Member Attendees:  Kate Travis, Melissa Taylor, Rich Tulikangas (UMD), Steph Trelli, Kerri Fradette, Jill Larmett, Linda Rammler, Tom Cosker, Carissa Decelles, Beth Reel, Joe Wendover, Josh Werner, Nicole Rico Serrano, Andrea Richardson, David Doukas

Guest Attendees:Ellen Fabian (UMD), Rich Tulikangas (UMD), Kyle Cyr, Katlyn Williams

Welcome and introductions – Chairperson, Kate Travis

Comprehensive Statewide Needs Assessment (CSNA ) Update – Ellen S Fabian and Rich Tulikangas (UMD)

  • Using Qualtrics
    • Linda has worked with it before
  • Kate asked how other states perform their CSNA
    • Don’t want to push work onto BRS, should be SRC
    • Committee will be running point on this
  • Looking for feedback on surveys by 1/26/2024
    • Jill
      • Font should be increased to 14pt for accessibility
      • Section on SSDI may be confusing/misleading
        • Should be “I receive SSDI” and leave it there
          • Steph says need to define SSI vs. SSDI to eliminate confusion
    • Tom Cosker
      • Consumer survey is main focus
        • Some of the questions from the Staff survey should be posed to consumers
          • Steph agrees
      • Asking some questions multiple ways but there needs to be an open-ended area for more feedback
        • “What challenges have you had?” etc.
    • Kate
      • We want a question around timelines
        • May be in consumer satisfaction survey
    • Beth
      • On Consumer Survey there are a lot of assumptions in some of the wording of questions
        • When the question asks what services were offered by BRS it is too easy to say “No, ‘CRP’ provided said service”
          • Tom says consumers say they work with Ability Beyond not BRS
        • Question about if they’ve been to a CRP is vague
    • Melissa
      • It’s confusing because as a consumer you are asked to fill out a lot of paperwork for BRS and the CRP/WIB
      • I was asked if I have a conservator yesterday, needs to be a better way of asking that question
    • Linda
      • Questions are written to a higher education level than our standard consumers
      • Ask “Do you have…?”
      • Fewer choices on some of the multiple-choice questions
      • Let people know it’s okay to ask for help answering questions
    • Email Steph/Kerri with comments/concerns about surveys before deadline

 

BRS Updates – Dave Doukas

  • State Plan
    • Working on getting information on how to pull together Unified State Plan
      • DOL is looking at hiring a consultant to help pull everything together
      • Trying to collaborate with others
    • Working on responding to SRC comments
    • Due in March
  • CT PIE Grant
    • Making good ground
    • RSA is pleased with progress
      • Pilot is going well
    • Still working on building the tool kits for CT PIE counselors
    • Adding VR Sup to CT PIE
      • Marta Bisciglia has joined CT PIE full time
  • BRIDGE CT Grant
    • In planning year
    • Setting evaluation models
    • Working agreements with partners
  • CSAVR
    • Executive Team meeting last week
      • Advancing strategic priorities
        • Recruitment and retention of VR staff
        • Review internal processed
          • Qualified staff make eligibility determination
        • Increase provider capacity
    • Tom asked if CT PIE and CT BRIDGE can have standing updates
      • Dave suggested adding George Michna and Lynn Frith to do updates
  • Staffing
    • We are working hard to recruit more staff
      • Have made many hires
      • Still having high turnover
    • Posting for VR Candidates at bachelor's level
      • Assist with caseloads
      • Work toward master’s
    • Posting for 17 positions statewide

SRC Updates – Kerri and Kate

  • Let Kate know if you don’t have an invite to the Teams channel for SRC
    • Kate will send out direct links upon request
  • Member recruitment
    • Membership committee only has 2 members currently
      • Working on laying out member expectations
    • Think about whom else you know should be on the
  • If you’re not on a committee, please join one
    • Everyone must sit on one
  • Bylaws
    • Looking at those to see if we need to make any changes
      • Most recent version is 2019
        • Located on Teams channel
      • Add to agenda for next week
  • Appointments
    • Everyone is appointed currently
      • Josh Werner received appointment, Kate Travis was reappointed
    • Let Kerri know if you’re still waiting on appointment or about to expired
  • Haven’t heard back from people on Consumer Satisfaction Survey
    • Kerri will reach out again
  • June meeting is scheduled on Juneteenth
    • Move it to 6/12/2024

