanks to each of you. We want to especially acknowledge the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation and Oregon Commission for the Blind for their faithful partnership in the IL program, including the administrative support they provide to the SILC. We also acknowledge the network of CILs at the heart of the IL program, as as peer mentors. We look forward to continuing our work, demonstrating how collaboration and leveraged resources bring value to the people of Oregon - not only in tangible ways such as cost savings, but in the less tangible yet extremely significant reality of lives changed - of helping people recognize their abilities and their value within their families and local communities. We are thankful for the opportunity to serve the people of Oregon. Our Staff Tina Treasure Executive Director Shelly Emery, Operations Coordinator Joan Claypool, Community Partner Liaison Joette Williams, Administrative Specialist Page 11 SILC logo, encircled map of Oregon, promoting choice, access, and inclusion for people with disabilities500 Summer Street NE Dept. E-87 Salem, OR 97301-1120 Voice: 503-945-7015 FAX: 503-945-8991 oregon.silc@state.or.us www.orsilc.org If you would like to request additional copies of this report or alternate formats, please contact the SILC office at 503-945-7015. This report is also available on the SILC Web site at www.orsilc.org