I. INTRODUCTION TO THE PURPOSES AND FUNCTIONS OF REGIONAL PLANNING AND RELATED ISSUES
Establishment of Regional .Developmental Disabilities Councils
In January 1972, the State Developmental Disabilities Planning and Advisory Council ,determined that the establishment. of regional planning councils would be a top priority goal in the .1971 -72 State Plans. This decision was prompted by a desire to increase the effectiveness of planning and development activities at sub-state levels on the assumption that such efforts would have a beneficial effect on the delivery of services at the local level. Further, the. State Council decided that the establishment of Regional Planning Councils with appropriate staff back-up would serve as the appropriate mechanism for carrying out comprehensive planning at every level of the state.
Eight regional councils were established' and funded on the dates indicated:
REGION AFFILIATION STARTING DATE
l&2 Agassiz CHP 12/1/72
3 Arch CHP 9/1/72
4 Minn-Dak CHP l1/15/72
5&7 Central CHP 10/1/72
6&8 Southwest CHP 7/1/73
9 Regional Development 5/15/73
Commission
10 Southeast CHP 2/1/73
11 Metro Council Health Board 10/20/73
(RDC & CHP)
B. Purpose and Mission of Regional. Developmental Disabilities. .Councils
The original mission of Regional Developmental Disabilities Planning, Councils was defined by the State D.D. Council in 1972 by the following general goal statements:
1. To achieve adequate, coordinated programs and services to meet the life-time needs of the. developmentally disabled in each region of the state.
2 To provide for the integrating, coordinating, enabling, and planning between and among the human service systems.
3. 'To involve the key parties from the human service systems within, the region in the planning process.
4. To identify and coordinate the variety of state; federal, local authorities in programs and services for developmentally disabled persons. To describe the continuum of activities at various levels.
5 To support local and subdistrict planning capabilities by having the Developmental Disabilities Region utilize the data, resources and input of the local planning efforts.
C. Regional Objectives and Activities
When reviewing the first grant applications from the regions, the Proposal, Procedures and Review Committee of the State D.D. Council agrees upon the following criteria by which to judge the acceptability of a proposal.
Appropriate objectives and activities of a Regional Planning Council were:
a. To define the needs of the region in relation to Developmental Disabilities.
b. To establish priorities in programming to meet the needs.
c. To identify strategies and programs; and the agencies that could implement them. To work with those agencies to see that" those strategies and/or. programs are carried out.
d. To develop planning capability at the regional, level that would be continuing, with organization and financial stability.
e. To review or comment, as well as to actively solicit and develop, service projects that will meet the identified needs of developmentally disabled persons in the region.
f. To make recommendations to the state and federal agencies regarding grants and other .financing mechanisms for programming within the region.
g. To study program operations at state regional, area, county, community areas to assure that they are assigned to appropriate operating agencies for the purpose of meeting the needs of the developmentally disabled
D. Comparison of State D.D. Council Goals and Regional Goals In the past, as well ,as present, the philosophy and policy of the State, D.D. Council has been to allow for maximum flexibility in establishing regional goals and objectives. It was assumed, that each region presented its own unique needs and the priorities may not necessarily be the same as those established by the State D.D. Council. The following chart was prepared last spring and submitted as part of the 1975 State Plan. This chart provides a rough comparison of commonly shared goals and their prioritization:
Comparison of Priority Goals
Although varying in responses , all regions considered the CAIR Project and its implementation to be at least within the top three priorities. Concern for an on-going and improved system of regional planning capabilities also ranked highly. Early Intervention was a first priority concern in two regions, while ranking as a fifth priority by the State D.D. Council. Strengthening local services also ranked higher among the regions than by the State D .D. Council.
II. Agency Attachment
(A) What should the criteria for Agency affiliation for Regional Developmental Disabilities Planning Councils?
(B) What regional agencies will be appropriate for Agency affiliation?
Background Information
A. Agency Linkages:
In 1972, a basic policy was established by the State Council that each regional Developmental Disabilities Council must be administratively linked to an existing regional planning agency. This policy was established in order to discourage a proliferation of planning functions at the regional level. The Comprehensive Health Planning Programs were the primary regional agencies that existed and shared mutual concerns and responsibilities in regard' to the developmentally disabled.
In 1972 Comprehensive Health Planning had established Councils in all but one region (Region 9). Therefore, in Region 9, the only administrative linkage available was the newly created Development Commission; which agreed to take the Developmental Disabilities Regional Council under its wing in the early part of 1973.
There were two basic criteria given which provided a mutual bond between Comprehensive Health Planning and Developmental Disabilities:.
1. Both shared planning responsibility for similar facilities and services; e.g.,
-early identification
-high risk health care
-nursing homes
-prevention programs, e.g., Rubella and measles
-skilled nursing facilities
-intermediate care facilities
-parenthood training programs
-manpower planning
-etc.