Committee Updates:

  • Legislation and Policy- Chair(s): Tom C., Linda, Melissa, Beth
    • We need to meet
      • Send Linda availability
    • Work on prioritizing deliverables for this year
  • Membership – Chair: Jill, Tom B.
    • Met last week on orientation and onboarding for SRC
    • Will be reaching out to other committees on things
  • Program Review- Chair(s): Steph, Kate, Carissa, Josh
    • Monthly scheduled meetings
    • Have identified which parts of BRS we’d like to have at SRC meetings
      • Email Kerri, also in annual report and Steph with survey feedback                      
      • Next Meeting:  March 20, 2024 at 9:30am via TEAMS

Attendees: Kerri Fradette, Jill Larmett, Kate Travis, Melissa Taylor, Tom Boudreau, Linda Rammler, Tom Cosker, Trever Rogers (DDS) Guest, Josh Werner, Beth Reel, Torrey Morse (ADS/BRS)Guest, Joe Wendover

Excused Absence: Shannon McCann,

Welcome and introductions – Kerri

  • New member discussion

Review /Approve SRC Minutes

  • Went over corrections on minutes
  • Motion to approve minutes was seconded

Budget – Treasurer, Kate

  • No updates at this time
  • Kerri will send out budget post meeting

Client Assistance Program – Tom C

  • Having an uptick of calls regarding presumptive eligibility regarding SSI/SSDI consumers
    • They shouldn’t be subject to full BRS 60-day eligibility process since SSI/SSDI
    • We would like counselors be made more aware so that once they see the SSI/SSDI letter they should be able to move into plan
    • Comments:
      • Kate Travis said they notice the same issue
      • Torrey Morse said BRS is working on expedited enrollment currently
      • Jill Larmett said that she wasn’t aware that SSI/SSDI was presumptive eligibility
        • Linda Rammler said that SSI is proof you’re “employable”
        • Linda Rammler said we should make this our first Lunch and Learn topic
      • Torrey Morse reviewed Order of Selection and SSI/SSDI protocols within BRS

Customized Employment Updates – Torrey Morse (BRS) & Trever Rogers (DDS)

  • Core Goals
    • Build a better Service Delivery System to improve employment outcomes for individuals with significant disabilities in CT through implementation of Customized Employment
  • 3 Phases
    • Job Discovery
    • Job Development, Negotiation, and Placement
    • Post-Employment Supports
  • Training
    • As of 6/12/2023 there are 80 registered CE Staff in CE with 28 provider agencies
      • 21 DDS
      • 18 BRS
      • 17 that can receive referrals from both ADS/BRS and DDS
    • There are 2 trainings currently underway
    • 4 more trainings are planned for 2023-2024 year
  • Questions:
    • Kate Travis: Have you studied attrition data?
      • Torrey: Just beginning to pull that data. We do know many people were trained and then left before they were able to implement. We know the number is much higher than we’d like.
    • Linda Rammler: Can I have the slides? Also, one of the challenges I see is that the provider didn’t do discovery and a lot of time was wasted for the consumer. Just trying to prevent a pattern and hoping for quality assurance.
      • Torrey: Definitely pushing for in-depth discovery work. We have noticed that provider staff hasn’t been uncovering the unknown, we are working toward getting very detailed job discovery for all consumers.
    • Beth Reel: Super excited to see this! A question about training, we had once talked about having other people take the training so they can learn more (smaller condensed coaching model maybe) – just wondering if that’s been put on the table yet.
      • Torrey: Yes. We do allow for auditing, though room is limited.

