Please note that this article is a reporter's summary, not an official SILC report.

The Maine Statewide Independent Living Council met on December 15, 2006. The meeting at the Augusta Career Center was called to order at 10:17 am. Some of the hightlights of the meeting follow:

Approval of October 20, 2006 Annual Meeting Minutes.

Treasurer’s Report: Steve Hoad reported at the Annual Meeting Russell Anderson was elected Treasurer. Russell is not at the meeting today. Russell has asked the Council for a Leave of Absence. There is no current policy for a Leave of Absence. Sharon volunteered to move her position from Vice Chair to the Treasurer position due to the obvious need. She was nominated and accepted the nomination for the Treasurer's position. The vote was unanimous. Steve Hoad suggested the Council forego the Treasurer’s Report until Sharon has been able to review the report.

Chairs Report: Steve Hoad requested that all documents be reviewed via email, including minutes and reports, so there is more time available during meeting time for SILC business. He also requested feedback from Council members through emails. This also creates a written record of SILC work.

Steve Hoad commented it is the Chair’s duty to appoint Committee Chairs. Also, committees are in need of members.
Current Committee Chair's are:
Evaluation Committee - Sharon Tomah
Legislative Committee - Steve Hoad
Membership Committee - Dennis Fitzgibbons
New members are needed. Contact Dennis at dfitzgibbons@alphaonenow.org
MORE Committee - John Dunleavy
Emergency Prep Committee - no chair
Steve Hoad said all committees need members and asked the Council to be mindful of that.

New Business:

UMO Internship Program, Professor Nancy Kelly: Steve Hoad welcomed Nancy Kelly and Intern Brock McGowan to the meeting. Steve said interns Brock McGowan and Mali Daku will be working hard over their Christmas vacation on duties for SILC. Mali has been researching emergency prep material. Brock has done significant work around finding information about how SILC can interface with disability services with the university system and community colleges. Nancy Kelly thanked the Council for letting her attend the meeting. She explained the School of Social Work at UMO. All of these students in the program need internships. Nancy gave a review of the intern program. It is a service learning program.

Penny Plourde: Penny encouraged the continued movement toward finalization of the end of year reports. She also reported on on-going budget gaps in the state and federal resources the department receives as well as several other issues of interest to the council.

Approval for Leave of Absence Form/Policy: After much discussion Dennis Fitzgibbons moved SILC ask the Chair to deliver a proposed policy addressing a leave of absence at the next full council meeting. Motion was seconded by John Dunleavy. No discussion. Unanimous vote to approve motion.

Approval for Accommodation Request Form: A request form that Steve Hoad developed was approved after some discussion.

Volunteer Hours Tracking Form: Blair Blaine moved the form be accepted with one adaptation to include travel time. Dennis Fitzgibbons seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. The document will be distributed at every meeting.

Posting/determining meeting locations: Steve Hoad suggested meeting locations be posted 30 days prior to each meeting. He asked everyone help Deb and to give her ideas of where to post meetings. Locations are scheduled in Augusta for now. The January meeting is at the Career Center in Augusta, the February meeting is at the DHHS building.

Discusssion and Demonstration of accessibility at Career Centers: Star Perkins, Career Center employee, gave a review of the accessible equipment available for use at the Career Center. The purchase of this equipment was in part from the Able ME grant. Star said the accessibility is still a work in progress, but a lot has been accomplished. She suggested Council members and guests look over the equipment if there is time after the meeting. Star said most of the equipment is available statewide at all Career Centers. She said there is not currently an internet presence that people can log onto at home to access the information center. She said they will be piloting a program called Choices. Is a career center in a Box. This is 85% compatible now, and will be 100% by February.

Current Accessible Equipment Includes:

For those with Visual Impairments

Jaws v.7: A screen reading software for those with visual impairments. On all Information Center Computers.

Merlin LCD CCTV. One available as a stand alone device in the Information Center.

ZoomText Magnifier/ScreenReader v.9: Available on all Information Center computers.

For those with physical limitations or challenges

GoldTouch Adjustable Ergonomic Keyboard and 10 key Keyboard: You can adjust the alphanumeric Keyboard sections both horizontally and vertically to improve comfort and productivity. On one adaptive computer workstation in the Information Center.

Kensington Orbit Optical Trackball. On one adaptive workstation in the Information Center.

SmartNAV: A hands free head mouse that enables alternative input and control over the computer. With movement of a body part, usually the head of less than 1/4 inch, any user can control mouse movements, type with the on screen keyboard and use any number of switches. Available at one adaptive Information Center workstation.

Adjustable height workstation: available on one adaptive workstation in the information Center, to accommodate those using a wheelchair, or person of differing stature, not able to comfortably use other workstations in the Information Center..”

For those Hard of Hearing or Deaf

Interpretype Single Unit Package: This is an interactive communication system designed to connect the non-signing hearing community with the deaf, hard of hearing and speech disabled community. At the Reception desk in the lobby of the CareerCenter.

Personal PA FM Listening System: This is designed for those who need help overcoming background noise. It includes a complete audio processor optimized for the needs of hearing impaired persons. Available by asking at Information Center desk for group presentations. May be reserved in advance.

Pocket Talker Pro: This device amplifies the sounds closest to listener while reducing background noise. Has a neck loop for a user with hearing aids. Available at the Information Center desk, just ask.

DVC-1000 i@eye VideoPhone: A video appliance that provides IP videoconferencing and connects to any standard television. It can turn any TV into a broadband videophone. Available in reception area cubicle in CareerCenter. Must be scheduled to guarantee availability.

TextHelp Read and Write Gold v.8: This software has a comprehensive toolbar that works with many Windows based applications, such as word processors, Email, Internet, spreadsheets or databases, to provide outstanding literacy support. Available at all Information Center workstations. Key features include:

Speech
Word Prediction
Fact Mapper
Speaking spell checker
Homophone Support
Translator
Dictionary
Word Wizard
Scanning
Speech Input
Speech Maker
Fact finder and Folder
Scientific Calculator
Pronunciation tutor
Web Highlighting

Steve Hoad wished the members and guests a happy holiday and thanked everyone for their participation. The meeting was adjourned at 1:59 pm.

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