Aging & Disability Services



SPIL TOWN HALL SUMMARY

5.22.20

Dawn Lyons read the Executive Summary.

Comments and Questions

Robin Kincaid:

I'm a parent from Nevada pep, also a parent of a young adult.

And I have some concerns about the plan in the respect that I think there's a lot of work being done for awareness, and work being done to kind of market an image, but what -- as a parent of a young adult I'm actually looking for concrete services and I realize dollars plan doesn't get real specific about that.

And I can pretty much that you want some flexibility.

But I would love to see a little bit more about even some topical things in the area of whether it be Zoom workshops or ways to teach independent skills, maybe in the area of safety or in the area of job search or job skills or soft skills or even disability disclosure.

These are the types of activities we see at other independent living centers.

And I feel like the plan although I understand that it's a statewide plan and you're not getting real specific, I don't see any kind of real movement toward it translating into services or encouraging the independent living centers to provide a little bit more concrete services.

Certainly we recognize that we're in the middle of a pandemic and a national emergency.

But I think you can see that there's lots of organizations that are doing Zoom trainings and finding ways to connect with individuals, and I think we need to give more support to the independent living centers so it translates into these -- into real services.

Housing workshops.

And, again, if I've missed something as I look through the plan, please, feel free to point that out.

But I would love to see something that translates a little bit more other than maybe sending a person to a national conference.

I mean, that might help educate that one individual with disabilities, but I don't know what it does for the rest of Nevada.

And so I really want to encourage the two to think about trying to reach more volume and not so much about image and marketing and awareness.

And I feel like that's kind of the core of the plan and I encourage you to maybe revisit some of these things so that we actually can see it trickle down to real services that help teach young adults or adults more, you know, with more strategies and information and really lead to independent living.

So I don't know if -- I don't want to take too much time to talk.

So I just want to give you a little bit of feedback in that area.

Thank you.

Dawn Lyons:

Thank you, Robin.

I appreciate those suggestions.

And I appreciate your thoughtfulness about our plan.

I think you're right.

I think it does sound like we're talking about our image a lot, and because that is one of our goals and one of our things that we're working on, I can see how that sounded like it might dominate.

I definitely am going to take your comments and suggestions back to the full SILC council and the SPIL workgroup so we can look at those again.

However, I do want to point out that there are specific goals in here and we did say that we're putting money towards -- we're putting Part B money towards independent living services both to the centers and to the state independent living program.

And then we're also putting out independent living money to the community partners who may have found needs that we weren't able to already have in our plans in the network.

So that is something that we did put in our plan.

Although Part B money is pretty small compared to the part C money and I know you mentioned that the centers, you'd like to see more specific information about the centers, definitely a good point, and I will bring that information back to them so that if they had like to put more information about their plans in the whole plan or the plan as a whole, like you said, that would and great idea.

So I'll bring that important information back to them.

Thank you.

Tim Smalley:

And this is to everyone.

Curious if other organization and agency can reach out and be contractual or sub grantee to provide assistive technology to help our client improve their quality of life or increase their independence.

For example, speech impairment, Deaf, hard of hearing, Deaf-blind, et cetera.

Dawn Lyons:

So, Tim, this is Dawn.

Are you asking if Part B money can be contracted out for those purposes or are you asking if all of the network money can be contracted out for those services?

Just to clarify.

Tim Smalley:

I was just looking to see where the options might be.

If we had some type of contract where we were provided money to provide services in terms of assistive technology, and I'm not sure what part that would be a part of, A, B, C, I'm not sure.

Dawn Lyons:

Actually, the state independent living program is AT for independent living.

And the assistive technology program through the state does contract to community providers for those services.

John Rosenlund is over that program right now, and we can get with him to ask him more specific questions about that if you want.

Tim Smalley:

Yeah, that would be great.

And we can talk more about it offline.

Nathan Say:

So I'm interested in developing a youth presence in the IL network too and I was looking at the table in the plan.

