ANNUAL REPORT FFY 2019

Published October 17, 2019

The Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities (the Council) is part of the Minnesota network of programs funded under P.L. 106-402, The Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act (DD Act). The DD Act also funds the Minnesota Disability Law Center (the designated protection and advocacy agency for the state) and the Institute on Community Integration, a University Center for Excellence located at the University of Minnesota.

The Council's business is to provide information, education, and training to increase knowledge, develop skills, and change attitudes that will increase the Independence, Productivity, Self-determination, Integration and Inclusion (IPSII) of people with developmental disabilities and their families.

This Annual Report summarizes the results of the 5 Year State Plan program goals.

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COUNCIL MEMBERS DURING FFY 2019

FEDERAL OUTCOMES (IPSII)

Independence: Personal freedom to make choices and have control over services, supports, and other assistance the individual receives.

Productivity: Meaningful income-producing work or volunteer work that contributes to a household or the community.

Self-determination: Authority to make decisions, control resources, and develop personal leadership skills.

Integration and Inclusion: Full participation in the same community activities as people without disabilities.

RESULTS

The Council received $1,028,414.00 from the Administration on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AIDD) for FFY 2018. Of that amount, 71% ($730,174) was allocated for grants and contracts to fulfill the goals of the Council's Five-Year State Plan approved by the federal government.

PARTNERS IN POLICYMAKING®

In FFY 2019, Class 36 of Partners in Policymaking® (Partners) graduated 10 self-advocates and 20 family members. Participants evaluated themselves at the beginning of the program year on the federal outcomes of IPSII and again at graduation. The following IPSII changes were reported using a 5-point scale, with 5 being the highest:

• Independence increased from 4.4 to 4.7;
• Productivity increased from 4.0 to 4.6;
• Self-determination increased from 4.0 to 4.7; and
• Integration and Inclusion increased from 3.4 to 4.1.

Graduates rated their knowledge gained at 4.8, the usefulness of the presentations at 4.8, and quality of the training sessions at 4.9.

A graduate workshop was held on May 16, 2019 to address Housing issues. Derrick Dufresne of CRA Consulting, Inc. presented "Housing as Housing: Developing Typical Housing in Typical Neighborhoods for Individuals with Disabilities." The ratings for IPSII were:

• Independence = 3.8;
• Productivity = 4.0;
• Self-determination = 3.9; and
• Integration and Inclusion = 3.9.

PARTNERS FACEBOOK GROUPS

Partners in Policymaking graduates are taking advantage of social media to stay in touch with each other, and share updates on policy issues during the program year and after graduation. Several of the past Minnesota Partners classes have started their own Facebook pages and information is disseminated through liaisons for each graduating class.

PARTNERS ONLINE COURSES

The Partners in Policymaking classroom program is connected to the Online Courses in several ways. The Partners faculty are encouraged to refer to the online courses during their presentations. They are encouraged to review the courses to supplement and reinforce their classroom learning. The courses are also used by participants who have missed all or part of a weekend session. Service providers, college students, direct care workers, and other individuals who are unable to attend the classroom can complete the courses. The online courses are available at no cost 24/7/365.

The overall rating of the courses was 9.7 out of a scale of 1-10 with 10 being the highest score. In terms of ratings for IPSII, with 5 being the highest:

• Independence = 4.5;
• Productivity = 4.5;
• Self-determination = 4.7; and
• Integration and Inclusion = 4.2.

LONGITUDINAL STUDIES

During FFY 2019, Dr. Nancy Miller, Metropolitan State University, surveyed Partners graduates from Class 35 and conducted a longitudinal study of Years XXVIII through XXX (Classes 32 through 34). Based on averages across these three classes, results indicated that 100% of the respondents were satisfied with the program.

Graduates of Class 35
In terms of federal outcomes and impact, six months after graduation, Class 35 respondents indicated that:

• Independence increased by 68%;
• Productivity increased by 74%;
• Self-determination increased by 76%; and
• Integration and Inclusion increased by 71%.

