Kansans Mobilizing for Direct Support Workforce Change
Advisory Committee
Meeting Summary
November 5-6, 2003
SRS Learning Center, Room A
2600 SW East Circle Drive South, Topeka, Kansas
November 5, 2003

Welcome and Introductions
Kathy Olson welcomed all advisory committee members. She announced the expanded
participation of partner organizations TARC, Inc. and Starkey, Inc. and introduced their
representatives to the meeting including: Dan Hermreck, TARC, Inc., and Marsha Dill,
Starkey, Inc. We also welcome the opportunity to introduce Lori Burnshire, a parent
working with Families Together, Inc. as a full project partner. Kathy facilitated a review of the agenda.

Overview

Year 1 Accomplishments - Kathy Olson + Amy Hewitt
Plans for Year 2

(John, I have in my notes that Kathy’s (Amy’s) presentation about the project will be on
the website. Also we said this summary would be posted also.)

Spotlight on Success - Lakemary Center - Traci Melte + Mark Harper

Affinity Group – Supervisor Training

Training dates for Removing the Revolving Door

February 11-12 and March 30-31

Strategies for recruiting supervisors from across Kansas

(John, in my notes I have the following: Try to recruit 2 people from each organization. Avenues of recruitment could include: ads in newsletters (InterHab, SRS?), SRS website, InterHab website, The Alliance should market to their members, KCDD website, Nelda could invite Lawrence organizations that self direct?, partners could offer personal invitations. New agencies should be guaranteed slots. It was decided to revisit this topic in January if we don’t have enough people to fill the class.

Also, we talked about offering POD and PEP. It was decided to revisit in January. Generally, seemed like people thought it was important to offer again, maybe partners would help with training. )

12:00 Lunch (catered) and Networking

1:00 Spotlight on Success – DSNWK - Gary Merklein + Bobbie Keller

(John, my notes from DSNWK spotlight: Orientation is 12 hours, Documentation module is pen and paper not online. Problems: depends on person’s motivation to start/complete; person can quiz out; need some way to make sure people actually do the work. What role does other assessment play? OJT and portfolio? U of Mn still working on test out questions. Emphasize feedback and follow-up. Explore expanding access to computers – ideas: laptop, high speed internet, library, check out donation possibilities)

Affinity Group - College of Direct Support - Patty Black Moore

CDS Demonstration (hands-on demo during lunch)
Everyone in project has access/Encourage participation

Affinity Group – Credentialing and Apprenticeship - Marianne Taylor

Ad Astra framework
Crosswalk of College of Direct Support courses and competencies for credentialing

4:00 Adjourn

November 6, 2003
9:00 Welcome and Introductions - Kathy Olson

Summarize Day 1 activities
Review the agenda

Spotlight on Success – JCDS - Sarah Williams

(John, I just noted that Sarah brought their photo albums they made and showed the
video)

Affinity Group – Marketing - Amy Hewitt

Realistic Job Previews (Video and Training)
Toolkits coming in January

12:00 Lunch (catered) and Networking

1:00 Affinity Group – Capacity Building - Amy Hewitt

Workforce Development Plan

2:45 Wrap-up and Action Assignments - John Sauer

Advisory Committee volunteers to plan January meeting

3:00 Adjourn

Note These 2004 Very Important Dates:

• January 21-22 Advisory Committee Meeting
• February 11-12 Removing the Revolving Door Training
• March 30-31 Removing the Revolving Door Train the Trainer session
• April 20-21 Advisory Committee Meeting
• July 20-21 Advisory Committee Meeting