Innovative Scheduling and Compensation to Grow Your Workforce with GoodLife U
Thursday, November 18, 2021 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm (EST)

Register Today!

SESSION DESCRIPTION
Now more than ever, agencies cannot afford any instability within the workforce. Labor costs are rising at an unprecedented rate fueled by a dramatically shrinking DSP workforce, increases in both functional minimum wage and insurance costs, and now the COVID pandemic. Organizations face turnover rates exceeding 50%. Reliance on part-time staff is excessive, representing nearly 30% of the workforce (and over 40% of residential services) with the highest turnover rates.
New and safer considerations must be made for how to share staff across sites and organizations must urgently learn how to reduce the number of different people involved in care in order to protect those served. The solution includes innovative schedules that offer front/back and premium pay strategies that powerfully and positively impact DSP wages, capacity to work extra, stability, consistency, overall costs, etc.
In a 40-year collaboration with the University of Kansas, GoodLife has developed strategies to help people with I/DD live with greater independence, while also improving the lives of the DSPs who make this possible.
GoodLife U offers a comprehensive toolbox for measuring and addressing organizational (in)stability amidst the direct labor crisis. Strategies for payroll/benefits, scheduling, neighborhood and without-walls staffing, vacancy coordination, hiring how-to, policy, and funding will be discussed and attendees will receive a review of several impact studies. At GoodLife (and a growing number of agencies across the country) these labor strategies have been put into action and have resulted in lower turnover, an increase in wages for DSPs by $1.40/hr (avg.), fewer vacancies, less reliance on part-time staff, fewer different people involved in care (resulting in higher quality care), improved stability, and more
PRESENTER: MIKE STROUSE
Dr. Strouse is the President/CEO of GoodLife Innovations and its subsidiaries, including iLink Support Technologies, and also holds a courtesy faculty appointment with the University of Kansas Department of Applied Behavioral Science. His work encompasses research, development, and dissemination of evidence-based, nationally-regarded, community service models which include cutting edge technologies

Register Here

MACSP and ANCOR Member: $35 Non-MACSP or ANCOR Member: $5

There are currently two opportunities to offer public comment to the Maine Department of Education on important changes to the law for Chapter 33 (law overseeing Restraint and Seclusion) and Chapter 115 (law credentialing of education personnel).
 
Chapter 33
 
As a result of LD 1373 the law governing the use of Restraint and Seclusion in our schools for all children is changing. The new rules are outlined in this document and highlight the changes. The public comment period is now open and the deadline to provide your feedback is December 3rd. This form provides you with the opportunity to provide you input on specific areas of the new law. This is an opportunity for you to offer input on where you feel there maybe needed clarification on definitions, application of the law, documentation, reporting, training and more. There will also be a Public Hearing on November 22nd.
 
Chapter 33
Chapter 115 outlines the required credentials needed for education personnel working within our schools. The proposed changes are outlined in this document. Two important talking point is the reinstatement of Adaptive Physical Education certification and the addition of a certification for Pre-K - 12 (instead of K-12). The public comment period has been re-opened and will remain open until November 29th. Comments can be submitted to Jaci Holmes.
 
Please direct questions to Carrie Woodcock.

Virtual Information Session
​
ABOUT THE OPENING ON E STREET, SOUTH PORTLAND

Wednesday, NOVEMBER 17 6:30 pm

Join us to learn more about Specialized Housing, why families have chosen this program for their adult children, how the home ownership model works and next steps to joining the group.
​
ONLY 1 UNIT AVAILABLE

For Zoom link information, please RSVP to Sarah Robinson at: scr.shi.estreet@gmail.com

Southern Maine Advisory Council on Transition

WHEN: FRIDAY, November 5, 2021 TIME: 1:00 – 3:00
Due to the pandemic this meeting will be held via ZOOM. 
https://zoom.us/j/95866770967?pwd=ZU9VUndkbTFUNnM3bSswUkNzbVBnQT09

Join Us for SMACT’s November Meeting Presentation
Area Teen Centers
Our local teen centers provide a safe, free, year round
after school meeting place for middle and high school aged youth.
Join us to learn about these centers, the programs they offer and the people they serve.
Speakers
Jordan Cardone, Coordinator, Brunswick Area Teen Center
Tina Burns and Timissa Chambers, Coordinators, My Place Teen Center in Westbrook
✔ Wish to attend but require an interpreter? Please forward your request for an interpreter
two weeks prior to the monthly meeting to esmith27@maine.rr.com and one will be
provided for your party.
✔ Please, feel free to distribute this flyer to anyone interested in joining us and/or receiving
these e-mails. You can also now follow us on our Website or Facebook Page!
Be sure to check out our new website – note new address
Website
https://sites.google.com/portlandschools.org/smact
Facebook Page
www.facebook.com/someadvisorycouncilontransition

The DHHS Bureau of Rehabilitation Services annual publication “BRS Highlights for 2020-2021” has been published and is now available on our BRS webpage.

