Rep. Jim Ward signaled a clear legislative concern regarding the recent Federal move to cut off Federal dollars from Osawatomie State Hospital, due to recurring concerns related to substandard care, safety and security issues. His pointed questions resulted in the Chair, Senator Pilcher-Cook, ruling the questions to be not germane.
KDHE Secretary Moser's very general integrated waiver update prompted Senators Kelly and Denning to question the purposes and intended outcomes, and received additional questions from Rep. Ward which could only be described as skeptical as to the State's intention and preparedness.
Numerous positive written statements have been submitted to the committee attesting to the viability and potential benefits of the health home model.
The Osawatomie State Hospital issues resurfaced during KDADS Secretary Kari Bruffett's testimony. Rep. Jim Ward lectured Sec. Bruffett, citing news reports of substandard care, the rape of a staff member, the inappropriate placement of a sexual predator.
"Please tell me we are not conducting business as usual," Ward said.
Ward took exception to the drift of the Osawatomie issues, during which the focus shifted away from client care issues and focused largely on the fiscal issues resulting from the Federal findings.
A bill (HR 2646) proposed by Congressman Tim Murphy is facing scrutiny among mental health advocates. Included in the bill is a provision that would all but do away with much of the legal advocacy which current law allows for those who live with mental illness, such as is provided by the Disability Rights Center in Kansas and led to the investigation and prosecution of the notorious Kaufman House operators in southeast Kansas a few years ago.
This bill also nullifies provisions in the Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness Act, signed into law by President Ronald Reagan in 1986. HR 2646 would prevent organizations like the DRC from helping veterans and the homeless – two populations prone to mental illness.
Missed the Power Up! Conference? Don't worry. You still have a chance to see some of our most talked about learning labs. Get your ACCESS PASS today and view training sessions until March 1!
Click here to learn more and register for all four training sessions. Benefits of Self-Care for Disability Services Providers
Audra Kenneson, Rainbows United
When under stress, a caregiver’s ability to apply skills may be seriously compromised. This training discusses the characteristics of a healthy work community. Then, participants will explore stress: the causes of stress, how one’s coworkers know one is stressed, and how one’s stress impacts the children and youth being served. Next, participants will discuss levels of stress and how to care for oneself at each level. Finally, participants will leave with a tool to assist them in evaluating their own stress level. (handouts will be emailed to participants) REGISTER
Response to an Armed Engagement
Lt. David Mattingly, Sedgwick County Sherriff’s Office
What would you do if an armed intruder entered your facility? A crowd favorite from the Power Up! 2015 InterHab Annual Conference, this presentation provides critical information on how organizations should prepare to respond to this type of situation. REGISTER
Pitching your Story: Strategies on Connecting with the Media
Tom Shine, Deputy Editor/ Print, The Wichita Eagle
Even though there seems to be more media these days, connecting with them is increasingly more difficult. How do you pitch stories about your organization? To which media? How do you know when you have a story the media might be interested in? Learn the answer to these questions and more. REGISTER
Sensory Processing
Evan Dean, KUMC
Sensory Processing describes a person’s response to environmental stimuli. People respond differently to sensory information based on how soon they detect and how they manage sensory stimuli. A sensory processing framework can be used as a way to understand challenging behavior. This presentation introduces a strengths-based sensory processing framework and discuss how the concepts can be used to explain behavior. Additionally, the presenter discusses how recognizing and attending to the person’s sensory responses can support community participation REGISTER
Governor Brownback has appointed Tim Keck to serve as the interim Secretary at the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) when Secretary Kari Bruffett leaves at the end of the month.
Tim has been Deputy Chief Counsel at KDHE for the last four and half years as an active member of leadership there, including participation in the development and implementation of KanCare. He has extensive experience working with the aging and disability communities and has worked closely with Secretary Bruffett and Secretary Mosier on various issues impacting older Kansans and Kansans with disabilities.
He also has served as deputy chief counsel to Governor Brownback for several years.
Former legislator Bob Grant
Photo courtesy of the Joplin Globe
Bob Grant, retired Kansas legislator, passed away this week.
I have often talked about the need to remind elected officials that we don't work for them, and that they are elected to work for us. Bob Grant never needed that reminder.
I am grateful for Bob's work as a legislator, because he, like others of his mindset, always tried his best to do whatever he could do for the people who truly needed a caring and responsive government.
To his wonderful wife Lynn and his daughter Megan, I say thank you for sharing Bob's generous spirit with us. He was a friend and a wonderful public servant to persons with disabilities, and to organizations that served the needs of persons with disabilities.
Tom Laing, InterHab Executive Director
Photo courtesy of the Topeka Capital-Journal
The Topeka Capital-Journal reported this week on disability groups objections to the Brownback administration's decision to decline $22.5 million for rehabilitation services.
The article below quoted from cjonline explains why advocates for Kansans with disabilities want the Legislature to review a decision by the administration of Gov. Sam Brownback to turn aside $22.5 million in federal grants for job-training programs that target people with mental or physical challenges eager to join the labor force.
The two-year total surrendered by the Kansas Department for Children and Families included $15 million shunned in the federal fiscal year ending in September. The state had access to $25.5 million in federal grants for vocational rehabilitation services in the year, but chose to expend less than half the total.
Kansas led the nation, in percentage terms, by declining roughly 60 percent of federal aid available to help disabled adults find jobs.
Michael Donnelly, director of rehabilitation services at the Department for Children and Families, said demand for vocational services had contracted to pre-recession levels, making it prudent to downsize expenditures. The state is required to provide a one-fifth match on the federal grants, and drawing down the extra $15 million would have cost the state an estimated $3.5 million.
“We have areas in the state that basically have full employment,” Donnelly said. “The case loads are down. We had to make a decision about returning some of those federal dollars because it was more than was needed.”
Leaders of organizations serving Kansans with disabilities argued rejection of such a vast amount was unjustified given the apparent need. In addition, they said, legislators arriving in Topeka for the 2016 session in January ought to delve into why funding was cut while less than 6,000 of Kansas’ 178,000 disabled people of working age hold down full-time jobs. About 16,000 have part-time employment.
“It would be very helpful to get different points of view out there,” said Ron Pasmore, president of the Kansas Elks Training Center in Wichita.
He said KETC discontinued a substantive vocational program because reimbursement rates from the state were insufficient to cover costs of services.
“It was essentially costing us more to do it than we were paid,” Pasmore said. “As resources became more tight, we weren’t able to subsidize it.”
However, Donnelly said Kansas providers offering training to qualified disabled people got used to large payments from the state during the recession because client demand surged. In the past few years, he said, some organizations have complained as client referrals declined and state payments fell. “Nobody made a lot of money in the disability arena during the recession. That’s such a completely absurd comment,” said Tom Laing, executive director of Interhab, an organization dedicated to promoting independent living among the disabled.
Laing added his voice to others who want the 2016 Legislature to study the funding decision by the Brownback administration. He was surprised to learn DCF quietly maneuvered to forgo aid extending services to disabled people who want to work. DCF relinquished its hold on the $15 million in August, but made no public announcement.
Laing also said officials in DCF, particularly Donnelly, should be dedicated to making vocational rehabilitation services effective, as well as efficient.
“He should be a leader in a movement to make good things happen instead of pushing money back to the feds,” Laing said.
