June 12, 2020
Seattle, Washington
Attendance
All members attended via phone
Council Members Present:
Chris Alejano, Corey Grandstaff, Doug Trimble, Jerri Clark, Jerry Johnsen, Julie Brannon, Julie Jefferson, Kim Conner, Linda Wilder, Marci Carpenter, Sheila Turner, Steve Fiksdal, and Michael MacKillop
Council Members Absent:
Gloria Walling
Staff and Visitors Present:
Meredith Stannard, Yvonne Grimes, Jeannie Brown, Lisa Wheeler, Tricia Eyerly, Kim Canaan, Alice Klein, and Maria Bradford
Welcome and Introductions: Marci Carpenter, Chair
The meeting was called to order on June 12, 2020 at 9:05am; Council members, DSB staff, and guests introduced themselves.
On behalf of the SRC, Marci expressed support for the Black Lives Matter movement and the current situation. She mentioned there is a General Strike for some people today.
Marci also acknowledged the recent passing of the Lummi Chief Bill Tsi’li’xw James, and offered sympathy and condolences to Julie Jefferson, SRC member from the Lummi Tribe.
Approval of March 2020 Minutes:
Kim Conner requested to add clarifying language to the SILC update section found on page 8 of the March minutes. She will send the corrected paragraph to Yvonne who will update the March minutes and resend.
Motion: Linda moved and Sheila seconded acceptance of the March 2020 meeting minutes with the clarifications from Kim Conner added. Motion carried.
Acting Director’s Report: Michael MacKillop
Michael acknowledged Marci’s comments, and expressed gratitude for the partnership with the Lummi Tribe over the years.
It’s been a crazy time, the Agency has had to rethink what is possible, and to look for the silver linings. The last SRC meeting was the first week of the COVID-19 outbreak in WA state. The agency is all teleworking, which seemed impossible at first, but have found new ways to provide services remotely. How does DSB take advantage of this remote ability in the future as well? However, there are still some services and testing that absolutely need to be in-person. It’s challenging to work from home, with all meetings on conference calls. Relationships have been developed that can also continue into the future. WA has led the country in showing that remote services are possible.
Mail delivery, receiving packages, and mailing out to participants took some figuring out. Fiscal has gone paperless in the process of telework, said they couldn’t but they are doing it. IT really responded in getting everyone teleworking successfully. Email is very slow through VPN, there’s no video available on Skype calls; these delays can be even more challenging for those using screen readers.
OTC and Field staff have had to completely change how they provide services. It was a surprise how much Orientation & Mobility (O&M) functional training can actually be done remotely. Braille, computer skills, and device usage can all be taught remotely. However, some O&M skills, kitchen tasks, and others need to be taught in-person.
For Youth Services (YS) it was very disappointing to have to shut down the popular Summer programs. They are presenting a Virtual Summer Program instead, with an impressive array of guest speakers in a diverse cross-section of possible career fields. YS did a survey prior to planning to find out what technology youth have available. Shout out to NFBW & WCB for assistance with connections to speakers. The curriculum being developed can be used in the future. It’s easier to schedule and attend remote training; and can actually extend the ability for youth to attend a DSB program, such as in WA’s rural areas.
Doug asked: Can sessions with the guest speakers be recorded for future use? Michael will check.
DSB is making sure that equipment ordered for participants is sanitized. Some goes direct to the client from the manufacturer which is ok. Some items need AT setup prior to delivery. Decided on a week delay after working on an item and packing it up before sending it to the client.
DSB is supporting students in attending programs in other states by providing each student with information on the other state, in regards to the pandemic, so they can be prepared for what’s needed to stay safe.
BEP has been the hardest hit of all DSB programs. Many businesses closed due to facility closure. There have been 4-5 locations that have been able to stay open in a reduced capacity. Two have re-opened recently and three more are scheduled for June. The program helped a couple of the vendors receive money from the CARES Act. BEP has been working hard to help vendors through this time. Customer bases will stay low for the foreseen future. Between rent costs, product loss, and restock costs it’s a good time for vendors to review their operations. It is both an opportunity and a challenge.
The Independent Living (IL) program supports our most vulnerable participants. Currently no in-person services being provided at all which is very impactful. Providers are making plans on how to re-start services, specifically Lighthouse and Lilac Services for the Blind.
