Thursday, July 31, 2008

THE 2009 FISCAL YEAR--PROBLEMS AND POSSIBLE OPTIONS

NOTES FROM THE SENATE
BY SENATOR JACK HILL,
4th DISTRICT
How the 2009 Budget Starts Out In July, 2008

By now policy-makers and the public are both generally aware of the shortfall in the just completed fiscal year and have grasped the fact that substantial funds were used from the Shortfall Reserve Fund to balance the state’s books at the end of June... They are also generally aware that a substantial amount remains in the fund ($902 million) as we begin the fiscal year. Citizens do understand that the economy has rapidly slowed and consequently state revenues have declined even faster and more deeply than first believed.

So there is a feeling that revenues are flat going into this year and that the budget may have to be cut to keep expenditures on an even keel. If there is a misconception, it is the questionable belief that a combination of budget cuts that exclude education and Medicaid along with the Revenue Shortfall Reserve fund are sufficient for the next year.

That scenario could play out exactly like the description above, but that is far from a certainty. Here are several points to ponder:

1. The trend line of revenues for the past few months is generally down and no leveling is apparent yet-- meaning that we do not know if the bottom of the slide has been reached. In 2002-03 the state went through an entire year of negative revenue figures.

2. The 2009 budget contains about $700 million in new spending based on original adjusted year long growth rate projections. But we start the Fiscal year $763 million short due to last years revenues not meeting the FY 2008 estimate by the end of June. So, the shortfall is really the total of those figures, approaching $1.5 billion. Of course that figure would be reduced by any positive growth in the next 12 months.

That is where we stand today. What could increase the shortfall would be on-going negative revenue collections month by month. These numbers, then, assume a flat or no growth rate in the coming year which is certainly not a sure thing.

Governor Perdue has tasked Executive Branch departments to begin formalizing 3.5% budget cuts in the FY09 Budget. But with Education and Medicaid currently exempt from these reductions, these cuts will only accumulate about $250 million dollars....that is not to say that these are not substantive cuts. For example, 3.5% is a $40 million cut to the Department of Corrections. The Board of Regents' 3.5% amounts to an $80.5 million cut.

The public should be reassured that the state has weathered stormy weather before and survived by using reserves and judiciously but fairly cutting budgets. As reported here last week, a positive is that the new fiscal year is just beginning and decisions can be made with a minimum of interruption. So, here are some points to consider in the weeks ahead:

1. The easiest cuts to be made are those cuts of new funds not yet expended. The new funding added in the 2009 budget for whatever reason are easier cuts to make than those of existing programs. Some growth areas of the 2009 budget are: DHR $70 million plus, Department of Education, $420 plus million, Board of Regents, $150 million plus, Department of Corrections, $60 million, Dept. of Community Health, $110 million, just to name some of the top agencies in new funding.

2. Is this a good time for a Zero-Based Budgeting Analysis of programs across state government to find non-productive or wasteful programs--and can departments be depended upon to make those objective decisions?

3. Another possible area of savings might be to delay or reduce capital outlay bonds for new construction of schools, colleges, and state buildings. While this totals over $112 million in cash, one negative impact would be the loss of stimulus to the economy from the construction expenditures.

4. Included in the new spending is, of course, the pay raises totaling some $253 million for teachers, faculty and state employees. Of course these funds go straight out into the community through expenditures, but, nevertheless, that is a large number included in new funding in the 09 budget.

It is still a true statement to say, that if the '09 budget was being written in June as North Carolina's was, Georgia budget writers would not have included any new spending for 09 and passed a flat budget as North Carolina did.

There is plenty of evidence, though, that Georgia will rebound strongly--just how soon is the question. The military build-up on each side of the state at Fort Stewart and at Fort Benning, the continued growth of imports and exports through the Ports at Savannah and Brunswick, including millions of square feet of related warehouse space being constructed, other growth along the I-16 and I-85 corridors and of course the growth related to Kia, now at 6000 jobs, all point to a strong recovery. But tax growth from new jobs follows along after the jobs go on-line.

Georgians should not fear the future because this state's best days are ahead of it, even as we ponder difficult short-term decisions.

