November 18, 2024
Minutes
Minutes
Attendees via Zoom: Allie Vercoe, Amanda Parker, Carol Snyder, Cathy Dionne, Christina Millett, Craig Patterson, David Cowing, Hannah Daigle, Ilea Sangillo, J Richardson Collins, Jamie Whitehouse, Jennifer Battis, Jennifer Frey, Jennifer Putnam, Julianne Zaharis, Keri Lopes, Kim Humphrey, Laura Glover, Liz Burgess, Lucas Cuellar, Margaret Cardoza, Mark Kemmerle, Melissa Bliss, Rachel Dyer, Robin Levesque, Shelley Zielinski, Stacy Lamontagne, Tarsha Rewa, Teague Morris, Vickey Merrill, Cullen Ryan, a few people who joined after the meeting began and left prior to the conclusion of the meeting.
Cullen Ryan introduced himself and welcomed the group. Minutes from the last meeting were accepted.
Featured Speakers: Cathy Dionne, Executive Director, Autism Society of Maine, and Tarsha Rewa, Director of Adult Day and Community Services, Spectrum Generations. Topic: Overview of a series of brief videos on autism and internet safety.
Cullen: I am pleased to welcome Cathy Dionne, Executive Director of Autism Society of Maine, and Tarsha Rewa, Director of Adult Day and Community Services with Spectrum Generations presenting an overview of a series of brief videos on autism and internet safety. When we first created this Coalition 18 years ago, Cathy’s vast network through ASM was a cornerstone of the Coalition and it has remained so ever since. Thank you both for all your work and for being here today – this project is important and exciting!
Cathy Dionne: Thank you for having us! It’s always great to be involved with this group because it’s so vast! We have been working in collaboration with Spectrum Generations for 20 months on this project (funded through an innovation grant). Both our agencies have individuals who have been victims of fraud or bullying online. We have put together a series of brief videos on autism and internet safety. We have a 6-part series that addresses many areas our population struggles with but is applicable to everyone. The third video is the most viewed. There are also quizzes at the end to see how much you have learned.
Tarsha Rewa: From the moment we heard about the grant we had this idea. When we reached out to Cathy she immediately responded. From that first two-hour meeting we had we knew regardless of whether or not we received the grant we were going to do this project. This partnership has been amazing, Cathy has been amazing – her knowledge and connections are incredible. I have a child who has been a victim of an online scam and is featured in the videos. I hope everyone enjoys these videos as much as we do. Thank you for your time today!
Cathy: We’re also looking for feedback on the videos.
Begin Presentation
Background info/bios provided by Cathy and Tarsha:
Tarsha Rewa – My title is Director of Adult Day and Community Support Services at Spectrum Generations. I have been with Spectrum for 12 years supporting the individuals we serve. I currently oversee most services offered to people with disabilities including Employment Services. In my twelve years at Spectrum, I have received my Employment Specialist Certificate and my Career Planning Certificate. I am a graduate of the Kennebec Leadership Institute and received a Harvard Business Leadership Certificate. I have also volunteered within Spectrum for the last 10 years working on the ice fishing derby and other events to raise money for internal programming. I was the head organizer for the Chiari Walk Across America in Central Maine for 4 years. I have always been a strong leader and have had to advocate for my own son with disabilities. My most current success has been receiving an innovation grant from NDI and collaborating with an amazing team. We created six modules to support people with autism with internet safety issues. I will continue to lead, educate, and advocate for all individuals with disabilities within my role at Spectrum and through great partnerships like Autism of Maine.
Cathy Dionne – Cathy has been with the Autism Society of Maine for 28 years, serving the last 12 years as the Executive Director. Cathy is the parent of a 30-year-old Autistic son, Ben, and a 31-year-old daughter, Ashley. She lives in Greene, Maine with her husband of 37 years, Rick. Ben was diagnosed with Autism at the age of 18 months, and her family’s journey began at that time.
This video series, Autism & Online Safety, is intended as a guide for adults with Autism in conjunction with their care partners to enjoy safe, healthy experiences while using the internet. In this 6-part series, individuals can learn and hear experiences from those living with Autism and experts in the field of Autism about the challenges faced when using the internet to connect, socialize, date, and shop. This important and sometimes difficult content is designed to highlight the dangers for adults with Autism to avoid while online, and includes:
Discussion:
-It was asked what feedback they’ve received thus far. It was stated that the videos are very useful.
Cathy: We’ve shown them in a few different settings – last week we presented for MACSP (Maine Association for Community Service Providers). We’ve received feedback directly from self-advocates which has been fantastic. Someone said last week that the music was a little too loud, which I hadn’t heard before. Someone said that the quizzes at the end could get a little repetitive.