Regarding DSB offices, state agencies just received guidelines this week from the Governor’s office. Re-opening will be a very slow process with minimal staff in the office as necessary to keep space open, handle mail/packages, visitors, and provide assessments. Staff will have to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and increase sanitization in the offices. PPE has been difficult to obtain, and is absolutely necessary before offices can re-open. COVID has changed the economic landscape. Different skills are, and will be, needed to do it all remotely; from interviewing job applicants to staff having the AT equipment necessary to telework.
Marci made a request to please use products that are non-scented for those who are sensitive.
Jerry J. asked – Knowing that requirements keep changing, he is assuming that DSB is keeping up with what’s current? Michael said yes. Jerry also asked about folks who cannot wear masks. Michael said DSB will have clear face shields available for them, as well as for people who rely on lip reading.
Meredith asked – With concerns about how things might change/worsen, is the plan flexible? Michael said yes, every plan being made starts with the caveat that it may be changed at any time.
Doug asked – Will there be temperature checks by DSB? Michael said no, not at this time. There will be a list of symptoms that anyone entering the office will need to check prior to entry. Everyone will wear masks and sanitize as needed. Staff will make sure that participant is comfortable with being in-person.
Cory asked – What about contact tracing? Michael confirmed that all offices will have sign-in sheets to know who has been in contact.
Moving onto budget discussion, Michael said the State’s revenues, and the State’s economy itself, are way down. Projecting a $4 billion gap in the next budget. All agencies were asked to cut 15% from their budget, for DSB this equals $600,000. It means delaying a couple of hires and eliminating a couple of part-time positions. For training it means reduced travel, and it helps that many organizations have already gone to virtual/remote training. The Personal Services contracts reduction will impact the one that DSB has with a fiscal consultant, and it may need to be reduced or canceled.
Will DSB need to re-engage Order of Selection (OOS)? It’s possible, however all categories are open right now.
What is the state of DSB’s business post-COVID? Will there be more applicants who are unemployed? The future of BEP – DSB cannot use VR funding. Will be helping vendors to stay in business. DSB is responsible for rents on the BEP facilities. Vending revenues, which is how BEP is funded, are down as well due to telework and reduced employees on site.
Michael said he’s been asked by OFM and the Legislature, what about the extra $115,000 for Older Blind IL services that DSB received? Why didn’t DSB consider giving up those funds? He said there are reasons we still need them, including that IL has been historically underfunded, and the increased need for services that will exist post-COVID.
Having robust conversations with DSB’s OFM Budget Analyst, and the Senate and House Ways & Means Committee Analyst. Helping them understand DSB’s story because they will take it forward and help the legislators understand how DSB fits into the State’s economic recovery plans. DSB is a critical piece, as a Work Force partner, and as a matter of equity, making sure that blind individuals are not left out of the economic recovery as they were after the 2008 Recession. DSB needs to be fully funded as they expect to be very busy, and have a lot of business, as job opportunities open up again.
Michael said they also helped the Analysts understand the importance of every State dollar because of the Federal matches. Each State VR dollar is matched by four Federal dollars, and every State IL OB dollar is matched by ten Federal dollars. Defunding DSB would result in a lower match of dollars which would severely impact the ability to provide services.
Chris asked – What are the two positions not being filled? Michael said one is a VRC4 in Seattle, there are less clients in King County now and doing okay with four counselors currently. The other position is a Braille Instructor in the OTC. Michael wanted to stress that this budget cut is just a plan for now and is not set.
New DSB Management team is meeting regularly and looking at things in a fresh way. Have decided that accessibility is a critical area of focus for the Agency this year. A new policy and procedures are being drafted. Looking at all in-house materials used, for staff and participants, and training for new employees as well as ongoing training for staff.
A new State employee leave application was launched by OFM, called MyPortal. DSB asked for time to test for accessibility prior to making the switch, and were able to request a few tweaks. Thanks to the AT Specialists who jumped right in and did the testing.
The Vendor Registration process has previously been inaccessible, so DSB’s Fiscal team has been doing what was really OFM’s responsibility in regards to setting up new vendors. Jeannie has worked hard to have OFM take this process back, as it put the Agency at risk.