SRC Updates – Kerri

  • BRS statewide mtg
    • Success stories
      • Reviewed success story with NRWIB consumer
      • Kerri will try to get the other videos to SRC
    • Questions:
      • Jill Larmett: Any more on adding more office days for counselors?
        • Kerri: There has been pushback from the Unions. The letter we composed has been discussed with Office of Labor Relations but we haven’t heard back as of yet.
        • Tom B: I would refer people to Kerri if you are contacted.
  • Retreat Fall 2023
    • Kate Travis: Should definitely be in person. We should review the rules and guidelines of SRC. We don’t need a speaker, enough work to do.
    • Tom B: Agree 100%
    • Kate Travis: Should also review membership mandates, everyone needs to pull their weight. Listening to NRSRC I feel energized about getting things on track.
    • Tom B: We need to get the post card out with the consumer engagement.
      • Kerri is reaching out to WOT for contacts
    • Jill suggest AJC location in Hartford or BRS-CO
      • Parking can happen at BRS-CO regardless of location
      • Blocking out room for 9/20 9am-3pm
        • Katlyn and Kerri will review CO conference rooms
  • Consumer satisfaction survey  - Microsoft forms
    • Kerri reached out to NRSRC about whom they use for Needs Assessments this morning
      • Trying to find someone to administer for us, and have it be on-going
      • We can spend money on this, we have room in the budget

SRC Marketing – All

  • Discussion about hiring an outside agency to administer and analyze annual consumer surveys.

Committee Updates:

Legislation and Policy- Chair(s): Tom C., Linda, Melissa

Membership – Chair: Tom B., Shannon, Jill- postcards and business letter finalized and will be sent out to listservs, etc.

Program Review- Chair(s): Sean,  Kate

 

Public Comment - All

 

Next Meeting:  September 20, 2023  Retreat – 9a.m. -3p.m.

Attendees: Joe Wendover, Sean Kennedy, Shannon McCann,  Jill Larmett, Tom Boudreau, Tom Cosker,  Linda Rammler , Melissa Taylor, Beth Reel, Andrea Richardson, Jennifer Jenkins, Dave Doukas

Volunteers: Katlyn Williams, KerriFradette                                            

Absent: Kate Travis, Nicole Serrano-Rico, Donna Devito

 

Welcome and introductions – Chairperson, Shannon

 

Review and approved SRC Minutes from previous meeting.

 

Budget – Treasurer, Kate – (absent) review of budget, no new expenditures. Kerri will code the expenses from NCSRC fall meeting and for upcoming meeting in April.

Client Assistance Program -Tom C (if available)- Working on PIE grant subcommittee, things with BRS are getting a little more fluid, no major issues for discussion.

 Discussion about rebranding the SRC to gain more interest and promote council.

Director Updates: Dave Doukas

Program Data: Legislation inquiries from general assembly regarding intellectual disabilities. ID seems to be a major focus this session.

Review of FY 2022, spreadsheet, 5,009 consumers.  The numbers are improving for intakes. 38 days is the average time to plan. Working on expedited enrollment process.

Staffing Update: Still working towards spending funding for VR.  BRS plans to have 1,000 students participate in Level Up Work Based Learning Experience during the summer months.

BRS currently has 33 vacancies for staff and currently about 137 employees.  

National Perspective: Nationally VR is in the hot seat on VR retention, and not enough CRP staffing to help accommodate consumers.   

SRC Updates – Kerri

  • Website review – the BRS website is being updated and SRC page will be revised as well.  There are sections on the website outlining success stories and employer spotlights.  We will have outreach group present to the SRC at the next meeting.
  • Counselor Expectations – BRS is looking into creating more substantial expectations for counseling staff.  SRC agreed that this should be something from HR and BRS management.
  • Consumer satisfaction survey – BRS is sending out engagement survey to staff.  This will help us to figure out how staff our feeling and what we can do to create a successful bureau. SRC agreed that this will be helpful information. Kerri will send the survey out to the group for review.  The results will be discussed at a future meeting.  The idea of creating a quick questionnaire for staff and consumers that can be easily created and implemented was discussed.  Kerri will investigate options to do a quick survey and increase responses.

 

 

Committee Updates:

Legislation and Policy- Chair(s): Tom C., Linda, Melissa – Did not meet, no update currently.

Membership – Chair: Tom B., Shannon, Jill –Group is looking into ideas to increase membership and participation.

Program Review- Chair(s): Sean, Kate – Request to have BRS outreach group give an overview of website and other materials.