Donnelly said to tap $3.5 million in state general fund dollars to secure the $15 million could be a “waste” of state tax dollars. In 2005, Kansas served 14,800 disabled people with vocational programs. The recession drove the number to 17,250 in 2011. But the total declined to 14,400 in 2014, he said.
“Looking at our projections, we’re not going to spend all those federal funds. We didn’t want to match them,” Donnelly said.
Rocky Nichols, executive director of the Disability Rights Center of Kansas, said other statistics put the administration’s decision in a different light. He said the number of Kansans applying for vocational rehabilitation services dropped from 5,500 in the 2014 federal fiscal year to 4,600 in the 2015 federal fiscal year.
“The number applying for VR services was down only 16 percent. Yet, they gave back 60 percent of the federal money,” Nichols said.
He said slippage in applications for vocational assistance ought to have inspired DCF to deploy more of the federal allotment for outreach to individuals with a disability or to increase reimbursement rates to service providers.
In addition, Nichols said, he was aware of Kansans who asked DCF for vocational rehabilitation support but were told the state agency didn’t have the money.
Donnelly said organizations involved with rehabilitation services in Kansas should have anticipated the state would opt not to secure the $15 million after giving up an opportunity for $7.5 million in the previous fiscal year.
“Did we go out and say, ‘We’re giving money back.’ No. But were they getting the message that resources were decreasing? Yes, if they were listening,” Donnelly said.
He said unilateral action by DCF to avoid spending $3.5 million in state tax dollars on the federal match wasn’t tied to Brownback’s effort to balance the budget. State tax revenue shortfalls in the current fiscal year triggered mid-year cuts.
He said one of the DCF’s persistent problems was filling vocational disability counseling positions within the agency. The vacancy rate hovers between 30 percent and 40 percent, he said.
In one case highlighted by the Kansas Health Institute, an Atchison woman with disabilities had 13 case managers in four years while seeking vocational assistance.
“We recognize that our staff turnover creates difficulty for people. We’re doing what we can with what we have,” Donnelly said.
Tragic news came Wednesday, as an active shooter situation in California resulted injury and multiple deaths. The shooting took place at Inland Regional Center, a nonprofit that works with individuals with developmental disabilities.
Our thoughts go out to the victims of this tragedy and their families.
The incidents of violence -- whether random or planned -- have been on the rise since the late 90s, and this most recent event has resulted in renewed interest in organizational planning and training to enhance on-site responses to such threats.
At the 2015 Power Up! Conference, Lt. David Mattingly with the Sedgwick County Sherriff’s Office gave an in-depth presentation called “Response to an Armed Engagement”. In light of this week's events and in response to those who have contacted us just since yesterday, we are offering a repeat of this training. Click here for more information.
InterHab received word this morning that Kari Bruffett, secretary of the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services, will resign effective Dec. 31. See the KHI News article below for more information.
Gov. Sam Brownback announced Monday that Kari Bruffett, secretary of the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services, will resign effective Dec. 31. Bruffett has been a member of the Brownback administration since he took office in 2011.
Before being named KDADS secretary in May 2014, Bruffett was director of the Health Care Finance division of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.
As KDADS secretary, Bruffett oversaw a $1.6 billion agency responsible for the state’s Older American’s Act programs, behavioral health programs, and home and community-based services for older adults and people with disabilities.
Bruffett will join the Kansas Health Institute as director of policy on Jan. 6, 2016. The Kansas Health Institute is the parent organization of the editorially independent KHI News Service.
Another year, another conference. We really do think it was the best conference yet, and so did many of you!
Thank you for all who attended and participated in the many interactive sessions. Thank you to the great speakers who took the time to share the material. Thank you to the vendors and sponsors and advertisers who helped create the many networking and learning opportunities by contributing funds.
Thank you to our emerging leader group and those who jumped in to serve as facilitators:
Sherry Biddle, Tim Wood, Chris Gafford, Lexi Harper, James Quillen, Carri McMahon, Alice Lackey, Bailey Stiggins, James Brown, Liz Lewis, Christy Downing, Patrick Butler, Dave Hager, Brooke Roy, Dave Murphy, Sarah Schlitter, Dan Hermreck, Elizabeth Lewis, Jessica Wolford
We thought we’d take some time and share some of our post-conference survey results and respond to a few comments. Watch for these over the next few weeks. And thanks to you for making PowerUp! 2015 the best. conference.ever.
And since you mentioned technology…
We had several comments from those who felt the conference had a “hipper” feel this year. We had a much larger social media presence than ever before and reached many new people through these efforts. New additions included the selfie-contest, the games throughout conference, the magazine feel of the program, food trucks and the launch and use of our InterHab App. In fact, 75% of attendees rated the App as Excellent! However, we did have this comment: Missed understanding the App component… better inclusion of that info to less talented tech users.
About those food trucks… Many picked this as one of their favorite things about the conference but here’s what one had to say: I would like to try the food trucks again, but figure out a way to get the food faster. Would have been fun to sit around and visit but spent most of the time in line. 86% rated the Game Night and Food Trucks Good-Excellent.
And with that, we’ll leave you with one last comment: It was my first time and I there so many great arrangements then expected. First the location was perfect. The InterHab app was very impressive and let me know where, what session and great updates. Also after attending the session it was great to know that I had sources to refer too especially for the session that I enjoyed and can and will apply at work and in my personal life.
According to several articles published by media outlets across Kansas today, an overhaul of the House Health Committee resulted in the loss of three members. The three Republicans have voiced support for Medicaid expansion and believe this is the reason for their removal.
Read the story quoted from the Topeka Capital-Journal below for more on the House Speaker's decision to remove these members of the committee.
House Speaker Ray Merrick ousted three Republicans from the House Health and Human Services Committee Wednesday, a move the lawmakers said took aim at their support for Medicaid expansion.
Reps. Barbara Bollier, Susan Concannon – the vice chair -- and Don Hill all said the speaker’s office told them they were being removed from the committee. And Concannon said the speaker’s office had conveyed that her reassignment was related to her support for expansion.
The reassignments also remove three lawmakers from the committee who have close ties to healthcare. Bollier is a retired physician, Hill is a pharmacist and Concannon served as the executive director of a health foundation.
“This isn’t about me, this is about the people. They deserve the ability to have expertise, the most knowledgeable people helping shape healthcare policy in the state. It’s not only about Medicaid expansion or not. I find it tragic to take the three of us incredibly knowledgeable people off of that committee,” Bollier said.
The speaker’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The ousted lawmakers said it was their understanding the speaker’s office would release a statement Wednesday.
Rep. Jim Ward, D-Wichita, and the ranking Democrat on the committee, said he believed Medicaid expansion legislation would pass the committee if brought up for a vote.
“It’s a desperate act by people who are on the wrong side of history trying to stop the momentum of the people of Kansas who want a vote and want Medicaid expansion,” Ward said.
Under the federal Affordable Care Act, signed into law in 2010, states can use federal funds to expand Medicaid. Thirty-one states have chosen to do so but some states, Kansas included, have chosen to not expand Medicaid.
Under the law, commonly called Obamacare, the federal government will cover 100 percent of the costs of Medicaid expansion initially and 90 percent of the costs by 2020. Opponents of Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act, including Gov. Sam Brownback, argue that state cannot cover the costs.
