Kansans Mobilizing for Direct Support Workforce Change
Sedgwick County Developmental Disability Organization
615 N. Main
Wichita, KS 67203
November 16, 2006

In Attendance:
Deena Baker, Marsha Dill, Jill Dalrymple, Julie Gusman, Dan Hermreck. Bobbie Keller, Monty King, Pattie Knauff, Sam Lane, Judy Leiker, Gary Merklein, Kathy Olson, Leslie Shorno, Kelly Smith, Amy Swanson, Kathy Walter, Sarah Williams

Special Thanks to
Sarah Emrick and Deena Baker for cookies, Kathy Walter for securing a meeting space at the CDDO, and Marcia Dill for assisting in locating a caterer.

Introductions and Update
Welcome was extended to persons who joined us and who will be implementing training: Jill Dalrymple (KETCH), Julie Gusman (Arrowhead), Leslie Shorno (JCDS), and Sam Lane (now representing Chris McKinney and Sunflower Home Health).

Attendees reported that they have been preparing for the start of CDS.

• Monty reports that Sheltered Living will have 5 work stations in a central location
• Starkey continues to train.
• DSNWK, JCDS, KETCH, CCL, and TARC are ready to start.
• Sam and Julie are new to their positions, but eager to get into CDS.
• ISS will start new CIP and CAP classes
• Dan will train for self-directed services in Topeka (it was to be held on the 17th but postponed as CDS contracts are not yet signed)
• Kelly reported on Self Advocate Conference and also on sharing the Moving Mountains Award.
• Gary and Bobbie also shared the award with their board.

Kathy Stiffler is working on her dissertation addressing the frontline supervisor workforce. She reports that she may ask some organizations to assist in collecting data early next year.

Dan and Kathy O presented on overview of CDS at the InterHab conference and Bonnie hosted and manned an apprenticeship booth. Gary reported that there was a lot of interest at the booth.

Agencies are encouraged to apply for the Moving Mountains Award. KMFC won last year. Individual organizations that have been innovative may wish to compete. Information for the application can be found on the NADSP website www.nadsp.org .

Information on CDS and Apprenticeship has been shared with the SRS QE Oversite Committee

Contract
The contracts with MC Strategies and KU are in the process of getting the final signatures. It is expected that it will be signed by the end of next week. Funding is expected to run from November 1st 2006 to October 31st 2007.

Turnover Data for October 1, 2005 to September 30, 2006
We discussed whether or not we want to collect data on recruitment and retention from our long-term participants. After considerable discussion we decided to collect the data. Challenges include that agencies do not all consistently participate. There has been major turnover in some organizations. Some organizations were not able to continue their interventions (the College of Direct Support is not available). Economic factors influence turnover.

It was decided to gather the data and look at what interventions have been implemented. Marsha and Dan agreed to review a list of interventions to assure it is complete. Organizations will be asked to indicate which if any interventions they are continuing to use and to provide their turnover data.

We will interpret results cautiously.

Update - Requests for data were emailed on 12-5-06.

Ad Astra
The Ad Astra committee (Bobbie, Gary, Bonnie, Kathy and Kathy) met and identified courses that will be used for the related instruction CIP and CAP levels of Ad Astra. The 15 existing courses will meet the requirements. The related instruction will also apply to the instructional requirements for the NADSP credential.

The Ad Astra Committee will meet early next year to further refine the credential.

In comparing the two credentials. Ad Astra is a pioneer. It is more comprehensive than the NADSP credential and, among other things, requires mentoring, and employer commitment to salary increase based on completion. Ad Astra is reviewed within the state. Ad Astra does not currently require any fee for the credential. The NADSP credential may develop national recognition. A fee is required for each level of the credential and for renewal. Both require experience, documented instruction, background checks, portfolios, etc.

See the NADSP website for more information on the national credential. Contact Kathy Olson (kolson@ku.edu) regarding Ad Astra.

College Credit for CDS
It was noted that college credit can be valuable for staff. It builds confidence and can lead to career development. Credit is available from the University of Minnesota for an additional fee. Two challenges in Kansas are to build the CDS into degree programs and to secure funds to make this affordable for DSPs. These are great goals. Kathy will begin to explore options but this is not the top priority at this time. CEUs are also available from Minnesota. We can consider if we wish to make them available in Kansas.

