Statewide Independent LivingCouncil of Illinois
Statewide Independent LivingGerard Broeker, Executive Director
The quarterly meeting of the Statewide Independent Living Council of Illinois was called to order by Chair Arellano at 10:05 a.m. on Thursday, August 3, 2006. Arellano welcomed members and guests present. Introductions were made.
Minutes of the May 4 and August 3, 2006 meetings were distributed for review.
MOTION: Sherwin motioned to approve the minutes of May 4, 2006. Gunther seconded the motion. Motion carried.
MOTION: Sherwin motioned to approve the minutes of August 3, 2006. Gunther seconded the motion. Motion carried.
Update on DHS Audit Compliance: Broeker reported that the Operations Committee met this morning to discuss updates and revisions to the Fiscal Policy and the By-Laws. An attorney has reviewed these policies and given some feedback. The Operations Committee will have these documents ready for approval at the February 2, 2007 meeting. DHS has not contacted SILC regarding when they will be back for another compliance audit.
FY08 Budget Discussion: Chair Arellano reported that the fiscal year 2008 budget will be discussed in closed executive session this afternoon as there are personnel issues that will be discussed in conjunction with the draft budget.
Chair Arellano reported on a recent meeting in Chicago that dealt with outreach to Hispanic families with disabilities. The meeting centered on community development, the importance of having a relationship with your legislators and voting in the upcoming election. It was very helpful in getting the Hispanic community to understand the issued involved in advocating for people with disabilities. Arellano also reported attending the Rehabilitation Advisory Council meeting recently.
Broeker discussed the draft policy initiatives for 2007. He reported that the policy is very similar to the 2006 approved policies since there was very little action by legislators in the past year the policies remain very consistent with last year.
MOTION: Sherwin motioned to approve the 2007 Policy Initiatives with the addition of stresses on communication accessibility and assistive technology.
MOTION: Kear motioned that SILC send a letter regarding cuts in payments for durable medical equipment. Sherwin seconded the motion. Motion carried.
INCIL Representative Gail Kear reported that INCIL is working on three priority areas which are the Illinois Disability Vote Project, the Olmstead Implementation Act and formula funding. The Illinois Disability Vote Project has been assisting Centers for Independent Living with voter registration, voter education and turnout. The Olmstead Committee has been working on refining the language in the Olmstead Bill that will be introduced this year. Formula funding is an ongoing effort to get more funding for Centers for Independent Living.
There was discussion about the procedures for election of officers in accordance with the By-Laws. A nominating committee was developed. Liz Sherwin will chair the nominating committee. Other members include John Miller, Judy Panko Reis and Pam Heavens.
MOTION: Sherwin motioned that elections of officers be postponed until a nominating committee can be developed per SILC By-Laws. Heavens seconded the motion. Motion carried.
Broeker reported that he wrote a letter to Boards and Commissions within the Governor’s office about the need for new appointments on the Council. He has not received a response.
Broeker reported that by-law changes have been reviewed by a corporate attorney. The attorney, Michael Horstman, had several good comments to improve the by-laws. Due to the lack of sufficient time for Council members to review this document these will be voted on at the February meeting.
Richard Grafton from Estes, Bridgewater and Ogden presented the audit report for fiscal year 2006.
MOTION: Kear motioned to accept the audit report as presented. Sherwin seconded the motion. Motion carried.
Broeker reported on the 2006 Youth Summit expenditures and plans for 2007.
Broeker reported that the Homeownership Coalition will soon have a new home. The program and Robin Benson will be moving to the Illinois Assistive Technology Program in January, 2007. IATP is a statewide non-profit organization providing assistive technology services. Among its many programs, IATP offers two low-interest cash loan programs. One assists people with disabilities in purchasing assistive technology and funding modifications to homes or automobiles, the other assists people with disabilities in supporting or developing a home-based business. The Homeownership Coalition for People with Disabilities will complement IATP’s current programs.
The next meeting of the Statewide Independent Living Council will be held on Thursday, February 1, 2007.
J. Anel Gonzalez, Secretary
Minutes prepared for J. Anel Gonzalez, Secretary by Tara Dunning and Gerard Broeker