PDD NORTHEAST COMMUNITY BOARD MEETING
Sunday, April
21, 2002 9:30 am -2:30 pm
Conference
Room 9, Fantasyland Hotel, Edmonton, Alberta
APPROVED
Present:
Don Schultz, Chair; Donna Desjardins, Vice-Chair; Ralph Gorrie; Johanne Hassey; Christine Botsford, Laurel Morris-Duncan, Carmela Levesque, Doug Fleming
Administration: Dr. Alex Hillyard, CEO; Lucille Froese, Recording Secretary.
Guests:
Betty Thompson, Acting Chair, Provincial PDD Board, Garry Donald, CEO, Provincial PDD Board
A.
Don Schultz, Chair,
called the meeting to order at 9:30 am April 21st, 2002.
The recording secretary reported that all Board members were present.
#02-04-473 MOTION: Doug
Fleming moved the Board approve the agenda.
Carried unanimously.
C. Approval of Minutes
#02-04-474 MOTION: Donna
Desjardins moved the Board approve the
minutes. Carried unanimously.
D. Board Regional Feedback and Future
Direction
Donna Desjardins, St. Paul
·
St. Paul
Community Council
·
Met March 20,
2002
·
Marjorie
Thompson from Whitecourt joined us. It was great to hear some of the things
that were happening in the Whitecourt area.
·
Lots of
enthusiasm about the joint community council meeting to be held in Vegreville
on April 30, 2002.
·
Grace
Desjarlais and family will be attending the AACL Family Conference on behalf of
the Community Council.
·
Discussion
around budgets, NorthEast Community Online.
·
WJS Alberta
·
Peter Farnden
has been promoted with the company. The company is currently advertising for a
replacement for his position.
·
WJS has been completing
a housing survey for PDD.
Laurel Morris-Duncan
·
April 10, 2002
Fort McMurray Community Council Meeting
·
Iris Pasareno
of START was congratulated on being the recipient of the Norm McLeod Dream
Weaver Award.
·
The Video
“Families, Possibilities, and Hope” received a positive response.
·
START Report
·
The Salvation
Army has hired a business manager.
·
The physical
building is overcrowded. An alternative location is being sought.
·
A delegation is
going to the AARC Conference.
·
The AARC Site
Survey has been completed.
·
Provincial
Budget was discussed
·
Letters will be
requested addressed to the Northeast Alberta Community Board regarding
cost-of-living in Fort McMurray.
·
An invitation
will go from the Community Council to Children’s Services Board for the purpose
of involving families in networking and information sharing opportunities.
·
An invitation
was extended to the Chair and Community Council to attend the June 15, 2002 PDD
Board meeting in Fort McMurray.
·
Alex Hillyard
will be put on the May 7 Community Council meeting agenda to cover the
2002-2005 Business Plan.
Johanne Hassey, Vilna
·
The Community
Council meeting scheduled for April 17, 2002 was cancelled. It will be
rescheduled at a later date.
· The Westlock Community Council meeting was cancelled. It will be rescheduled later.
· It was good to see the families sponsored by the Community Councils at the AACL Conference on April 19-20, 2002.
· Transportation is an issue in Westlock.
· We continue to work on transition planning in Barrhead and other communities.
· Rotary Golf Tournament – the majority of the money raised by this tournament is donated to Special Olympics.
· Met with fifteen parents regarding handicapped children’s services. In most cases those youngsters are children who would receive services when they become adults. There is a problem with Children’s Services cutting services within the Westlock community.
Carmela Levesque, Bonnyville
· Attended the Community Council meeting on March 26, 2002.
· Looking forward to the joint Community Council meeting on April 30.
· Received a thank you letter from Nancy Schnieder, Chair of the Lakeland Committee for FAS – they are an active partner in our meetings.
· Heather Halpenny gave a presentation on NorthEast Community Online.
· Requested that, in our community webpage, Bonnyville and Cold Lake have separate pages.
· The Bonnyville Library is very interested in the new software.
