ANNUAL REPORT FFY 2021
Published December 15, 2021
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 of 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 FFY 2020 program goals.
CURRENT COUNCIL MEMBERS (December 2021)
- Michelle Albeck
- Jenny Arndt
- Wendy Berghorst
- Jason Blomquist
- Dupree Edwards
- Lisa Emmert
- Kay Hendrikson
- Brittanie Hernandez-Wilson
- Amy Hewitt
- Lesli Kerkhoff
- Mary Martin
- Abdi Matan
- Katie McDermott
- Chris McVey
- Jillian Nelson
- Garrett Petrie
- Kate Quale
- Connie Rabideaux
- Dan Reed
- Jenny Santema
- Reid Scheller
- Lee Shervheim
- Dan Stewart
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 $1,092,901.00 from the Administration on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AIDD) for FFY 2021. Of that amount, 70 % ($765,031) was allocated for grants and contracts to fulfill the goals of the Council's Five-Year State Plan approved by the federal government.
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.
Training sessions were attended by 71 individuals (unduplicated count) in the Central and Northwest regions on topics including disability equality training and the Olmstead Academy. The Council funds the Central and Northwest regions.
Self-advocates evaluated training sessions on a 5-point scale, with 5 being the highest. Across both regions and on average, knowledge gained = 4.46, usefulness = 4.68, and quality of presentations = 4.70.
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.
Supplier:
Advocating Change Together, Inc.
1821 University Avenue, Suite 306
St Paul, MN 55104
https://www.selfadvocacy.org/
Ambassadors for Respect
During FFY 2021, PeaceMaker Minnesota sponsored Ambassadors for Respect (A4R), an anti-bullying program that supported 52 self-advocates to become trainers for 4th grade students. There were five teams of self-advocate trainers from The Next Step Transition Program, Focus House, Career and Life Transition Program, Merrick, and In Step Transition Program. All trainers were certified to be Ambassadors. In FFY 2021, 53 trainings were provided to 18 elementary schools, reaching 1,068 4th graders along with their teachers and principals. Ambassadors also created 500 A4R messaging cards.
After the training 96% of 4th grade attendees could list three ways to include others, 90% could list three ways to advocate for themselves and others, and 89% indicated they learned how to use Person First Language. Ambassadors also benefited from the program. 98% of Ambassadors reported that, due to participation in the Ambassadors for Respect Program, they are increasing their advocacy. 96% of Ambassadors reported they are better able to say what they want, and what is important to them [self-determination].
Testimonials about this program goal:
I will help people when they are getting bullied or excluded.
I will stick up for others and never be scared to say something.
- 4th graders after attending an Ambassadors for Respect (A4R) TrainingMy students responded really well to the A4R program and video. They were engaged and excited to participate in the star activity. Many students shared that they knew people with developmental disabilities and other students learned what a developmental disability was. I would love to partner again in the future!
- 4th Grade TeacherI'm having such a great time with this program. I love it so much. I feel like I can stand up for what's right and wrong, and I love teaching kids. Thanks so much for letting me have this opportunity.
- Ambassador for the A4R Program
Supplier:
PeaceMaker Minnesota
2131 Fairview Avenue North, Suite E
Roseville, MN 55113
http://www.peacemakermn.org
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
In FFY 2021, Class 38 of Partners in Policymaking® (Partners) graduated 27 self-advocates, and parents. Eight graduates 8 identified with racial and ethnic communities. 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 4.36% to 4.68%.
- Productivity increased from 3.73% to 4.23%.
- Self-determination increased from 3.91% to 4.45%; and
- Integration and Inclusion increased from 3.05% to 4.18%.
Because of the pandemic, the national Disability Policy Seminar was designated as a graduate workshop. The Disability Policy Seminar was held virtually from April 19 – April 22, 2021.
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.
LONGITUDINAL STUDIES
During FFY 2021, Dr. Nancy Miller, Metropolitan State University, conducted a follow-up survey of Partners graduates from Class 37 and a longitudinal study of Years XXXIV through XXXVI (Classes 34 through 36). The report was submitted on April 15, 2021.
Class 37 Follow-up Survey
The Class 37 Six-Month Follow-up Survey tracked contacts with public officials. A total of 61 federal contacts, 70 state contacts, and 73 local contacts were reported by the graduates. Contacts with public officials were made primarily by email, followed next by telephone and then by letters and personal visits.
Class 37 graduates also educated members of the public. They estimated their number of contacts at:
- Testified at Public Hearing = 22.
- Presentation (parent/community group) = 51,
- Presentation (conference) = 21.
- Served on a committee = 47.
- Appeared on TV or radio =22; and
- Articles/Editorials Published = 23.