And I'm curious, it doesn't seem, maybe I'm not reading it right, but it doesn't look like there's a measurable goal for what that looks like at the end of this bill SPIL period.

It doesn't say what that looks like.

I may be not looking at the right place to see what the actual measurable goal is.

Dawn Lyons:

Under chart on page 6 starting on page 6, so it has the actual indicator there that we will -- throughout the three-year period, we'll develop a youth presence in the IL network by collecting data from other SILCs' youth initiatives.

And we'll review policies, programs, and initiatives from other states both the SILC and the CIL will be -- the CILs will be working on their youth presence.

And then on page 11, it shows our budget.

And we have some plans to page 12 -- we have plans to put $12,101 in in the first year to get youth leader to run the youth program to start that initiative and really be a leader in that regard.

I don't know if we actually put the specific wording in the plan.

I appreciate that feedback, and I'll check and see, and if it's not, I'll make sure that we put our specific language about that plan in there.

On page 4 as well under the objective 2c it says develop a youth presence in the IL network at policies that incorporate youth involvement in council activities SILC youth membership by the end of the first year establish at least one youth scholarship from a that allows at least one youth to attended April conference and collaborate with the CILs to establish youth participation in IL activities within the IL network by the end of the third year.

Do you -- you think that we need to add more detail to those indicators so that we know exactly all the steps we're taking in that?

Is that what you're saying?

Nathan Say:

Not necessarily.

I just wasn't sure where all the information was.

It looks like it was scattered but that feels sufficient in what you shared.

I just couldn't find everything all at once.

Dawn Lyons:

I appreciate your question, because often the information is scattered throughout because we have to put one part of it here and another part of it there and our budget is separated from our goals.

Robin Kincaid:

I have a follow-up question to that.

Do we have a pretty good concept and idea of what's currently going on as far as how youth are being supported or given services in the current CILs because that might be helpful.

I think that would bring more context how you want to expand it into the actual independent living network.

Dawn Lyons:

I can definitely give the feedback that you're offering about adding more youth plans.

I know that the -- I read in the southern Center for Independent Living's plan that they have their own specific youth plans.

But I didn't see any of those things transferred into the state plan either myself.

So I will get them that feedback that you'd like to see more information about what they're planning in those regards in the state plan.

I appreciate that feedback.

Robin Kincaid:

Again, I probably didn't make that real clear.

Let me try to clarify a little bit.

I guess I want to know not necessarily what the plan is going forward but in order for you to put it in your plan, what kinds of information did you receive from the actual centers of what a youth presence looks like in the independent living at the local level, at the CILs.

What's that look like?

Dawn Lyons:

I'm going to have to actually -- I haven't received much information from the Centers For Independent Living about what needs they see in the youth environment, in the disability community.

I'm just at a loss to give you an answer there.

But it's definitely something that we're all interested in, and if they could share that information with us in the state plan or otherwise, you know, I will definitely get back to you on that or, you know, if they're willing to add some more information into the state plan about that, that would be helpful for all of us.

As far as what we've seen as the SILC, in some of the surveys that we've done and some of the needs we've come across during our rural outreach trips and other needs assessments that we've evaluated, I can tell you that there are plenty of youth needs in our state that are not being met.

And although I do see that PEP is a great supporter of youth in our communities, it's still -- there's still a lot of youth with disabilities that kind of fall through the cracks.

And don't get the services that -- I shouldn't say that because I don't know for sure because the centers have not shared that specific information with us.

But as far as the SILC has received feedback on, there are needs that are not getting met so I do appreciate that.

And that's one of the reasons why we're focused on a youth presence in the SILC so they have a voice, too.

Robin Kincaid:

Okay. Great.

Thank you, that is helpful.

So when we are developing a plan, just remind me again, are the centers participating in that in some fashion?

Dawn Lyons:

Yes. Both the center directors are on the SPIL workgroup.

So they've been contributing.

Mark Tadder.

I have a question about being able to submit comments in writing, how do you do that?

And where do I send them?

How do I post them?

And I mean not just chatting, I mean turning this in for the record.