“I don’t think we have the resources to get it done,” Brownback said during a Hutchinson stop in September.
Merrick also opposes Medicaid expansion. Last month, the speaker sent a memo to fellow Republicans with talking points for rejecting an expansion.
Controversy surrounds a recent announcement that the Brownback administration will be using Medicaid cash from a Federal budget deal for the Kansas general fund.
KHI News published the article below on Nov. 9, 2015.
A budget deal in Washington, D.C., is helping Kansas balance its own books temporarily with an infusion of Medicaid cash.
But a Democratic senator says the savings should be used to provide home and community-based services to Kansans with disabilities.
A KHI News article today reported that a $125 million federal deal is in the works that the Brownback administration would plan to shift to the state general fund.
Gov. Sam Brownback’s budget director, Shawn Sullivan, answered lawmaker questions Monday about the administration’s plan to shift about $125 million to the state general fund.
The transfers are needed because state revenue estimators revised tax receipt projections down for the fourth straight time last week, leaving Kansas with a projected deficit for the fiscal year that ends June 30.
Almost half of the $125 million comes from the state highway fund, but about $25 million of it comes from Medicaid.
Sullivan said some of that money is available because the D.C. budget deal reduced projected Medicare premiums for low-income residents who get their premiums paid through Medicaid.
Sullivan said the rest of the Medicaid savings comes from revised actuarial cost estimates that will not affect any recipients or providers within KanCare, the state’s managed care Medicaid system that serves more than 425,000 Kansans.
“It does not involve any service reductions or provider rate reductions or changes,” Sullivan said. “It is, this part, a change in the estimates.”
While facing a tight budget in the last year, the state has used increased federal money from the Children’s Health Insurance Program and a prescription drug rebate program to fill gaps.
Sen. Laura Kelly, a Topeka Democrat, asked Sullivan if the $25 million could be used to fund services for Kansans with disabilities on waiting lists for Medicaid programs that provide services to help them remain in their homes rather than institutions.
Sullivan said they could, but the state’s budget picture compels the administration to go a different route.
“Just like anything, when you have savings, you can either choose to use that for state general fund or reappropriate to something else,” he said. “Yes, we could do that, but in our case we’re helping with the state general fund shortfall.”
Sullivan said fully funding the current waiting lists would cost more than $100 million.
The Brownback administration has, in past years, used savings from the managed care switch to pare down some of the waiting lists.
After Monday’s meeting of the Legislative Budget Committee, Kelly said the administration also should consider using the latest savings to further reduce the number of people on the waiting lists, given that Brownback has made elimination of the lists a pre-condition of the state considering Medicaid expansion.
“We could take 25 percent of people off the waiting list, right now,” Kelly said.
The $125 million in fund transfers also includes $9 million from the Children’s Initiatives Fund, which pays for early childhood health and education programs.
Sullivan said the Children’s Cabinet that administers the fund had been improperly holding over money from the Early Childhood Grant Program from one year to the next. He said bringing the $9 million into the general fund would not affect the program.
Shannon Cotsoradis, president and CEO of the Topeka nonprofit Kansas Action for Children and a member of the Children’s Cabinet, disagreed.
In a statement released last week, Cotsoradis said nearly $60 million has been transferred out of the Children’s Initiatives Fund since passage of controversial income tax cuts in 2012.
“While Budget Director Sullivan continues to suggest these decisions are without consequences for our state’s children, that is simply false,” Cotsoradis said. “Unlike the tax plan that got us into this perpetual budget crisis, these are evidence-based programs that offer a tremendous return on investment for the state while changing the course of a child’s entire life.”
The latest budget transfers also include $5 million from the Kansas Bioscience Authority, an agency that provides start-up help for human and animal health innovations.
KBA advocates say several years of budget cuts have put the future of the agency in doubt.
Sullivan said the state also was transferring $3 million from the Health Care Access Improvement Program, $2.2 million from the Kansas Eligibility Enforcement System and $2.5 million from an Osawatomie State Hospital fee fund to help balance the budget.
He said the KEES savings came from payments that will not be made to the contractor Accenture due to ongoing delays in implementation of the computer system overhaul. The Osawatomie State Hospital savings came from increased funding from non-state sources, such as patient co-pays and insurance payments.
Some of the transfers are one-time money, but Sullivan said some may be carried over into the next fiscal year, when the state faces a projected deficit of $175 million.
Infographic from KAC showing how child care
assistance corresponds to child poverty rates.
We know that all parents are challenged by the task of finding affordable child care, but consider the compounded challenge for a family in need of child care for a child with developmental disabilities.
As rewarding as raising a child with a developmental disability can be, it can also be daunting and exhausting. There are many appointments to keep. Finding and funding the needed child care and support services can easily overwhelm families of any income level.
According to a recent Kansas Action for Children article, State lawmakers and policymakers have been engaged in philosophical debate over the past year about how to best help low-income Kansans escape the cycle of poverty. The article points out the arguments in favor of increased public supports explained how cash and child care assistance gives families the boost they need to stop the cycle, while others suggested public supports promote government dependency and discourage people from working.
Whatever your philosophy on the subject of poverty, it is difficult to ignore how access to child care impacts a family's ability to find and maintain employment.
In the past 10 years, the number of Kansas children receiving child care assistance has declined significantly. According to the Kansas Department of Children and Families, in the 2015 fiscal year an average of 12,779 children were served each month, compared to more than 19,000 in 2006.
Today, eight percent of the 211,000 eligible children receive child care assistance from the state.
How has this decrease in access to child care assistance impacted poverty? Not surprisingly, as child care assistance declined - child poverty increased.
Kansas Action for Families shared their thoughts on this trend:
"The 2016 legislative session will offer a unique opportunity to strengthen child care assistance in Kansas as part of the implementation of the reauthorized Child Care and Development Block Grant. Policymakers say they want to help Kansans who rely on public assistance transition to meaningful and rewarding work. Given that, we expect overwhelming support for making child care assistance more accessible to Kansas families in 2016.
Child care assistance helps Kansas parents get back to work or enables them to go look for work. It is a critical step in helping low-income families get off welfare rolls, onto payrolls, and out of poverty."
A state agency charged with helping people with disabilities find and maintain employment has returned $15 million to the federal government.
Why? The decision, according to Michael Donnelly, director of rehabilitation services at the Kansas Department for Children and Families, was made because fewer people were asking the agency for help.
If KDADS hadn’t returned the $15 million to the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA), an agency within the U.S. Department of Education, it would have had to put up roughly $3.5 million in matching funds, he said.
It didn’t make sense, Donnelly said, for DCF to spend state dollars on federal funds it wasn’t in a position to spend amid a tight Kansas budget situation. The $15 million constituted nearly 60 percent of the state’s $25.5 million federal allotment of vocational rehabilitation funding for the year. No other state, according to RSA reports, relinquished a higher percentage of the money set aside for it.
The unspent funds have been made available to employment programs in other states. Kansas also returned $7.5 million in FY 2014, Donnelly said.
Donnelly defended the decision to relinquish the $15 million, noting the department has enough money in a reserve fund to cover the program’s projected costs for this year and will have access to its allotment — roughly $29 million — in the next federal fiscal year.
Earlier this month at the Power Up! InterHab Annual Conference, InterHab honored several outstanding members of the community at the Awards Luncheon.