· The Community Council sponsored two families and one individual to attend the AACL family conference.
· Will be attending the Dove Centre Annual General Meeting in June.
Christine Botsford, Fort McMurray
· A few people have approached me regarding Children’s Services. They are worried about transition.
· Some people have expressed concerns regarding the Fort McMurray living allowance and what is happening with it.
· START is looking at making a bid to run the catering at McDonald Island.
· A copy of the PDD video “The Courage to Dream, the Right to Become” was shown to the Ponoka School Board. A copy was also taken to the Philippines by a doctor from Fort McMurray and shown there. It was very well received.
Ralph Gorrie, Vegreville
· March 6, 2002 – Vegreville Community Council Meeting
· Reasonable turnout of about 15 members
· Presentation by Dr. Moisey giving an update of the progress and improvements to NorthEast Community Online.
· Presentation by Dr. Hillyard regarding the Northeast Conference Summary.
· Further discussion on the Joint Community Council meeting in Vegreville on April 30. A committee of Cathy Beer, Helen Litwin and myself was established to do further planning.
· April 4, 2002 – Planning Committee meeting to prepare for the announcement, the registration procedure, and other details. As well, we selected a family to represent us at the AACL Conference.
· April 11, 2002 – VALID Meeting
· Discussed the matter of our Board evaluation process which involved matching the evaluation instrument with the Board’s policy on its own operation, guidelines and purposes. As well, the same process with respect to the CEO’s evaluation was to be reviewed.
· Discussed our in-service with FAS presentation by Lakeland Centre for FAS.
· Presented an update on the NorthEast Community Online with respect to the apparent universal appeal being generated through the efforts of Dr. Moisey.
· Briefly reviewed the Board’s process of the development of the Business Plan 2002-2005 and the manner of looking at several scenarios regarding the impact of government allocations for the business plan. I outlined the process followed from the Ministry down to the community level.
· Related to the Board the plan for restructuring the Administration and Infrastructure Support Services for the Regional Office.
· Brought to the attention of the Board the need for an amendment to our Conflict Resolution Policy leading up to the Notwithstanding Clause.
Don Schultz, Barrhead
· Unable to get to Whitecourt this month
· Took a training session on the new Exclaim system. This will be an excellent system when everyone is on it.
· April 11, 2002 – attended the Provincial PDD Board meeting. Unfortunately had to miss part of it – there was an excellent session on Sustainability.
· Attended the Blue Heron Board meeting at the end of March.
· April 19-20, 2002 – attended the AACL Conference.
· Represented the Provincial Board at the Presidents Reception and introduced the Norm McLeod Award. The recipient is a deserving young man.
· April 24-25, 2002 – attended the AARC Conference.
· The Norm McLeod Award was presented to Iris Pasareno of START, at the dinner on Thursday evening.
· Will be attending an awards presentation in Grande Prairie, Alberta.
Betty Thompson, A/Chair, Provincial PDD Board
· Started sustainability discussion just before the last Provincial PDD Board meeting. It took us in a lot of directions.
· Talked about the Provincial Board and how we do things – strengthened relationships between Board members.
· Sustainability discussion will continue in May. Appreciate the work that each community is doing to bring ideas and issues and challenges as well.
· Upcoming – Sustainability – a long-term look on how we are going to continue delivering services. What it is going to look like in 10 years. This will lead into the Provincial Board forum in June.
· Unable to attend the AACL or AARC Conferences but trying to meet all the regional Boards and Provincial organizations understand their perspective.
1. Board Communications & Operations
1.1
Approval of the 2002-2003 Operating Budget
Recommendation: That the Northeast Alberta Community Board
approve the following Motion:
The Northeast Alberta Community Board for Persons with Developmental Disabilities approves the 2002-2003 resource allocation of $19,244,000 and authorizes expenditures of up to this amount in support of the Board’s Business Plan during the period of April 1, 2002 to March 31, 2003.
Purpose of Report: Board Approval
As part of their fiduciary responsibility, the Board is responsible to approve the resource allocation received from the Provincial Board and provide direction on the expenditure of these resources.