-A self-advocate stated that she particularly liked Shannon Moss (Public Information Officer, Maine Department of Public Safety) being featured in the videos because she’s familiar – everyone has seen her in the news etc. which is comforting especially with this topic. It was asked if the videos had the option for closed captioning.
Cathy: Yes, they have closed captioning as an option.
-A self-advocate stated that she didn’t know how to block her background in Zoom meetings like this one and it displays her home, personal surroundings, etc. Tips on this for people might be helpful. She also stated that the video that featured cyber bullying assumed it would be by a stranger. This kind of bullying can be perpetuated by friends, family members, etc. It’s a difficult topic, but finding a way to incorporate this could be advantageous. Some coaching on this would be helpful. A lot of what was in the videos is very introductory. Too much information all at once can be overwhelming – not watching all the videos at once and taking a break may be helpful for some. The content of the videos was very informative. Perhaps demonstrations, further advanced “scenario game” type videos could be beneficial as well so the skills can be practiced. People with ID/DD want to make friends, want to be part of communities, have unique gifts – having to reject someone can be very hard.
Cathy: These could definitely be ideas for future videos.
Lucas Cuellar – Disability Rights Maine (DRM): I’m curious if you’ve thought of doing an ASL version? Fully accessible videos are quite complicated, which I’m learning in my work as well!
Cathy: I don’t believe that’s something we’ve specifically discussed.
Tarsha: We’ve talked about a lot of different ways to increase accessibility, but I’m not sure if this specifically came up. There was a lot of work involved with the accessibility features we have. We did a little premiere with the people who worked with us on this project. It was a fun night. At that event we talked about a part two for the series. It was a tremendous amount of work, but even still we would love to see another grant come our way and do this again! I’ve loved the feedback – I’m taking notes, and if there is a part-two we will definitely take all of this into consideration!
Lucas: We’re learning that it does seem like you end up creating three different versions of the video – one with ASL, one that a screen-reader can read, and one with considerations for color/contrast/etc.
Melissa Bliss – Maine CITE: To add to the accessibility information – we do have information on digital accessibility. Please reach out to us if you want resources on that.
Cullen: Thank you all for being here and for sharing all of this – very well done. I’m glad you took the time to share this with us today and I hope this launches best practices across the state and beyond. Again, well done!
End Presentation (round of applause would have occurred were it not for everyone being muted and on Zoom)
DHHS – Office of Aging and Disability Services (OADS) - www.maine.gov/dhhs/oads
Craig Patterson: I don’t have a ton of stuff to share, but I’m happy to provide some general updates.
Lifespan: Most people are aware of where we’re at with Lifespan – we’re working on the final stages of the Application which will be submitted to CMS. We hope to post that for public comment in December. Please keep your eyes out for that, as we would love the feedback/comments.
Rate Study: As part of the Lifespan work, we’re working on a rate study, which will be produced and shared/posted in December, so please keep your eyes open for this too.
Licensing Rule: We’re also working on our current Licensing Rule so every service will be licensed by agency. We believe this will help us address a lot of issues we’re currently unable to address. We continue to work on that – it’s in review with the AG’s (Attorney General) office.
-Maine Innovation Summit May 19 and 20, 2025, Holiday Inn by the Bay, Portland:
The State of Maine, Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Aging and Disability Services announces its keynote speakers for the 2025 Innovation Summit May 19-20, 2025, in Portland, Maine. This state and national-level conference will provide a chance to showcase innovations in delivery of services for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities or autism as well as those with conditions such as cerebral palsy, or seizure disorder, or other similar conditions. It will also feature a Tech Expo with vendor exhibits, and assistive technology demos where people can try out new equipment.
Keynote Speaker Monday May 19th: Hope Dittmeier, Executive Director of Mattingly Edge, Service provider in Louisville, KY.
Topic: Choosing the Leading Edge of Innovation
Mattingly Edge has transformed itself into an agency supporting people to live their best lives based on a person’s goals and support needs - without a building. Hope will provide concrete examples of how her organization accomplishes this and will share the positive benefits that have been derived from their practice – for the people they support, for the people working at the agency, and for the community.
Bio: Hope Leet Dittmeier earned a master’s in Rehabilitation Counseling in 1983 and continues to be a lifelong learner. Her 40-year career has focused on helping people with intellectual and developmental disabilities access the good things in life that are typically denied to marginalized people – homes of their own, good jobs, a robust network of family and friends. Hope has served in a variety of roles including family member, Personal Futures Planning Facilitator, Regional Administrator, Early Interventionist, Family Support Specialist, trainer, and Executive Director. Hope developed an SRV-derived curriculum for practitioners, Endeavor for Excellence, that she taught in Ireland for three years. Her proudest accomplishment is leading the transition of a large, congregated adult day program into a service that only provides individualized, customized support that empowers disabled people to live typical lifestyles. She was recently honored to receive the Nonprofit Visionary Leadership Award in Louisville. Hope is a fierce advocate for full inclusion. When not working, Hope’s favorite thing to do is to spend time with her five-year-old grandson, Axl.