I may be reached at:
234 State Capitol, Atlanta, GA 30334
(404) 656-5038 (phone)
(404) 657-7094 (fax)
E-mail at Jack.Hill@senate.ga.gov
Or Call Toll-Free at
1-800-367-3334 Day or Night
Reidsville office: (912) 557-3811

GCDD Annual Work Plan for 2008-2009

The Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities is proposing to submit its Federal Fiscal year 2008-09 Annual Work Plan to the Administration on Developmental Disabilities. The two primary changes proposed in the work plan is to add an objective under the Real Learning areas to work with Kennesaw State University on a pilot project to assist students with disabilities to participate on the college campus. The second major change is to spend the upcoming year developing a new model around advocacy. GCDD has decided to elevate the concept of community development and coalition building on both the local and state levels. This initiative will allow people with developmental disabilities, family members, advocates and citizens in general to work in their local communities and on a state level to promote and integrate the organization’s five focus areas: Real Careers, Real Homes, Real Learning, Real Influence and Real Supports.

GCDD plans to spend the next year researching ways to involve and support the more than 600 Georgians who have received advocacy training through programs such as Partners in Policymaking, Georgia Voices that Count and the Organizing Institute in the new initiative.

The GCDD will accept public comments on its proposed Work Plan through August 14, 2008. You may access the 2008-09 Annual Work Plan by clicking here.

You may e-mail comments to eejacobson@dhr.state.ga.us or mail comments to:
GCDD
2 Peachtree Street
26-240
Atlanta, Georgia 30303

Monday, July 28, 2008

Partners Organize in Gwinnett

July 24th was the first meeting of Gwinnett partners graduates and about ten Partners attended.I appreciate everyone who came to offer ideas and give support. A big thank you to Sharon Capers and Jackie McNair for taking care of the details of the evening. The meeting was an initial "get to know you and what you care about ", so everyone talked about what was important to them and what they wanted the group's function to be.

Areas of interest that came up were:
housing, employment,accessibility, and school related issues. One common threme was transitioning kids after graduation and how they can lead meaningful lives in the community with supports.

For the first meeting, I really wanted to get a sense of who would show up and what they wanted the group to be about. Gwinnett Partners are already so active, it will be exciting to see what will happen when they pool all of their talents on a common collective action.Thank you, Cynthia Branch, who offered to set up the next meeting in August.

2008 Partner Grad Makes the AJC

Recent graduate, Debra Gibson made the Gwinnett AJC with her comments on the trip that several Partners took to Central State. This story keeps going on and on…… Way to go Debra!!

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Partners: Help Improve Transportation.

Dear Fellow Partner Graduates:
Hope you are all doing well.

Transportation is an issue for everyone, everywhere and that includes Cherokee County. We are wanting to start having conversations with interested parties and agencies on how we can better improve transportation in Cherokee County. If you are a fellow Partners Graduate and would like to help please contact either Ann Harrison at starbrightjh@aol.com or Heidi Fernandez at hcf67@comcast.net.

We are also very interested in talking with other Partner Graduates who are or have worked on addressing transportation in their county.
Thank you again.

Heidi Fernandez and Ann Harrison

NOTES FROM THE SENATE, BY SENATOR JACK HILL

FOURTH QUARTER FREEFALL SINKS 08 BUDGET

A "perfect storm" of deepening economic problems dropped FY2008 state revenues into negative territory for the first time in five years as June figures ended the fiscal year. While it was apparent the past few months that the state would not make the revenue growth estimate and that dipping into the reserves would be necessary, the June revenues were a negative $168 million in what was expected by many to be a positive revenue month.

Georgia will be forced to draw down reserves of $590 million out of the $1.5 billion total to balance the books for FY08.

There are two positive things you can say about this result:
1. Georgia, unlike the federal government, must balance its books yearly and cannot just continue spending or printing money. So the state faces its problems straight up and takes the action necessary to balance its budget.

2. Due to the foresight of Gov. Perdue and the legislative leadership, Georgia has a robust Revenue Shortfall Reserve and the $590 million will not present a problem.

Bonus Positive note....At least the Legislature did not listen last session to those who proposed huge tax cuts funded out of the Reserve fund.

This week and next we will discuss some of the problems the FY08 shortfall creates in the 2009 budget which just began in July...