The Board considered and approved the motion as presented.
#02-04-475 MOTION: Donna Desjardins moved the Northeast
Alberta
Community Board for Persons with Developmental Disabilities approve the 2002-2003 resource allocation of $19,244,000 and authorizes expenditures of up to this amount in support of the Board’s Business Plan during the period of April 1, 2002 to March 31, 2003. Carried unanimously.
1.2 Three
Year Sustainability Plan: Service Delivery Review
and Financial Management
Recommendation: That the Board receive this report for information
Purpose of Report: Information and discussion
Sustainability of Services has become a central focus for all government ministries in the development of their three-year business plans. This direction has come about primarily due to a financial reality that past and present spending levels for human services cannot be sustained within the current economic environment. In addition, within this economic environment comes a strong message to enhance public accountability and to ensure that resources are expended on the type and nature of services we want to sustain.
The Board had an extensive discussion on Sustainability of Services for persons with developmental disabilities. Following are some of the areas discussed:
A Definition of Sustainability
As ministries, departments and Boards struggle with this definition it is important to note that it may not be “as much a level or an amount, as an attitude and an approach”. Simply put – Doing the best you can with what you got.
Draft Regional Definition
Sustainability of Services for the Northeast Board may mean the following:
Spending allocated resources on services within a given budget year in order to ensure the highest quality of life possible for persons with developmental disabilities, and at the same time ensuring that spending patterns do not detract from a future quality of life for individuals currently receiving services or those new to service needs.
As such a possible definition for sustainability may need to address the following:
· Annual balanced budget
· Ensure highest quality of services possible.
· Does not detract or jeopardize existing or development of required services.
· Is an ongoing process.
· Speaks to an attitude and style.
Developing a Framework and an Approach
As part of the Northeast Board budget presentation, Chairman Don Schultz presented the Board’s 2002-2003 Service Review and Financial Management Strategies. These strategies represent a variety of approaches aimed both at a review of service expectations and needs, as well as financial accountability and monitoring.
Financial Management Strategy
The Board considered a financial management strategy based on the current overall government forecast (a total of 15% increase over the next three years), with an adjusted regional sustainable growth rate of 5% each year.
A further review and discussion on Sustainability of Services is scheduled for the May 11th, 2002 Board meeting.
#02-04-476 MOTION: Carmela
Levesque moved the Board accept the report
for
information. Carried unanimously.
1.3 Third
Annual FASD Conference, May 1 and 2, 2002
Recommendation: That the Board receive this report for information
Purpose of Report: Information
The third annual Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Conference is being held at the Cold Lake Military Base in the Family Resource Centre on May 1st and 2nd, 2002. The theme of this year’s conference is “Creating Hope and Success for the Future.” The Northeast Alberta Community Board was instrumental in the development of the inaugural conference in 1999 and has remained as a major contributor and financial sponsor of this annual event.
The Board reviewed their involvement with this important conference and their partnership with Lakeland FASD Committee and others to sponsor the conference.
The Board became involved in this important work to support the unique service needs of adults with developmental disabilities with FASD. In addition to a financial contribution to support the costs of presenters and conference materials, staff are involved on the organizing committee.
Carmela Levesque, Board member for the Bonnyville and Cold Lake communities, will be part of the opening ceremonies with the Mayor of Cold Lake, Hansa Thaleshvar, MLA, Denis Ducharme, and a representative from the Ministry of Children’s Services.
#02-04-477 MOTION: Johanne
Hassey moved the Board accept the report for
information.
Carried unanimously.
1.4 Joint
Board Meeting Agenda – Northeast Alberta and Edmonton
Community Boards
Recommendation: That the Board receive this report for information
Purpose of Report: Information
The Northeast Alberta Community Board was joined by the Edmonton Community Board in the afternoon for a joint Board meeting. Don Schultz, Chair, Northeast Alberta Community Board, and Dr. Jerry Archibald, Chair, Edmonton Community Board jointly chaired the meeting.