 

Public Comment - All

 

Next Meeting:  March 29, 2023, via TEAMS

Attendees: Shannon McCann, Jill Larmett, Joe Wendover, Tom Boudreau, Melissa Taylor, Kerri Fradette, Katlyn Williams, Tom Cosker, Beth Reel, Linda Rammler, Sean Kennedy, Andrea Richards

Absent: Nicole Rico- Serano, Donna Devito

 

Welcome and introductions – Chairperson, Shannon

  • Meeting minutes from October 13 retreat were accepted

Budget – Treasurer, Kate/Kerri

  • Kerri reviewed budget
    • SRC retreat
    • Kate’s trip to NCSRC
  • Looking into SurveyMonkey account
    • Discussed existing postcard
      • Do we have more?
        • Yes, they’ve been sent to BRS field offices
      • We should evaluate the questions again
  • NEAT membership
    • Supports NEAT
    • Allows access for SRC members
      • Can reach out as member of SRC to learn more
    • Kerri will reach out to NEAT for most current invoice

Client Assistance Program -Tom C

  • Regular steady flow of calls
    • Communication issues with counselors
    • Communication issues with CRPs
  • Working with a few consumers on customized employment
    • Slow to get moving
  • Looking forward to working with BRS on the DIF Grant
    • Jill said that DDS wishes that it was more focused on closing workshops as opposed to diverting from them
      • Linda responded that Kathy Marchione had said this morning that we need to be careful of politics around issue, some people find that subminimum wage work works best for them and don’t want to discourage people from the workforce all together
  • We aren’t hearing about many accounts of consumers not getting the option to have in-person vs virtual
    • The few consumers they know of that need in-person are getting in-person
    • Cameras must be on
      • Melissa’s counselor didn’t turn their camera on at first and she wasn’t sure how to address it, but the camera did eventually turn on

SRC Discussion:

SRC letter to Director

  • Thank you everyone for assisting with letter
  • BRS is supposed to be open to the public
  • It would be good to have some data on whether or not our closure rates and other data supports VRCs teleworking
    • Kerri will ask Dave for data
  • Language around some of the teleworking points should be clarified
  • Having the option to have virtual vs. in-person is important for both the consumer and the counselor
    • Making it clear that there are options are key
    • Language suggested by Linda: Based on feedback the SRC has heard from various sources, the practice begun during the quarantine of any staff teleworking 100% of the time is materially... (inserted instead of “It is the SRC’s…”
    • Fine line with staff, we don’t want to lose more BRS counselors
  • Kerri will make changes and then will resend to group
    • Tom put a motion out to vote electronically
      • Motion carried

Revolving Employer Spotlight

  • We invite people to come to meetings, if not in VR world they’re not as receptive
  • Shannon and Tom B. will craft a recruitment letter to invite businesses into some meetings to spotlight employers
    • We need one business on the SRC, but we can have others to come and talk to SRC
    • Potentially bring in the business and training programs (like Travelers) to come in and give feedback
  • Linda suggested to reach out to various chambers of commerce
    • They’re not boots on the ground but may have good geographic insight
      • Lions Club, Rotaries, etc. in same vein
  • Kerri will reach out to BRS Outreach/Marketing team with SRC for

Main Responsibilities of the SRC be placed under the Committees

  • Kate said that at NCSRC the members take more administrative roles than we do in CT
    • Since Kate is not in attendance, we will table this for next time

Members joining Committees

  • Jill signed up for Membership and Recruitment committee
  • Recruitment should be something every SRC member does
    • If you know of people who may be interested send their information to Kerri

SRC Updates – Kerri

Membership updates

  • Andrea is the only person whose membership needs renewal (Jan 2023)
    • Kerri will send a packet
  • Shannon never received letter from Governor Lamont
    • Kerri will look to see if she has letters and send them upon request
  • If you are not on a committee please join one

New Staff

  • BRS hired two Ed Service Specialists
    • Alexa Soberal
      • LatinX
      • Website
    • Stefanie Knight
      • Supported employment
      • Quality assurance
      • Summer WBLEs
  • BRS hired new Bureau Chief for Community Living Division
    • George Michna
  • BRS hired many new Transition Counselors
    • Will help students come from Level Up to Adult Services
  • BRS is looking to hire an additional Education Consultant as well
  • Jill said she’s given tours to all new northern region BRS staff
    • Colocation at AJCs has begun
    • Good connections are being made

