Oct. 13 Mariel Hammer, Work Incentive Planning and Assistance Program (WIPA) overview

Nov. 10 Sharon M. Coutryer, PH.D, Host-Home : A Model of Success

Dec. Off

Jan. 12 Employing People w/disabilities in small businesses: We Grow Dreams, GoodWill

Feb. 9 Micr-Boards (Teri Stib? Crys

March 9 Community outreach: LTWC, Best Buddies Ruth Ann, Anna

April 6, 10 am – 1pm Lilia Tenitity Ruth Ann

March 11 Larche, Alex Conroy

June 8, Open   5     ]]> http://dfdn.org/archives/45/feed 0 http://dfdn.org/archives/15 http://dfdn.org/archives/15#comments Sat, 15 Apr 2006 20:28:48 +0000 webmaster http://dfdn.org/archives/15 Meeting minutes are posted below…

DFDN Meeting Minutes
March 12, 2006

The meeting was opened at 7:07 pm by President Barb Petersen.

The guest speaker, Mary Doherty, was introduced. Ms. Doherty is the client services representative for PACT Life Management Services. Life Managament Services was formed in 1981 and currently serve about 50-60 clients. They serve individuals in the entire Northeastern Illinois area. Services include three core areas: 1)advocacy, 2)guardianship and 3) trusteeship. Their clients must be identified with MI, DD, or age related dementia or similar conditions. It is a private pay for service fee and costs are determined by the extent of services required. Questions were entertained throughout the presentation. Additional information regarding these services can be accessed by contacting Mary Doherty at 630.960.9700 ext.148.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:57pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Mary Ann Ricketts
Secretary

]]> http://dfdn.org/archives/15/feed 0 http://dfdn.org/archives/13 http://dfdn.org/archives/13#comments Thu, 09 Mar 2006 01:24:51 +0000 webmaster http://dfdn.org/archives/13 Meeting minutes are as follows…

Meeting was opened by Barb Petersen at 7:10 pm. April 12th DFDN presenter will be Mary Doherty addressing services through Life Management Services, PACT, Inc. Look for e-mail flier for details. Parent- driven political forum being explored by DFDN prior to 2006 November election.

Mary Ann Ricketts organized presenters and was moderator.
Below is a brief overview of each program presented. Please contact each program for complete information. PACE and Elmhurst Life Skill Program welcome tours of their programs. Call for an appointment.

The PACE Program
National-Louis University
Carol Burns, Director
847.256.5150 x2671
cburns@nl.edu
www3.nl.edu/academics/pace
847.905.2671
bkite@nl.edu
Carol Burns presented. “20 years of college based programming for students with multiple learning disabilities”, states the PACE brochure.

* Student profile: 25 students accepted each fall. Students who typically fall through the education track having learning disabilities affecting all areas of life. Students need to be motivated with a desire for independence. College age 18 to 25.
* Program: College experience providing bridge between home and world. Academics, Vocational training, Life Skills, Socialization.Student support, but no job coaching.
* Outcome: Certificate of Completion. Internships leading to possible job, but no job assurance.
* Tuition: $21,000 + room and board + spending money totaling $30,000 per year.

Elmhurst Life Skill Program (ELSA)
Elmhurst College
Nancy Cheeseman
630.617.3752
elas@elmhurst.edu
nancych@elmhurst.edu
Nancy Cheeseman presented. New program began Fall 2005 with 11 students.

* Student profile: College age 18 to 25. Reading skills at 3rd or 4th grade level. Motivated students.
* Program: 4 year program. No residential component. Academics (Math/Tech., Science, English) Career, Independent Living Socialization.
* Outcomes: Certificate of Completion. Possible job, but no assurances.
* Tuition: Fall 2005- $10,800.per semester

COD Vocational Growth Programs
College of DuPage
Sally Field Mullan
Faculty/ Program Coordinator Vocational Skills Program
630.942.3854
www.cod.edu/vocational

Sally Field Mullan presented.