Keynote Speaker Tuesday May 20th: Stacy DiStefano, CEO of Consulting for Human Services, Inc.
Topic: Innovation and Managing Change in Human Services
Bio: Stacy DiStefano is a seasoned Human Services Executive with extensive experience as a mental health clinician, business strategist, and operations leader. As a trained solution focused therapist, and a trusted strategic advisor, Stacy is a passionate leader who built a career inspiring teams as VP of Innovation for Resources for Human Development, COO of Open Minds, and COO of Chimes International. Stacy has led high revenue multi-state service lines, including behavioral health, substance use disorder, intellectual developmental disabilities, autism, and supported housing.
In addition to leading CFHS, Stacy is an Advisory Board member for RxDiet, Floreo, and Bluebird Leaders. Stacy holds a Bachelor’s in Sociology, and a Master’s in Counseling, and is a highly regarded public speaker, and board and executive team facilitator.
More about the Summit:
Craig: The Innovation Summit will only be the positive experience we hope it will be if we have amazing presenters – so this is my plug for people to submit proposals (click here for the Innovation Summit announcement from OADS).
-It was asked if there will be anything similar for accessibility.
Craig: We would definitely be interested in something along those lines – so please feel free to email me directly ([email protected]).
Teague Morris – Senator King’s Office: This is information I could include in Senator King’s weekly updates, so I will make a note of this and add it in!
Cullen: It’s great to have you here, Teague! If you haven’t seen one of Teague’s updates, they are very comprehensive – thank you for all of your efforts to inform people and keep them up to date!
(Teague Morris is Senator King’s Outreach Director and can be reached at [email protected]. He produces weekly policy updates on low-income, aging, and Veterans’ issues. He also circulates a periodic list of newly posted federal grants. If interested, simply email Teague to be added to any/all of these email distribution lists.)
Cullen: Thank you for being here and for providing all of this information, Craig!
DHHS – Children’s Behavioral Health Services (CBHS), Office of Behavioral Health (OBH) - www.maine.gov/dhhs/ocfs - No Update
DOL – Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) - www.maine.gov/rehab/dvr
Libby Stone-Sterling:
Cullen: Thank you for being here, Libby!
Office of Special Services and Inclusive Education (OSSIE) - www.maine.gov/doe/learning/specialed - No Update
Disability Rights Maine (DRM) Update:
Jennifer Battis: I wanted to provide a brief overview of DRM’s Vaccine Access Project (click here for the slides from Jennifer’s overview). We did just release a video today about the latest vaccine and where to find it – specifically in ASL.
Lucas Cuellar: Can you speak to the at-home vaccine project – is it just COVID/flu vaccines or can people receive other vaccines at home?
Jennifer: I think can get any vaccine through this endeavor.
-A self-advocate wanted Jennifer to be aware of a digital storytelling video that was presented to the Coalition by Community Connect in which someone experienced a negative side effect of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Kim Humphrey – Community Connect: The side effect that individual experienced was extraordinarily rare. The focus of the video is about the difficulty of receiving the appropriate care because providers didn't listen to what the family was trying to share about their symptom concerns.
Jennifer: This resonates as people not being heard is common. Part of the Vaccine Access Project is helping to ensure that people are listened to.
Cullen: Thank you for this information, Jennifer!
Federal & Housing Updates:
There was general discussion regarding the outcome of the election and how it may affect federal resources.
Cullen: If the next Administration is similar to when Trump was President previously, Medicaid could be the target of cuts. Our Delegation has been great and has been advocating for all the right bills and for housing and quality services for people in Maine, including people with ID/DD.
State Legislature Update:
Cullen: The elections happened. There are still a few races that have yet to be determined, but Democrats retained majorities in both chambers, though by smaller margins (current majorities/minorities: Maine Senate: 20-15, pending two likely recounts; Maine House: 76-72, with two Independents and one race too close to call ). The new Legislature will be sworn in on December 2nd. Both parties have also elected their leadership:
Senate Leadership:
Democrat Majority:
Republican Minority
House Leadership
Democrat Majority:
Republican Minority
Cullen: Cloture will be in mid-to-late December- which is when bills must be filed. There is an effort this year to prevent legislators from filing placeholders (concept drafts). There is a budget-deficit projected of close to a billion dollars (General Fund & Highway Fund combined). When the Legislature resumes, they will be planning the Biennial Budget. As we discussed last month, the Department has indicated their concern with being able to fund/sustain the new rates being proposed as well as the codified rates system. As such it’s unknown if there will be funding for cost-of-living adjustments, rate adjustments, wage increase, waitlists, etc. This means that bills with fiscal notes will likely not sit well for enactment.
