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<BODY lang=EN-US vLink=blue link=blue><B>From:</B> Noel Nightingale
[nnightingale@earthlink.net]<BR><B>Sent:</B> Thursday, April 09, 2009 6:26
PM<BR><B>To:</B> Nightingale, Noel<BR><B>Subject:</B> FW: Your Message Regarding
IL Stimulus Funds and Contracts<BR>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV></DIV>
<DIV class=OutlookMessageHeader lang=en-us dir=ltr align=left><FONT face=Tahoma
size=2>-----Original Message-----<BR><B>From:</B> Durand, LouOma (DSB)
[mailto:LouDurand@DSB.WA.GOV] <BR><B>Sent:</B> Wednesday, April 08, 2009 3:07
PM<BR><B>To:</B> June Mansfield; Durand, LouOma (DSB); PhedraQ@wfse.org; Bob
Huven; Cindy Van Winkle; Diane Hansen; Edna Harper; J. Michael Freeman; Laura
Beigh; Wilder, Linda (DSB); Lou Colwell; Marlaina Lieberg; Michael Cunningham;
Mike Davis; Penny Grist; caprogram@qwest.net; dcolley@esd.wa.gov; Dean
Stenehjem; fpennell@watf.org; jnuccio@seattledbsc.org; kadams@seattlelh.org;
kjohnson@u.washington.edu; ruttllm@dshs.wa.gov; nnightingale@earthlink.net;
nwhknc@juno.com; paul.dziedzic@wwu.edu; pshoel@aol.com;
certainvictory@earthlink.net; Executive Team<BR><B>Subject:</B> RE: Your Message
Regarding IL Stimulus Funds and Contracts<BR><BR></FONT></DIV>
<DIV class=Section1>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 12pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: 12.0pt"><B><FONT
face="Arial Bold" size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial Bold'">June:<o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 12pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: 12.0pt"><B><FONT
face="Arial Bold" size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial Bold'">I’m
writing in response to the various issues and concerns you raised in your note
yesterday.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 12pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: 12.0pt"><B><FONT
face="Arial Bold" size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial Bold'">I very
much appreciate your concern about having information in a timely manner in
order to facilitate planning. We are providing information and processes
immediately as they become available. With respect to IL contracts, we expect to
have major decisions made by the end of April, solicitations for contracts in
early May, and decisions regarding contracts in early June. This is the best we
can do given that the budget will not be finalized until the end of April.
Information regarding case transitions and case processes will be communicated
following the Management Team meeting scheduled for April 20.
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 12pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: 12.0pt"><B><FONT
face="Arial Bold" size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial Bold'">I’m
delighted to hear that CSBPS serves 300 Part B customers per year. Given
that we have only 12 of your Part B clients on our caseload right now, and that
we served only 157 individuals statewide in Part B, I assume you mean you have
served individuals under the age of 55 with other funding. The makes
me think that we will probably operate much the same way in the future, given
the limited resources in this program. Since King and Snohomish counties have
high service ratio in comparison to the underserved and un-served parts of the
state, we will undoubtedly focus our efforts on geographic areas where DSB
is the primary source of funding. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 12pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: 12.0pt"><B><FONT
face="Arial Bold" size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial Bold'">With
respect to the Stimulus funding, we are in fact actively engaging all partners
and soliciting ideas. You and other IL providers have sent in several excellent
suggestions. We welcome them and know that many will be reflected in our final
decisions. While I am very open to the possibility of leveraged funds, it will
not be a deciding factor in our decisions. We are most interested in increasing
statewide capacity and service provider competencies. We’re fortunate that our
new service delivery system, although painfully frustrating for all of us, has
netted some excellent data about the quality, quantity and cost of IL services.
This information, along with our best thinking and the wealth of ideas coming in
from the community, will shape our final decisions about the Stimulus package.