* Student Profile: 18 to 56+ with mild to moderate cognitive impairment.
* Program: Employment Skills I and II, Keyboard Skills, Computer Skills I and II, Automotive Skills, Food Service Skills, Hotel Housekeeping
* Skills. Eight-week courses meeting four hours each week.
* Summer Programs
* Outcomes: “Designed to develop entry-level employment skills and enhance independent living.”, states the COD brochure. No job assurance.
* Tuition: $87. per credit hour +$30. program fee totaling $204. per course. Horticulture Course meets 12 weeks for a $321. fee.

College for Life
Lewis & Clark Community College
Kathie Haberer, Director
618.468.4126 or 618.468.4211
khaberer@lc.edu
There was no presenter. Literature from College for Life was distributed at meeting.

Next DFDN meeting will be April 12, 2006. Lisle Library 7:00p.m. to 9:00p.m

Submitted by: Barbara Petersen

DuPage Family Disability Network

Minutes

February 8, 2006

The meeting was opened by Barb Petersen at 7:01pm. Prior to the introduction of the guest speakers, an announcement concerning the next DFDN meeting on post-secondary academic opportunities on Wednesday, March 8, 2006 at 7:00pm at the Lisle Public Library was made.

Steve Boisse, representing PACT, Inc. introduced the topic of “RIDE DUPAGE” a paratransit system for the elderly and disabled. At this point he turned the presentation over to Mary Keating, the administrator for DuPage County Community Services. Ms. Keating sits on the Interagency Paratransit Coordinating Council for DuPage County and has been instrumental in the development of the “Ride DuPage” program. The County started looking at paratransit services for the elderly and disabled in 1996. Since that time, several different programs have been tried, with “Ride DuPage” being the current program being utilized. This program has improvements over the others in regard to centralized scheduling and dispatching as well as being available to the riders 24/7. Fares are based on the distance traveled and rates are currently set at $1.50 for the first 6 miles with each additional mile costing $1.50. Unfortunately, this service is only available to residents who reside within the Naperville and Lisle townships and the city of Glen Ellyn. This area represents approximately 25% of the county. Other towns and townships within the county are currently looking at funding this program. In discussions with the various entities it is pointed out that this is a quality of life issue which provides independence to those who use the service. Though some ongoing adjustments are being made to the program, the general consensus is that this is a well run, well used service and hopefully within the next few years the entire county will have adopted “Ride DuPage”. The meeting was adjourned at 8:05pm.

The next regularly scheduled meeting of DFDN will be February 8, 2006 at 7:00pm at the Lisle Public Library.

Respectfully Submitted,
Mary Ann Ricketts
DFDN Secretary

DuPage Family Disability Network
Minutes
January 11, 2006

The meeting was opened by Barb Petersen at 7:07pm. Prior to the introduction of the guest speaker, an announcement concerning an upcoming meeting on residential options sponsored by Ray Graham on Thursday, January 26, 2006 at 7:00pm was made. Guest speaker, Sara Tatham, was introduced. Ms. Tatham, representing the Divisions of Rehab Services (DRS), presented information regarding vocational services her department provides to individuals with special needs. She discussed the STEP Program which is currently being used in many area high schools for transition planning of such individuals. Her department also provides grants to individual schools to help with job coach’s salaries, stipends, vocational guidance, counseling and job placements for the students. Once an individual has been working successfully for approximately ninety days, DRS support is phased out.

Other private agencies that work with DRS to provide job coaching and placement are Ray Graham Association, Spectrum Services, Supported Employment Associates (SEA) and Parent’s Alliance. The meeting adjourned at 8:35 pm.

The next regularly scheduled meeting of DFDN will be February 8, 2006 at 7:00pm at the Lisle Public Library.

Respectfully Submitted,
Mary Ann Ricketts
DFDN Secretary

DuPage Family Disability Network
Minutes
November 9, 2005

The meeting was opened by Ruth Ann Sikora at 7:08 pm. Guest speaker, Brian Rubin, was introduced. Mr. Rubin, a lawyer, presented information regarding Special Needs Trusts and future financial planning for families that have individuals with special needs. Questions were entertained at the end of the presentation. The meeting adjourned at 8:58 pm. Approximately thirty people were in attendance.

The next regularly scheduled meeting of DFDN will be January 11, 2006 at 7:00pm at the Lisle Public Library.

Respectfully Submitted,
Mary Ann Ricketts
DFDN Secretary