Dawn Lyons:

Good question, Mark.

To answer that question, because our individual website is down right now and we're using the State's website in the interim until our new website is up, we no longer have a public place where people can submit comments like that.

So they have to be emailed either to the nvsilc@ADSD. email or to my email.

And once we collect all of those comments, I will put them in a document and make them public. Does that help?

Mark Tadder:

Yeah, that's great.

Would you mind just sharing that either email or written somewhere so folks listening who didn't get that,

Could then have it when we need it?

Dawn Lyons:

I’m going to put the two emails that you can send comments or questions to in the chat.

I'll also send out an email to all the SILC interested parties and anyone else who wants to email me and let me know they'd like to be included in that.

And let them know that formally as well in an email.

Also, if you would like to phone in a comment, you can just phone into area code 702-622 e 0356.

If no one answer just leave your comment on the voicemail and I'll get that.

And if it's a question, I'll get back to you.

I will attach that to an email and send that out to all interested parties if you'd like to be added to that list and you're not already included, please email me at dlyons@adsd. and I will make sure you get added so that you receive that.

Dawn Lyons read Section One on page three, section one is the goals, objectives and activities.

Irma Prettenhoff:

Does your plan have any stipulations for individuals living with dementia?

So not specifically dementia.

Dawn Lyons:

Because the statewide Independent Living Council supports all individuals with disabilities, we didn't specify any particular disability because we don't want to exclude anybody.

However, a lot of our plans cover all disabilities across the board and should include -- should be inclusive of everyone.

Robin Kincaid:

2b talks about in the last sentence, page 4, it says but not limited to integrated employment.

I'm wondering if -- if you [inaudible] consider having the determine competitive integrated employment.

State plan for competitive integrated employment and so I'm wondering if that word competitive could be added to that sentence.

Because that would be what would be the goal for most individuals with disabilities that they have the opportunity to obtain competitive integrated employment.

Thank you.

Dawn Lyons:

Thank you, Robin.

I will take that back to the SPIL workgroup so that they can decide if they should add competitive to integrated employment.

Appreciate that.

Scott Youngs:

What about objective 3c? There are no indicators underneath that.

Dawn Lyons:

Because it's pretty self-explanatory.

It's in the budget.

So once this state plan is approved, it's pretty much set that that's going to happen.

As long as the DSE signs off on it, they're agreeing to include in their budget rather than providing their map to the independent living program, they will be providing their match into the salaries for staff so that staff can be 100 percent dedicated to the SILC.

Although I do have to say that there are some other ideas behind that, too.

So ultimately, like I said in the summary, the goal is to be independent from the DSE and have that staff person no longer have to be a staff person.

But that takes time and you have to make sure that the SILC can afford it, and that the DSE is going to maintain that match within that salary.

So all that has to -- it just takes time with the State.

It just takes time.

One of the things that I don't think was included in the statement and also the budget was that the -- we're working right now to make sure that my position, which I'm the SILC staff, that my position would not be housed within the DSE anymore.

That I would be separate from them to allow for further autonomy with the SILC.

Maybe we could add that in there. Is that something you would like to see?

Scott Youngs:

Yeah, that would be great.

I just think it's a great idea and I think moving forward, that is crucial for the autonomy of the SILC.

So I support it.

I just wanted to hear a little bit more information about that progress.

But thank you.

Joni

Can I please ask where you gathered the info about the needs in the state ask where can I find the data from that information?

Dawn Lyons:

I have to say that we've done our own, the SILC has done their own needs assessment, gathering community data with our own survey.

We've gone out to different disability events throughout the state and we've done rural outreach.

And just gotten feedback from people that way.

We've also received the program progress reports from the Centers For Independent Living for the last year.

So we've included some of that information and data into our pool of data, I should call it, because we've looked at all different needs assessments throughout the state.

I've looked at the Department of Education's disability -- student disability information, I've looked at just about every resource you can imagine, and to try to compile that was a great challenge for me.

So that's one of the reasons why the SILC has decided to create their own data hub, where all the community partners can basically add their data to that one place and we'll have it in one place and we'll have access to it.