Graduates of Classes 32, 33, and 34
The respondents from Classes 32, 33 and 34 scored themselves on a scale of 1-5, with 5 as the highest:

• Independence = 3.5
• Productivity = 3.7;
• Self-determination = 3.9; and
• Integration and Inclusion = 3.5.

Testimonials about this program goal:

As a self-advocate, I can make a difference. Before Partners, I was angry and depressed and isolated.  Now I can talk to people, and work for justice and equality. I'm honored to be a part of this program.  I was blown away by the resilience of self advocates. For you parents, I realize now what my family has done for me. For caregivers, they are raising the next generation of self advocates. Having worked with service providers, I don't know why it's taken so long to realize we can reach out to them as well.

I have joined the State of MN Special Ed Advisory Panel, my local SEAC. I was able to speak in front of 700 people in total in 2018 on inclusion and acceptance in a southern Minnesota city and already have a keynote speech booked for 2019.

Supplier:
The Odyssey Group
56 – 33rd Avenue South, Suite 283
St. Cloud, MN 56301
 http://togpartners.com

CULTURAL OUTREACH

The Council has funded a cultural outreach program in minority communities since 1992. In FFY 2019, a total of 21 individuals (self-advocates and family members) graduated from an outreach program for the Somali community.

Six training sessions totaling 36 hours of face-to-face training focused on a history of disabilities, inclusive education, county-based services, and systems change—the state legislative process and how to work effectively with legislators to create or improve public policies.

The impact of this training program can be measured by the graduates' evaluation of themselves in terms of IPSII prior to starting the training program and at the end of the program year. In FFY 2019, IPSII increased from an average of 1.3 to 4.9 (5-point scale, 5 being highest). In terms of the personal leadership skills they acquired and best practices information they received, participants rated the program as 4.9 for knowledge gained, 4.9 for usefulness, and 4.9 for quality of training. The participants rated the program with 100% satisfaction.

Online learning courses were integrated into the classroom learning. The Telling Your Story app was presented as a communication tool for creating a personal story and connecting with public officials about specific public policy issues.

Testimonials about this program goal are provided below. "Before" quotes appear in italics and "After" quotes appear in italics with bolded text:

Before — I cannot make my own decisions due to my disability and cannot advocate for myself due to not knowing my rights.

After — I can advocate for my rights and understand well what's good for me. I have the skills to make decisions that can help me make my life better.

Before — As a parent I don't have the personal support that I need to help myself and my child. There are no resources in my community.

After — I now understand what resources are available in my community. I will use the skills and knowledge I have to support my child and myself and my community.

Supplier:
HAARAN (Horn of Africa Aid and Rehabilitation Action Network)
424 ½ South Minnesota Avenue, Suite B
St. Peter, MN 56082 HAARAN

EMPLOYMENT

During FFY 2019, this customized employment project assisted 13 transition students and 10 adults with developmental disabilities. The Discovery Process, an information-gathering strategy that involves seven stages of learning about interest areas and skills, was used to identify individual vocational themes, better match or shape employment opportunities that would be successful and productive, and help them prepare for informational interviews with potential employers. Two students pursued post-secondary education and seven students were placed in jobs or in paid work experiences. They worked from 12 - 30 hours per week with wages ranging from $10.00 - $13.35 per hour. The ten adults who were employed worked from 4-23 hours per week and their wages ranged from $9.85 - $12.50 per hour.

Through the Discovery Process, 187 businesses were contacted in FFY 2019 to match with job seekers based on their vocational themes. The impact of this approach can be seen with both transition students and adults with developmental disabilities. They have found jobs of their choosing, increased their hours or wages, retained jobs, or changed jobs to expand their skills and work in other fields of interest.

Testimonial about this program goal:

David has a new job as a porter at a car dealership. He drives cars to the parking lot, car wash, and other areas in addition to performing cleaning and service area tasks such as vacuuming cars. He earns $12.50 per hour and works 22.5 hours per week. This job enables David to use his driving skills, and gives him a consistent schedule, a specific list of responsibilities, and one supervisor he can go to with questions.

