Kansans Mobilizing for Direct Support Workforce Change
7/21/04 Meeting Summary

• Kathy Walter, Arrowhead West, will show Ad Astra documentary video to Wichita Workforce Group
• Gary Merklein, DSNWK will present KMFC information for DPOK CDDO in Salina on July 23
• Michele Heydon, Sunflower Supports, may know a parent who would like to participate on the project for Year 3
• Another opportunity to present Project material may be the Quarterly CDDO Meetings/InterHab

Larry McManaman, Hartford, outlined the Supervisor Training efforts to date.

It was noted that the Project Reception/Celebration held on July 20 was covered by Channel 13 News, Topeka. Dan will check about obtaining a copy of the report. It was suggested that if possible we could add it to the Ad Astra documentary footage.

It was suggested that we should consider a Press Release about the SRS continuation funding.

University of Minnesota staff presented project partners with Gift Bags containing assorted items representing some of the past 2 years’ experiences (ice storm, M&Ms, etc.). Items provided by University of Minnesota, HSRI, and KUCDD.

Discussion Notes: Consider business cards for Advisory Committee. The Ad Astra apprentice/mentor ratio request must be justified. Note that the 1 apprentice to 2 mentors ration has been accepted in Ohio and at a vocational high school. Need welcoming language to new hires. Need to create some accommodation for “school to work”.

The KMFC Advisory Committee voted to accept the Ad Astra Apprenticeship Standards with minor changes.

On July 20, 2004 Clarissa formally announced continued funding from SRS for the project. SRS funding for the CDS and Supervisor Training will run from October 1, 2004 to September 30, 2005. Clarissa noted that the SRS goal continues to be that activities improve the lives of people with developmental disabilities. She reminded members that SRS funding requires that we report accurately and fully what we have to show for the money, what was bought, what was the impact, what were the outcomes? How many trainings? How many locations, people? Outcomes from all current organizations. She noted that education is our competition. Could frame project activities as an extension of education. This SRS funding covers CDS, Supervisor Training including materials, moving the website, and limited monetary support of KS NADSP.

It was noted that we need to establish specific outcomes and measure outcomes in the same way across the state. It was agreed that partners should use the established project data report system already in place for turnover data. We need to educate new partners on this system.

The U of MN will produce a 4 page “end of project” report. They requested turnover numbers, how many staff enrolled in each affinity group/project intervention/Ad Astra. Clarissa will use this report in January to present to legislators.

GOAL GROUPS 1 and 3 Breakout Session:

We will offer RRD training and meet 100% of interest in the state. Training could be offered in several ways

• 2 full days of training could be offered in one agency or to multiple agencies
• 4 single day training sessions could be offered for people who use the College of Frontline Supervision (note that the first class listed should probably not be the first class taken)
• 1 train -the -trainer session should be offered early in the project year

2-day POD and PEP training should be offered 2-3 times across the state. If the state is divided into quadrants, 2 of 3 trainings should be offered in the more populated areas of Kansas. There is less interest in POD and PEP, so fewer sessions will be offered.

Patty and Kathy should be the contacts for persons wanting to register for training.

Marketing of training should occur through several avenues:

• SRS on-line newsletter
• CDDOs directly
• InterHab Conference
• The Alliance
• A standard flyer should be developed to market the training

How should the new SRS funding be spent?

• KMFC Website
• Kansas NADSP Website
• Training curricula
• RJP
• Marketing tool kit
• Phone calls of members
• Training materials
• Training snacks
• Advisory meeting refreshments and materials
• Food and travel reimbursement for trainers
• Presenter fees?

Outcomes for the grant are necessary to position us for future funding.

• Turnover data for agencies involved in project is important (hard and fast data)
• Continuous measurement of CDS
• How many people/organizations we impact
• What is different because of training
• Leveraging of resources by project is important

For future funding we need to show some results by January when budget requests are established.

GOAL GROUP 2 Breakout Session:

Kathy Stiffler, ISS, will work with Dolores Engel, DOL, to finish the Ad Astra Standards document by changing the DD definition to reflect the Kansas regulations and other minor edits approved by the advisory committee. The Ad Astra Standards will be submitted as soon as possible by Dolores and Kathy.

A question was raised in the committee: How does the employer recommend to the Ad Astra Regional Council? It was decided that a data form worksheet will be created that describes the ratio of apprentices and skills mentors.

Clarissa described a scenario where the Ad Astra Direct Support Apprenticeship Program could be considered for SRS funding or other KS funding. She suggested describing how Ad Astra is in step with staff competence development. Focus on employers providing competency based training and pay structures tied to competence. Develop a way to evaluate impact; look at what happens; can use qualitative measures; wage change; career paths established, etc. There may be a way to reinforce employers who provide these opportunities for staff. Could be presented to legislators in January or before. Not an entitlement. Marianne will send Kathy Stiffler information on an employee incentive program operating in New York. Dolores noted that there is an interest in apprenticeship at the DOL. There was mention that Pell Grants may be available for Ad Astra candidates.

It was suggested that it would be advantageous for Kansans Mobilizing for Change and the Ad Astra Direct Support Apprenticeship Program and employers to meet with Dolores, Marla, Loretta and others from the Department of Labor, Workforce Investment Act, and representatives from the 5 Workforce Development Boards along with Clarissa and others from SRS to discuss wage/funding issues. A workshop/training day was suggested.

It was noted that there is a need to develop a link between long term care and Ad Astra with regard to apprenticeship in Kansas. It was suggested that a copy of the long term care required curriculum be reviewed.

The College of Direct Support has a new module ready for assignment, Cultural Competence. We should notify administrators/partners that it is available. Topics cheduled to be available soon include: Med Admin (2 parts), employment supports, civil rights and advocacy, and person-centered planning.

Note that the SACK Conference is October 29-31, contact Kelly Smith for more information. InterHab Conference is October 20-22.

Top 10 List of things to do for Goal Group 2

1. Submit Ad Astra Direct Support Apprenticeship Standards for approval.
2. Organizations fill out apprenticeship application, enroll candidates.
3. Define and develop the Ad Astra State and Regional Councils.
4. Develop program evaluation measures (include impact, how many people participated)
5. Develop marketing for project partners/state legislators in the form of a 1-2 page project description/summary and the Ad Astra documentary video.
6. Organize a technical assistance/information/training day to educate project partners on funding sources for workforce development (Ad Astra). Include Workforce Investment, DOL, SRS, others. Note that the Kansas legislators meet again in January. There is an opportunity to educate ourselves and them on possible funding for Ad Astra.
7. Develop a plan to guide decisions with regard to the College of Direct Support administrative rights/issues/continuation/notification of new courses.
8. Form a partnership woth long-term care providers existing apprenticeship program.
9. Train Skills Mentors.
10. Bring on additional partners.

The College of Frontline Supervision is available to Kansas Project Partners. Note that you may want to assign Course #1 last.