Click here to read the JUNE REVENUE REPORT and the FY2008 REVENUE REPORT

Friday, July 18, 2008

Community Options Conference - School to Work Transition

Community Options, Inc. will be holding its third annual conference, on September 7-10, 2008 in Nashville, Tennessee.

The topic for this year’s conference will be Transition School to Work. We have commitments from nationally recognized speakers such as Colleen Wieck.

Community Options, Inc. will again be awarding scholarships to participants of Partners in Policy Making.

Please share this conference information to your colleagues:
Click here for the Conference Details.
Click here for Registration and Scholarship Information.

Scholarship applications are due back to Lisa Smith by August 1st.

Thursday, July 17, 2008

Story about Voucher Program in the AJC

Swift growth in vouchers predicted
By Laura Diamond
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 07/09/08

When Georgia started its voucher program for special education students last year, state education officials and lawmakers were unsure how many students and private schools would participate.

They called it a success when 899 children with disabilities received vouchers to leave their public schools and attend 117 participating private schools. They expect even better results this year.

At least 125 private schools are expected to accept vouchers this coming school year, said Pam Smith, who oversees the program for the Georgia Department of Education. The state changed its application process and required all of last year's participating private schools to apply again, along with any new schools.

The state Board of Education has approved 96 schools and will vote on 29 more Thursday. An additional 10 to 15 schools may be approved in August, Smith said.

Parents have until Sept. 5 to enroll in a participating private school. State leaders say more families are expected to take part this year.

"I think we'll see a doubling, if not this year then very soon," said state Senate President Pro-Tem Eric Johnson (R-Savannah)...
Click here for the entire article.

Press Release: Governor Perdue Announces June Revenue Figures


Governor Perdue Announces June Revenue Figures

Governor Sonny Perdue announced Wednesday that net revenue collections for the month of June 2008 (FY08) totaled $1,618,879,000 compared to $1,787,195,000 for June 2007 (FY07), a decrease of $168,316,000 or 9.4 percent.

The percentage decrease year-to-date for FY08 compared to Audited FY07 is 1.1 percent.

A detailed report will be available shortly at georgia.gov. Click here.

Monday, July 14, 2008

What a difference the Partners Class can make:

I recently had a mediation meeting with our local school system. They had pushed at the IEP meeting to place my daughter at an Elementary School (4th school for her in 4 years) in a self contained first grade special ed mild class, no mainstreaming indicated. I have fought back. Well, I got exactly what I thought best for my daughter. This fall, she will attend our neighborhood elementary school, with her brothers!! Not only that, I have gotten her retained back to kindergarten, so she will be in REGULAR ED K at our home school!! I just have to say, this mediation would not have been possible without my Partners Training! It gave me the knowledge, confidence, and skills to walk in to that meeting alone and walk out feeling victorious and heard, and getting what I believe is best for my child.

I have also gotten the honor of serving on the peer review panel as a consumer reviewer for the CDMRP (Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program) for TSC (Tuberous Sclerosis Complex). It will be wonderful opportunity to score the research proposals. This money is from the DOD, which is what I go to Washington in the spring time to advocate for. So, now I get to be a part of how that money is spent. I had to interview with the Department of Defense, but was selected, so I'm really excited about the chance to learn the process.
--
Dee Triemer
Chair, TS Alliance of Atlanta/ N GA
www.tsalliancegeorgia.org

TOUCH THE FUTURE/TRANSITION AND SERID CONFERENCE AND EXPO 2008

For the first time, two important conferences related to serving persons with disabilities will be held simultaneously. SERID (Southeast Regional Institute on Deafness) focuses on educational and professional development for individuals who work with consumers who are deaf, hard of hearing, deaf-blind, and late-deafened. Touch the Future/Transition Conference focuses on issues surrounding assistive technology and education for people with disabilities. The combined conference takes place in Atlanta in October 22-23, 2008. At its heart, the joint venture acknowledges that all people are unique individuals and encourages them to celebrate their similarities and differences.

The conference is designed to allow participants to explore state-of-the-art tools, techniques, principles, strategies, and innovative technologies that will help individuals with disabilities participate in their community and prepare for success.