Committee Updates:

Legislation and Policy- Chair(s): Tom C., Linda, Melissa

  • Discussed clarifying purpose
  • Would like to change committee name to better reflect Policy discussion
  • Vision: Get all state agencies and employers to embrace competitive integrated employment
    • Linda will send verbiage to Kerri

Membership – Chair: Tom B., Shannon, Jill

Program Review- Chair(s): Sean, Jill, Kate

 

Public Comment - All

Next Meeting:  January 18, 2023, via TEAMS

Member Attendees: Shannon McCann, Kate Travis, Tom Cosker, Sean Kennedy, Linda Rammler, Jill Larmett, Tom Boudreau, Melissa Taylor

Absent: Joe Wendover, Andrea Richardson, Nicole Rico, Beth Reel, Donna DeVito, Jennifer Jenkins

Other Attendees: Katlyn Williams, Kerri Fradette

Welcome – Shannon McCann

Why We’re Here

  • Advocacy
  • Want to help BRS
  • Want to help people with disabilities in the community

Suggestions to attract new SRC members and others:

  • Be upfront about the fact there are transportation funds for members
  • CRPs and Agencies need to get more involved
    • More attention is needed
    • More attendance is needed
    • Market and recruit more members
      • Need a business voice
      • Members should all be involved in recruitment
  • Committees consider meeting after hours
    • Families need help after business hours
      • People work during the day
  • Need to recruit new members
    • Young blood is needed
  • Marketing
    • BRS has been using Camelo
      • SRC not on new BRS website yet
        • We’re working on it
      • Potentially have Camelo work with SRC
        • Rebranding
        • PR training

Committees:

All members are encouraged to join a committee as reflected in the by-laws.

  • Legislative
    • Tom C
    • Linda R
    • Jill L
    • Melissa
    • GOAL: Review current or future upcoming policy that will affect the disability community/VR.
  • Membership/Recruitment
    • Tom B
    • Shannon
    • GOAL: Create letter for businesses and CRPs and recruit diverse members to increase participation
  • Program Review
    • Jill L
    • Sean Kennedy
    • Kate T
    • GOAL: Evaluate/review client rights, what to do if you want to change counselors
    • GOAL: Orientation to learn about intake process

 

Bookkeeping

  • Members signed the Conflict-of-Interest form – members not in attendance need to sign COI form for the year.

Lunch Activity and Discussion – review current availability of BRS staff for intake with consumers: in- person vs. virtual:

    • Improve technology to schedule appointments online

Other recommendations:

  • Make it so CO support staff can forward to appropriate offices
  • Consumers should be asked if they prefer in person or virtual
    • New survey on how services went
  • Hard no on being by appointment only
    • Offices should be open to the public, though it would be a lot to expect just an intake
  • Needs to be consumer driven
  • Virtual should be the exception not the rule
    • Cameras on in consumer meetings
    • VRCs 3 days in office, 2 days telework
  • Need to eliminate barriers
  • Find a way for consumers to find out what their closest office is without needing to rely on CO support staff
  • Virtual should be the exception not the rule.

Could maybe use Counselor Candidate positions to help with the staffing issues

 

Parking Lot Ideas for future discussion:

  • Review and evaluate client/consumer bill of rights
    • How to navigate the chain of command in BRS
    • How to contact CAP/DRCT
  • Don’t assume it’s always the CRP’s fault for consumers not reaching goals
  • Explaining to consumers the options when working with at counselor.  They have a choice  to work with another counselor whom they feel is a better fit. 
  • Sustainable training
    • CRPs and agencies need training
  • Relationships need to be redone
  • SRC sponsors Training Day
    • Invite CRPs
    • Invite others to come to trainings
    • Through SRC funds
      • Can get more if we need it
    • Start small and work our way up
    • SRC elevator speech
      • Tie it into new counselor SRC training
  • What are we asking from Employers perspective and perception. So that we as the SRC can have that voice of the group.  Getting employers/businesses to understand the purpose of the SRC.