Everyone who participants can have access to that data.

And that's probably the best way that we'll be able to provide how we evaluate and be more transparent about that, because right now, we have multiple, multiple sources for data.

And I'm sorry, I can't direct you to one place on that.

I hope that answered your question.

.

Dawn Lyons read section 1.4 on page five called evaluation.

Dora Uchel:

So for the NV SILC website the one you just read, who's going to be -- are you guys going to look for a contract, somebody to put that all together and make it user friendly for visual impairment folks? I was wondering, would people who are visually impaired, people who have dyslexia, can -- would they be able to (indiscernible) proposal to be one of the contract instead of getting somebody who's out of state come in and probably cost like a hundred grand, but just users who are actually using the device to -- in reality, because right now I'm trying to read the SPIL, and it is accessible, I mean, I can read it, but it's -- it's very hard to navigate.

I'm just letting you know because I'm using my phone and it's -- it's tedious.

So I wanted to ask that question.

Dawn Lyons:

So it's actually kind of a two-part answer I'm going to give you.

The first part is regarding the SPIL, because the State Plan For Independent Living is a template that was given to us by the Administration For Community Living.

We have no say.

We've given our feedback, I should say, we've given our feedback, we told them that it wasn't really as accessible as we'd like it to be, and they improved some things, but that's the best we got from them.

And there's really nothing more than anyone else can do because we have to use their template.

So I apologize for that.

If it's difficult or, you know, a little bit cumbersome.

If I could do anything about that, I would.

The other part of your question is about the data hub and our website.

And since this was -- this segues from last SPIL's goals, we already started the process.

We've contracted a company that is local in Reno, they're KPS3.

And we did them through a process where the SILC chose out of a couple different bids.

So they were the winners of that bid.

And, of course, everything is supposed to be ADA compliant and accessible.

And we're working with them right now to go through the layout and they've already created a new logo and, you know, our image and whatever.

But it's not really about that as much as it is about being able to market the SILC's messages and have our communication be open with our partners.

And it would do us no good if -- at all if that was inaccessible.

So I do appreciate that concern of yours, definitely.

It's one of the first and foremost things on our minds when we contracted them.

Just to add to that, Dora, once we have it publicly available, our website, if you're willing and would like to test that for us, we could use all the input and feedback we could get.

So I can definitely contact you about that when it's ready if you'd like.

Dora Uchel:

I would do it for a fee.

Thank you, Dawn.

Dawn Lyons described the resource plan in more detail and then the outreach section.

on page 14, Section 2.2.

Dora Uchel:

I'm just interested in hearing what the CILs -- if they have any comment.

Because I know they do a lot of outreach when I was interning at the Center for Independent Living here in the north.

Dawn Lyons:

And according to ILRU who's giving technical assistance to the SILC and centers while writing this draft, we were informed that this section is not supposed to be the CILs' outreach plans.

They have their own plans and their plans are in their documents -- in their plan.

This is for the independent living network as a whole.

I understand, though, what you're saying and what you're asking is for a little bit more information how the CILs is going to be involved in that.

And I can definitely bring that up to the SPIL workgroup so that if the centers would like to add a little bit more information about that, they can.

Does that -- is that where you were going with that?

Is that sufficient?

Dora Uchel:

Yeah, thank you.

I mean, as far as, like, survey goes, because they are -- what's the word -- they're out there, you know, before COVID.

So I was just kind of curious on how -- the questions that, you know, that the SILC could see -- could ask the Center for Independent Living what the needs you see what you guys do outreach, you know, what do you hear, because you're in the front, you know -- giving the services and doing your outreach, just, you know, a little collaboration.

Maybe I was missing something.

Thank you.

Dawn Lyons:

No, absolutely, Dora.

I wholeheartedly agree with you.

And it's not like I haven't asked before.

But we will make sure that they understand that that question was asked by the public, and that they can address that in the SPIL.

I appreciate that.

Hilda Velazquez:

Where can we find list of our state's IL network?