Starbucks’ new Diversity Chief has contacted DSB. Wants to understand visual accessibility in their stores. How can they make purchasing items in their store accessible for someone who is blind or has low vision. They were referred to the consumer groups.
Lisa Wheeler has been leading conversations with Career-Connect. In particular, the Commission on Hispanic Affairs has three projects around the state for putting youth into targeted work-based learning programs to be ready for good paying jobs when employers are looking to hire. They got involved with DSB to find out how they can ensure their programs are accessible to blind and low vision individuals.
Michael is excited by the focus and work on accessibility, and looks forward to bringing more updates to the SRC at future meetings.
Marci commented that she is encouraged by all of the accessibility work focus. She said she can use the new DSB mobile website, thanks! She was able to follow the Facebook posts, and listened to the BEP operators talk that was shared.
Corey said that WSSB is also looking at accessibility and it’s surprising how much work there is still to do.
OTC Report: Jim Portillo, OTC Lead
OTC has been in a “teleterm” since March, training via phone and Skype. At first the dilemma was “How to do this?” Some subjects have been much easier to adapt than others, such as Braille and computer skills. O&M and HomeEc are more challenging. Have tried out virtual routes using various phone apps; O&M instructor David F. walked one student’s route while on the phone talking about what he encountered on the route. Can successfully teach O&M concepts remotely. For HomeEc they can teach meal planning and nutrition, and grocery shopping. Jim said they’ve intermingled classes where he talked about using the online grocery delivery services, which fits right in to HomeEc.
Jim said Seminar discussions are one place he feels they’ve really stepped thigs up. They have been getting guest speakers from around the country. Had someone talk about technology and blindness, and whether technology is always the right answer. Recently had Peggy Chong, who is the “Blind History Lady” come and talk about the ancestry of blind people who don’t get the recognition they need for inventing things that have bettered the lives of both blind and sighted people. For instance, did we know that Cruise Control was invented by a blind person?
Career classes are held via Skype. A current graduate researched and wrote a paper on O&M as a career. She is now doing informational interviews, and will be going to school in Illinois to get her Master’s Degree in Blind Orientation and Mobility to be in instructor.
Students have been adapting. Next term will also be a teleterm, they’re considering which classes can continue to be remote and which really need to held in person. Staff in the OTC really appreciates the support of the E-Team as they’ve been figuring this out.
Julie B. asked – How are assessments being done? Jim said there were no new students the last two terms so no assessments were needed. He said there will be two new students next term. Each instructor has developed an individual assessment plan. Julie also asked – How are they evaluating student’s success? Jim said for computer skills he can remote in to the student’s computer and check out how they’re doing. Donna had one of her advanced students plan and prepare a meal. They started out together and then the student completed it on their own, sending pictures of the food to Donna and then discussing how it went. There are two students graduating who are twins. For their Monster routes their parents will discreetly follow them, and the students will take pictures at each destination to send to their advisors.
Kim Conner asked – Have they come across any students on SNAP who can’t get home delivery of groceries? Jim said he doesn’t know since most of the students live at home. Marci said she heard that QFC and others are now accepting SNAP for home delivery.
Doug asked – Are any students struggling with independence while living at home? Jim said yes, that has been a topic of discussion since the teleterm started. Some get support with being independent at home and some don’t, it seems especially with cooking on their own.
Independent Living Report: Kim Canaan
University of Washington (UW) closed at the same time as DSB. Some providers had already reduced their services. The Older Blind (OB) IL population, on average, are in their 80s and are at high risk.
Have been able to do some remote training, mostly on use of AT devices. Most providers are also shut down. The program offered to pay providers for time spent training to keep spending down IL funds.
In looking to re-start services, they need to make plans with the service providers. The plans will need to be reviewed by IL, DSB, and UW Risk Management.
They have purchased additional inventory and sent to providers to add to their kits. Will be sending them PPE, cleaning wipes, and a client/provider “agreement” for in-person services.
One decision pending, do they prioritize their wait list? It’s usually been first come, first served.
Masks do impair client hearing, so considering buying FM amplifiers for vendor kits.
Regarding possibly giving back the $115k received for OB IL. Not a big hit this year because they are underspent, it would have a huge impact next year.