2. The boundaries that Comprehensive Health Planning had established allowed for an aggregation of development regions. As a rough estimate, Developmental Disabilities was addressing 5 percent to 6 percent (and perhaps higher) of the total population. In areas of the state where there was sparse population, two regions could be combined, such as Region 1 & 2 in Northwest Minnesota. Since Comprehensive Health Planning had already accomplished such combinations, it seemed appropriate to follow the pattern.
.
Background Information Continued
B. Financial and In-Kind Support:
The Federal Developmental Disabilities Act required each state to provide 25 percent matching funds (in-kind allowable) in 1972, and 30 percent in subsequent years. Therefore, when establishing Regional Councils, the State Council established the following policies:
1. The host agency (CHP or RDC) must provide the necessary matching funds, with in-kind (indirect costs) being allowed.
2. An increase in local support should be encouraged in subsequent grant years, with a decrease in Federal support.
C. Host Agency Authority:
Each Regional Developmental Disabilities Council was encouraged to maintain as much autonomy as possible, e.g., establishing their own work program, but that they recognize the administrative responsibilities and mutual program goals of the host agency and attempt to coordinate efforts whenever possible. Most Regional Developmental Disabilities Councils developed a "Letter of Agreement" with their host agency which delineated their. respective roles, responsibilities, and relationships
. . -.
"EVALUATION OF REGIONAL DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES COUNCILS "
Conducted, Spring, 1975, by DD/TAS. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. (As summarized in D.D. News Letter, November, 1975, Vol; 1, No. 1
DDTA surveys Regional Councils; response planned
Regional DD Councils in Mn. were surveyed in the spring of 1975 by the DD Technical Assistance System of N. C: The study was undertaken at the request of the State DD Council and at the suggestion of the Regional Council planners. The purpose of the survey was to examine and describe the 8 Regional Councils, most of which had been operating for at least 2 full years at the time of the study.
Approximately 8 persons in each region were interviewed on site or by phone for the study, including, the Regional, Council planner, the Regional Council chairperson, the Regional Council's host agency director and 5 Council members (a planning specialist, a special educator, a service provider, and 2 consumer representatives).
The composition and structure of the Councils, their operating procedures, goals, activities, and accomplishments were discussed. Areas of technical assistance need were identified. Relationships with host agencies and with the, State DD Council were explored. The roles of the Regional Council , .planners were examined.
Survey results suggested that Regional Councils need to clarify their own role and function; improve their organizational development and strengthen their relationships with other relevant groups.
More specifically, Regional Councils need to define consumer representation and make it clear to each Council member what his primary role is. They also need to clarify the role of regional. planners and other planning specialist: A comprehensive orientation package for Council members would be helpful.
In the area of organizational development, the Regional Councils need to determine what their major planning and advisory functions are and develop committees to carry out each function. They should also adopt a uniform procedure for developing and prioritizing goals objectives and activities. Written statements of purpose, goals, objectives, and plans are needed. The Regional Councils should also identify and prioritize technical assistance needs and develop strategies to meet the needs. Moreover, they should uniformly and promptly evaluate their own activities.
The Regional Councils should work to strengthen t heir relationships with Regional Development. Commissions and other significant regional groups. They should review the plans of other groups in their region and share their own plans with every regional agency or group which impacts on service programs for developmentally disabled persons. They should decide whether a need exists for coordinating regional planning for developmentally disabled persons and determine who is most appropriate to be the coordinator. The Regional Councils should also work with the State DD Council to conduct an integrated, statewide planning effort.
Several activities are underway in response to these recommendations. The State DD Council has formed a task force to more clearly define the mission and relationships of the State, and. Regional DD Councils; regional planners and Regional Council members will be a part of this task force.
In September, the State Council decided to form small teams to visit each regional DD program. Each team will consist of 1 DD Office staff member and 2 State .Council members. The team will meet with the regional planners and Regional Council members to share information and improve communication between the state and regional programs.
Other areas of need. identified by the regions may be addressed by the DD Office through Requests for Proposal. Possible areas include needs assessment, alternative planning, processes, implementation plans, evaluation, and agency coordination.
CHECK LIST FOR PROPOSAL REVIEW
Proposed Procedure and Review Committee Developmental Disabilities
1. Meets basic requirements of D.D. Act.
2. Meets basic requirements of D.D. State Plan, 1974.
3. Addresses itself to CAIR concept.
4. Will effect change:
in systems
in attitudes
in techniques
in approach
in funding patterns
5. Endorses and enhances the Normalization Concept
6. Can be a replicable model for statewide significance (".. service grant money Will not be available for start up costs for discrete service or program activities until after projects of statewide significance have been considered).
7. Implements (as prepares for the implementation of deinstitutionalization and the development of community alternatives.)
8. Meets priority criteria as outlined in the Guidelines:
a Project must involve collaboration of more than one agency, discipline, or organization (public-private, public agency-private agency, state institution-private agency).
b. Project must be a model which is applicable on statewide basis, if it proves effective.
c. Project must address to an identified need as established by the regional developmental disabilities group and/or the Community Alternative and Institutional Reform (CAIR) Steering Committee.
d. Project must have high impact potential for change (related to systems, attitudes, methods of developmental programming).
e. Project must not be fundable under existing mandates and should have continued funding assurance if continuation is planned.