Supplier:
Kaposia, Inc.
223 Little Canada Road, Suite 100
Little Canada, MN 55117 http://www.kaposia.com/

SELF ADVOCACY

Self-Advocates of Minnesota (SAM), the statewide self-advocacy network, operates in six regions in the state. Through local self-advocacy groups and a leadership circle comprised of regional representatives, SAM strengthens the personal empowerment of self-advocates, increases disability awareness through public education, and works towards systems change. Self-advocates have been actively involved in the implementation of the Minnesota Olmstead Plan, which is a cross-disability effort.

During FFY 2019, a total of $100,000 in federal funds supported the SAM Central and Northwest regions.
Training sessions were attended by 102 individuals (unduplicated count) in the Central and Northwest regions on topics including disability equality training and the Olmstead Academy.

Self-advocates evaluated training sessions on a 5-point scale, with 5 being the highest. Across both regions and on average, knowledge gained = 4.8, usefulness = 4.7, and quality of presentations = 4.7.

Olmstead Academy

Advocating Change Together, Inc. (ACT) created an Olmstead Academy in FFY 2014 and has continued offering the Academy on an annual basis. The Academy includes training sessions on disability rights, leadership skills, the Olmstead decision, and Minnesota's Olmstead Plan. Field work consists of community projects that promote full community integration. Participants are selected through an application process.

Testimonial about this program goal:

I help people learn more about self-advocacy. I learned more about disability rights from the Olmstead Academy than the system ever taught me. It works. I am now teaching self-advocacy through music, skits, and activities. I am nervous as can be speaking to you today, but I can do it and I have rights.

Supplier:
Advocating Change Together, Inc.
1821 University Avenue, Suite 306 South
St Paul, MN 55104
http://selfadvocacy.org

Anti-bullying Campaign and Ambassadors for Respect

During FFY 2019, Merrick, Inc. worked with PeaceMaker Minnesota to sponsor Ambassadors for Respect, an anti-bullying program that supported 25 self-advocates to become trainers for 4th grade students. Six self-advocate trainers were from Merrick and 19 trainers were students in transition from area schools. All trainers were certified to be Ambassadors. In FFY 2019, 13 elementary schools received training sessions reaching over 1,000 4th graders, teachers, and principals.  

The  Ambassadors for Respect program won the State Government Innovation Award for 2019, one of ten recipients and one of only four top awardees provided with a professional video production.

Testimonials from 4th grade students about this program goal:

Make the world great again by being kind.

The speakers were so kind and they do an amazing job. I was truly inspired to be kind and make a difference. So awesome!

Stop the bullying. Ask someone to play with you. Try to make them your friend. Don't make fun of anyone. Be kind. Stand up for others.

Suppliers:
PeaceMaker Minnesota
2131 Fairview Avenue North, Suite E
Roseville, MN 55113 http://www.peacemakermn.org

Merrick, Inc.
3210 Labore Road
Vadnais Heights, MN 55110 https://merrickinc.org/

TRAINING CONFERENCES

The Council co-sponsored 12 training conferences during FFY 2019. The total number of attendees was over 1,200 and the overall rating was 9.3 on a 10-point scale. The co-sponsorship funding was used primarily for scholarships, in order to offset the cost of registration fees that might prevent participants from attending, and for speaker costs.

A majority of the conferences offered several breakout sessions for participants to focus their learning as well as gain new knowledge and skills in more than one topic area. These training events are also opportunities for organizations that are awarded co-sponsorship funds to promote and help recruit applicants for the Partners in Policymaking program.

Testimonials from the National Sibling Leadership Network (SLN) about this program goal:

I loved the conference and chance to meet other sibs.