National Update
Kathy Olson is on the advisory board of the national College of Direct Support. The annual meeting was on November 1st. A few of the noteworthy items are:

• Currently there are 32,641 learners from 23 states enrolled in CDS
• New Courses, Course Revisions, and Anticipated Courses

Now Available
Personal Care
DSP Professionalism has been revised
A New Lesson addressing HIPPA is now included
Available in 6-9 Months – In final editing
Communication Supports
Functional Assessment
Working with Families and Other Support Networks
Authoring Stage One Complete – available in 1 to 2 years
Employment Supports II
Dealing with Stress and Burnout
Preparing for the Supervisor Job
Civil Rights and Advocacy
Home and Community Living
Aging and Disability
Under Revision
Safety
Community Inclusion
Positive Behavior Support
Teaching
Maltreatment
Upcoming College of Frontline Supervision
Effective Human Resources I
Effective Human Resources II
Stepping into Supervision
Teams and Team Building
Expected to be developed in the future (2-3 years?)
Dual Diagnosis
Self Determination and Self- Advocacy
Physical Disability
First Aid
Mini course on intro to disability – may be developed in the coming year
Autism Epilepsy
Brain injury Deaf/Blind
Diabetes

• As Kansas accesses CDS, there will be a New System 5 Platform –that is easier to use
• Tests for all lessons now have a data pool – Questions will be generated in a random order and pre and post test will differ.
• Several new tools will soon be available from the national CDS.
• A CD providing an overview of CDS features for presentations
• Successful foundations for States and Agencies - On-line manual
• A Planner’s Guide for Individuals and Families
• Author tool kit
• Survey tools
• Other general information
• If administrators are checking on actual time that people logged in to the courses. Remember that MC Strategies report log in times as Eastern Standard Time.
• Users will need to go to the state log in – site, not the marketing site that has been used in preview
• Test scores and records taken on the marketing site will not transfer to the state site
• Previous records from paid CDS use will transfer. Contact Kathy Olson if there is any problem

Log in IDs
The national CDS suggests that we use a standard ID for learners. First initial, last name, and last four digits of the social security number. This will enable learners that move between facilities to access their records in the future. Learners should be able to recall the information even if they change employers. KMFC members agreed that this form of ID should be sufficiently secure.

Test Scores
Do we want to establish a criterion for passing? As we develop credentialing and apprenticeship options it was suggested that we establish passing criteria at 80% to assure that learners could transfer their learning to new credentials. State criteria should not be lower than national criteria.

CDS has the test out option. What is the criteria? It should be 100%. Even when learners score 100%, lessons are helpful and learners should be encouraged to take them. However, a feature of CDS is the ability for learners to get credit for previous learning and a test out allows for this. This option should be up to the agency, but we will check with the NADSP credential to see if they allow credit for the test-out option.
Update- NADSP not dictating a passing test score however the DSP must pass whatever the level is that their agency sets. Most are going to stick with the default of 80%. NADSP hasn't decided about a test-out factor but will decide at their next Board meeting and Traci will let us know of their decision.

English as a second language and CDS
The issue of CDS for Spanish speaking learners was brought up. CDS does have a Spanish glossary. MC Strategies has estimated that it would cost $3,000,000 to translate CDS into Spanish. This cost prohibits this in the near future. It was noted that we have several immigrant populations and that translating materials for all would be impossible. Some organizations require job applicants to be bilingual. The job requires that individuals be able to communicate in English. Since material is self-paced and multimedia, it is hoped that CDS can be effective. Kathy reported that one provider in Arizona reports successful use with a bilingual population.

Continued Funding
Is CDS in the budget for next year or do we need to do some lobbying? Amy will let us know where CDS is in the budget.

Update from Amy – SRS budget request is believed to include CDS funding. We must wait to see what is in the Governor's budget. Should CDS not be included, we will have to discuss alternative approaches.

We need to continue to gain our support from InterHab and others.

Implementing CDS
Members have been actively promoting CDS within their organizations and to others. At the current time 23 providers have expressed interest in beginning CDS in the near future

Marketing
It is difficult to market without a firm commitment for funding. People are tired of hearing “it will be here soon.”

When funding is available, switching to online training is a major change. KMFC members expressed an interest in assisting anyone in the process by sharing information about the way others are moving to CDS training. We need to spread the word, recognizing that the planning process is often lengthy. Prior to using CDS, organizations need to:
-Discover how CDS could meet training needs
-Figure out how to implement CDS
-Plan how to provide support to learners

The National CDS has developed over 50 resources that address almost every aspect of CDS. Kansas does not need to author a lot of additional material. Potential users would be overwhelmed by getting access to every resource. It was suggested that people be encouraged to contact Kathy (and a subset of planning materials be made available based on their needs. (A list of CDS Planning Tools and Reports follows meeting minutes.)

Communication should go beyond the agency CEO. It often takes a long time for the information to flow to trainers and others who may be excited by the CDS.

It may be helpful to include articles in agency newsletters that will encourage parents, self-advocates, and staff to access CDS. KMFC can provide some boiler plate articles but it is also helpful to have some information on how consumers and staff benefited.

KMFC should provide information to:
Sedgwick ARC
Kansas Guardianship Program
Families Together

Summary of benefits from national material may be helpful for newsletters or discussion. Here are examples:

Benefits of using the CDS for individuals being supported, DSPs, FLSs and employers.

The CDS has benefits for different audiences. Individuals being supported by DSPs who take this training reap the benefits of increased quality supports; DSP and FLSs reap increased competence and professional affiliation and employers have a more satisfied and competent workforce. The table below provides an overview of additional benefits across these three audiences.

