2005 Annual ReportTable of Contents
Personal Independence Commission Upcoming Events/2006 Meeting Dates HistoryThe Governor's Council on Disability traces its roots to the World War II era. In 1947, President Harry S Truman issued an Executive Order establishing the President's Committee on Employment of the Handicapped. This Committee was created to assist disabled WWII veterans with re-entry into the civilian workforce. In 1949 Missouri established the state Governor's Committee to share information about work-related problems facing people with disabilities. In 1994 our statute was updated to broaden our mission beyond employment, enabling the Governor's Council on Disability to become a voice for the more than one million Missourians with disabilities in all facets of life, including state government. Mission/VisionMissionTo provide leadership and support so people with disabilities achieve inclusion and independence. VisionA state where people with disabilities fully participate in all aspects of community life. The Strategic Planning Committee is currently in the process of working on revising the Vision Statement, Goals and Strategies for the Governor's Council on Disability. Council Membership§ 20 members and a chairperson comprise the Council. § The Governor appoints members. § The appointment of the chairperson requires the advice and consent of the Missouri Senate. § Members represent each of the nine U.S Congressional Districts. § The majority of members are people with disabilities. § The Governor's Council is comprised of the following committees: Executive, Finance and Development, Personnel, Strategic Planning, Advocacy; and Legislative and Programs subcommittees.
Organizational StructurePeople of Missouri Governor Matt Blunt Michael Keathley, Commissioner of Administration and Governor's Council on Disability Council Chair and Members Robert Honan, Executive Director Claudia Browner, Executive I and Donna Borgmeyer, Disability Program Representative Linda Baker Oberst, Disability Program Specialist
FinancesThe Governor's Council on Disability programs are primarily financed through General Revenue. This funding covers personnel costs and expenses for most Council activities. The Fiscal Year 2006 budget is listed below:
At time of publication, the Council has spent $14,135.08 in operating expenses, 38% of the FY06 budget. Expenses include supplies, travel, Council meeting expenses, and expenses on GCD programs, with the exception of the Missouri Youth Leadership Forum. The Missouri Youth Leadership Forum is the only program that is not funded through General Revenue funds. This program is funded through a mixture of private donations, grants, and contracts. The following is a synopsis of the 2005 event. 2005 MYLF event costs: $13,186.96
Pursuant to RSMO 286.210, "The governor's council on disability may receive funds and property by gift, devise, bequest or otherwise may solicit funds to be used in carrying out the purposes of sections 286.200 to 286.210". Accordingly, the Council's newly formed Finance and Development Committee is exploring various options to utilize existing resources, as well as seeking new resources to expand operational capacity. Council Events 2005There were many exciting and noteworthy events in 2005 for the Governor's Council on Disability and one very sad occurrence.
Accomplishments 2005
Technical Assistance CallsThe Governor's Council on Disability provides disability-related technical assistance to individuals, businesses, governmental and agency representatives from all over the state, and occasionally from other states, by phone, letter, or e-mail. Most contacts were from individuals in need of resources in order to live more independently. Referrals were made to Centers for Independent Living, state and federal agencies, and other non-profits, including faith-based groups and community action agencies. In some instances, referrals were made to a business or for-profit entity. The Council also worked with a number of state legislators to provide solutions to individuals' problems and issues. In this past year, the Council received a substantial number of calls concerning funding for health care assistance, utility assistance, and home modifications. Other common inquiries included information on disability statistics, how to more effectively find employment, and questions about potential discrimination on the job. Overall, the Council assisted more than 600 different callers with more than 100 types of inquiries. Back to the section index - Back to table of contents PresentationsThe Governor's Council on Disability provides educational programs on disability rights and disability awareness to any group or organization requesting such information. Educational programs are specifically tailored to the individual or group to ensure effectiveness. During calendar year 2005, Council staff developed and presented 40 programs to 2,613 interested individuals around the state. Back to the section index - Back to table of contents AwardsThe Governor's Council on Disability sponsors the Annual Inclusion Awards and Poster and Journalism Contests. Annual