I truly believe as a sib I need to help other sibs find SLN – find the support to have a place where people understand

Suppliers:

Advocating Change Together, Inc. (Olmstead Academy)
All Star Academy
Arc Northland
Arc Southeast Minnesota Autism Society of Minnesota
Cow Tipping Press—3 separate events with Customized Options
Community Involvement Programs and New Directions
Minnesota APSE
Minnesota Organization of Habilitation and Rehabilitation
National Sibling Leadership Network
Sounds Powerful Productions

PUBLICATIONS, WEBSITES, ONLINE E-LEARNING

The Council has built a solid reputation by providing information, education, and training through this goal. The Council administers several websites including its main one, Partners in Policymaking® website; Minnesota  Project SEARCH website; Disability Justice Resource Center; and the one-stop Disability Minnesota website.

The Council also provides free online courses through the Partners website to increase the knowledge, skills, and abilities of visitors who take advantage of this learning experience. Highlights of work completed during FFY 2019:

Publications

The Council has digitized all of its historical publications and placed them online. The Council also tracks the number of publications downloaded from the websites. The most popular items are centered on positive behavior supports.

Print Publications

A total of 3,455 publications were disseminated with individual orders filled with 100% on-time delivery. Evaluation results showed 100% rated the publications as useful and scores averaged 9.2 (10-point scale, 10 being highest).

Council Website Additions

In FFY 2018, Council website visitors totaled 562,872 and 89,398 visits were made via mobile devices. The sites were visited 786,865 times. A total of 2,079,477 items were downloaded; an additional 35,288 video files were viewed. Part of the growth came from release of a new feature funded by a Legacy Grant entitled With an Eye to the Future, which accounted for 213,144 downloads. Additionally, the Project SEARCH website had 6,438 visitors during the past year.

Online Training Courses

The five basic courses were reviewed, and content was updated in FFY 2019. During this past year, a total of 245 certificates of completion were issued. There were 37,352 visitors and a total of 134,739-page views.

Disability Minnesota

This site continues to be an outstanding resource as a one-stop website for all state disability programs and services. In FFY 2019, website visits totaled 33,128 with 24,367 visitors. This website is maintained in cooperation with the Commission of Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing Minnesotans.

Disability Justice Resource Center

The Resource Center is an online collection of statutes, regulations, case law, and commentaries intended to help the legal community better understand the many complex justice issues related to people with disabilities, particularly individuals with developmental disabilities. The Resource Center was made possible with the cy pres fund from the Jensen Settlement Agreement. There were 79,908 visitors in FFY 2019.

Facebook

The Council continues to post information on a regular basis. There were 92,612 users with a reach of 148,589 feeds.

Apps

The "Telling Your Story" app teaches the steps for writing one's personal story as it relates to a specific public policy issue, then emailing elected officials and other policy makers. The app is available for iPhone, iPod Touch, and Kindle Fire; and Android versions for tablet and phone. Downloads for FFY 2019 equaled 906. Since its release, this app has been downloaded 9,528 times.

The Arc Minnesota marketed and promoted the "Telling Your Story" app by including it in newsletters, Facebook and in person at Tuesdays at the Capitol or at Legislative Meetings with members. During FFY 2019, the Autism Help App was downloaded 48,021 times and since release, it has been downloaded over 161,166 times.

YouTube Channel and Pinterest

The Council created a YouTube channel for existing historical videos and new videos with historical significance. A Pinterest link was created to Access Press, the Minnesota disability community newspaper, for access to disability history items. In FFY 2019, a total of 35,288 videos were viewed on the YouTube channel.

SiteImprove

The Council has invested in SiteImprove, a web governance tool that scans webpages on an ongoing basis to find misspellings and broken links and provides a complete overview of website accessibility issues along with specific recommendations to meet WCAG 2.0 standards. Reports are provided to the Council every three days, so problems can be addressed immediately.

GovDelivery

The Council has used GovDelivery for over ten years. Subscribers can create personal profiles and designate which of 14 web pages they want to receive automatic email notice when additions or changes are made. In FFY 2019, the number of subscribers totaled over 15,000.