Classes 34, 35 and 36
The average IPSII scores over the three previous classes were:
- Independence = 4.3
- Productivity = 4.1
- Self-determination = 4.5
- Integration and Inclusion = 4.1
The 41 Longitudinal Study respondents identified significant changes in the areas of education, employment, housing, family support, services/supports, legislative, and other areas that they attribute to their Partners experience. Some comments are as follows:
Instead of feeling like we are a bother to society, I realized we don't have to apologize for existing. It is ok to ask for basic accessibility accommodations. In addition, I have always spoken up against human right injustices, but now I know where to look for laws & regulations & people to contact to support human & civil rights justice.
My daughter continues to be integrated in her community and school with better collaboration with her educators and support staff. The IEP team is more "on board" with inclusion as her path.
Friendships were a huge part. Became a better functioning advocate for my family. Built a relationship with my elected officials for all kinds of things. I am able to make a big impact in my small community because of the things I learned at Partners.
My middle son will be attending a community college next fall in area of forestry at Vermillion college. He has come a long way in the last year and will be able to handle living on his own.
It has helped our family better advocate for our child both in school and in the neighborhood. It also taught me how to better listen and help my child in day-to-day life.
Supplier:
The Odyssey Group
1730 New Brighton Blvd, Suite 104 - #237
Minneapolis, MN 55413
https://www.theodysseygroup.com/
EMPLOYMENT
During FFY 2021, the MSS customized employment project assisted transition students and 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. Six students were employed during the grant year. They worked from 10 - 32 hours per week with wages ranging from $10.25-$14.00 per hour. The ten adults who were employed worked from 2.5- 40 hours per week and their wages ranged from $8.15 - $14.95 per hour.
Through the Discovery Process, 298 businesses were contacted 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.
The ratings for IPSII were:
- Independence = 4.1.
- Productivity = 3.9.
- Self-determination = 3.6; and
- Integration and Inclusion = 3.8.
Testimonial about this program goal:
I am thankful for the assistance given for my job.
Supplier:
MSS
900 Ocean Street
St. Paul, MN 55106
https://www.mssmn.org/
CULTURAL OUTREACH
In FFY 2021, the Cultural Outreach program provided four training programs to a total of 35 participants. All training was provided in an online format. Two training programs were held for the Latinx community. All 21 were parents of a child with a disability. Two trainings programs were provided for the East African Community. There were 14 participants. Eight were parents of a child with a disability, four were individuals with a disability, and two were parents of a child with a disability who also have a disability. Five individuals obtained waivers.
IPSII Results:
- Independence increased from 3.6% to 4.9%.
- Productivity increased from 3.3% to 4.6%.
- Self-determination increased from 3.7% to 4.7%; and
- Integration and Inclusion increased from 3.5% to 4.6%.
Testimonials from the participants:
One mom attended the training and said she was very appreciative of it and learned about resources that are available to her family and her so. Because of the knowledge she received, she has been a great advocate for the disability training in the Latinx community in her town.
Another mom was very grateful for the opportunity to meet and talked to other parents who have children with disabilities. She was especially grateful that another parent in the training session had a child with Down Syndrome and they were able to connect. SCRS is currently assisting her through the waiver process.
A training attendee came to the training concerned his daughter with learning disabilities will fall further and further behind her classmates and what she will do in the future. He did not know his daughter might qualify for services beyond what is offered through the Special Education program at her public school. He is now working with SCRS on the waiver process and getting his daughter further medical evaluation.
One adult learned of the resources available to him in the training program and has since received a waiver and now has a PCA.
Supplier:
Somali Community Resettlement Services (SCRS)
4020 Minnehaha. Suite 2070
Minneapolis, MN 55406
https://somalcrs.org/
QUALITY IMPROVEMENT
During the past reporting year, MH Consulting Group focused on three projects: the "Treat People Like People – Abuse Stops With Us" Campaign, verifying the Council's FY2019 Business Results, and assisting with the preparation of the 2020 Program Performance Report.
"Treat People Like People – Abuse Stops With Us" is a high-profile state advertising campaign designed to raise awareness of abuse of adults with disabilities. The campaign is part of the Olmstead Comprehensive Plan for the Prevention of Abuse and Neglect. The campaign was initiated by the Minnesota Office of Ombudsman for Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities (OMHDD) and the Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD). MH Consulting Group convened customer panels to review and provide feedback for continuous improvement of the campaign.
The GCDD reports annual business results to be shared with council members and posted on the GCDD website. The report provides annual business results as well as a 10-year trendline on key indicators. MH Consulting assisted the Council by verifying the data and making recommendations about continuous improvement of the Business Results.
Enacted in 2010, the Government Performance and Results Modernization Act (GPRAMA) requires federal agencies to set performance goals that deliver results for the American people, establish management processes to review progress, and regularly communicate progress being achieved against those goals. MH Consulting assisted in preparation of this federally required report.