Now is an excellent time to reach out to elected officials, prior to the Legislative Session kicking off when they will all be tied up until July. Please continue to raise your voice and tell your stories so that when the 132nd Legislature convenes Legislators are educated on the needs of people with disabilities in Maine and well-poised to make good decisions. Sharing personal stories is the most effective form of advocacy and is essential to ensure we move the needle forward. Thank you all!
Other Business: None
The next meeting will be on Monday, December 9, 2024, 12-2:00pm, via Zoom*.
Featured Speaker and Topic: TBD.
Unless changed, Coalition meetings are on the 2nd Monday of the month from 12-2pm.
(In 2025 the October meeting will be the 3rd Monday due to the holiday)
The Maine Coalition for Housing and Quality Services provides equal opportunity for meeting participation. If you wish to attend but require an interpreter or other accommodation, please forward your request two weeks prior to the monthly meeting to [email protected].
Cullen Ryan introduced himself and welcomed the group. Minutes from the last meeting were accepted.
Featured Speakers: Cathy Dionne, Executive Director, Autism Society of Maine, and Tarsha Rewa, Director of Adult Day and Community Services, Spectrum Generations. Topic: Overview of a series of brief videos on autism and internet safety.
Cullen: I am pleased to welcome Cathy Dionne, Executive Director of Autism Society of Maine, and Tarsha Rewa, Director of Adult Day and Community Services with Spectrum Generations presenting an overview of a series of brief videos on autism and internet safety. When we first created this Coalition 18 years ago, Cathy’s vast network through ASM was a cornerstone of the Coalition and it has remained so ever since. Thank you both for all your work and for being here today – this project is important and exciting!
Cathy Dionne: Thank you for having us! It’s always great to be involved with this group because it’s so vast! We have been working in collaboration with Spectrum Generations for 20 months on this project (funded through an innovation grant). Both our agencies have individuals who have been victims of fraud or bullying online. We have put together a series of brief videos on autism and internet safety. We have a 6-part series that addresses many areas our population struggles with but is applicable to everyone. The third video is the most viewed. There are also quizzes at the end to see how much you have learned.
Tarsha Rewa: From the moment we heard about the grant we had this idea. When we reached out to Cathy she immediately responded. From that first two-hour meeting we had we knew regardless of whether or not we received the grant we were going to do this project. This partnership has been amazing, Cathy has been amazing – her knowledge and connections are incredible. I have a child who has been a victim of an online scam and is featured in the videos. I hope everyone enjoys these videos as much as we do. Thank you for your time today!
Cathy: We’re also looking for feedback on the videos.
Begin Presentation
Background info/bios provided by Cathy and Tarsha:
Tarsha Rewa – My title is Director of Adult Day and Community Support Services at Spectrum Generations. I have been with Spectrum for 12 years supporting the individuals we serve. I currently oversee most services offered to people with disabilities including Employment Services. In my twelve years at Spectrum, I have received my Employment Specialist Certificate and my Career Planning Certificate. I am a graduate of the Kennebec Leadership Institute and received a Harvard Business Leadership Certificate. I have also volunteered within Spectrum for the last 10 years working on the ice fishing derby and other events to raise money for internal programming. I was the head organizer for the Chiari Walk Across America in Central Maine for 4 years. I have always been a strong leader and have had to advocate for my own son with disabilities. My most current success has been receiving an innovation grant from NDI and collaborating with an amazing team. We created six modules to support people with autism with internet safety issues. I will continue to lead, educate, and advocate for all individuals with disabilities within my role at Spectrum and through great partnerships like Autism of Maine.
Cathy Dionne – Cathy has been with the Autism Society of Maine for 28 years, serving the last 12 years as the Executive Director. Cathy is the parent of a 30-year-old Autistic son, Ben, and a 31-year-old daughter, Ashley. She lives in Greene, Maine with her husband of 37 years, Rick. Ben was diagnosed with Autism at the age of 18 months, and her family’s journey began at that time.
This video series, Autism & Online Safety, is intended as a guide for adults with Autism in conjunction with their care partners to enjoy safe, healthy experiences while using the internet. In this 6-part series, individuals can learn and hear experiences from those living with Autism and experts in the field of Autism about the challenges faced when using the internet to connect, socialize, date, and shop. This important and sometimes difficult content is designed to highlight the dangers for adults with Autism to avoid while online, and includes:
- Module 1: Introduction
- Module 2: Basic Online Safety
- Module 3: Identifying Common Scams
- Module 4: Using Social Media
- Module 5: Sexual Content and Adult Websites
- Module 6: Basic Usage Guidelines
Discussion:
-It was asked what feedback they’ve received thus far. It was stated that the videos are very useful.
Cathy: We’ve shown them in a few different settings – last week we presented for MACSP (Maine Association for Community Service Providers). We’ve received feedback directly from self-advocates which has been fantastic. Someone said last week that the music was a little too loud, which I hadn’t heard before. Someone said that the quizzes at the end could get a little repetitive.