Betty Thompson, Acting Chair, Provincial PDD Board, and Garry Donald, CEO, also attended both the public Board meeting and the joint Board meeting.
The Boards presented reports and discussed the following topics:
· Information and updates from the April 19th-20th, 2002 AACL Family Conference.
· Fiduciary Responsibilities: 2002-2003 Operating Budget
· Community Board Service Initiatives, Developments and Directions for 2002-03.
· Edmonton Board Service Review
· Edmonton Difficult to Serve Study
· Housing
· Northeast Board Survey: Phase I Results
· Employment
· Northeast Board Initial Findings for 2002 and Comparison to 2001
#02-04-478 MOTION: Don moved the Board accept the report for
information. Carried unanimously.
2. Administration
2.1
Northeast Region Housing Survey: Phase 1
Recommendation: That the Board receive this report for information
Purpose of Report: Discussion of initial findings and next phase of the
project.
Community input sessions involving individuals, family members, Board members and Service Providers, throughout the Northeast region, have identified the lack of affordable and available housing as a major concern. The Northeast Board is addressing this community concern around housing through a three-phase approach.
The first stage was to complete a survey of the current housing (accommodation) arrangements for individuals within the Northeast region. These results are preliminary in nature and represent approximately 90% of individuals receiving service.
The Board discussed the results of Phase I and some of the recurring themes identified by the Housing Survey as well as other concerns related to housing arrangements in the Northeast Region.
Phase I Results
The purpose of phase one is to provide an understanding of the current housing arrangements for individuals and also to identify common themes or issues regarding housing arrangements.
A survey was developed and conducted with Service Providers and PDD staff (Service Coordinators). The survey results will form a regional information base to share with individuals and families in phase two of the project. The results show that over 90% of individuals receiving service are in a rental situation and approximately 2% own their own home.
Recurring themes through the survey results were as follows:
1. Affordability of Suitable Housing
2. Accessible Housing
3. Location of Housing
4. Compatibility and Shared Living
5. Home Ownership
Additional information to be gathered during this phase of the project will be to interview individuals who are not receiving services and are managing their affairs independently or through natural community support systems.
Phase II
The last phase of the housing project will involve a series of community focus groups for individuals and families. These focus groups will provide an opportunity to review the results of the survey and identify the type and nature of housing conditions they would like to see for themselves. Phase II will be ongoing from May to July, 2002.
Phase III
This phase of the project will be the preparation of a report with a series of recommendations to address each of the major themes and concerns identified in phases I and II.
A regional housing task force will be formed to work through the results from the first two phases of the project and in forming recommendations for presentation to the Northeast Alberta Community Board. This task force will consist of representatives from the following groups: PDD staff, individuals and families, Service Providers, Alberta Real Estate Association and Community Development.
Alberta Real Estate Association (AREA)
The AREA has hired two housing facilitators to work with realtors, real estate boards and communities to address the need for affordable housing. The administration has made initial contact with Anna Bubel, Northern Alberta Housing Facilitator. There is considerable interest in the housing survey and project currently underway in the Northeast region.
#02-04-479 MOTION: Laurel Morris-Duncan moved the Board accept the
report for information. Carried unanimously.
2.2 Northeast
Region Employment Survey: Initial Results for 2002
and Comparisons to 2001
Recommendation: That the Board receive this report for information
Purpose of Report: Information and discussion on emerging trends
and issues.
The Northeast region community input sessions over the last three years have repeatedly identified employment for adults with developmental disabilities as a high priority. Critical features identified for employment opportunities are that they are seen to be meaningful work with real pay cheques.
To provide the Board and all stakeholder groups with a better understanding of the type and nature of jobs individuals are employed in throughout the region, a survey was developed and completed in March 2001. A second survey was completed in March 2002.
Survey Results
The following summary observations were noted in the survey results.
Service Delivery and Funding Support
During the past two years the following activities and direction have been supported by the administration.
