May 22, 2002 Work Group Meeting Minutes
The William S. Cohen Community Center, Hallowell, Maine

MORNING SESSION

Present:  Cary Gifford, Nat Hussey, John Baillargeon, Stephanie Crystal, Chris Zukas-Lessard, Eileen Griffin (Muskie), Linda Jariz, and Danny Westcott (Muskie).

The Coordination Sub-Group continued its work on the draft Coordination of Services Plan.  In order to complete its draft for submission to the full Work Group in June, the sub-group decided to meet again on June 4^th.  On June 4^th, the Sub-Group completed its version of the draft and recommended that it be sent to the full Work Group.

AFTERNOON SESSION

Present:  Christine Bartlett, Stirling Kendall (Muskie staff), John Baillargeon, Chris Zukas-Lessard, Stephanie Crystal, Jonathan Connick, Nat Hussey, Helen Bailey (chair), Shirley Bastien, Myra Champagne, Deb Parker-Wolfenden, Cary Gifford, Kate Brogan, Tonia Labbe, Kathryn Kazenski, Eileen Griffin (Muskie staff), Danny Westcott (Muskie staff), Tonia Boterf (visitor).

Not Present:  Tom Bancroft, Ron Welch, Cynthia Sudheimer, Jane Gallivan, Alice Conway, Lora Perry, Tom Bancroft, Drew Bolduc, Chandra Murphy, and Steve Hoad. The afternoon session began at noon with lunch. Helen Bailey was chair.  Stirling Kendall facilitated the meeting.

1.  Check-in and Roll Call
Danny introduced Debbie Rogers of the Maine Parent Federation. Debbie replaces Drew Bolduc who left his position at the Federation to take another position. Later in the meeting, Danny introduced Kate Brogan, Director of Rehabilitation for the Department of Labor. She replaces John Shattuck who left the Department of Labor for a new position.

2.  Vision Statement
The Work Group read its vision statement: “Together in community with equality in rights and dignity, in pursuit of happiness and fulfillment.

3.   Meeting Minutes
The Work Group approved the April 24, 2002 meeting minutes as written.

4.  Revised Services Sub-Group Reports
The Work Group had an opportunity to review, edit and comment on all three drafts of the Services Sub-Group.  Since most of what was discussed is contained in the revisions to the drafts, only the final dispositions of the subgroup reports are noted. 

Advocacy, Self Advocacy, and Quality Monitoring.  The Work Group fully discussed the report’s first subsection, “Individual Advocacy and Rights”.  The Work Group decided to look over only the most recent revisions to the first subsection and to move for its endorsement at the June 26^th meeting. The second and third subsections, “Participation in Policymaking Process” and “Participation in Quality Assurance”, were set aside for later discussion.  Comments and changes are to be communicated to Danny before the June 26^th meeting.

Flexible Funding to Promote Integrated Services and Choice and Control.  The Work Group voted to approve the report after stipulating that the group approve only the latest revisions at the June meeting, and with the understanding that the group can re-visit the report at a later date for purposes of examining duplication and reorganization.

Using Data to Make Sure Needed Services Are Funded.  The Work Group voted to approve the report with the stipulation that the Work Group approve only the latest revisions at the June meeting, and with the understanding that the group can re-visit the report at a later date for purposes of examining duplication and reorganization.

5.  Roadmap Draft (first part)
The Work Group only had time to review and comment on the first few sections of the draft: the acknowledgments; “Who We Are”; and “Who We Represent”. The Work Group will continue its work on the revised draft at a later meeting. The Steering Committee will also discuss the draft at its next meeting on July 3^rd.

6.  Employment Draft
The draft was not discussed because the Work Group ran out of time; it will be on the agenda for the June 26^th meeting.

7.  Announcements
Jon Connick suggested that future Work Group documents be printed on different colored paper.  The color-coding will help everyone easily identify which document is being referenced in a discussion.  Stephanie Crystal asked that her enlarged report copies have the same pagination as standard copies.  These requests will be honored.

8.  Next Meeting
The June Work Group meeting at the Cohen Center is scheduled for Wednesday, June 26, from noon to 4:00 p.m. Lunch will be provided. Stephanie Crystal will chair the meeting.