If you missed the event you can watch the inspiring stories of each amazing award winner on our conference website. The awards video is featured on the 2015 Awards section of the website and is also broken out by award type.
You can share these videos on your social network by accessing them on our YouTube channel here.
In addition to being available on the InterHab app, all handouts from the 2015 Power Up! InterHab Annual Conference are now available for download online.
Visit powerupks.com to download the handouts and/or powerpoints from the learning labs you attended at the conference earlier this month. The handouts are located on the homepage just below the conference description.
Jerry Henry, Executive Director at Achievement Services, received the Mark Elmore Award for Distinguished Leadership at the 2015 InterHab Annual Conference on Oct. 16, in Wichita.
The award is presented to a professional who has shown innovation and dedication in the field of developmental disabilities in Kansas over many years. Elmore was a pioneer in this field from Johnson County and left a legacy of inclusion and compassion.
Jerry Henry is a Democratic member of the Kansas House of Representatives, representing District 63. He was first elected to the chamber in 2002. He previously served on the Atchison City Commission and as the Mayor of Atchison, Kansas.
Watch the video below to see why Jerry Henry truly deserves to be recognized for his contributions to the Kansas I/DD community.
A major provider of health insurance in Kansas is pulling out of the Affordable Care Act marketplace. Two companies under the Aetna corporate umbrella — Coventry Health & Life Insurance Co. and Coventry Health Care of Kansas Inc. — are withdrawing from the marketplace just two weeks before the Nov. 1 start of the next open enrollment period. Coventry merged with Aetna in 2013.
Rohan Hutchings, an Aetna spokesperson, said company officials made the decision after reviewing a range of business factors, including the company’s competitive position in the 17 states in which it offers marketplace plans.
“Once we conducted that review, we reluctantly came to the decision that we could no longer meet the needs of our individual on-exchange members in Kansas,” Hutchings said to KHI News. Hutchings said Kansas policyholders would be covered through the end of the year.
The open enrollment runs from November of this year through Jan. 31, 2016, although Dec. 15 is the last day to enroll for coverage starting Jan. 1.
Coventry didn’t inform Kansas Insurance Commissioner Ken Selzer of its decision until a few days ago, said Clark Shultz, the department’s director of government affairs. “We are so close to open enrollment, this is very last minute,” Shultz said. “It has really taken us by surprise.” Shultz said that Selzer plans to meet with Coventry officials this week to gain a better understanding of their reasons for withdrawing. “We really don’t have a good handle on them yet,” he said. “They’ve just said it was for a combination of reasons.”
In August, Selzer reduced rate increases requested by Coventry and the other companies participating in the Kansas marketplace. Coventry sought increases of 20 percent to 35 percent, depending on the plan.
For two years now, the staff at Kansas Action for Children has been trying to unravel a mystery: Why is Medicaid enrollment dropping among the state’s youngest children?
Enrollment of low-income children age 1-5 peaked in October 2012 and has been dropping steadily since. Enrollment of children younger than 1 in low-income families also dropped during that period.
In Kansas, children age 1 to 5 are eligible for the state’s privatized Medicaid program, known as KanCare, if they live in families earning less than 150 percent of the federal poverty level, or $36,144 annually for a family of four. Children under the age of 1 are eligible in families earning up to 171 percent of the poverty level, or annually $41,472 for a family of four. The overall child poverty rate in Kansas is trending down, declining from 19 percent in 2013 to 18 percent in 2014, but a Kansas Action for Children spokesperson said it is “highly unlikely” that explains the drop in Medicaid enrollment.
A spokesperson for the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, said officials at the state’s lead Medicaid agency don’t know why enrollment is dropping among young children.
KDADS Secretary Kari Bruffett said State intends to delay implementation of Medicaid waiver integration
TOPEKA, Kan. – Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) Secretary Dr. Susan Mosier and Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) Secretary Kari Bruffett said today that the agencies intend to delay the target implementation date of Medicaid waiver integration by six months in order to gather additional stakeholder input.
In August, the state announced its intention to consolidate its seven individual 1915(c) home- and community- based services Medicaid waivers into the state’s Section 1115 KanCare demonstration with two service packages, one for adults and one for children. A series of public listening sessions and conference calls have been held to explain the proposal, and the agencies convened a stakeholder workgroup in advance of release of a draft waiver amendment.
“After discussions with consumers, providers and other stakeholders, we have decided to take additional time to incorporate stakeholder feedback,” Secretary Bruffett said.
“We want to ensure that we have the details of how waiver integration will work firmly in place before we move ahead,” Secretary Mosier said. “We want our consumers to be confident that their concerns have been addressed."
“The purpose of waiver integration – which includes broadening the array of services available to truly personalize care plans – has not changed, but we have extended the time period for accomplishing it,” Secretary Bruffett said.
The additional six months means the agencies now have a target date of Jan. 1, 2017, for implementation.
KDHE is the State Medicaid Agency, and KDADS administers seven individual home- and community-based services Medicaid waivers for individuals with physical disabilities, intellectual and developmental disabilities, traumatic brain injury and autism, those with a need for technology assistance, youth with a serious emotional disturbance and the frail elderly. Currently, there is a specific list of services provided under each individual waiver.
The 1115 amendment, if approved by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, would allow the state to provide a more comprehensive set of waiver services to consumers, where needed, regardless of the particular disability that qualified a recipient for these services.
The Oral Health Kansas’ 2015 Conference focuses on oral health equity... creating a system of care that serves everyone. The conference will feature two leading oral health researchers in nutrition and nursing as keynote speakers.
On November 13, Oral Health Kansas is putting oral health equity front and center. Christie Custodio-Lumsden, PhD, MS, RD, CDN from Columbia University will examine social and economic conditions that must be in place to create a dental system that serves all people. Following her presentation will be case studies highlighting Kansas programs making a difference. ADA’s recent release of its report on oral health equity will add even more substance to the dialogue.
November 14’s course focuses on one population that definitely requires specialized oral health care: individuals with dementia. Rita Jablonski-Jaudon is a professor of nursing at the University of Alabama at Birmingham who has dedicated her career to improving the oral health of older adults. Besides having years of research to present, she is always an enthusiastic and dynamic presenter. Given the current attention to elder care, this seminar will provide lots of practical guidance participants can use immediately.
The conference brochure and registration materials available on the Oral Health Kansas website. Special early bird rates are available through October 19, and up to 8.5 continuing education credits are available.
During the Power Up! Conference Oct. 15, join some of Wichita's favorite food trucks for an evening of delicious homemade specials and music at the beautiful WaterWalk Pavilion.
Food Trucks involved so far:
Big Chill Ice Cream and Italian Ice
Brown Box Bakery
RT's Hog Pit
Ms Tosha's Chicken
BS Sandwich Press
After socializing and eating on the WaterWalk head back to the hotel for a InterHab Family Game Night where we will be playing BINGO and Let's Make a Deal for big prizes.
The Power Up Entertainment Night theme is Family Game Night. Come play BINGO and have fun with food, drinks, music, and entertainment provided by a local improv troup!
As far as costumes go, we just like to have fun! So join in and bring a costume. Nobody will think you are weird - they'll just think you belong. We will have a few extra costumes on hand just in case.