How can the CDS be used to train DSPs and FLSs?

Some options include —

• Using CDS courses as part of an orientation and pre-service training program.
• Using CDS as a starting point for facilitated discussions and interactions for orientation or training.
• Using CDS as part of an In-Service or Continuing Education and Training program.
• Using CDS as part of the educational component for the National Alliance for Direct Support Professional’s DSP credentialing program.
• Using CDS for career development programs.
• Using CDS to assess skill levels of DSPs and FLSs using the built-in Evaluator and competency measures.

Evaluation
The evaluation committee, Gary, Mark Newbold, Amy and Kathy has not met, pending the implementation of CDS. Since CDS is not up and running, we are likely to have little information to share with the legislature or others this spring. The committee will meet after funding is secure.

Members suggest that we consider: number of learners enrolled
number of lessons completed
on-line survey of satisfaction-change

The summary of the Virginia pilot was very impressive and similar measures may be useful.

It would be helpful to track changes in performance based on training but it is difficult to capture this information. The committee will consider this.

Other cost-saving and consumer impact information can be helpful although more difficult to collect. The committee will consider options

Learner Management and Administrative Functions of CDS
Organizations should be encouraged to review the learner management and administrative functions of CDS. These features may be a good investment.

Next Meeting: February 8, 2007

The SRS Learning Center was not available. Kathy Stiffler will host us at ISS.

Individual Support Systems, Inc
3615 SW 29th, Suite 201
Topeka, KS

Adjourn - 3:00 p.m.

CDS Planning Tools and Reports
(Available on the CDS website or from Kathy)

Overview

• CDS Brochure

National Reports www.collegeofdirectsupport.com News and Updates
Partner Profiles

• Heritage Christian Services (NY)
• MBW Company (MN)
• The Arc of Mississippi (MS)
• The Arc of California (CA)
• ECCO, Inc. in South Dakota (SD)
• Starkey's Rich History (KS)
• SPIN, Inc. (PA)

Evaluation Briefs

• CDS Evaluation Brief, January 2005
• CDS Evaluation Brief, July 2005
• CDS Evaluation Brief, January 2006
• CDS Evaluation Brief, October 2006

Other Evaluations

• Virginia's DMHMRSAS CDS Demonstration Program

CDS Use Across Disabilities

• CDS Use Across Disabilities

What People are Saying about CDS
What People Are Saying About CDS
CMS Quality Framework and the CDS

• Crosswalk/Quality Framework
• Using CDS to Achieve Outcomes of the CMS Quality Framework

CDS Newsletters

• Connections @ CDS, Vol. 1 (November 2006)

Tools for Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation
Planning
Technology

• Technology Planning Tool
• Computer Technology Tool

Reviewing content of CDS Courses

• Content Comparison Tool

Working with an agency planning team

• CDS Team Development Worksheet
• CDS Development Team Building Worksheet
• Building a Case for CDS Worksheet
• Challenge and Solutions Matrix
• Assessing Training Costs & ROI Worksheet
• Cost Per Hire Worksheet

Assessing Specific Needs

• Marketing CDS to Learners Worksheet
• DSP and FLS Training Needs Survey
• DSP and FLS Self-Assessment Tool
• Job Analysis and Content Matching Worksheet

Computer Use

• CDS Learning and Computer Readiness Self-assessment
• E-policy Worksheet

Implementation

• Kick-off Planning Worksheet
• Rollout Matrix ideas
• Learner Support Plan Worksheet
• CDS Learner Aid Step-by-step Guide & How to enroll Learner aid

Evaluation

• Assessing Challenges and Barriers
• CDS Determination Worksheet
• CDS Evaluation Factors & Effectiveness Worksheet
• Training Experiences Survey
• This survey asks employees to share their opinions about their training experiences:

CDS’ Built-in Human Resource Surveys

• You have the options of using the following surveys or creating your own survey to assign to your learners. The results of surveys are pooled together. No names are attached to the results. They are meant to be anonymous.
• The CDS evaluation system also allows users to tailor questionnaires to meet their specific information needs. It allows users to adapt current survey questions and response options and also allows users to develop their own surveys from scratch and integrate them into their own CDS site.
• Exit Opinion Survey

This survey asks employees, who are leaving, why they are leaving:

• New Staff Survey

This survey asks new employees how the employer can be more helpful:

• Supervisor Survey

This survey asks supervisors how they feel about their roles and responsibilities:

• Organizational Commitment Questionnaire

This survey asks employees about their commitment to the organization:

• Staff Satisfaction

This survey asks employees to share their opinions about their own job satisfaction:
Certification and Apprenticeship

• Ad Astra Brochure
• Ad Astra Guide Lines
• Ad Astra Related Instruction Course List
• Ad Astra Implementation Guide

Link to National Credential Site.- NADSP for national data