Inclusion AwardsThe Annual Inclusion Awards recognize and honor individuals, groups, organizations and businesses for their successful inclusion of people with disabilities in the areas of employment, education, parenting and community. The Council's Programs Subcommittee selected the winners of the inclusion awards, who were nominated by individuals or organizations in their communities. The awards are presented to the individual/group in their own community so that the local community can participate in this exciting event. The 2005 Inclusion Awards winners were: Bob Aldridge Advocate of the Year - Ms. Doris Weber, Life Care Planning Ms. Weber has helped countless families plan for the future of their children with disabilities when the family members are no longer able to care for them. She assisted families with financial planning, advocating, and accessing services. She developed a training program for agencies and individuals to help them understand the Medicare Prescription Drug Act. Ms. Weber collaborates with many agencies in the community, such as Kansas City Regional Center and Jackson County Board of Services for the Developmentally Disabled. Educator of the Year - Ms. Lisa Finch, Teacher, Hillsboro High School Ms. Finch is a choral music teacher who started including students with disabilities in her choir class. She prepared the class for the inclusion and made special accommodations for the students to help them participate successfully. Her efforts have had a huge impact on the students. Employer of the Year - Global Products, Inc. Ms. Rebecca Herwick, President and CEO, received the award for Employer of the Year for integrating people with disabilities into her organization by providing permanent work opportunities. Ms. Herwick also donates material for prevocational activities, performs work evaluations for program participants at Global Products, Inc., and delivers job material to The Center for Head Injury Services in St. Louis to create paid work experience for trainees. The Excellence in Universal Design and Technology Award - City of Chesterfield The City of Chesterfield received this award for the "Catch-22 Miracle Field", an adaptive and accessible baseball field for children of all ages and capabilities. The ball field features a custom designed, synthetic turf field, which accommodates wheelchairs and other assistive devices, while helping to prevent injuries. This facility promotes a barrier-free design, equal opportunity, inclusion, and a sense of community. It removes the barriers, which prevent children with disabilities from playing on conventional baseball fields, and lets them experience the joy of America's favorite pastime. Back to the section index Back to table of contents Poster and Journalism ContestsThe Poster and Journalism Contests reward excellence in art and journalism while increasing disability awareness among Missouri's youth. Both contests are open to middle and high school students grades 7 through 12. Information about the contests is distributed statewide to schools and local organizations. More than 150 essays and posters were submitted in the contests in 2005. The first, second, and third place posters were displayed at the luncheon. The winners, selected by the Council's Programs Subcommittee, received savings bonds of $250, $500 and $1,000 respectively. Several businesses donated items that were used as "door" prizes for the non-winning entrants. The winners for the 2005 Poster and Journalism Contests were: Missouri Poster Contest 1st Place - Jenny Woods, Westran R-I High School, Huntsville MO 2nd Place - Kelsey Bishop, Spokane High School, Spokane MO 3rd Place - Cazy Vaughn, Halfway High School, Halfway MO Missouri Journalism Contest 1st Place - Lee Morehouse, Winnetonka High School, Kansas City MO 2nd Place - Lindsey Parson, Bode Middle School, St. Joseph MO 3rd Place - Julie Williams, Brookfield R3 High School, Brookfield MO Back to the section index Back to table of contents PublicationsThe Governor's Council on Disability publishes a variety of information, including the Directory of Resources for Missourians with Disabilities. In 2005, over 125 print copies were requested by individuals and agencies, while many more were directed to our web site for the online version. The online Directory is user-friendly and allows each user to search by category. It is also more cost efficient, saving the Council in printing and shipping costs. During the legislative session a weekly update, Legislative Update, was distributed to keep concerned individuals up-to-date on legislation that potentially impacts individuals with disabilities. Over 900 individuals received the publication via email and the regular mail system. The Governor's Council on Disability also disseminated a variety of other publications, including the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Questions and Answer booklets, Disaster Preparedness for Persons with Disabilities, and Missouri State Capitol Access Guide. Back to the section index Back to table of contents Legislative Education ProjectDuring the 2005 legislative session, over 130 individuals attended a