-A self-advocate stated that she particularly liked Shannon Moss (Public Information Officer, Maine Department of Public Safety) being featured in the videos because she’s familiar – everyone has seen her in the news etc. which is comforting especially with this topic. It was asked if the videos had the option for closed captioning.
Cathy: Yes, they have closed captioning as an option.
-A self-advocate stated that she didn’t know how to block her background in Zoom meetings like this one and it displays her home, personal surroundings, etc. Tips on this for people might be helpful. She also stated that the video that featured cyber bullying assumed it would be by a stranger. This kind of bullying can be perpetuated by friends, family members, etc. It’s a difficult topic, but finding a way to incorporate this could be advantageous. Some coaching on this would be helpful. A lot of what was in the videos is very introductory. Too much information all at once can be overwhelming – not watching all the videos at once and taking a break may be helpful for some. The content of the videos was very informative. Perhaps demonstrations, further advanced “scenario game” type videos could be beneficial as well so the skills can be practiced. People with ID/DD want to make friends, want to be part of communities, have unique gifts – having to reject someone can be very hard.
Cathy: These could definitely be ideas for future videos.
Lucas Cuellar – Disability Rights Maine (DRM): I’m curious if you’ve thought of doing an ASL version? Fully accessible videos are quite complicated, which I’m learning in my work as well!
Cathy: I don’t believe that’s something we’ve specifically discussed.
Tarsha: We’ve talked about a lot of different ways to increase accessibility, but I’m not sure if this specifically came up. There was a lot of work involved with the accessibility features we have. We did a little premiere with the people who worked with us on this project. It was a fun night. At that event we talked about a part two for the series. It was a tremendous amount of work, but even still we would love to see another grant come our way and do this again! I’ve loved the feedback – I’m taking notes, and if there is a part-two we will definitely take all of this into consideration!
Lucas: We’re learning that it does seem like you end up creating three different versions of the video – one with ASL, one that a screen-reader can read, and one with considerations for color/contrast/etc.
Melissa Bliss – Maine CITE: To add to the accessibility information – we do have information on digital accessibility. Please reach out to us if you want resources on that.
Cullen: Thank you all for being here and for sharing all of this – very well done. I’m glad you took the time to share this with us today and I hope this launches best practices across the state and beyond. Again, well done!
End Presentation (round of applause would have occurred were it not for everyone being muted and on Zoom)
DHHS – Office of Aging and Disability Services (OADS) - www.maine.gov/dhhs/oads
Craig Patterson: I don’t have a ton of stuff to share, but I’m happy to provide some general updates.
Lifespan: Most people are aware of where we’re at with Lifespan – we’re working on the final stages of the Application which will be submitted to CMS. We hope to post that for public comment in December. Please keep your eyes out for that, as we would love the feedback/comments.
Rate Study: As part of the Lifespan work, we’re working on a rate study, which will be produced and shared/posted in December, so please keep your eyes open for this too.
Licensing Rule: We’re also working on our current Licensing Rule so every service will be licensed by agency. We believe this will help us address a lot of issues we’re currently unable to address. We continue to work on that – it’s in review with the AG’s (Attorney General) office.
-Maine Innovation Summit May 19 and 20, 2025, Holiday Inn by the Bay, Portland:
The State of Maine, Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Aging and Disability Services announces its keynote speakers for the 2025 Innovation Summit May 19-20, 2025, in Portland, Maine. This state and national-level conference will provide a chance to showcase innovations in delivery of services for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities or autism as well as those with conditions such as cerebral palsy, or seizure disorder, or other similar conditions. It will also feature a Tech Expo with vendor exhibits, and assistive technology demos where people can try out new equipment.
Keynote Speaker Monday May 19th: Hope Dittmeier, Executive Director of Mattingly Edge, Service provider in Louisville, KY.
Topic: Choosing the Leading Edge of Innovation
Mattingly Edge has transformed itself into an agency supporting people to live their best lives based on a person’s goals and support needs - without a building. Hope will provide concrete examples of how her organization accomplishes this and will share the positive benefits that have been derived from their practice – for the people they support, for the people working at the agency, and for the community.
Bio: Hope Leet Dittmeier earned a master’s in Rehabilitation Counseling in 1983 and continues to be a lifelong learner. Her 40-year career has focused on helping people with intellectual and developmental disabilities access the good things in life that are typically denied to marginalized people – homes of their own, good jobs, a robust network of family and friends. Hope has served in a variety of roles including family member, Personal Futures Planning Facilitator, Regional Administrator, Early Interventionist, Family Support Specialist, trainer, and Executive Director. Hope developed an SRV-derived curriculum for practitioners, Endeavor for Excellence, that she taught in Ireland for three years. Her proudest accomplishment is leading the transition of a large, congregated adult day program into a service that only provides individualized, customized support that empowers disabled people to live typical lifestyles. She was recently honored to receive the Nonprofit Visionary Leadership Award in Louisville. Hope is a fierce advocate for full inclusion. When not working, Hope’s favorite thing to do is to spend time with her five-year-old grandson, Axl.