Dawn Lyons:

There's not really a list.

The network includes and -- I know it's kind of hard to follow, but it was explained in the summary as well, but the network consists of -- the independent living network consists of the DSE, the Centers For Independent Living, and the statewide Independent Living Council.

That's the independent living network.

Anyone else who provides independent living services or whatever, that's just partners to the network.

Dawn read the portion relating to Coordination.

Dora Uchel:

I just don't want to be the -- I mean, I don't want to put everybody, anyone on the spot, but I am taking to action for leadership for SILC and I wish I took it before I was a SILC member, but it really opened my eyes and so I'm just being the difficult -- devil's advocate.

Okay.

Thank you.

Dawn Lyons:

I hope I didn't make it sound like you were sounding adversary because I don't think you were sounding adversary at all and I think your comment is important.

Tim Smalley:

I do know Disability Awareness Day and wonder if there's a similar event hosted in the north like the Reno-Sparks area or another rural area.

To answer that question, I have to say that there is pumpkin palooza event, I think it's in Sparks, could be in Reno.

Dawn Lyons:

I know it's up north.

However, it is not disability-specific.

But we have worked in the past with the northern Center for Independent Living to kind of share that space with them, but they get very overwhelmed with that event.

Because they're doing a lot at that event.

And so we've found it a little bit challenging to be a part of that as well.

Those are the only -- that's the only other one I know of off the top of my head.

But I'm sure there has to be more, maybe in rural areas.

That's a good question and I think that's something that I could definitely take note of and bring up at the SPIL workgroup so that we could all look into that to see if there's another avenue.

Thanks, Tim.

Tim Smalley:

If we want to do outreach statewide, we should figure a way to draw those crowds like we do in the south.

Thanks.

Dawn read the portion regarding expansion and adjustment of the network; a new section added by ACL.

NNCIL Staff:

If $40,000 in Part B will be available to the two CILs, split equally in years two and three, and open competitively, what do you mean by competitively?

Go through the tedious ADSD application process?

Is it enough that we submit to SILC a proposal like we used to?

Dawn Lyons:

Unfortunately, because ACL distributes Part B money through the DSE and that DSE is Aging and Disability Services, the SILC really has to use those processes for any kind of distribution of funds as far as sub granting money goes.

So -- but there is a community open competitive sub grant award that will be provided each year.

It's not a whole lot of money, but I'm hoping the SILC is hoping it will fill gaps that be needed in the community.

I know it can be cumbersome to go through that state sub grant process.

However, it will start with a narrative just like any other application for the sub grant, because even if you just submit a proposal, if you win that proposal, you're going to have to submit a narrative for that sub grant anyway.

So you might as well just write it in narrative format.

And then of course the SILC will also want to see how you plan to budget that money, and it's also necessary for the state to approve that.

So even though it does seem like a lengthy process, it's all needed information.

So unfortunately, if it's cumbersome, I apologize for that, but it's really something that's necessary.

And just to be clear, the Centers For Independent Living in order to be sub awarded that extra 20,000 each, each year, or 40,000, I should say, they also have to go through that same application process that the Aging and Disability Services provides.

Unless Aging and Disability Services changes their process, then we'll let you know.

It basically just summarizes it by saying no matter who gets extra money, it will go towards IL services.

Dawn read section 4.2 regarding the grant process and distribution of funds.

Grant processes, policies, and procedures to be followed by the DSE in awarding the grants of Part B funds..

NNCIL Staff:

It says in reviewing proposals, a CIL staff should be part of the review process and should not be 100 percent chosen by SILC, for subawards.

Dawn Lyons:

The Part C money is handled by the people who have Part C.

The Part B money is handled by the people who have Part B.

So because it would be a conflict of interest if the Centers For Independent Living were to supply for some he have those subaward monies, they really shouldn't be a part of the process of deciding who should get it.

Now, if they don't apply, there is a SILC member that's a CIL executive director, and they are more than welcome to be a part of that committee.

It does include the ability to add another SILC member to that evaluation committee.