Comments
It is difficult to directly relate any one activity or series of activities to the continuing or changing employment trends within the region. An important feature of the changing trend is a direction toward an increased number of individuals in community-based employment with a minimum hourly wage or better.
Numerous barriers continue to be present that will have to be addressed on an ongoing basis. There are additional questions to ask and information to gather as we enhance opportunities for community-based employment. One area which we need to review is the level of supported employment on the job by Service Providers versus natural employer supports.
The current direction in the area of employment for individuals with developmental disabilities within the region is in concert and alignment with the philosophical and program support direction established by the Board in past and present business plans.
One of the real or perceived barriers to further developments in this area may be the present and historical funding models. The funding model review recently completed and approved by the Provincial Board will go a long way to encourage an increased emphasis on individualized programming with flexibility in Service Provider funding approaches.
Next Steps
These survey results and comparisons will assist in the following ways:
#02-04-480 MOTION: Christine Botsford moved the Board accept the report
for information. Carried unanimously.
2.3 Whitecourt Community Employment Partnership Project
Recommendation: That the Board receive this report for information
Purpose of Report: Information and discussion
The Board discussed their partnership with Human Resources and Employment which was initiated to enhance employment opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities.
Discussions were initiated in the summer of 2001 with HR&E to review employment opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities and the potential to establish partnerships with HR&E to enhance these employment opportunities. The result of these discussions identified that there were a number of individuals who were on the edge of both PDD’s and HR&E’s mandates and also received additional support services fit within other ministry’s. The project membership and focus was expanded to include other partners such as Mental Health and the Metis Settlements.
The outcomes that were identified for the partnership project focused on two major areas:
1. Increase the hours of employment for individuals with disabilities in the region.
2. Evaluate how a community partnership model would operate.
The Federal government has joined in the project in a separate agreement with the contracted service provider to provide additional funding for a .5 FTE to support Community development to increase awareness around the issue of hiring individuals with disabilities.
Project Timeline
1. Initial start date April with length of 18 months.
2. Development phase April.
3. Implementation phase May-June, 2003.
4. Culmination phase July-August.
#02-04-481 MOTION: Carmela Levesque moved the Board accept
the report
for information. Carried unanimously.
2.4 NorthEast
Community Online: Progress Report
Recommendation: That the Board receive this report for information
Purpose of Report: To present a progress report on NorthEast
Community Online
The Board reviewed the NorthEast Community Online Progress Report.
The “Virtual Learning Community” project has two components: a) the development of a website – NorthEast Community Online, and b) a community-based access strategy to foster computer and Internet access among individuals with developmental disabilities and their families in the Northeast Alberta.
The project is in three phases:
1. Overview of Implementation Phase
2. New Strategy: Library Access Project
3. Project Information Dissemination
In addition, a panel presentation has been accepted at the joint conference of the International Council of Distance Education and the Canadian Association of Distance Education, to be held in Calgary in May, 2002. Dr. Susan Moisey, Dr. Alex Hillyard, Ms. Heather Halpenny, and Dr. Robert Gall will be discussing NorthEast Community Online as an application of using technology to build supportive, inclusive communities for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
Future means for information dissemination under discussion include the following:
· A presentation to the Provincial PDD Board
· A presentation to the Minister of Community Development, whose portfolio, in addition to including Services to Adults with Developmental Disabilities, is also responsible for libraries.
These activities may provide effective strategies in the final phase, which addresses maintenance and sustainability of the project.
#02-04-482 MOTION: Doug Fleming moved the Board accept the report for
information. Carried unanimously.
#02-04-483 MOTION: Christine Botsford moved the Board go
In-Camera
at 9:30 am. Carried
unanimously.
#02-04-484 MOTION: Laurel Morris-Duncan moved the Board come
out of
Camera at 9:50 am. Carried
unanimously.
#02-04-485 MOTION: Laurel Morris-Duncan moved the Board adjourn at
2:45 pm. Carried unanimously.
_______________________________ ______________________________
Don Schultz, Chair Dr. Alex Hillyard, CEO