Keynote Speaker Tuesday May 20th: Stacy DiStefano, CEO of Consulting for Human Services, Inc.
Topic: Innovation and Managing Change in Human Services
Bio: Stacy DiStefano is a seasoned Human Services Executive with extensive experience as a mental health clinician, business strategist, and operations leader. As a trained solution focused therapist, and a trusted strategic advisor, Stacy is a passionate leader who built a career inspiring teams as VP of Innovation for Resources for Human Development, COO of Open Minds, and COO of Chimes International. Stacy has led high revenue multi-state service lines, including behavioral health, substance use disorder, intellectual developmental disabilities, autism, and supported housing.
In addition to leading CFHS, Stacy is an Advisory Board member for RxDiet, Floreo, and Bluebird Leaders. Stacy holds a Bachelor’s in Sociology, and a Master’s in Counseling, and is a highly regarded public speaker, and board and executive team facilitator.
More about the Summit:
- The Call for Papers process is now open. Information and the proposal submission form can be found at https://www.innovationsummitme.com/speak .
- Attendee registration is expected to open in January 2025.
- If you would like to be on the mailing list for potential presenters, vendors, or attendees, or have questions please email: [email protected].
Craig: The Innovation Summit will only be the positive experience we hope it will be if we have amazing presenters – so this is my plug for people to submit proposals (click here for the Innovation Summit announcement from OADS).
-It was asked if there will be anything similar for accessibility.
Craig: We would definitely be interested in something along those lines – so please feel free to email me directly ([email protected]).
Teague Morris – Senator King’s Office: This is information I could include in Senator King’s weekly updates, so I will make a note of this and add it in!
Cullen: It’s great to have you here, Teague! If you haven’t seen one of Teague’s updates, they are very comprehensive – thank you for all of your efforts to inform people and keep them up to date!
(Teague Morris is Senator King’s Outreach Director and can be reached at [email protected]. He produces weekly policy updates on low-income, aging, and Veterans’ issues. He also circulates a periodic list of newly posted federal grants. If interested, simply email Teague to be added to any/all of these email distribution lists.)
Cullen: Thank you for being here and for providing all of this information, Craig!
DHHS – Children’s Behavioral Health Services (CBHS), Office of Behavioral Health (OBH) - www.maine.gov/dhhs/ocfs - No Update
DOL – Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) - www.maine.gov/rehab/dvr
Libby Stone-Sterling:
- The Maine APSE Conference was held last week with the theme “Access to Good Jobs for All” – co-sponsored with DHHS and DOL. The conference was held in Bangor with over 150 in attendance. There were great panel presentations from individuals who are working in the community. (https://maineapse.weebly.com/2024-conference.html - showcased DHHS/VR collaborative work on self-employment.
- The Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired has promoted Jessica Cavanaugh into a new role “Youth and Family Services Coordinator”. Jessica will be supporting new services and support for family and youth who are blind or visually impaired: [email protected].
- PEERS – Evidenced-based soft skills and communication 14-week program is available through the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. PEERS is intended for youth and young adults ages 14-24 with Autism Spectrum Disorders. The program is delivered statewide via Zoom. For more information contact your local VR office or call 207-623-6799
- Pre-Apprenticeship and Registered Apprenticeship are taking off in Maine. The Bureau of Rehabilitation Services has an Apprenticeship Navigator Amanda Muller who can help support access to Pre-Apprenticeship and Registered Apprenticeship opportunities for jobseekers with disabilities: [email protected]
- MDOL is working with employers to promote disability inclusion in employment. The Windmills curriculum is one strategy to help promote inclusion and trained Windmills facilitators are available. For more information contact [email protected] . Liz is also very busy setting up jobseeker tours with businesses across the state.
Cullen: Thank you for being here, Libby!
Office of Special Services and Inclusive Education (OSSIE) - www.maine.gov/doe/learning/specialed - No Update
Disability Rights Maine (DRM) Update:
Jennifer Battis: I wanted to provide a brief overview of DRM’s Vaccine Access Project (click here for the slides from Jennifer’s overview). We did just release a video today about the latest vaccine and where to find it – specifically in ASL.
Lucas Cuellar: Can you speak to the at-home vaccine project – is it just COVID/flu vaccines or can people receive other vaccines at home?
Jennifer: I think can get any vaccine through this endeavor.