MEMORANDUM
TO: Members of the Developmental Disabilities Planning and Advisory Council
Regional Chairmen and Planners
Other Interested Person
FROM: Jane Belau, Chairman
SUBJECT: Service Grant Awards 1973 State Plan
The following service grant projects were approved by the Developmental. Disabilities Advisory Council on April 4, 1973, for one-year funding. We are also enclosing a brief summary statement about each of the projects.
JB/d Enclosures .
SUMMARY STATEMENTS :
Department of Public Welfare : "Applying Standardized Behavioral Assessment to the Developmentally Disabled"
The project. aims to develop an information model that will make the Adaptive Behavioral Scales (ABS) information as meaningful as possible to users of the scale, and to design and test a method for extending the use of the Department of Public Welfare version of the scale to non-Department of Public Welfare facilities.
University of Minnesota Department of Special Education: "In-Service Training Personnel to Serve Severely Retarded Children"
The goal of this project is to up-grade the quality of services for severely retarded children and adults through improved personnel training and technical assistance efforts. The project is designed: 1) to assess perceived continuing education needs of teachers and program directors through a systematic needs assessment survey; 2) to develop and implement performance-based, pre-service, and in-service training programs; 3) based upon the need assessment survey, to develop and evaluate prototype special topic continuing education institute for teachers of severely retarded children.
Northern Minnesota Therapeutic Camp: "Start-Up Staffing for the Establishment of a Year-Round Out-Door and Environmental Education Facility for the Developmentally Disabled"
A staffing project to assist the development of Camp Confidence as one of the top out-door environmental education centers for the mentally retarded and multiply handicapped children and adults in the state and to serve as a training and resource center for personnel who are working in camping and out-door education programs for the handicapped.
Independent School District #625: "Parent-School-Community Communications Center"
The project is designed to involve parents of the developmentally disabled school children in the system which educates their children by maintaining a communication program through which information can flow between parent and school, backed by an information, referral., and problem-solving resource for parents, schools, and community personnel.
Summary Statements
Page Two
Dakotas Children,. Inc. : "Comprehensive Planning and Delivery of Services to Developmentally Disabled Children in a Residential Facility "
The project provides planning and start-up funds for a new residential facility, including pre-service training activities.
Murray County Day Activity Center: "Pre-Service Training for camp S .0. S . "
Project provides a pre-service training program for more than one hundred volunteers participating in Camp S.O.S; for retarded children.
Augsburg College: "Career Opportunities in Human Services for the Developmentally Disabled"
A pilot project for severely disabled persons to develop their potential for employment as para-professionals in human service occupations through a combination of college-level education, training, and work experience.
Northeast Residences: "A Group Home for Retarded Children in Collaboration within Day Activity Center"
The project provides a start-up funding for a new group home affiliated with a Day Activity Center for newborn, pre-school and school-aged retarded children whose home or residence situation needs supportive improvement.
Hammar School: "Greenhouse Project"
To assist in staffing the greenhouse training activities at the Hammar School by providing start-up funds for the greenhouse program.
Lakeland Mental Health Center: "High Risk Clinic Expansion"
The project expands the activities of the Lakeland Mental Health Center High Risk Clinic to include all of Region IV. The Clinic serves to identify all potential "high risk" children at birth, to alert physicians to the need for early identification and proper follow-along treatment, provides early parent counseling and education, maintains and provides a complete List of information regarding available community resource's, and analyzes various approaches to developing the services. that integrate the developmentally disabled individual into the community rather than isolate him from it.
Summary Statements
Page Three
Northwest Sheltered Works-: "Expansion Staffing for Crookston Workshop
The project provides start-up staff funding for a new sheltered workshop in the Crookston area serving more than 65 persons.
University of Minnesota Law School: "Curriculum Developmental Disabilities and the Law"
This will fund the development of a curriculum for a seminar course, to be presented during the first quarter of each" academic year for Law School students and para-legal trainees at the University of Minnesota.
Minneapolis Legal Aid Society, Inc.: "Legal Advocacy for Minnesota Developmentally Disabled"
The project will fund an experienced attorney and para-legal person who will work closely with the Law School curriculum development and seminar course. The legal advocacy services will be available to the developmentally disabled in Minnesota; The para-legal person will assist the attorney in serving the clients, developing a reference system, doing research, and training. Training will be specifically aimed toward the development of advocacy activities within the regional Developmental Disabilities groups.
Miller-Dwan Medical Center: "Expansion of Comprehensive Clinic for Multiply Handicapped Children"
This project expands a coordinated, multiply disciplined, clinic for the diagnosis and evaluation of children between birth and 18 years of age, by identifying and evaluating the total needs of the multiply handicapped child and providing follow-up services. The project will serve the children in Region III, part of north Michigan and Canada.