 

What Does the SRC want to Hear from the BRS Director, Dave:

  • The numbers – more data!
  • Racial and ethnic data
  • MOUs between the different funding streams (DDS, BRS, DMHAS)
  • Administrative Positions
    • Complaints
  • Talk to Torrey Morse – appeals and the process
  • Want Dave to come and bring the numbers
  • Work with Outreach/marketing things
  • Orientations and intakes
    • Bring in different counselors from all regions
      • Supervisors
        • Level Up
        • VRC

 

Next Meeting: Wednesday November 16, 2022, at 1pm via TEAMS

Welcome and introductions – Chairperson, Shannon McCann (in attendance) Sean Kennedy, Katlyn Williams, Jill Larmett, Melissa Taylor, Kate Travis, Andrea Richards, Tom Cosker, Linda Rammler, Nicole Rico-Serrano, Dave Doukas, Kerri Fradette, guest – Lynn Frith

  1. Send agenda updates in advance
  2. Motion to accept the minutes
  3. -minutes approved
  4. Motion to cancel June 15 meeting

-motion approved to cancel meeting

 

  • Linda Rammler announced that she is retiring as of 6/30.  She was asking about staying on SRC after retirement.  She would like to stay on as an advocate.

Budget – Treasurer, Kate

No changes to budget

 

Client Assistance Program -Tom C

  • Call volume has picked up a bit.
  • Most common issues are the following:

-communication w/VRS/LUCs (CAP manages expectations)

-delays in getting services

-denials of services

-not getting accommodations

-counselors have not been responding with info

Kate has also been getting call about delays in accessing services.

511 Overview – Lynn Frith, Education Consultant

Presentation and Q &A

 

BRS Updates -State Director, Dave Doukas

DIF Grant – Disability Innovation Fund – BRS application will be submitted to move people from subminimum to competitive integrated employment. Applications due Mid-June.

CSAVR– Dave is the President Elect of CSAVR starting July 1.

Nationally and statewide VR issues, now is the time to start to fix things.

Cheryl Fuller is the current President

Staff Retention

CRP committee, contract language, talk to Dave J. will be reprocuring CRPs soon. Can make amendments as needed.

Shannon asked if CRP Committee was active?

Dave- Reach out to Johnson

Hiring –

Posted for BC, RD, ED Cons., 2 Ed Serv Spec, Supervisors, VRCs., offers to be made soon. 10 VR candidates. Pushing for more student interns will have 3 soon

CE Status Update

1st round of training done

Providers contracted, some say only DDS providers

Met with DDS Deputy Commissioner

24-25 Participants in current class

SRC Updates– Kerri

Membership- trying to come up with different ideas to recruit members

Committees – if committees aren’t active, we need to evaluate.

Melissa – I forgot I was on membership committee

Kerri – Yeah, we used to allow for more time to meet when we met in person.

Shannon- What membership pockets do we have?  Parents of consumers?

Kerri – No parents right now.

Will discuss this further at the Fall Retreat

Fall Retreat – Details to follow soon.  Something in person. Early fall.  Shannon, Kerri, Kate, Jill, Katlyn on standby.

State Plan- not approved yet. Still pending.

 

Committee’s

Legislation and Policy- Chair(s): Kate & Tom

Membership – Chair: Melissa

Program Review- Chair(s): Shannon & Sean

 

Public Comment: KT- Getting calls from parents re: Tickets un-assignment letter work with Arlene to adjust language to adjust language, not losing services.

LR- SSA offices have been saying no such thing as Ticket to work misinformation abounds.

JL- Add as line item for next mtg.

KF- Bring in up at retreat

JL- SSA mostly trained for retirement not disability. Train people to ask for AWICs or a supervisor

 1)SSA misinformation 2) letter

 

Next Meeting:  June 15, 2022meeting canceled. Next meeting will be September 21, 2022

Attendees: Shannon McCann, Kate Travis, Tom Cosker, Sean Kennedy, Linda Rammler, Kerri Fradette, Katlyn Williams, Beth Reel, Dave Doukas, Nicole Rico-Serrano

Absent: Joe Wendover, Andrea Richardson, Jill Larmett, Tom Boudreau, Melissa Taylor, Donna DeVito,

Welcome – Shannon McCann

  •  First meeting as Chair
  • Skipping introductions

Budget – Kate Travis

  • No funds have been expended to date.
  • Ideas
    • SRC headshots
      • Membership budget
    • In-person SRC retreat in September/October
      • Virtual option
      • Needs to be accessible
      • Shannon could rent pavilion in Old Saybrook
    • Youth Services