-A self-advocate wanted Jennifer to be aware of a digital storytelling video that was presented to the Coalition by Community Connect in which someone experienced a negative side effect of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Kim Humphrey – Community Connect: The side effect that individual experienced was extraordinarily rare. The focus of the video is about the difficulty of receiving the appropriate care because providers didn't listen to what the family was trying to share about their symptom concerns.
Jennifer: This resonates as people not being heard is common. Part of the Vaccine Access Project is helping to ensure that people are listened to.
Cullen: Thank you for this information, Jennifer!
Federal & Housing Updates:
There was general discussion regarding the outcome of the election and how it may affect federal resources.
Cullen: If the next Administration is similar to when Trump was President previously, Medicaid could be the target of cuts. Our Delegation has been great and has been advocating for all the right bills and for housing and quality services for people in Maine, including people with ID/DD.
- FY 25 Budget – Congress passed, and the President signed a bipartisan continuing resolution (CR) that extends funding for the federal government until 12/20 and includes minimal needed spending adjustments for certain programs to ensure they receive adequate funding to operate for the duration of the CR (known as “anomalies”). Congress will have to negotiate final FY 25 spending prior to the expiration of this CR. Advocates are requesting the highest funding increases possible for programs related to housing. With the outcomes of the election, it is very likely that Congress will pass another CR prior to the current one expiring to delay final FY 25 spending until the new Congress. Maine is currently under a Section 8 freeze which is very troubling and unprecedented. Out Delegation is aware and we’re hopeful there will be a fix – time will tell.
- House T-HUD Bill: On 7/10 the House Appropriations Committee passed its proposal to cut funding for HUD programs in FY 25 spending bill. Overall, the proposal would fund HUD at $73.2 billion – $2.3 billion, or about 3%, less than the FY 24 funding level. No housing-related amendments were passed.
- Senate T-HUD Bill: In August, the Senate’s THUD Appropriations Committee approved its FY 25 draft spending bill. Overall, the bill provides $78.2 billion for HUD’s affordable housing, homelessness, and community development programs, an increase of $8.2 billion – or more than 10% – over FY24-enacted levels. The bill proposes:
- $35.3B for $2.9B increase for Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) program ($2.9B increase vs FY 24 and $3 billion more than the funding proposed in the House THUD bill). The funding provided may be sufficient to cover the full cost of renewing existing TBRA voucher contracts.
- Increased funding for: Project-Based Rental Assistance (PBRA), the HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME), and Section 202 Housing for the Elderly.
- HR 7024 The Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act – On 8/1, the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act (formerly S 1557/ HR 3238 The Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act – see below for more info. On this bill which is included in HR 7024) was brought to the Senate floor for a vote, and it failed to pass. The legislation passed the House of Representatives earlier this year by a wide bipartisan vote of 357 to 70. The provisions in H.R. 7024 would finance the construction of over 200,000 new affordable homes nationwide. As a result, these provisions would finance 1,500 new rental homes in Maine generating new jobs throughout Maine.
- The American Housing and Economic Mobility (AHEM) Act of 2024 – Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Raphael Warnock (D-GA) and Representative Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO) reintroduced the American Housing and Economic Mobility (AHEM) Act in the Senate and House on 7/9. The bill would provide the large-scale investments required to construct nearly 3 million new units of affordable housing. If enacted, the AHEM Act would provide:
- More than $44 billion dollars in the national Housing Trust Fund (HTF) annually for 10 years, resulting in $445 billion in total investments to build, repair, and operate nearly 2 million homes for households with low incomes.
- More than $1 billion in the construction of new rental housing and homeownership opportunities in rural communities.
- S 570/H.R. 1342, Medicaid Dental Benefit Act of 2023 – Introduced by Senator Cardin, this bill requires state Medicaid programs to cover dental and oral health services for adults. It also increases the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (i.e., federal matching rate) for such services. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) must develop oral health quality and equity measures and conduct outreach relating to such coverage. Additionally, the Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Payment and Access Commission must report on specified information relating to adult oral health care.
- S 2767/HR 5408 SSI Savings Penalty Elimination Act – This bipartisan, bicameral bill was reintroduced in the Senate and House. The bill will update SSI’s asset limits for the first time since the 1980s to ensure people with disabilities and seniors are able to prepare themselves for a financial emergency without putting the benefits that they rely on to live at risk. After advocacy from Maine Senator Collins signed on to this bill.
- HR 7055 The Eliminating the Marriage Penalty in SSI Act (EMPSA) – This bill excludes a spouse's income and resources when determining eligibility for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and disregards marital status when calculating the SSI benefit amount, for an adult who has a diagnosed intellectual or developmental disability. (SSI is a federal income supplement program designed to help aged, blind, and disabled individuals with limited income and resources meet basic needs.).