A wide array of exhibits, keynote presentations, workshops and pre-conference sessions designed to build a firm foundation of understanding or enhance an existing body of knowledge are the backbone of the conference. Presentations and discussions will address current effective practices, services and technologies related to seven key areas:
Employment/Rehabilitation
Education/ Transition
Accessibility/Assistive Technology
Independent Living
Deaf, Deaf-Blind and Hard of Hearing
Interpreters
Alternative Augmentative Communication
An exhibit hall showcasing the latest assistive technologies from all over the country and an interactive assistive technology computer lab will also be onsite.
Click here for more information.

Please share this information widely with all MHDDAD stakeholders and staff.

FOR GEORGIA: ”MISERY LOVES COMPANY”



NOTES FROM THE SENATE
BY SENATOR JACK HILL,
4th DISTRICT
As the 2008 fiscal year limped to the June 30 end, one thing is certain, the economists predicting Georgia's growth for this fiscal year were wrong all year long and wrong as recent as March when the Governor lowered the Revenue Estimate for FY 2009 by $245 million. The economists seemed confident the FY08 revenue growth would be within shooting distance of balancing with maybe $100 million to make up out of the Reserve Fund. The final FY08 figures will come out this week, but the odds are that the state will have to dip into the Reserve Fund for several hundred million dollars.

This continued decline in revenues – now virtually flat with no growth - means the 2009 Budget could be overspent by $600 million. And that is if the bottom of the revenue slide has been reached and the state does not continue the decline into negative territory.

Based on weakening revenue forecasts, Governor Perdue has directed state agencies to make significant budget reductions in their 2010 annual budget request submissions due this September. Additionally, the Governor has asked that state agencies reduce spending in the Amended Fiscal Year (FY) 2009 budget by 3.5% of the amount budgeted for FY09, that the General Assembly approved this past Session. Agencies are further directed to take an additional ½ % reduction in the FY10 General Budget resulting in a 4% budget cut over FY09. Hopefully, this is a worst case scenario and only a combination of cuts and Reserve Funds would be needed.

But Georgia is not alone in having to curb spending in FY09 and FY10. States across the nation are feeling the effects of the economic slowdown. The Center for Budget and Policy Priorities in Washington, DC reports that 29 states and the District of Columbia are facing revenue shortfalls in FY09. They also report that three additional states will face budget shortfalls in FY10...

(Click here for a comparison of other states)

...So, there are uncertain times ahead. Until the economic slide reverses itself and an upward trend is established, Governor Perdue and the state leadership must operate on a “pay as you go” basis.


Visit the Legislature Home Page at
www.legis.state.ga.us

Open your mind to new possibilities! BOOK FAIR ON THE SQUARE.

Open your mind to new possibilities at the inaugural Book Fair on the Square October 3-4, 2008! Marietta will be transformed into a literary oasis as your favorite authors, books and characters steal the spotlight during this fun event.
The excitement kicks off Friday night with a special ticketed dinner event with Roy Richard Grinker, author of Unstrange Minds: Unmapping the World of Autism.
On Saturday, adults will enjoy readings and book signings by both veteran authors (including local writer Doug Crandell) and new sensations such as Katharine Noel and Laura Flynn while kids of all ages will have fun at the ‘Parade of Characters,’ storytelling programs, live musical performances and more. Renowned author Rachel Simon will also host two creative writing classes during the afternoon, one for families and one for writers. Plus, enjoy an art show along with food and book vendors in a festive atmosphere.
For all the details go to www.bookfaironthesquare.org

People First of Georgia website

The brand new People First of Georgia website is ready for its public
unveiling at:
http://ga.disabilityselfadvocates.org/peoplefirst/

For those who may have previously discovered the site already, the
following two sections were added on July 9th:

"Organizational Position Paper For Inclusion"

"Disability Etiquette"

TRAINING ANNOUNCEMENTS

Orientation for Potential, New & Established Providers Serving Persons with Developmental Disabilities

The purpose of this memo is to notify you of a Provider Orientation on August 11 & 12, 2008, for potential, new, and established providers of Developmental Disabilities services.

Title:Orientation for Potential, New & Established Providers Serving Persons with Developmental Disabilities

Description: This orientation is designed to cover a variety of topics relevant for potential, new and established provider organizations that serve consumers with developmental disabilities. ATTENDANCE IS MANDATORY for all persons interested in applying to become new providers of DD Services. A certificate of attendance will be provided at the end of the second day as verification of attendance. New and established organizations may want to attend for an update.