Dress up as your favorite video game character, Clue character, a pair of dice, the queen of hearts, a crazy BINGO lady, a game show host or even a playing piece from a board game.
Making and/or shopping for costumes can be a great experience for you and your team to have fun and get to know each other better. There are plenty of great "game" themed costumes you can get online, or you can get creative and DIY something truly unique.
BINGO winners will have a chance to 'make a deal' and win BIG prizes! Prizes for Best Costume and BINGO King and Queen!
T SHIRT DEADLINE OCTOBER 1ST
Remember those awesome shirts from last year? Super comfortable, lightweight fabric with a distressed vintage feel? Well this year we are taking them to a whole new level with this vintage game inspired design! That way if you're feeling bashful or pressed for time when it comes to a costume, you can wear this awesome Power Up! shirt on Game Night!
Join InterHab next week in recognizing the dedication and accomplishments of outstanding Direct Support Professionals and expressing our appreciation for their vital contribution to communities across Kansas.
Direct Support Professional (DSP) is a nationally recognized position whose objective, according to Volunteers of America, is “to support developmentally disabled individuals in their development of basic living and social skills with the primary goal of integrating them into the community to the best of their ability.” These supports include personal care, daily living, and realization of personal goals, medical assistance and community inclusion.
This week Gov. Brownback issued a proclamation by InterHab's request urging all Kansans to observe Direct Support Professionals Appreciation Week, Sept. 13 - 19.
InterHab urges individuals and groups in Kansas to show your thanks next week for all the challenging work DSPs do, day in and day out.
Survey, Certification, and Credentialing Commissioner Joe Ewert, responsible for developing and
enforcing state regulations related to adult care homes, as well as implementing federal certification activities for Medicaid/Medicare-certified nursing homes, is stepping down as of Sept. 23.
"My time here with SCC has been very positive, and I will take with me great joy from having met some of the finest individuals I have ever come across while here," said Ewert.
Ewert will continue his career at Brewster Place, an adult care community in Topeka. Audrey Sunderraj has agreed to step in as Acting Commissioner after Ewert's departure.
Schedule is tentative and subject to change. Wednesday, October 14th 8:30-11:30 a.m. Maple Room Pre Conference Session “Can you hear me now”
Sarah Michel
Ever wonder why you can’t seem to connect with certain people or why some interactions can be so frustrating? Do some people get under your skin while others you just connect instantly with? Do you ever wonder why you can’t seem to “sell” your ideas to certain people? Yes? Then join Sarah Michel for this enlightening, fun and highly interactive program designed to help you demystify the four communication styles so you can learn to connect with anyone, anywhere, anytime.
By attending this special pre-conference event, you will explore your strengths and weaknesses in communicating with and influencing others.
Different approaches such as how we are driven to accomplish results, how we create buy-in for our ideas, and how our natural beliefs systems drive our style of interacting with and leading others will be exposed to provide a system for recognizing different styles and knowing how to adapt to meet the communication needs of others to make your work relationships work.
Learning Outcomes:
Understand sources of miscommunication to build stronger work relationships and better collaboration
Learn how to harness your influence style to get better results and create more buy-in for ideas.
Recognize the styles of others and use differences to achieve well rounded teams. Noon-12:45 p.m. Eagle Ballroom Facilitator Training with Sarah 1-2:15 p.m. Eagle Ballroom Connexity General Session
Don't miss this interactive keynote session that will connect you with like-minded attendees who face the same professional challenges, issues, and responsibilities. Awarded speaker Sarah Michel helps you make connections with the information, resources, and ideas you need to do business faster, better, and easier. You'll join human services professionals at "neighborhoods" for small-group discussions on industry hot topics and will leave with tangible outcomes and solutions all while making high-value connections that will grow throughout the week and beyond.
Connexity! - The focus of a Connexity general session is on you - the participants. It's a learner-centric model instead of the typical old-school speaker-centric model we're used to. It's networking on steroids designed to help each participant connect with the information, resources and ideas they need to do their jobs faster, better and easier. A modified open space approach is used with focuses on tangible outcomes and solutions. You'll experience it and learn how to create the experience for your own organization. Connecting and learning begins right from the start of Power Up! - you are the opening program!
Join conversations...spark the conversations you need! 2:15-3:15 p.m. Eagle Ballroom Exhibits and Giveaways!
Stay and check out our amazing tradeshow exhibitors and try your hand at winning SMART TV!
Breakout Sessions
Wednesday, October 14th, 3-4 p.m.
Cedar Room TomTalk
Tom Laing, InterHab; Ron Pasmore, KETCH
Ron Pasmore and Tom Laing will give an overview of the evolution of the IDD system; they will discuss the role of advocacy in system change; and, they will describe the integral role of the Kansas community services network: The Kansas Assocation of Rehabilitation Facilicites (KARF) which later became InterHab. New InterHab members and first-time conference attendees are encouraged to attend!
Maple Room EDPSDT (Kan Be Healthy): Give us a “T”
Rocky Nichols, Disability Rights Center of Kansas
Enacted by Congress in 1967, Early Periodic Diagnosis and Treatment (EPSDT), referred to in Kansas as Kan Be Healthy is a mandatory benefit for “categorically needy” children under the age of 21. EPSDT was intended to broaden Medicaid coverage to all children in households receiving Aid to Families with Dependent children (AFDC). In 1989, EPSDT was further broadened to ensure that all treatments falling within the federal definition of “medical assistance” would be available. In 1997, as part of the Balanced Budget Act, the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) was established, which makes EPSDT an optional service for children covered under separately administered CHIP plans. Kansas does not administer its CHIP plan separately. Therefore, EPSDT is not optional under the Kansas CHIP program for children under the age of 19. In this session attendees will learn about this powerful tool for children under the age of 21 (under the age of 19 for CHIP)and how to effectively access any service that a doctor considers appropriate to “correct or ameliorate” a mental or physical condition. In Kansas, through the KanCare program, the 3 managed care entities are responsible for the provision of EPSDT services. Today in Kansas there is a lengthily waiting list to access I/DD HCBS waiver services. However, there is not a waiting list for EPSDT services. You cannot afford to miss this session!
Walnut Room Shared Living in Kansas
Sherry Biddle - LifeShare; Holly Morsbach Sweeney, PhD – LifeShare; representatives from Mosaic, Community Living Opportunities, CLASS and Bethesda
Shared Living in Kansas is a specialized, highly supported, and well-monitored program for adults who have intellectual or developmental disabilities, that is provided within the family home of the shared living contractor (similar to foster care). Presenters will provide a short overview of the elements of Shared Living and the benefits for all stakeholders involved. A panel of representatives from several agencies across Kansas will speak about why they offer Shared Living, their experiences and answer questions from the audience.
Oak Room Sex, Drugs and Rock & Roll
Roger Frischenmeyer, Prairie Independent Living Resource Center; Billy Thompson, South Central Kansas Foundation on Chemical Dependency
When it comes to information about drug use and sexual activity, young people with disabilities need some of the same information as their non disabled peers. Yet, there may be additional pieces of information they need based on their disability. This session will examine what is currently being done to promote knowledge about drug use and sexual wellness as well as skills that youth with disabilities can develop to promote healthy social participation. Participants will also have the opportunity to share what they are doing in their communities.