So I hope that answers your question. The rest of the designated state entity section really goes through administration and staffing.

It is nothing spectacular or anything unexpected.

Dawn read the portion having to do with the Aging and Disability Services Division as the DSE provides the following support to the SILC.

Dawn read the portion regarding the SILC section of the State Plan For Independent Living draft, on page 23, in section 5, the statewide Independent Living Council.

5.1 establishment of the SILC.

Dora Uchel:

So the SILC allowed to ask for advance travel arrangements.

What happens if they are not able to pay within the 30 days?

Are they allowed to make installments?

Are there consequences?

Dawn Lyons:

To answer your question, I can only answer that so far as the SILC is concerned.

So the SILC doesn't have a process regarding the fiscal aspect of travel advances.

The SILC can advise the DSE, but the DSE ultimately has control over the finances because they're fiscally responsible.

So the state policy is available.

I did that out. I can send that to you again if you'd like.

Send it states that within 30 days of return from the trip they will reimburse you.

If they have -- I'm sure that if money is not paid back timely, that, you know, there is a process that the State has to collect that money somehow.

But I can't speak on that because I'm not the fiscal authority.

I can get you in touch with a DSE representative if you'd like, if you want to ask her that question specifically.

Chat Comment:

Cash advances are unallowable federal costs.

Dawn Lyons:

You're right, that's typically a state policy.

However, in the past, the DSE administrator and I've worked with the DSE administrator to provide an exception for the SILC.

I have asked for an exception because there may be some folks who don't have the money to spend on a conference trip.

They been be kind of pricey, especially if they're in DC or Orlando as they have become in the past.

And because a lot of the time that money is just reimbursable to state employees and anyone contracted by the state, there has been an exception made to that specifically for SILC members.

But that is something that has to be requested is a travel advance for those who need it.

And they have to ask the -- they can ask through me or they can -- or through the SILC, but the SILC then goes ahead and asks fiscal for that.

So the administrative person will go ahead and set that -- make that arrangement with the state fiscal department.

And then the state fiscal department will advance a 100 percent travel advance so that there's no worries that you're not going to be able to afford your trip.

And then once that trip is done, you figure out how much is either overpaid or underpaid and either pay back the difference that you didn't need or you get an additional amount based on how much was actually needed.

And that's typical process with the state.

They do reimbursements.

So it's done the same way as a reimbursement.

And that was -- that was actually the argument that I made to help get the SILC that exception was the SILC's autonomy and basically it impedes the SILC's autonomy and they cannot attend trainings because they can't afford it up front.

So that's something that the DSE agreed with and there are specific exceptions to that if requested. So, yeah, I thank you for that because typically the state does not do a hundred percent travel advances.

And in fact, they used to do 80% advances even to employees, but that's no longer the case. So the SILC really is in an unusual position that they to have that exception available to them.

I don't know if -- it's not indefinite.

But according to fiscal recently, that is still in place.

So I thought I'd explain that.

Follow up question in the chat.

If not paid in time, what is the repercussion, how do we avoid that from recurring and did we figure out how much is the maximum advance?

Dawn Lyons:

I don't know that there's a maximum advance other than what the actual 100 percent of that estimated cost for the trip would be.

And that's fiscal has their way of determining that.

But as far as the collection process, first of all, when you're a SILC member, you agree to the code of ethics in our policies.

And if you were not to adhere to those rules, you would be breaking that code of ethics.

And that would be a problem with the SILC.

As far as the fiscal end of it goes, the DSE would take their steps that they take to collect that the money and I don't know that process myself, but I can get that out to you if you'd like to know specifically what that is.

Chat follow up question:

How do we avoid that from recurring?

Dawn Lyons:

That is a good question, too. This has been in effect for a little over, I think it has been two years now, that we have made that arrangement with the DSE to get travel advances for SILC members. And there has only been one occasion where it has not been paid back in a timely manner. Everyone who -- and trust me, a lot of people request these advances because, you know, a lot of the time it's necessary.