- S 1557/ HR 3238 The Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act – Senator Angus King cosponsored bipartisan legislation to create nearly two million new affordable homes across the country – including thousands in Maine. The Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act would expand the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) to provide more homes for low-income people, support small businesses trying to attract workers, and fill the state’s gap of more than 20,000 affordable housing units. It appears this bill has strong bipartisan support, increasing its likelihood for passage.
- S 1332 / HR 2941 The Recognizing the Role of Direct Support Professionals Act – The Recognizing the Role of Direct Support Professionals Act would give a standard occupational classification to Direct Support Professionals, an important first step toward professionalizing this career and improving salaries and training. The Senate passed this bill the week of 5/6. The House has yet to approve its companion bill.
- S4120 / HR 7994 The Long-term Care Workforce Support Act – This bill would increase FMAP and offer grants to all DSPs and caregivers for the elderly and for people with I/DD and autism. VOR worked with members of the Senate Aging and Disability Policy Committee and other peer organizations to improve this bill from its original form. It is not perfect, and it contains one major flaw to which we continue to object (the permanent reauthorization of the Money Follows the Person Rebalancing Demonstration Program) but we will continue to work to improve this bill and remove its flaws.
- HR 7267 Disability Community Act of 2023 – This bill would amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to provide a temporary higher Federal medical assistance percentage for Federal expenditures under the Medicaid program that are associated with the cost of compliance with certain Federal regulations with respect to services furnished in certain intermediate care facilities or home and community-based services furnished to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
- S 7302 The Credit for Caregiving Act of 2024 (Sen. Michael Bennett (D-CO)) – This bill would amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide a nonrefundable credit for working family caregivers. In the case of an eligible caregiver, there shall be allowed as a credit against the tax imposed by this chapter for the taxable year an amount equal to 30 percent of the qualified expenses paid by the taxpayer during the taxable year to the extent that such expenses exceed $2,000. The tax credit does not exceed $5,000 per year.
- HR 3380 - HEADs UP Act of 2023 (Rep. Seth Moulton (D-MA)) – This bill authorizes the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to award grants to support health centers that provide services for individuals with developmental disabilities, including dental care. Grant recipients must provide specialized treatment to individuals with developmental disabilities, as necessary.
- HR 553 Workplace Choice and Flexibility for Individuals with Disabilities Act (Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-WI-6)) – This bill would amend the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to clarify the definition of competitive integrated employment.
- HR 1296 Restoration of Employment Choice for Adults with Disabilities Act (Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-WI-6)) – To amend the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to ensure workplace choice and opportunity for young adults with disabilities.
State Legislature Update:
Cullen: The elections happened. There are still a few races that have yet to be determined, but Democrats retained majorities in both chambers, though by smaller margins (current majorities/minorities: Maine Senate: 20-15, pending two likely recounts; Maine House: 76-72, with two Independents and one race too close to call ). The new Legislature will be sworn in on December 2nd. Both parties have also elected their leadership:
Senate Leadership:
Democrat Majority:
- Senate President: Sen. Mattie Daughtry
- Majority Leader: Sen. Teresa Pierce
- Assistant Majority Leader: Sen. Jill Duson
Republican Minority
- Minority Leader: Sen. Trey Jackson
House Leadership
Democrat Majority:
- Speaker of the House: Rep. Ryan Fecteau
- Majority Leader: Rep. Matt Mooner
- Assistant Majority Leader: Rep. Lori Gramlich
Republican Minority
- Minority Leader: Rep. Billy Bob Faulkingham
Cullen: Cloture will be in mid-to-late December- which is when bills must be filed. There is an effort this year to prevent legislators from filing placeholders (concept drafts). There is a budget-deficit projected of close to a billion dollars (General Fund & Highway Fund combined). When the Legislature resumes, they will be planning the Biennial Budget. As we discussed last month, the Department has indicated their concern with being able to fund/sustain the new rates being proposed as well as the codified rates system. As such it’s unknown if there will be funding for cost-of-living adjustments, rate adjustments, wage increase, waitlists, etc. This means that bills with fiscal notes will likely not sit well for enactment.
Now is an excellent time to reach out to elected officials, prior to the Legislative Session kicking off when they will all be tied up until July. Please continue to raise your voice and tell your stories so that when the 132nd Legislature convenes Legislators are educated on the needs of people with disabilities in Maine and well-poised to make good decisions. Sharing personal stories is the most effective form of advocacy and is essential to ensure we move the needle forward. Thank you all!
Other Business: None
The next meeting will be on Monday, December 9, 2024, 12-2:00pm, via Zoom*.
Featured Speaker and Topic: TBD.
Unless changed, Coalition meetings are on the 2nd Monday of the month from 12-2pm.
(In 2025 the October meeting will be the 3rd Monday due to the holiday)
The Maine Coalition for Housing and Quality Services provides equal opportunity for meeting participation. If you wish to attend but require an interpreter or other accommodation, please forward your request two weeks prior to the monthly meeting to [email protected].