Supplier:
MH Consulting Group
1111 3rd Street N
Stillwater, MN 55082
TRAINING CONFERENCES
The Council co-sponsored 12 training conferences during FFY 2021. The total number of attendees was 605 and 97% reported they were satisfied with the conference they attended.
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.
IPSII Scores for Individuals:
- Independence 3.8.
- Productivity 3.8.
- Self-Determination 4.0; and
- Integration and Inclusion 3.9.
IPSII Scores for Families:
- Independence 3.5.
- Productivity 3.5.
- Self-Determination 3.6; and
- Integration and Inclusion 3.5
Testimonials from participants:
It was a lot of fun, it was awesome, it's really about including everyone.
My daughter is pursuing an internship rather than cookie cutter choices.
The training was fabulous, but it will take time to implement. I do believe things will change.
Suppliers:
Accord, Inc.
Achieve Services, Inc.
Advocating Change Together
Autism Society of Minnesota
Choice Inc.
Minnesota Independence College and Community
Reach for Resources
Sounds Powerful Productions
Southside Services I, Inc.
Special Olympics Minnesota
The Arc Minnesota, Southeast region
Valley Friendship Club
PUBLICATIONS, WEBSITES, ONLINE E-LEARNING
The Council's Publications, Websites, and Online Learning Courses Goal is to provide information, education, and training that increases knowledge, skills, and abilities of end users through a broad range of multiple media formats by:
- Promoting accurate historical archiving of resource materials.
- Investigating and using the latest technological advancements in communications that may include social networking.
- Showcasing the positive roles and contributions of people with developmental disabilities; and
- Increasing marketing efforts to ensure wide dissemination of Council products.
As a result of intense and prodigious efforts, outputs exceeded expected targets with 661,463 visitors and over 3.9 million downloads.
Outcomes also exceeded expectations with the range of website additions covering federal and state priorities such as the pandemic, Treat People Like People - a public awareness campaign on the prevention of abuse and neglect, person centered planning, and legal and human rights. The overall satisfaction rating was a 10.0 out of 10 across all publications by a small sample of end users.
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. All five online courses were updated and streamlined during FFY 2021.
Council Website Additions
Because of the pandemic, the Council created and regularly updated a section of resources about COVID-19. These resources include important information from the CDC, MDH, and State resources such as a vaccine connector. The Council produced a short documentary about the impact of the pandemic on Minnesotans with developmental disabilities.
Updating occurred regularly for the following website features: Olmstead chronology, Jensen docket, Autism works, Partners in Policymaking resources, the ADA feature, and Class 39 resources, readings, and media. The index of 510 videos was also updated.
50th Anniversary
In preparation for the 50th Anniversary of the Council's formation, several features were created including the story of Elizabeth Boggs and Elsie Helsel creating the term "developmental disabilities" as well as the story of functional definition of developmental disabilities by Elinor Gollay.
The Council also worked on a monograph, Minnesota Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities: 50 Years of Empowering Advocacy, Expanding Capacity Building, and Envisioning Systems Change; another monograph featuring photos from 1905 through 2021 entitled Invisibility; a documentary entitled The New Stargazers: 50 Years of Bold Achievements; and 30 posters of self-advocacy quotes.
Disability Justice Resource Center
The Disability Justice 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. In 2021 the website was updated with several new video interviews with Senior US District Court Judge Donovan Frank, Secretary of State Steve Simon, Assistant US Attorney Laura Provinzino, Dean Anthony Niedwiecki (Mitchell Hamline Law School), and Dan Stewart from the Minnesota Disability Law Center. The Disability Justice Resource Center was rededicated to the memory of Magistrate Judge Steven R. Rau in 2021
Treat People Like People
The Treat People Like People public awareness campaign to prevent abuse and neglect was updated and enhanced with several video interviews from six diverse communities.
Suppliers:
Russell Herder
275 Market Street, Suite 319
International Market Square
Minneapolis, MN 55405
https://russellherder.com/
Mastcom
5775 Wayzata Boulevard, #700
St Louis Park, MN 55416
www.mastcom.com
For more information, please contact:
Minnesota Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities
370 Centennial Office Building
658 Cedar Street
St Paul, MN 55155
https://mn.gov/mnddc and https://mn.gov/mnddc/pipm
Phone: 651-296-4018
Toll free: 877-348-0505
Email: admin.dd@state.mn.us
This document is available in alternative formats to individuals with disabilities by contacting the Council office at the address above. Please call 651-296-4018 or through preferred telecommunications provider. Or please use the email address admin.dd@state.mn.us
Disclaimer:
This Annual Report was supported in part by grant number 1901MNSCDD-01 from the US Administration for Community Living (ACL), Department of Health and Human Services, Washington DC 20201. Grantees undertaking projects with government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions. Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, represent official ACL policy.