We haven't really had many problems with that.

I don't know how to answer how we can prevent it from happening again because, like I said, it's based on your code of ethics with the SILC.

It's your moral obligation because you agreed to that.

You've agreed to be an up standing SILC member.

People default on stuff, but I would assume that the DSE will withdraw that exception eventually if too many people take advantage or don't pay that money back or if there are multiple delinquencies, but I'm only guessing.

That would be another question for the DSE.

One other thing that I can say about that is because it violates the SILC's code of ethics, there are specific steps that would be taken by the SILC if it were a SILC member that, you know, it would be addressed in the formal way that the SILC has spelled out in their policies.

Dawn read the portion regarding the maintenance of the SILC.

Dora Uchel:

I didn't -- I don't remember if I read it somewhere, I've been reading a lot, but is this the last town hall Zoom for the public?

Dawn Lyons:

It is the only one planned right at this time.

However, we will have this posted on the ADSD SILC website, and you can email your comments. The SPIL workgroup is going to meet again in mid June.

So you have about a month to submit your comments or your questions to be considered. We did try to get a newspaper article posted.

However, it was a short timeframe, and the State wasn't contracted with the Challenger newspaper so we were unable to get that done in time.

But there was nothing in the north equivalent, so it's probably more fair that way anyway.

I want to also remind you that we have had town halls in the past to obtain information, and for the input of our information in the SPIL.

This is the actual town hall for the comments and feedback and questions on the draft.

Dawn Lyons:

I noticed in the chat, I think I answered a question that I misunderstood.

So it says cash advances are unallowable federal costs.

If not paid in time, what is the repercussion do we avoid that from recurring did we figure out how much is the maximum advance.

I think I answered this question on the basis of a travel advance for a council member previously and I don't think that's the actual question that was being asked.

So I think what the question is, is about subgrantees asking for advances.

And that as it was stated by the DSE section in the SPIL, was the SILC between the SILC and the fiscal department or the grants department of the DSE decide that based on several different factors if there should be an advance on the sub grant.

And a lot of that has to do with payment history, requests for funds history, just your track record, if you have one. And I know that's one of the factors.

I think there's a few more factors that the DSE includes, I think another one might be the actual amount.

I don't know that there is a maximum amount.

I would have to find that out from the DSE or from the grants department at the DSE.

But I can inquire about that and get back to you about that.

If not paid in time... I'm not sure if the question about advances not being paid on time, what would be the repercussion of that or if it's the request for funding not submitted in time and what would be the repercussion of that.

So I'll try to answer those both.

So if a cash advance is not paid in time, that's on the DSE.

They have it in their policy that they will provide that I believe -- gosh, I don't want to say the wrong amount of time.

I know they just updated their policies.

So I know there is an amount of time they have to get that to you, I will find out what that is exactly and get that you specific information.

For right now, though, I know that I have not heard of them not being able to get that advance to anyone within that amount of time.

I haven't heard it.

That doesn't mean it hasn't happened.

I just haven't heard of it.

So I'm find out more about that and let you know.

As far as what happens if you don't submit your request for funds in time, that depends, because if you don't submit it within the timeframe that the end of the fiscal year comes, that money has to be returned, because you have -- if there's a grant period and if you're asking for that money after that grant period, there's a chance that you may not get it because it's after the fiscal year's cut off.

So it just depends on the date.

I know the SILC in the past has provided subawards or I should say the DSE has provided subawards in the past on behalf of the SILC that the SILC has asked to be extended until the end of the fiscal year.

And if we hadn't received a request for funds by then it was push it to the last minute anyway so then it was just like well, we tried, but it was just too late.

So I hope that answered your questions better.

I'm sorry I misunderstood that to begin with.

I will be posting all comments and answers and everything that happened today, I will be posting that online on our website on the ADSD site under the town hall's meeting as a material.

So you can always go back and see what's been said.

And then after this date, the SPIL workgroup is on June 10th.

We'll be evaluating all the comments and making any needed changes to the SPIL draft, and then the SILC will be voting on the final draft the next day on the 11th.