Birch Room Increasing Expectations of Employment
Shelly May, Sunflower Health Plan
Increasing expectations of employment and creating opportunities to build skills that employers are seeking in potential candidates.
Osage Room Collaborating to Build Positive, Healthy, Inclusive, Communities Across Kansas
Matt Enhart, MSED & Sara Quick, MSED, Kansas Institute for Positive Behavior Support
The Kansas Institute for Positive Behavior Support (KIPBS), at The University of Kansas, has been building positive, healthy and inclusive communities for more than fifteen years. Early on this occurred through a comprehensive PBS training system for professionals and multi-tiered PBS systems for schools. In the last five years, KIPBS has expanded its emphasis to include organization and community applications of multi-tiered PBS systems focused on improving quality of life. Driven by fifteen years of data from projects, spanning across populations and systems, KIPBS is now purposefully focusing on research and training activities related to the integration of multi-tiered systems of support, research based behavioral health interventions, effective transition processes, and systems of care. These activities are occurring in collaboration with multiple research, organization, and system partners. In this presentation, we will share our synthesized findings from the last 15 years, describe the features of the new Kansas PBS intensive training and Organization-wide PBS (OW-PBS) models, explain how collaboration amongst university and community stakeholders is beneficial, and discuss how we can collaborate to create positive, healthy and inclusive communities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Cypress Room Response to Armed Engagement
Lt. David Mattingly, Sedgwick County Sherriff’s Office
What would you do if an armed intruder entered your facility? This presentation will provide information on how organizations should prepare to respond to this type of situation.
Wednesday, October 14th, 4:15-5:15
Birch Talk with KDADS
The new KDADS Commisioner of Community Servicesand Programs, Brandt Haehn, will be joined by KDADS Director of Home and Community Based Services, Kimberly Pierson, to address current challenges, issues and opportunities facing the community IDD system. Maple Room EDPSDT (Kan Be Healthy): Give us a “T” Part 2
Rocky Nichols, Disability Rights Center of Kansas
Oak Room Sex, Drugs and Rock & Roll, Part 2
Osage Room Collaborating to Build Positive, Healthy, Inclusive, Communities Across Kansas, Part 2
Cypress Room Response to Armed Engagement, Part 2
Cedar Room Fraud Risk Assessment & Prevention
Dick Dameron & Debbie Coan, CBIZ
Fraud is not normally a subject that any organization wants to deal with. However, every organization is susceptible to fraud and most organizations experience fraud to some degree. Fraud is a common risk that should not be ignored and can be an expensive drain on an organization’s financial resources. To help illustrate the above, our presentation will include a collection of fraud case studies based on real-life experiences accumulated over the years, which include findings, impact, how the fraud was allowed to happen and actions and follow-up. It is likely that attendees will be able to draw comparisons from examples in assessing and improving their own controls. In any environment, good controls, documented procedures and robust vigilance to ensure compliance with controls will help preserve the organization’s assets and help save money. Well-run organizations take proactive steps to anticipate issues before they occur and take action to prevent undesired results.
Walnut Room The Fatal Five: Common Preventable Illness in the IDD Population
Julie Cooper, BSN, RN, MA, LifeShare
Dehydration, Constipation, Seizure Disorders, Aspiration/GERD and Sepsis are the conditions included in this presentation. Studies show, and for those in the field antnecdotally, it bears out that these conditions are among those that are seen too frequently in the IDD field of care. All too often these preventable conditions lead to a fatal outcomes for those we support. This presentation is geared towards the DSP and healthcare and/or management team in HCBS that supports the DSPs through appropriate training for their positions. There are five common types of illness/conditions that can negatively effect individuals who are diagnosed with IDD and these conditions with education and the appropriate interventions are preventable. Learn how to prevent these potential fatal outcomes and educate the DSPs who are in the field on the daily basis that knowledge is power.
Wednesday, October 14th, 5:30 p.m.
Riverview Room President’s Reception
Executives and Connexity facilitators are invited to join us for this event sponsored by Foulston Siefkin.
Wednesday Evening Entertainment 7-9 p.m.
Paint the Towne
Paint the Towne is Wichita's interactive art lounge. Fresh, exciting, and unique. You get to bring anything you want to drink and eat. Bring your favorite bottle of wine, cocktail mix, or beer, and food if you would like. InterHab will provide non-alcoholic beverages. Relax, mingle and get ready to uncork your inner artist and get your art on. Local artists will be there to give you instructions as you transform your blank canvas into your very own masterpiece. Even if you haven't picked up a paint brush since you last used your Kindergarten watercolor set, you'll leave feeling like Van Gogh. $25 per person. Click here to register/learn more!
Thursday, October 15 7:30 a.m. Eagle Ballroom Continental Breakfast 7:30 a.m. Maple Ballroom Executive Breakfast
8:45-10:45 a.m. Cypress Rooms Thursday Keynotes
Cypress Room (A) Refresh Yourself
Carole Ann Drick, American Holistic Nurses Association
Simple, doable self-care strategies that put you in an optimal physical and mental space to think and act clearly and re-energize your passion. Your busy life means quick effective strategies that fit into your already full schedule. Taking care of yourself first reduces stress and gives you clarity in your caregiving.
When you said yes and became a provider, you had a passion and a love of people to provide care. Remember? Is it still alive? Where did it go? Let’s refresh yourself with a new understanding and ways to begin to live your vision again. Even the tough parts of your job – death and dying – can have a fresh perspective as you open the door to begin the conversation first with yourself and then with the family.
Cypress Room (B) Seven Strategies for Success in Difficult Times
Jerr Boschee, The Institute for Social Entrepreneurs
Jerr Boschee’s presentation will identify seven strategic opportunities available to entrepreneurial nonprofits: Adopting the right leadership style; charting the right navigation system (driving forces, vision, mission, core values, long-term goals); selecting the right market niche; creating the right brand; joining the right eco-system; employing the right benchmarks; and developing the right organizational culture. Audience members will leave the session with a greater awareness of strategic opportunities and an introductory field guide to best practices.
Breakout Sessions
Thursday, October 15th, 11 a.m. -noon
Cypress Room (A) End of Life Issues & Feelings
Carole Ann Drick, American Holistic Nurses Association
What’s holding you back from being comfortable and fully present when talking about end of life? Beginning the death and dying conversation is one of the most important and least prepared for part of your job. Let’s discover a new level of comfort and ability to speak with compassion and caring. When you said yes and became a provider, you had a passion and a love of people to provide care. Remember? Is it still alive? Where did it go? Let’s refresh yourself with a new understanding and ways to begin to live your vision again. Even the tough parts of your job – death and dying – can have a fresh perspective as you open the door to begin the conversation first with yourself and then with the family.
Birch Room How the Rules are Made
Presented by Aquila “Q” Jordan, JD/MPA, KDADS Director for Policy and Regulation
Remember the Schoolhouse Rock’s video, “I’m Just a Bill”? This educational session will provide an overview of State and Federal rulemaking including the regulation process. Additionally, this session will provide an overview of proposed and final federal rules and how they impact individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Osage Room Reflective Supervision: Bring Out The Best In Your Staff
Audra Kenneson, Rainbows United
We spend a good deal of time and money educating our staff on how to build relationships with children and youth in order to bring out their best behavior, yet we seldom train supervisors on how to bring out the best in their staff. This session focuses on how supervisors of disability service providers can bring out the best in the people they lead. Through good communication, strong mentoring and reflectively supervising you can create well-built, powerful teams who will, in turn, learn to be a stronger support for the youth and families you serve. In this session you will discover and practice the four stages of reflective questioning to better prepare you for this task!