Client Assistance Program (CAP) Update– Tom Cosker

  • Low call volume currently
  • Calls about BRS are mostly about:
    • Case closures
    • Counselor responses
    • Ineligibility letter

Some people think CAP is BRS

Other topics discussed:

  • We can have Lynn Frith of BRS come to explain a little bit more about ineligibility, 511, etc.
    • Kerri will set up for next SRC mtg.
  • Looking for list of CRP providers on website
    • Kerri will get list from Dave Johnson
  • Motion: BRS has backing of SRC to advocate for 508 and accessibility website in all communications
    • Discussed motion
    • Drafts sent to Dave Doukas

BRS Director Q and A – Dave Doukas

Staffing Updates

  • Recently announced new positions to post for BRS
    • New Bureau Chief
      • Recruiting nationally
    • New Regional Director for Northern Region
    • Education Consultant to coordinate Level Up and transition services
    • 2 Ed Service Specialist positions
    • 3 more Supervisor positions
      • Aid with transition services
  • Currently interviewing for counselors
    • 6-7 offers will be made soon
  • Counselor Candidate positions should be up next
    • Can be a bachelor’s level
  • Bringing on some Interns as well
  • Talking about bringing in SRC/External people for panels/committees for interviews of Bureau Chief and Regional Director
    • Let Dave know if you’re interested in serving on interview panel

Customized Employment

  • Second class in underway
    • Next round will have 30-40 candidates
  • Each region is receiving training on CE to help alleviate confusion
    • CAP has received questions on informed choice and 511/subminimum wage employment
      • Working on statement for DDS saying that you have the right to not work with BRS but there is no guarantee that DDS will give you what you want, and competitive integrated employment is an option with us
  • The 511/Transition roll may decentralize process and loosen control
    • CAP would like BRS to beef up messaging and ensure that they and the school’s messaging matches
    • The goal will be to have 2 people in each school to assist students

SRC Updates – Kerri Fradette

  • Sending out new membership email tomorrow
  • Sherrie at NCSRC passed away suddenly
  • CSNA spring conference is – due 3/25/2022
    • Thank you all for your assistance on the Unified State Plan and CSNA
  • State Plan has been uploaded in the portal we are waiting for approval from RSA
  • BRS is working on cutting office space down and may co-locate with WDBs (Workforce Development Boards)

Next Meeting: Wednesday May 18th, 2022, at 1pm

Attendees: Shannon McCann, Kate Travis, Tom Cosker, Sean Kennedy, Linda Rammler, Kerri Fradette, Katlyn Williams, Beth Reel, Dave Doukas, Nicole Rico-Serrano

Absent: Joe Wendover, Andrea Richardson, Jill Larmett, Tom Boudreau, Melissa Taylor, Donna DeVito,

Welcome – Shannon McCann

  •  First meeting as Chair
  • Skipping introductions

Budget – Kate Travis

  • No funds have been expended to date.
  • Ideas
    • SRC headshots
      • Membership budget
    • In-person SRC retreat in September/October
      • Virtual option
      • Needs to be accessible
      • Shannon could rent pavilion in Old Saybrook
    • Youth Services

Client Assistance Program (CAP) Update– Tom Cosker

  • Low call volume currently
  • Calls about BRS are mostly about:
    • Case closures
    • Counselor responses
    • Ineligibility letter

Some people think CAP is BRS

Other topics discussed:

  • We can have Lynn Frith of BRS come to explain a little bit more about ineligibility, 511, etc.
    • Kerri will set up for next SRC mtg.
  • Looking for list of CRP providers on website
    • Kerri will get list from Dave Johnson
  • Motion: BRS has backing of SRC to advocate for 508 and accessibility website in all communications
    • Discussed motion
    • Drafts sent to Dave Doukas