MPF November 2021 Virtual Workshops & Events

Maine Youth Chat
November 2nd, November 13th, and November 30th at 4:00 pm
 
A virtual group for youth and young adults with disabilities and special healthcare needs (14-26). Occurs every other Tuesday. (x3 this month)
 
“Maine Youth Chat is a virtual group for young people in Maine to network and learn about new opportunities. Together we will build and share skills in communication, self-advocacy, and decision making, with the shared purpose of building a supportive community of like-minded people.”
 
Please contact Dylan Campbell, dcampbell@mpf.org for more information.
 
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEsf-mqrjguHtxJCabMu8aYYvyumIaO7YQ2
 
Webinar: Disability Rights Maine- Restraint and Seclusion
November 2nd at 12:00pm (noon)
 
Join us on November 2nd at 12:00pm (noon) with our guests from Disability Rights Maine to discuss Restraint and Seclusion (R&S) here in Maine.
 
If you have any questions about this webinar, please reach out to Dylan Campbell, dcampbell@mpf.org.
 
Register in advance for this webinar:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_kgP8QtR1Syi6TavxkkItzg
 
 
Parent Support Group: For Parents of Children with Disabilities or Special Healthcare Needs
November 4th and December 2nd at 12:00pm (noon)
 
First Thursdays of every month at noon.
This is an opportunity for parents/caregivers to meet and connect with other parents and MPF staff to share experiences, gain skills, and learn about new opportunities.
 
If you have any questions please reach out to Allison Wiest, awiest@mpf.org.
 
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZItfu-oqTspGdCBpaX0XgSPuA0L94ZclvMW
 
MDOE and MPF: We are Looking for Stakeholder Input
November 4th at 1:00pm
 
Each year the Office of Special Services at the Maine Department of Education submits an Annual Performance Report (APR) to the federal Office of Special Education Programs, known as OSEP. The APR is a package of multiple reports called ‘indicators’, and each indicator is a report of the state’s performance in various areas for students that receive special education. States are required to monitor and report on their progress in each of the areas, and set annual targets for improvement.
 
Maine Parent Federation has partnered with the Maine Department of Education to create a series of videos and surveys to gather input from all stakeholders, (parents, school staff, students), on current and future performance. We are looking for feedback to assist MDOE in deciding on their targets for the next 6 years. Your input is critical to ensure the APR reflects the priorities of all stakeholders.
 
If you have any questions, please reach out to Dylan Campbell, dcampbell@mpf.org
 
Please Register in Advance:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIqfuyurz0uHNUz3zlpKLv8CrwVJTk9BtLN
 
Youth Survivors Network
November 10th at 4:00 pm
 
Occurs on the second Wednesday of each month.
 
A virtual networking opportunity for youth and young adults (16-25) with brain injuries in Maine and New Hampshire to share their experiences and build a
community of self-advocates.
 
Stay connected! Follow our YSN Instagram @YouthSurvivorsNetwork
 
If you have any questions, please reach out to dcampbell@mpf.org
 
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0lcOmvqT8vH9NeQ8v9Yokb_woX0tWWuvJC
 
Katie Beckett
November 17th at 12:00 pm (noon)
 
The Katie Beckett waiver is an option for children with serious health conditions. It allows access to full MaineCare benefits to individuals who may not qualify otherwise. Maine Parent Federation has developed this training to guide parents through the application process, and what to expect along the way.
I
f you have any questions, please reach out to Allison Wiest, awiest@mpf.org.
 
Register in advance for this webinar:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_oKQs5rfXRMaOzEg3cRobkw
 
 
Parent Support Group for Parents of Children with a Serious Illness
November 18th at 12:00 pm (noon)
 
Occurs on the third Thursday of each month.
We welcome you to join a group specific to those caring for a child with a serious illness whereby he or she may not survive into adulthood.
 
These meetings are intended to provide a confidential opportunity to connect parents who can choose to share their stories, discuss their challenges and support one another. This group is structured on the peer support model of helping one another. Facilitators are Janet Duncan, MSN, CPNP a pediatric palliative care nurse practitioner now working with Courageous Parents Network and Christine Bennett, MD, a pediatrician with 30 years’ experience in private practice in Portland. For more information, please contact Allison Wiest, awiest@mpf.org
 
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMkceyvqD4iGtUq6vizZJU2CrvBc5tiHvXp
 
Ask Us Anything
November 30th at 12:00 pm (noon)
 
Occurs on the last Tuesday of each month, excluding December.
 
Bring your questions and join Maine Parent Federation staff for a Live Q&A!
We understand that parents may have a lot of unanswered questions and seeking guidance can feel like hitting a roadblock.
 
Using personal and professional experience navigating the systems of care, our staff hopes to provide assistance, information, and referral to help you receive the answers you are looking for. If we can’t answer your questions, we will find someone who can!
 
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUqcO-tqjIrGtYIFQUdJYiRWFIpBENdH8mb
 
 
LIVE Q&A with Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault and Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Services
 
December 1st at 12:00pm (Noon)
 
There are many reasons why talking about sexual violence prevention is uncomfortable. We know this is particularly true because of the lack of resources for folks living with or supporting someone with disabilities. While we recognize and honor this discomfort and lack of resources, we also know the importance of having these conversations with all children at an early age. Join us for a time to “ask us anything” about sexual violence prevention – including consent, communication, gender, boundaries, relationships, and much more.
 