Julie B. asked - To confirm, if IL gives money back doesn’t it set a precedent? Kim said yes, that’s why the impact would be so much bigger next year.
Julie J. asked – What about helping people with filing for unemployment? Michael affirmed that has been a challenge for participants. VRCs have been helping people walk through it.
Kim Conner asked – Did Michael receive the email that has direct line to Employment Security Department (ESD) for people with disabilities who need to file? She will forward it to Meredith to share with the SRC members.
Doug wanted to express thanks to Kim and Alice for the opportunities to train and receive Go Kits. (Go Kits – service providers have had an opportunity to replace equipment in their kit that had been given out to clients.) Doug said he is anxious to get back to serving clients!
Kim said that beefing up the CCTV Loan Program may be another way to spend funds, but she is waiting on it for now. Dependent on if IL keeps the $115k.
Kim Conner asked – Has Kim been talking about Younger Blind (YB) or only OB? Kim said that YB money cannot be carried over either and is also underspent, they are using YB money for the Go Kits replenishing.
Corey, Julie B., and Linda all expressed how unfortunate it would be to lose the $115k.
Sub-Committee Reports
Due to using a conference call for this meeting, the sub-committees were not able to break out and meet.
Corey asked it that be noted that the Membership Committee is aware there are several Council position that expire in September this year.
Constituent Spotlights
Marci asked the Council to skip the Constituent Spotlights for this meeting, all agreed.
Post-COVID Work Force: Open Discussion
Marci said that flexibility is going to be the key since so much remains unknown about what the future will hold. Technology access is also key, participants having all of the AT tools that they need and the skills needed to use them. Also, jobs lost that will not be replaced.
Julie B. agrees that telework will be more common, and people will need to have the skills necessary to work that way already when they are applying for a job.
Jerri C. asked Doug – How has it been going for WSSB? How is the accessibility for special education students going? It’s been rough at PAVE, even just ensuring a student has internet access. Doug said WSSB did a lot of live training with their students, and provided laptops and iPads, internet access through hot spots, and have sent Braille and Large Print materials to students’ homes.
Corey added that they are letting students keep the devices over the summer, which will help students attending the virtual YS program. There will be stiff competition for jobs so need to focus on soft skills too. Self-advocacy needs to be taught to all, not just to youth and in the OTC.
Jerri C. asked – What is DSB doing this summer that is because of COVID? Michael explained the Virtual program being offered and some of the things they’ll be doing. Lisa W. added that anyone interested in signing up can find all of the details on the DSB website or call the 800#.
Corey – offered feedback that some students who had registered for the in-person Summer programs didn’t understand they needed to register separately for the Virtual program after the in-person programs were canceled.
Jerri C. brought up accessibility in voting. Julie B. said that WCB advocates for accessibility in elections. Marci said that NFBW advocates also. She will be part of the testing group for online accessible voting with King County. Users will have to print the ballot after filling in out, sign and mail it in like other ballots.
Public Comment
There was no public comment given.
SRC Training
The SRC training day planned for December 11th will most likely be remote, at least for some people if not everyone. Shall it stay planned for December or move to another date in 2021? After discussion, the consensus was to keep the date in December and plan for it to be virtual for everyone. Marci, Jerry J., and Linda will work on creating the training plan. Jerri C. suggested one advantage is that the virtual training can be recorded.
Future Agenda Topics
IL Client and BEP Vendor visits – Still planning to do this, will need to wait until in-person meetings are resumed.
Linda suggested having a VR Counselor speak about the change to providing services remotely and how else their work has changed.
Other Discussion
Doug mentioned that the consumer conferences will all be virtual this year. Marci & Julie B. specifically mentioned NFB and ACB have virtual conferences coming up soon, they’ll send info to Meredith to share with DSB and the SRC.
Marci asked if the 9am to 12pm timeframe is still good for the September meeting? Consensus was yes.
Marci reminded the Council that elections will be held at the December meeting.
Julie J. said thank you again to DSB and SRC for condolences offered. She will pass them on to their Tribal leaders. She’s going to ask their Cultural Dept. if someone can do a opening prayer at the December SRC meeting.
SRC 2020 Meeting Schedule
September 11th, December 11th (Training day on December 10th-will be offered remotely)
Meeting was adjourned at 12:00pm