DuSearch . . . .
From the desk of Derrick Dufresne, President/CEO
The Institute on Public Policy For people with Disabilities
#1 W. Old State Capitol Plaza, Suite 804
Springfield, IL  62701
(217)492-9999 (office)
(217)492-8888 (fax)
cra@aol.com

DuSearch is a summary of the issues affecting persons with developmental disabilities 
from the perspective of the Institute President/CEO, Derrick Dufresne

August 2, 2004  

Best Practices Conference

I have faxed and emailed you the program for the Best Practices Conference.  In addition, each of you should receive your brochure by mail within the next few days.  It promises to be a very good conference.  We have 27 speakers confirmed for a number of sessions and four preconference workshops.   

We’ve already received over 30 reservations and most of the calls are coming from the initial “Save the Date” postcards sent in early July since people have not yet seen the brochure.   

I would like to make a special plea to each of you that you do your best to attend the two day conference.  I am aware that you have very busy schedules and some of you may think that you’ve heard all this before.  In my opinion, one of the things that is desper-ately needed in Illinois is increased vision of what is possible and a barometer by which to measure what is truly best practice.   

I am not saying that this conference is the end all or be all or that I have captured this fully.  I would, however, say that this is an opportunity for you to get information from people around the country that you might not otherwise come in contact with.  I know that many of you are planning on sending some of your staff to some or all the confer-ence which is wonderful.  I believe it is important, if at all possible, that you be there as well in order to receive the information first hand.  

Thanks to the agencies that have already signed up and for your support of our efforts.  As you can imagine, this will take most of my energies between now and the conference in coordinating speakers, the conference site, travel arrangements, etc.  A special thanks to Lyla and Lori of her staff for their support in having the registrations sent to them.  I also think that this will be a great opportunity for publicity of the Institute and its mission, vision and values. 

I would also like to make an urgent request to the members regarding the use of LCD projectors your agency might own.  As you know, we are trying to keep the costs down for the conference (most speakers have agreed to participate without fee – just for their expenses).  To rent an LCD projector (e.g., for a Power Point presentation) from the hotel is $950 per day per meeting room.  However, we are able to bring our own equipment and for a $50 charge the hotel will set it up for us.  Needless to say, if any of you have access to an LCD projector that we could borrow for the conference, it would offer a tremendous savings in conference expenses.  If you have one to lend, please let me know asap.  Thanks for your consideration.  

Committees

I have jumped in with both feet on several committees to which I have been appointed.   

·         DHS Strategic Planning - As I mentioned in my last DuSearch, this committee is seeking input on the revision of the DHS DD Division Strategic Plan.  We have another meeting scheduled within the next month to further refine the vision and to clarify the values that should drive policy.  

It is my plan to strongly advocate that the words be clear, the meanings unmistakable and to advocate that if money is not going to be attached to these values, then the process is not worth completing.  

·         Fee for Service – I have also been asked to sit in on the Fee for Service Committee.  We are having our next meeting this week as well.  As you know from the previous information sent, the $3+ million dollars that is being generated in new money because of the refinance is dedicated towards best practice and self-determination principles.  

In addition, there is the hospital tax that Illinois is trying to implement that will generate additional dollars that could be used for services.  The Do The Right Thing Coalition has a conference call this week to discuss these priori-ties.  I will keep you updated on this progress as well.  

·         Workforce Development Committee – I have been appointed to this commit-tee sponsored by the DD Council to look at workforce issues in the 21^st Century.  Our first meeting is on August 3^rd in Chicago .  This is a nation-wide initiative to look at the changing workforce and to see how we can address the challenges of the changing demographics, funding issues and related topics.  I will send you an update after I attend.  

Self-Determination

I have taken the initiative to pull together a meeting on Monday, August 13^th at 1 p.m. with DHS regarding self-determination as a way of doing business.  The purpose of the meeting is to explore how agencies which operate everything from ICF-DDs to larger programs could convert them to smaller person-centered initiatives and receive the necessary financial support and technical assistance to do so.  

In addition, the secondary purpose is to continue to promote new development in line with the money following the person and small non-facility based initiatives that will mesh with the Institute’s mission, vision and values.   

In previous information sent to you, I welcomed any Institute members who are interes-ted in participating.  As a result, I have heard from 3 or 4 people of their interest.  I will be emailing them separately with more details since they have already indicated interest.  If any other Institute member is interested in attending the meeting and has not let me know as yet, I would appreciate hearing from you in the next few days.  If you require additional information, please contact me as well.  

Under separate cover, you will receive a fax from me of information about (1) the remake of the Health Planning Board; (2) Irwin Siegel Agency - insurance and risk management opportunities; (3) article on employment services growth; (4) cost of supports for people with challenging behavior; and (5) information about meetings.  

As you know, there is no meeting in August.  I have meetings with several of you scheduled and be available during the month to meet your needs as they should arise.   

Have a good week.

Derrick