Cedar Room Sensory Processing
Evan Dean, KUMC
Sensory Processing describes a person’s response to environmental stimuli. People respond differently to sensory information based on how soon they detect and how they manage sensory stimuli. A sensory processing framework can be used as a way to understand challenging behavior. For example, a person who is distracted in a busy environment may have difficulty tuning out extraneous noise or movement. This presentation will introduce a strengths-based sensory processing framework and discuss how the concepts can be used to explain behavior. Additionally, the presenter will discuss how recognizing and attending to the person’s sensory responses can support community participation.
Cypress Room (B) Improving Employment Outcomes through Project SEARCH
Kim Perry & Beth Johnson, JCDS; Craig Knutson, KCDD
Project SEARCH is an internship program for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities that began in 1996 at Children's Mercy Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities brought Project SEARCH to Kansas in 2010 and the first class of interns graduated in May 2013. Until recently, Project SEARCH was exclusively a school-based program for students in their last year of eligibility for services. However, adult programs are now emerging across the country and the first group of adult interns supported by Johnson County Developmental Supports graduated from Project SEARCH in May 2015. This presentation describes the process of implementing a Project SEARCH program for adults and will include suggestions for maximizing success throughout the project. Strategies for successful job development will be shared and will include specific examples of employment outcomes achieved by the interns.
Walnut Room Wellness on a Budget
Amber Ames, Mosaic in Southeast Kansas
As the Health and Wellness Committee Chairperson for Mosaic, Amber will share various wellness initiatives her organization has provided over the past few years. Many of these initiatives are simple and cost little to no money. She will explain the importance of wellness in the work place and share the trials and errors of what has worked. The desired outcome from the presentation is for participants to walk away with new creative ideas they can take back to their place of employment to encourage the health and wellness of both employees and individuals in services. This is a great application for Health Home Initiatives, as we work within our perspective budgets and meet the demands of Health Home Initiatives.
Facilitators to include: Elizabeth Moran, Jerr Boschee, Evan Dean, Amber Ames
Thursday, October 15th, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Walnut Room Rev Up Your Benefits Knowledge: 2015 Compliance summary to keep your HR engine running smoothly
Julie Athey, The Miller Group
In spite of the Affordable Health Care law being five years old, it still makes weekly headlines. Constant legal battles, shifting definitions, deadlines and delays – what’s an HR professional to do? Simply ignoring the situation is NOT a strategy we recommend, no matter how tempting. Financial penalties and DOL/IRS audits are a reality you don’t want to face. Julie Athey, Director of Compliance for The Miller Group, is an attorney by way of education and a compliance expert by way of experience. Her understanding of the many recent benefits-related legal rulings and regulations that affect employers provides a perfect complement to her real world knowledge of the daily challenges of businesses and nonprofit organizations. In this workshop, she will discuss recent legal and regulatory changes regarding the healthcare mandates, with an emphasis on the implications for most nonprofit agencies. Topics of review include: Wellness programs and incentives; Implications of same-sex marriage for employee benefit plans; Update on contraceptive coverage mandate; Benefit reporting in 2016 (1094-C and 1095-C); DOL Audits and how you can prepare; Our crystal ball and the ACA.
Cypress Room (A) End of Life Issues & Feelings, Part 2
Carole Ann Drick, American Holistic Nurses Association
Cedar Room Benefits of Self-Care for Disability Service Providers
Audra Kenneson, Rainbows United
The single most important factor in child emotional well-being is the well-being of the adults who care for the child. A caregiver’s capability is most challenged when he/she is under stress. When under stress, humans rely on their emotional resources as much as their skill to function. When under stress, a caregiver’s ability to apply skills may be seriously compromised. This training will first discuss the characteristics of a healthy work community. Then, participants will explore stress: the causes of stress, how one’s coworkers know one is stressed, and how one’s stress impacts the children and youth being served. Next, participants will discuss levels of stress and how to care for oneself at each level. Finally, participants will leave with a tool to assist them in evaluating their own stress level.
Thursday, October, 15th, 2:30 p.m.
Eagle Ballroom Power Up! Coffee Break
Join friends new and old for a free fine coffee available in a variety of flavors. Feel free to use your complimentary Power Up! mug provided in your re-usable conference bag.
Thursday, October 15th, 2:45-3:45 p.m.
Walnut Room Supplemental Security Employment Pilot
Mary Ellen O’Brien Wright, KDHE
Employment plays a major role in adult life, frequently bringing with it a sense of accomplishment, personal satisfaction, self-reliance, social interaction and attachment to community. Lack of attachment to an employer, result in lost opportunities to maintain and improve skills, loss of a sense of belonging in the workforce, and loss of the mindset that employment is possible. The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Employment Support Pilot is a project proposed in the original KanCare 1115 Demonstration. In May 2015, KDHE submitted an amendment to the KanCare 1115 Demonstration to CMS seeking approval to move forward with the SSI Employment Support Pilot. Pending CMS approval, KDHE hopes to launch the pilot on 10/1/15. The pilot is designed to promote employment for Kansans with intellectual/developmental (I/DD) and physical disabilities (PD) who are on waiver waiting lists by providing them with a monthly allocation to purchase personal assistance, employments supports, technology and home modifications if they meet the pilot definition of employment. Participants in the pilot will continue to receive medical coverage through KanCare, and individuals with I/DD participating in the pilot will continue to receive Targed Case Management through KanCare.
Cypress Room (A) End of Life Issues & Feelings, Part 3
Carole Ann Drick, American Holistic Nurses Association
Cedar Room Benefits of Self-Care for Disability Service Providers, Part 2
Audra Kenneson, Rainbows United
Birch Group Centergy
Tonia Albers, Genesis Health Clubs
Redefine yourself with Group Centergy. Grow longer and stronger in this invigorating mind-body workout. This class incorporates yoga and Pilates fundamentals with athletic training for balance, mobility, flexibility and the core. Emotive music drives the experience as you breathe and sweat through this full-body fitness journey. Please bring a mat or towel.
Thursday, October 15th, 3:45 - 5:15 p.m.
Cypress Room (B) Waiver Integration Overview
Aaron Dunkel, KDHE Deputy Secretary and Aquila “Q” Jordan, KDADS Director for Policy and Regulation
The Kansas Department for Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) are asking for public input on proposed changes to home and community based services (HCBS) through the 1915(c) waiver programs: Autism, Frail Elderly (FE), Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), Physical Disabilities (PD), Serious Emotional Disturbance (SED), Technology Assisted (TA) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Kansas is looking to amend the KanCare 1115 waiver to provide services from the individual HCBS waivers two all waiver program member under two new waiver categories for children and adults. Come hear an overview of the proposed changes, which will be posted online by October 1, 2015, and learn how you can provide input during the public comment sessions, which will be held throughout Kansas the week of November 9th.
Thursday, October 15th, 5 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Entertainment Night!