BRS Director Q and A – Dave Doukas

Staffing Updates

  • Recently announced new positions to post for BRS
    • New Bureau Chief
      • Recruiting nationally
    • New Regional Director for Northern Region
    • Education Consultant to coordinate Level Up and transition services
    • 2 Ed Service Specialist positions
    • 3 more Supervisor positions
      • Aid with transition services
  • Currently interviewing for counselors
    • 6-7 offers will be made soon
  • Counselor Candidate positions should be up next
    • Can be a bachelor’s level
  • Bringing on some Interns as well
  • Talking about bringing in SRC/External people for panels/committees for interviews of Bureau Chief and Regional Director
    • Let Dave know if you’re interested in serving on interview panel

Customized Employment

  • Second class in underway
    • Next round will have 30-40 candidates
  • Each region is receiving training on CE to help alleviate confusion
    • CAP has received questions on informed choice and 511/subminimum wage employment
      • Working on statement for DDS saying that you have the right to not work with BRS but there is no guarantee that DDS will give you what you want, and competitive integrated employment is an option with us
  • The 511/Transition roll may decentralize process and loosen control
    • CAP would like BRS to beef up messaging and ensure that they and the school’s messaging matches
    • The goal will be to have 2 people in each school to assist students

SRC Updates – Kerri Fradette

  • Sending out new membership email tomorrow
  • Sherrie at NCSRC passed away suddenly
  • CSNA spring conference is – due 3/25/2022
    • Thank you all for your assistance on the Unified State Plan and CSNA
  • State Plan has been uploaded in the portal we are waiting for approval from RSA
  • BRS is working on cutting office space down and may co-locate with WDBs (Workforce Development Boards)

Next Meeting: Wednesday May 18th, 2022, at 1pm

+  Meeting Minutes - January 19, 2022 

Welcome and introductions –  Melissa Taylor, Tom Boudreau, Nicole Rico-Serrano, Dave Doukas, Sean Kennedy, Andrea Richardson, Joe Wendover, Beth Reel, Linda Rammler, Kerri Fradette. Approved Absence: Kate T And Shannon – both in meetings, Tom Cosker

Visitors: Kathy Marchione, Katlyn Williams

 

 

         Membership Updates- from Melissa she has been accepted and is pursuing her MSW at Fordham University.  Introductions.

         Voting for Chair Positions – Melissa for Vice Chair.  Kerri will send out voting options to all members to fill in their nominations to either self nominated or to nominate someone else and then we will vote on the 2022 positions.

 

                             Budget   - Tom Boudreau, Treasurer- no update or changes to the budget it remains the same

 

 

Client Assistance Program Updates – Tom Cosker – absence, no update

 

Consumer Survey – Kathy Marchione -BRS Bureau Chief – Kathy discussed distributing a survey to consumers to see if virtual model is reaching their needs and also to see what type of office space is needed  as we move forward. Also what is the best method to reach consumers ? Questions from the SRC were raised about whether or not the CSNA would answer some of these questions ? Also the SRC currently is in the process of administering a customer satisfaction survey that could maybe faction in these questions.

Further discussion should continue

 

 

                           BRS Updates -State Director, Dave Doukas

        Organizational Structure- obtained approval to move ahead with hiring plan and the positions needed.  Still need to get through (OPM/DAS);

Looking to roll out plan in Statewide BRS mtg in the coming months

        CSAVR-Winter Committee Done – What do you want to do? – Key

What can we do? Impactfully

      Attrition,  Recruit , Develop Staff = Huge National Problem – need to get good at getting people.  We need to get creative to attract younger talent.

       

 

SRC Updates – Kerri Fradette , SRC Liaison

                                     Still pushing on getting applications through with governor’s office and hoping to get them approved soon. Working with Tom Scanlon.  Linda brought up the idea of having a timeline of all the times that Kerri has submitted the applications to the Gov’s office to help with the approval office. As this process has been going on for several years.  The SRC voted on the idea .  Kerri will try  again with the Gov’s office and keep everyone apprised on the outcome.

 

                                     Annual Report Planning -completed

                                     State Plan -updates will be needed and a special meeting will be held  for SRC changes

SRC training modules – there are free modules that are free and accessible . they are on line

                                         

Committee Updates:

          Legislation and Policy- Chair(s): Kate & Tom

          Membership – Chair: Vacant

          Program Review- Chair(s): Shannon & Sean

 

Public Comment – All

 

Next Meeting:   January 19, 2021