Testimonial about this program goal:

The online course provided very good detail about what can be done to assist in the education process, what expectations can be set for the school and oneself.

Supplier:
Mastcom
333 Washington Ave North, Suite 300
Minneapolis, MN 55401
www.mastcom.com

CUSTOMER RESEARCH

Becoming One Minnesota Study

The Council sought to operationalize what Governor Tim Walz's promise of Becoming ONE MINNESOTA means to people with developmental disabilities and their families. The 43 respondents cited six major areas of concern including:

• Services and supports;
• Employment opportunities;
• Housing options;
• Transportation restrictions;
• Education; and
• Technological inequities.

The solution was clear: In order to feel a part of the ONE MINNESOTA promise, people with developmental disabilities must be seen and treated as active equal participants in the community. It is all about inclusion!

One Minnesota is achieved when:

• All services and supported promised to people with disabilities are known and easily accessed.
• Fulfilling employment opportunities, appropriate to each individual's abilities, are available and accessible to all.
• Plentiful housing options, with sufficient services for people with developmental disabilities, are available in communities throughout the state.
• Efficient transportation services for people with disabilities enable access and full participation in their communities.
• All public schools in the state provide students of all ability levels with free appropriate public education in the most integrated settings.
• High speed internet and easy to use government online services are available and accessible, regardless of location or income.

Testimonials about this program goal:

There needs to be a fundamental shift in the way the state perceives individuals with developmental disabilities – from a cost to society, to an opportunity for inclusion that will enhance the quality of life for all Minnesotans.

Create awareness among all Minnesotans of the importance of including people with developmental disabilities in the One Minnesota promise.

Focus resources and efforts on identifying fulfilling opportunities for employment and earning a livable income, which will drive inclusion and enable more independence for people with developmental disabilities.

Educate service providers on the importance of having a customer service mentality and proactively informing people with developmental disabilities of the services and supports to which they are eligible.

Assure that all services and supports for people with developmental disabilities are equally available and easily accessible everywhere in the state.

Supplier:
MarketResponse International
1304 University Ave. NE, Suite 304
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55413
www.marketresponse.com

QUALITY IMPROVEMENT

Since 1998, the Council has adopted the federally supported Baldrige Criteria for Performance Excellence as a systematic framework for improvement of performance and in accordance with the Government Performance and Results Modernization Act of 2010. By learning and adopting these principles, the annual Business Results provide trend lines, and reflect changes and improvements for Council operations.

Annual Business Results

These results are based on the Council's annual work plan that is aligned with the Baldrige Criteria. Increases or improvements and trend data in customer results, financial or market results, and supplier results are tracked over several years and represented on charts and graphs for easy reading and comparison.

Data results most recently added include Facebook/social media, video files, and website visits via mobile browsers. Trend lines are showing significant increases in these changing technologies and reflect how customers seek and exchange information in the 21st century.

This work enables the Council to show results in all three quadrants of Results-Based Accountability framework: outputs, efficiencies, and outcomes.

The Bill of Rights Project

The Bill of Rights project was launched this past year and it consisted of a workbook for residents, a handbook for staff and video vignettes demonstrating rights. The Supervised Living Facility Bill of Rights was converted to Plain Language. The product was completed with the cooperation of the Minnesota Department of Health.

Testimonials about this program goal:

I appreciate the various formats to give information about the Bill of Rights.

This is a better way to teach rights and interaction means residents will actually retain the information.

I am using the videos to train the staff.

Supplier:
MH Consulting Group
1204 Woodridge Place
Owatonna, Minnesota 55060

BUDGET SUMMARY FOR GRANTS

IN CONCLUSION:

"As long as inequities impact Minnesotans' ability to be successful, we have work to do. Our state will recognize its full potential when all Minnesotans are provided the opportunity to lead healthy, fulfilled lives," said Governor Walz, regarding his vision for ONE MINNESOTA.

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