Overview of the Supports Intensity Scale (SIS) For DD Providers, Support Coordinators & Planning List Administrators

The purpose of this memo is to notify community providers of developmental disability services, Support Coordinators, Planning List Administrators, and Regional Office staff about the upcoming Support Intensity Scale Overview Seminar that will be offered from July through September, 2008.

Title: Overview of the Supports Intensity Scale (SIS) For DD Providers, Support Coordinators & Planning List Administrators

Background: The State of Georgia is committed to a uniform process to identify the support needs of individuals with disabilities receiving services/supports through its community-based service network. The SIS provides information that can help planning teams and agencies understand the support needs of a person with an intellectual disability. Although Support Coordinators and I & E Staff will conduct the Supports Intensity Scale assessments, it is important for DD providers to understand what the SIS is and how it functions.

AAIDD published the Supports Intensity Scale (SIS) in 2003, the first scientific tool to measure the level of supports required by an individual with mental retardation and related disabilities in order to live as independently as possible. The national organization is recognized throughout the country for competency- based training on use of the SIS and for refinements to the tools, such as the new section on “total health”.

Description: This training announcement is an invitation for individuals to attend a half-day seminar on implementation of the SIS model. This will include a discussion on how to improve communication between DD providers, families, SIS respondents, SIS interviewers and the State Office of DD. This training will also address the use of the SIS and how it relates to various State and Federal funding sources. Most importantly, this training will foster increased cooperation among those in the DD field who strive to improve the overall well-being of persons diagnosed with developmental disabilities.

Click here to register online.
Click here for more information.

Update from Commissioner Walker on the Executive Order for restructuring DHR.

From the DHR’s Office of Communications:

I have heard from many of you in the form of surveys and focus groups on ways that I can improve communications with employees. I thank you for your feedback and want to introduce new communications directly from me. As an agency, we are experiencing important changes. I want to ensure that all employees are made aware of these changes and how these changes may affect us.

You can expect regular updates on:
•Governor’s Executive Order on Restructuring
•DHR’s Budget
•DHR’s Internal Reorganization

Today’s Topic: Executive Order Restructuring Update
On February 4th, Governor Perdue signed an Executive Order which announced a Taskforce to review the duties of DHR and make recommendations for reform. For the full Executive Order:
http://dhr.georgia.gov/DHR/DHR_CommonFiles/Executive_Order.pdf

Since The Announcement
I'd like to take a moment to briefly describe for you what has happened since the announcement:
First, I want you to know that I am fully engaged in what happens to us as an agency. I stepped out of my role as Commissioner. I then asked two questions: “What’s best for the state of Georgia? What problem can we solve to serve Georgians if we reorganize?” Based on decades of leading change initiatives in health and human services, I am confident that we are on track.

Second, I, along with the DHR Leadership Team have informed and educated the Taskforce on DHR - how we operate and deliver our services, and who our customers are around the state.

Third, I have submitted my recommendation to the Taskforce on how best to reorganize our agency, our services, and how these recommendations will ultimately impact our customers. This is a process of questions and no one knows the answers right now. So as a part of this process, it was important for me to think through the following questions:
•Is DHR organized the best way to most effectively and efficiently do its work?
•What is DHR’s core business?
•From a Public Health standpoint, should our core business include health outcomes and/or service delivery?
•How can we position Mental Health so that all state agencies can utilize its services to the fullest?

These are all questions that are still at the table. There is no one best way to organize to deliver health and human services. It is a matter of what works best for the State of Georgia and the many families we serve.

July 2nd - There will be a report from the Taskforce on restructuring health and human services in Georgia that will impact DHR. However, no organizational or substantive changes will be made on July 2nd.

July 15th - All staff are invited to attend the All–Staff Meeting Videoconference as I will be discussing this topic and others.