Bring your questions and let us help you recognize and respond to relationship abuse and sexual violence against young people with disabilities when you join MECASA, SAPARS and MPF for a Virtual Live Q&A on Wednesday, December 1st at noon.
 
If you have any questions please reach out to Allison Weist, awiest@mpf.org.
 
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0qduurqTMoH9OUmdSDkqD5T1szll4rPiCZ
​

Each year the Office of Special Services at the Maine Department of Education submits an Annual Performance Report (APR) to the federal Office of Special Education Programs, known as OSEP. The APR is a package of multiple reports called ‘indicators’, and each indicator is a report of the state’s performance in various areas for students that receive special education. States are required to monitor and report on their progress in each of the areas, and set annual targets for improvement.
 
Maine Parent Federation has partnered with the Maine Department of Education to create a series of videos and surveys to gather input from all stakeholders, (parents, school staff, students), on current and future performance. We are looking for feedback to assist MDOE in deciding on their targets for the next 6 years. Your input is critical to ensure the APR reflects the priorities of all stakeholders.
 
Please register below to join MPF staff and learn more about this project as well as how you can assist. Please register for the day that works best for you below. If you have any questions please reach out to Dylan Campbell, dcampbell@mpf.org.
 
When: Oct 27, 2021 12:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIkdOqtqDksHdyxShe7QDIuq573SJDErdd6
When: Nov 4, 2021 01:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIqfuyurz0uHNUz3zlpKLv8CrwVJTk9BtLN
​

In partnership with Maine State Treasurer, Bangor Savings Bank Launches
Maine ABLE Benefit Checking for People with Disabilities
 
First-in-the-Nation account furthers the Bank’s commitment to serving community needs
 
Bangor, ME (October 18, 2021):  Bangor Savings Bank introduced its newest product, the first of its kind in the nation, Maine ABLE Benefit Checking. The account was created for people with disabilities to allow greater accessibility to financial products and services, while protecting eligibility for federal and State of Maine means-tested benefits. Historically, individuals receiving benefits such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) are limited to $2,000 in resources. ABLE Accounts provide new avenues for financial health, planning, and empowerment for individuals with disabilities and their families.
 
The Federal “Achieving a Better Life Experience” Act of 2014 (ABLE Act) created a new option for qualified individuals living with disabilities and their families. Most ABLE programs follow an assets-under-management model. Maine has chosen a different approach and account structure to meet the more immediate needs of participants for whom longer term investment and saving is not a primary goal.
 
ABLE accounts originate from the Federal ABLE Act and are established and managed at the state level. In partnership with the Office of the Maine State Treasurer, which oversees and maintains the program locally, Bangor Savings Bank is proud to serve as the administrator of the ABLE ME program.
 
ABLE ME, with Bangor Savings Bank’s Maine ABLE Benefit Checking account as the sole deposit instrument, was announced last month by Maine State Treasurer Henry E. M. Beck, Esq., and is the first of its kind in Maine and the nation.
 
“The State is grateful to partner with Bangor Savings Bank to offer this first-in-the-nation, simple ABLE checking account product,” said Beck. “When we first began developing this program, we listened to Mainers who live with disabilities who told us having access to a respected brick-and-mortar Maine-based financial institution was paramount. I encourage Mainers to take advantage of the protections and dignity an ABLE account can provide.”
 
“Our partnership with the Office of the State Treasurer is a unique public-private collaboration that allows us to increase access to banking.” said Bob Montgomery-Rice, President and CEO of Bangor Savings Bank. “Creating and offering this program supports the financial independence and well-being of Maine’s residents with disabilities and reflects our ongoing commitment to provide better banking experiences for all community members.” 
 
“Partnering with the State Treasurer’s Office to innovate this first-in-the-nation Bank-administered ABLE Program has been incredibly rewarding. It wouldn’t have come to fruition without the vision and commitment of former State Treasurer Terry Hayes and current State Treasurer Henry Beck, as well as the unshakable support of our President and CEO Bob Montgomery-Rice,” said Joyce Clark Sarnacki, Bangor Savings Bank Foundation Chair and a member of the ABLE ME development team.
 
The Maine ABLE Benefit Checking can be opened at any Bangor Savings Bank branch and is available to qualifying Maine residents. For more information about ABLE Programs across the country, visit the National Association of State Treasurers here.
 
About Bangor Savings Bank  
 
Bangor Savings Bank, with more than $6 billion in assets, offers retail banking to consumers as well as comprehensive commercial, corporate, payroll administration, merchant services, and small business banking services to businesses. The Bank, founded in 1852, is in its 169th year with more than 60 branches in Maine and New Hampshire and business and/or loan production offices in Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts. Bangor Savings Bank and The Bangor Savings Bank Foundation have invested more than $3.4 million into the community in the form of sponsorships, grants, and partnership initiatives last year. Bangor Savings Bank is an equal opportunity employer and can be found on the Web at www.bangor.com. Member FDIC.