three-day training program, known as the Legislative Education Project or LEP, held weekly Tuesday through Thursday at the state capitol during the 2005 legislative session. Participants arrived on Tuesday morning and were given an overview of the legislative process and a list of bills that would have an impact on individuals with disabilities. Participants were then encouraged to visit with senators and representatives and their staffs to discuss their concerns and voice their opinions. Attendees were also strongly encouraged to attend any hearings that took place while they were in Jefferson City. Individuals left Jefferson City on Thursday of the week with a new confidence in getting their voice heard both in Jefferson City and back in their home districts. Missouri Business Leadership NetworkThe Business Leadership Network (BLN) sponsored two major events last year. The first was the Spring Event held at Edward Jones with Debra Yost presenting tactics on how employers can be proactive in hiring people with disabilities. The Fall Event was held at Harrah's to celebrate Disability Employment Month and Disability Mentoring Day. Several St. Louis employers spoke about their experiences in hiring people with disabilities. Among the speakers were representatives from St. Luke's Hospital, US Bank, Edward Jones, and Harrah's. A new web site with current employment information for employers and employees with disabilities was created and can be accessed at (www.mobln-gateway.org). Three new employers in the St. Louis area, Brown Shoe Company, May Company (Federated Holding), and Quest Diagnostics, have joined the BLN. The recruitment for employers continues. Back to the section index - Back to table of contents Missouri Youth Leadership ForumThe 2005 Missouri Youth Leadership Forum (MYLF) was held at the University of Missouri in Columbia. Fourteen student-delegates took part in the four-day event, which is a unique career leadership-training program for high school juniors and seniors with disabilities. By serving as delegates from their communities, young people with disabilities cultivated leadership, citizenship, and social skills. Activities included speakers, small group discussions, assistive technology demonstrations, career exploration, mentoring luncheon, and a day in Jefferson City to meet with legislators. The 2006 MYLF will be held in Columbia from July 23-26, 2006. In addition to the Governor's Council on Disability, the Missouri Planning Council for Developmental Disabilities and the Independent Living Resource Center, Inc. are helping to organize the 2006 event. Back to the section index - Back to table of contents Lunch and Learn WorkshopsThe Governor's Council on Disability began this new program in 2005. The Council sponsored four Lunch and Learn workshops to give audience members, primarily state employees, information about health and disability issues that directly affect their lives. The attendees are encouraged to bring their lunches while they listen to the lunch-hour presentations. Over 120 individuals attended the following presentations:
Back to the section index Back to table of contents Boards and CommissionsAs part of the advisory capacity of Governor's Council on Disability's function, staff and council members serve on a variety of boards and commissions to promote opportunities in all aspects of life, including employment, transportation, recreation and housing. The following is a list of those boards and committees in which staff and council members served in calendar year 2005.
Back to the section index Back to table of contents LegislationThe Governor's Council on Disability will continue to advocate for people with disabilities in the 2006 legislative session.
Back to the section index Back to table of contents Personal Independence CommissionThe Personal Independence Commission (PIC) completed its fourth year of work. As established by Executive Order 01-08, the PIC is charged with advising the Governor on necessary policy and program changes to assure that Missourians of all ages and disabilities have access to a range of community support services. The PIC includes individuals with disabilities, family members of people with disabilities, senior citizens, advocacy groups, the Lieutenant Governor, four members of the General Assembly and representatives from the Departments of Social Services, Mental Health, Health and Senior Services and Elementary and Secondary Education. The staff of the Governor's Council on Disability continued to provide technical and staff support to the activities of the PIC. In addition, our tasks this year focused on implementing the Special Projects Team Action Plan in the areas of common application/assessment information, transition from institutions, assuring community options, and the Real Choice Systems Change grant. Proposed 2006 PIC Commission Meeting Dates For more information, visit the Personal Independence Commission web site at http://www.gcd.oa.mo.gov/PIC/pic.shtml. Back to the section index Back to table of contents Upcoming Events/2006 Meeting DatesGovernor's Council on Disability Missouri Youth Leadership Forum |