To some, change can be difficult. I would like to encourage each of you to look forward to this new direction for DHR. Regardless of the number of years of service that we have worked for DHR, this is our agency, this is our legacy.
Sincerely,
B.J. Walker

Wednesday, July 09, 2008

ELECTIONS UPDATES

Secretary of State Karen Handel Reminds Voters to Bring Photo ID to Advance Voting

Atlanta—Georgia Secretary of State Karen Handel reminds all voters participating in the upcoming General Primary Election that in-person advance voting will begin Monday, July 7 and end Friday, July 11, 2008. Voters participating in the election during advance voting week or on Election Day will be required to show one of the following six forms of photo ID:
A Georgia driver’s license, even if expired;
Any valid state or federal government issued photo ID, including a free Voter ID Card issued by your county registrar or Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS);
Valid U.S. passport;
Valid employee photo ID from any branch, department, agency, or entity of the U.S. Government, Georgia, or any county, municipality, board, authority, or other entity of this state;
Valid U.S. military photo ID; or
Valid tribal photo ID.

If a voter does not have one of these forms of photo identification, they can obtain a free voter ID card at their county registrar’s office or the Georgia Department of Driver Services.

Anyone with additional questions about Georgia’s photo ID requirement can visit www.GAPhotoID.com or call toll free (877) 725-9797. To find advance voting locations in your county, please contact your county registrar’s office. Contact information can be found on the 2008 Election Center website

Voters can request an absentee ballot through Friday, July 11, 2008. All absentee ballots must be received by the county registrar on Election Day, Tuesday, July 15, 2008. Photo identification is not required when voting by mail. To download an absentee ballot request form, please visit the Secretary of State website.

Polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 15, 2008. Voters can find voter registration information, including polling locations and legislative districts, by clicking here or by calling (888) 265-1115.

2008 Election Dates:
July 7- July 11, 2008: Advance voting for General Primary
July 15, 2008: Election Day for General Primary
July 28- August 1, 2008: Advance Voting for General Primary Runoff
August 5, 2008: Election Day for General Primary Runoff
August 8, 2008: Deadline to register to vote or change address for Special Election
September 8- September 12, 2008: Advance voting for Special Election
September 16, 2008: Election Day for Special Election
September 29- October 3, 2008: Advance Voting for Special Election Runoff
October 7, 2008: Election Day for Special Election Runoff
October 6, 2008: Deadline to register to vote or change address for General Election
October 27- October 31, 2008: Advance voting for General Election
November 4, 2008: Election Day for General Election
November 24- November 28, 2008: Advance Voting for General Election Runoff
December 2, 2008: Election Day for General Election Runoff


Governor Perdue Announces Olmstead Agreement Signed

Agreement will transition mentally ill and developmentally disabled out of state hospitals

ATLANTA– Today Governor Sonny Perdue announced that state officials signed a voluntary compliance agreement with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Civil Rights (OCR) that formalizes an effort to transition mentally ill and developmentally disabled Georgians out of state hospitals.

“Every Georgian who faces mental illness or developmental disabilities has the right to be treated in a way that not only ensures the best outcome, but allows for the highest quality of life,” said Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue. “We’ve worked hard to make this agreement work, and the state of Georgia is committed to completing this effort.”

Under the Olmstead Strategic Plan, Georgia has worked for years to make quality community services more available to those with mental and developmental disabilities. The Olmstead Plan was created after a 1999 U.S. Supreme Court ruling (L.C. & E.W. vs. Olmstead) that interpreted the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to mean that states must provide appropriate services for the disabled in the most integrated setting (i.e., where individuals can interact with non-disabled people to the fullest extent possible).

Georgia Department of Human Resources Commissioner B.J. Walker welcomed the agreement. “We know community-based treatment solutions work, and that for many patients it’s best to treat them outside of a state hospital,” she said. “The Olmstead Plan is more than a standard we have to live by; it embodies our philosophy of strengthening families by doing everything we can to keep people with disabilities connected to their homes, their loved ones and their lives.”

According to the agreement with the OCR, Georgia maintains its position that it did not violate the ADA or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. As part of the agreement, the OCR is suspending its investigation of class complaints filed by a coalition of disability advocacy organizations as it works with the state to increase the delivery of community services for qualified individuals with mental and developmental disabilities.

Progress has already been made in achieving some provisions of the Olmstead Plan. Some state hospitals have been closed and many of Georgians have either been transitioned out of state hospitals or are receiving increased community services. DHR already has a policy that mentally disabled individuals hospitalized longer than 60 days be assessed at least monthly for discharge into the community.