InterHab Bucks & Game Night 8 p.m., Eagle Ballroom Power Up! Game Night
The Power Up Entertainment Night theme is Family Game Night and we will be playing BINGO during the event. As far as costumes go, we just like to have fun! So join in and bring a costume. Nobody will think you are weird - they'll just think you belong. Dress up as your favorite video game character, Clue character, a pair of dice, the queen of hearts, a crazy BINGO lady, a game show host or even a playing piece from a board game. So get ready and start planning your costume!
Friday, October 16
8 a.m. Eagle Foyer Continental Breakfast
Breakout Sessions
Friday, October 16th, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Cypress Room (B) Trust and Trauma Informed Care
Jennifer Medgyesi, Phd, LCSW, Sunflower Health Plan
At least 49% of persons with I/DD have reported sexual trauma during their first 18 years of life and 75% have been or have witnessed physical violence in their own home. 90% have experienced trauma in some form in their lifetime. With a specific emphasis on trauma, this training will provide education and tools for both natural and professional supports serving individuals with I/DD. As we know, traumatic events overwhelm an individual’s ability to functionally cope with life when faced with stressful events. It is not uncommon to experience feelings of terror, powerlessness and dysregulated behaviors. By taking the time to deepen our own awareness and understanding, it isour hope we can provide an educational opportunity underscoring the vulnerabilities of trauma in order to decrease risk or re-traumatization and increase peaceful, positive quality of life.
Birch Room WIOA, CMS Final Rule, Employment First
Steve Gieber, Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities
The Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities (KCDD) used the Kansas Employment First Commission report to develop a Request for Proposal asking that a Road Map be developed to improve the employment outcomes for people with disabilities in Kansas. A well respected national consulting firm, Griffin and Hammis received the grant from KCDD to develop the Road Map. In this session, we will be reviewing some of the findings from the Road Map and future direction that we need to take to accomplish the vision of integrated community employment. We will also cover the new Workforce Innovations and Opportunity Act as well as an update on the Federal Department of Labor Committee that was formed to make recommendations on subminimum wage.
Maple Room Emerging Artists
Cary Odell, Johnson County Developmental Supports
This presentation will include information about how the Emerging artists concept was developed and what sets it apart from other art programs designed for people with intellectual/developmental disabilities. The techniques that are utililizedto assist artists in learning how to create pieces that reflect their natuaral abilties and appeal to art lovers. The marketing stratigies that have been effective in promotingthe program and increasing art sales, which inclues recruiting volenteer community artiststo provide individualized instruction and mentoring. The importance of establing strong partnerships with the local art community will be discussed and many examples that have led to the inclusion of the Emerging Artists in local art shows and related events.
Walnut Room Adult Guardianship in Kansas: Understanding Your Options and Alternatives
Elizabeth Moran, Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities
Are you concerned about a person who has a disability or mental health diagnosis, or is aging? Are you the parent or family member of a person who needs help making decisions and is turning or over the age of 18? Has someone suggested you should pursue guardianship for your loved one? Did you know there might be options or alternatives that you're not aware of that would provide support and/or protection in your situation? Do you work with individuals or families who may be considering these issues and/or guardianship? Do you work with students who are in the special education transition process? Have you thought about the legal implications of guardianship for your family member? DO you know how to find the balance between autonomy and support/protections? Join us for this review of adult guardianship in Kansas and a discussion that will help you explore the options and alternatives to adult guardianship in Kansas!
Cedar Room Pitching your story: Strategies on Connecting with the Media
Tom Shine, Deputy Editor/Print, The Wichita Eagle
Even though there seems to be more media these days, connecting with them is increasingly more difficult. How do you pitch stories about your organization? To which media? How do you know when you have a story the media might be interested in? Learn the answer to these questions and more.
Friday, October 16th, 9:15 - 10:45 a.m,
Cypress Room (A) New Requirements for Person and MCO Centered Support Planning: Roles of the TCM
Kimmie Pierson and Aquila Jordan, KDADS; Stephanie Rasmussen, Sunflower; Lori Libel, United; Jody Jeffers, Amerigroup
This session is targeted primarily to Targeted Case Managers, other providers and CDDOs. Each organization will give a short presentation and then have a Q&A panel.
Friday, October 16th, 9:45-10:45 a.m.
Cypress Room (B) Trust and Trauma Informed Care, Part 2
Jennifer Medgyesi, Phd, LCSW, Sunflower Health Plan
Birch Room WIOA, CMS Final Rule, Employment First, Part 2
Steve Gieber, Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities
Walnut Room Adult Guardianship in Kansas: Understanding Your Options & Alternatives, Part 2
Elizabeth Moran, Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities
Maple Room Kansas Impact Program from the KU MBA Program
Charlotte Tritch, University of Kansas
As a state institution and in support of its overall mission, The University of Kansas is committed to understanding the challenging issues facing the State of Kansas and its citizens. A core objective of the Kansas Impact Program is to provide organizations in the state an opportunity to partner with KU MBA students who take on consulting assignments on behalf of nonprofit and service organizations, in order to address important issues affecting the lives of citizens in Kansas. Under the guidance of expert mentors and faculty, teams of MBA students analyze organizational challenges, perform research and identify solutions. The program culminates in a presentation to the leaders of the organization, community members, and the university faculty and staff. Some of the projects addressed in the past are: recruiting and retaining quality nursing talent for LTC facility in western Kansas; understanding and alleviating No Show rates at a CMHC; assessing the economic impact of the local food economy in Douglas County.
Cedar Room Innovation & Partnership with United Healthcare
Angie Reinking & United Healthcare Staff
Come get an update from United Healthcare staff. We will discuss our Empower Kansans grants which are focused on Employment of Persons with Disabilities and our efforts to support Systems Change in Kansas with one of the grants. In addition, we will allow time for open discussion so that we can assure we can respond to any questions you may have. We welcome your feedback so we can continue to improve our partnerships with Interhab members and to provide good coordinated care to United Healthcare Members.
Friday, October 16th, 11 a.m.
Eagle Ballroom Awards Luncheon!
Check out last year's awards video below.
A U.S. appeals court today upheld a Department of Labor rule requiring employment agencies to pay the minimum wage and overtime to domestic workers providing in-home care for the elderly, sick or disabled.
The three-judge panel concluded that the Fair Labor Standards Act gave the Department of Labor authority to determine which in-home care services are exempt from minimum wage and overtime protections. The minimum wage is $7.25 an hour.
The unemployment rate for people with disabilities rose last month from 9.3 percent to 10.4 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. In contrast, the unemployment rate for the general population remained steady at 5.3 percent.
However, despite the month-to-month dip in employment for people with disabilities, the 10.4 percent unemployment rate from July 2015, reflects a 1.7 percent improvement over the same period last year.
According to NPR, If you have a disability in the U.S., you're twice as likely to be poor as someone without a disability. You're also far more likely to be unemployed.
The article explains that a lack of accessible transportation is one big problem for disabled individuals trying to work or go to school. And that students with disabilities are less likely to graduate from high school and college, putting them at a disadvantage in a competitive workforce.
Another obstacle to employment is that if recipients of federal disability payments save more than a certain amount they risk losing their benefits.
The outlook however, may be improving. Congress recently passed a law (the ABLE Act) that will soon allow some disabled adults to save more money by establishing special accounts — exempt from the cap — in which certain savings can be placed. Federal contractors are also required to set goals for hiring more disabled workers.