So if you have any additional comments or questions or ideas or concerns or anything you have on your mind about the State Plan For Independent Living, if you email them to me at DLYONS@ADSD. or to NVSILC@ADSD., I'll make sure those get posted on line as well in the same place.

I'll also make sure that I resend them to all SILC-interested parties, so if you would like to also receive them through email, just -- and you're not on the current SILC interested parties list, just go ahead and email me and I'll add you to that list.

Also, just to let you know, I don't want to exclude you now.

If you have comments or questions, we're here until 2.

Also, if you would like to submit a confidential or anonymous comment, you're welcome to do that as well.

Just make sure you include that information in your -- or after -- before or after your comment that you would like to remain anonymous and that won't be posted, your name will not be posted publicly with your comment if that's what you'd like.

Also, as well, today, even though I can't guarantee that if you were in this town hall today, that your name won't show up on a transcript, it will probably, but if you'd like your comment posted anonymously without your name attached to it on that separate document, just email me and let me know and I can make sure that it shows as anonymous.

Dawn Lyons:

I got a question in the chat asking what are the plans in regards to COVID-19 and the SPIL.

Good question.

The Centers For Independent Living were required -- well, let me just start with ... the money from ACL to specifically address the needs during the COVID-19 crisis was sent to Part C, which is the Centers For Independent Living.

No additional funding was sent to Part B or the DSE so the Centers For Independent Living were only required to describe what they were going to use that funding for exactly.

On page 12, after section -- it goes 1.5 is the financial plan.

And then at the very end of that section, after the last budget chart on page 12, it says, the CIL Title VII Part C funds independent living services statewide.

They fund independent living services statewide.

CARES Act funding will be used -- statewide to address the following COVID-19 related issues.

One, purchase and distribute goods and services for people with disabilities.

Two, provide technology and training to support consumers and staff, and, three, address emergency housing needs.

And I can tell you that the CARES Act money was a total of $947,295 to be used as of January, I believe, through the following year, the following fiscal year.

Chat Question:

How much was the funds to be cleared, consumers of CIL can ask for rent assistance?

Dawn Lyons:

I would think that you would want to contact your Center for Independent Living in your area and after you set up your independent living goals, if being able to pay your rent is one of those goals, then the center can work with you on figuring out how best you can do that.

And you know, I don't know -- I mean, obviously purchase and distribute goods and services for people with disabilities, provide technology and training to support customers or consumers and staff and address emergency housing needs, maybe.

I think it depends on your independent living goals, I think it depends on what your specific circumstances are.

I would definitely ask the Center for Independent Living that's near you, you know, who's working with you on your independent living plan to go ahead and address those needs if you need that.

Especially if it has to do with COVID-19.

I know this wasn't a question that was asked.

But just to further clarify about the COVID-19 Part C monies, ACL was very specific about that money being used for specific COVID-19 emergency needs, and those needs listed were the needs that they were allowing.

So obviously if you call the center and say, I need you to pay my rent for three months, that's not what it's for.

But, you know, if you have been displaced from your home unjustly or because -- directly because of COVID-19 or if there's some kind of, you know, some circumstance that you will lose your housing because of a COVID-19-specific issue, I'm sure that the centers can work with you on addressing those needs.

Dora Uchel:

Just to clarify, so if somebody was working and because of COVID-19, they were displaced, I think that's the word I used, I couldn't quite hear because I was listening to my voice-over, can they come get assistance for rent until they find a job?

Is that what it's for housing assistance, is that what it is?

Dawn Lyons:

I'm not in control of the Part C money so I can't say specifically how much they can help you with or for how long, but I can say that, you know, that money is for COVID-19 emergency situations.

Definitely contact the center.

So someone from the northern Center for Independent Living says, also, the CIL is setting aside a portion of the cares fund for post-COVID services.

Right now, it is still uncertain what it will look like.

We're waiting for directives from ACL and other CIL best practices for reopening.

Thank you for sharing that.

Have a good weekend.

Thank you.

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