Key provisions of the agreement include:

·An Olmstead Coordinator who reports to the Governor and is charged with developing and implementing Georgia’s Olmstead Plan objectives, as well as hearing and addressing problems, will be created.

·The Olmstead Coordinator, DHR and the Department of Community Health (DCH) will make annual estimates of the need for community services for mentally and developmentally disabled Georgians who are institutionalized or at risk of institutionalization.

·Mental health and developmental disabilities “Olmstead lists” and “transition lists” will be kept that outlines all institutionalized individuals who do not actively oppose receiving services in the community, as well as specific individuals DHR is planning to discharge into the community in a given fiscal year.

·Proper notification of discharge plans for individuals.

·Proper notification and explanation of denial of discharge based on determination of state treatment professionals, as well as methods of recourse available to individuals who wish to contest these decisions.

Monday, July 07, 2008

AT WAR WITH MEDICAID

Local mother wins a legal victory for all parents battling state cuts in medical care for their children

OnlineAthens.com

DANIELSVILLE - Until recently, Pam Moore dreaded the daily trip to the mailbox.

Any envelope containing a state Department of Community Health logo made her heart sink, Moore said, because it likely meant Georgia Medicaid once again denied treatments that physicians ordered for her now 13-year-old daughter,Callie.

Moore finally won her personal battle with the state agency June 3 when U.S. District Judge Thomas W. Thrash ruled that the state does not have the discretion to deny funding for services prescribed by a treating physician. Under the Medicaid Act, Thrash said, the state is required to provide certain types of care to eligible children, including early and periodic screening, and diagnostic and treatment services.

This article is continued... To read the rest of the article, click here.

Wednesday, July 02, 2008

Partners Alumni Pilot Groups in Gwinnett and Savannah

Last month, I approached alumni Jackie McNair, Brian Leighton, and Teresa Brenner to ask them to organize a meeting with Partners alumni in Gwinnett and Savannah. The purpose would be to network with other graduates, collaborate on existing work, and to organize future community projects together. Projects would reflect the values of the Partners program. We are starting with two pilot groups to see if graduates are interested in organizing around issues or projects in their communities.

I just received this notice from Sharon Capers, who is helping Jackie organize the Gwinnett group. I think some of the Gwinnett graduates from the 2008 class were mistakenly left off of the mailing list, so I hope they will see this post. As soon as I know the details of the Savannah event, I will send them out. At this time, the groups are open only to graduates of the Partners in Policymaking program.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The first meeting of the Gwinnett group:
Five Forks Branch Library on Thursday, July 24 at 6:30 pm.
The library is off Ronald Reagan Pkwy which is convenient to I-85.
The address is: 2780 Five Forks Trickum Rd, Lawrenceville, GA 30044
770-978-5600
Please RSVP to sharoncapers@yahoo.com

I will keep you posted on the activity of these two groups.I am very excited to see what happens when a small group of graduates work together on a focused project in their community. Thanks so much to the organizers for their willingness to start something new and for everyone who continues to be engaged in advocacy.

Let's get started and see where it takes us!

Partner Alumni Speaks at Easter Seals Conference

Suzanne Harvey sent this to me this morning. South Georgia Alumni, please send this out to those in your area.

Easter Seals- Disability Resource Conference in Valdosta, GA.

1st Annual Easter Seals
Disability Resource Conference

July 11th and 12th, 2008
First Christian Church Fellowship Hall
1905 North Patterson Street
Valdosta, Georgia

Agenda
Friday Evening
4:30 - 5:15PM Registration
5:15 - 6:30 PM Disability History/Social Role Valorization
Short Version
Suzanne Harvey SRV PASSING
Certification Leader

6:30 - 7:00PM Break/Lite Dinner Sandwiches/Chips/Drink

7:00 - 8:30PM Disability Forum Needs Assessment for
Valdosta/Surrounding Counties
Beth English, Director, Easter Seals Southern
Georgia

Saturday
8:15 - 9:00AM Check - In/Registration/
Breakfast
(Sweet/Fruit/Coffee/Tea/Juice/Water)

9:00 - 12N Special Education/IEP's
Jean Estes

12N - 1:15PM Lunch (On your own)

1:15 - 2:30 Regional Boards/Independent Care
Waivers/Medicaid/Unlock the Waiting
List/Easter Seals Funding
Beth English and
MHDDAD Regional Board Director

2:30 - 3:15PM Counseling and Support for
the Family
Susan Bradshaw LMSW

3:15 - 3:30PM Break/Lite Snack

3:30 - 4:30PM Speech Therapy for Children
Susan Miller SLP-CCC

4:30 PM Evaluations for speakers and requests
for future topics of interest

Fee $10 No child care available. No children allowed.

Jon Steinburg from Dynavox Systems will do a morning demonstration and give info on AT items available for children and adults.

To Register or for more information, contact Suzanne Harvey at sgharvey@bellsouth.net or call 229-460-0492.

Directions to the Conference:

Coming from the south, get off at Exit 16 and come East to Oak Street, turn left and come North past Valley, Rogers, Gordon Streets, continue thru the light at Brookwood and continue North to Alden Street where you will turn right. Continue to Patterson Street and First Christian Church is located on the corner of Alden and Patterson. They should park behind the church and come into the Fellowship Hall either up the ramp at the front or through the parking lot door, through the kitchen.

Coming from the north, they should get off at exit 22 and come South past the car dealerships, past Winn Dixie on the right and when they get to Winn Dixie, be sure to take the fork to the right onto Patterson, stay on Patterson South crossing Northside Drive, past Valdosta Junior High on the right, South Georgia Medical Center on the left through the light at Park Avenue (where Park Avenue Methodist Church is) to the next light, which is Alden and the church is at Alden and Patterson. They should park behind the church and come into the Fellowship Hall either up the ramp at the front or through the parking lot door, through the kitchen.

If folks are coming from the Waycross area, they will be coming in on Hwy 84 and will need to turn right onto Ashley when they get to downtown Valdosta and follow past the light at Gordon and the light by the Oak Street Furniture store to the light at Park Avenue, where they should turn left and go about four blocks to Patterson, where they will turn left and go two blocks to Alden and Patterson where the church is.

Tuesday, July 01, 2008

Justice & Developmental Disabilities Coalition - Meetings Announcement

Date: Aug 1st
Time:10am to 12noon
Location: AADD
1440 Dutch Valley Place, Suite 200
Atlanta, GA 30324

Speaker: Prosecuting Attorney's Council Paula Smith, with the Victim's Advocacy section.

Paula Smith is the Director of Victim-Witness Advocacy with the Prosecuting Attorney’s Council. Her program supports the 300+ Victim-Witness Advocates in the 49 judicial circuits and 159 counties of Georgia who serve over 4000 crime victims daily through providing consulting, training, networking and technical support.

Date: Oct 29th
Time: 10am to 12noon
Location: AADD
1440 Dutch Valley Place, Suite 200
Atlanta, GA 30324

Speaker: Atlanta Legal Aide’s Sue Jamieson and Talley Wells

Sue Jamieson is the director of the Mental Health and Disability Unit at Atlanta Legal Aid Society. She has influenced state and national approaches to people with developmental disabilities. Sue represented Lois Curtis and Elaine Wilson, in the Olmstead v. L.C. case.

Talley Wells is a senior attorney with the Mental Health and Disability Rights Project at Atlanta Legal Aid. He has had cases in almost every area of civil legal services litigation, including representing several individuals with developmental disabilities against discriminatory zoning. Outside of legal aid, he is working with his wife and others to start a L'Arche community in Atlanta, which would be a residential faith based community for adults with developmental disabilities.

For more information, please email: dave@aadd.org

Partners In Policymaking Application Deadline is July 7

Dear Partners:

Happy 4th of July!

I wanted to remind everyone to please call potential Partners to remind them about the deadline for applications. Please follow up with your friends and send them an email or give them a quick call asking them to apply. It really does make a difference for potential applicants to hear from someone that they know. The deadline is July 7th.

I appreciate the phone calls and emails coming from everyone with new applicants. In order to grow leadership and advocacy in the state, we need new people who will commit to join our efforts.

The link to the schedule of dates, application and a two minute video about Partners is below:

http://www.aadd.org/2008/newsite/programs/partners.html


Thank you!

Have a great summer,

Rita