As previously indicated, you will be receiving updates on this as we move the
budget and Stimulus scenarios toward finalization. Meanwhile, we absolutely
welcome the discussion.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></B></P>
<DIV>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><FONT face="Arial Bold" size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial Bold'">Sincerely,<o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><FONT face="Arial Bold" color=navy size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; COLOR: navy; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial Bold'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></FONT></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><FONT face=Arial size=4><SPAN
style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">Lou Oma
Durand<o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><FONT face=Arial size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">Executive
Director<o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><FONT face=Arial size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">Department of
Services for the Blind<o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><st1:Street w:st="on"><st1:address
style="BACKGROUND-POSITION: left bottom; BACKGROUND-IMAGE: url(res://ietag.dll/#34/#1001); BACKGROUND-REPEAT: repeat-x"
tabIndex=0 w:st="on"><B><FONT face=Arial size=3><U1:STREET
u2:st="on"><U1:ADDRESS u2:st="on"><SPAN
style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">3411 S. Alaska
St</SPAN></U1:ADDRESS></U1:STREET></FONT></B></st1:address></st1:Street><B><FONT
face=Arial><SPAN
style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><U1:PLACE u2:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on"><st1:City
w:st="on"><B><FONT face=Arial size=3><U1:CITY u2:st="on"><SPAN
style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">Seattle</SPAN></U1:CITY></FONT></B></st1:City><B><FONT
face=Arial><SPAN style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">, <st1:State
w:st="on"><U1:STATE u2:st="on">WA</st1:State></U1:STATE> <st1:PostalCode
w:st="on"><U1:POSTALCODE
u2:st="on">98118</st1:PostalCode></SPAN></U1:POSTALCODE></FONT></B></st1:place></U1:PLACE><B><FONT
face=Arial><SPAN
style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><FONT face=Arial size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">Voice: (206)
721-6435<o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><FONT face=Arial size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">Toll-Free:
1-800-552-7103<o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><FONT face=Arial size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">Fax: (206)
721-4103<o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><FONT face=Arial size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">Email: <A
href="mailto:loudurand@dsb.wa.gov">loudurand@dsb.wa.gov</A>
</SPAN></FONT></B><B><FONT face=Arial><SPAN
style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><FONT face="Arial Bold" size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial Bold'"> </SPAN></FONT></B><o:p></o:p></P>
<DIV class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><FONT
face="Times New Roman" size=3><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt">
<HR tabIndex=-1 align=center width="100%" SIZE=2>
</SPAN></FONT></DIV>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><FONT face=Tahoma size=2><SPAN
style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma">From:</SPAN></FONT></B><FONT
face=Tahoma size=2><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"> June
Mansfield [mailto:JMansfield@csbps.com] <BR><B><SPAN
style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Sent:</SPAN></B> Tuesday, April 07, 2009 8:36
AM<BR><B><SPAN style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">To:</SPAN></B> <st1:PersonName
style="BACKGROUND-POSITION: left bottom; BACKGROUND-IMAGE: url(res://ietag.dll/#34/#1001); BACKGROUND-REPEAT: repeat-x"
tabIndex=0 w:st="on">Durand, LouOma</st1:PersonName> (DSB); PhedraQ@wfse.org;
Bob Huven; <st1:PersonName
style="BACKGROUND-POSITION: left bottom; BACKGROUND-IMAGE: url(res://ietag.dll/#34/#1001); BACKGROUND-REPEAT: repeat-x"
tabIndex=0 w:st="on">Cindy Van Winkle</st1:PersonName>; Diane Hansen; Edna
Harper; J. Michael Freeman; Laura Beigh; Wilder, Linda (DSB); Lou Colwell;
Marlaina Lieberg; Michael Cunningham; Mike Davis; Penny Grist;
caprogram@qwest.net; dcolley@esd.wa.gov; Dean Stenehjem; fpennell@watf.org;
jnuccio@seattledbsc.org; kadams@seattlelh.org; kjohnson@u.washington.edu;
ruttllm@dshs.wa.gov; <st1:PersonName
style="BACKGROUND-POSITION: left bottom; BACKGROUND-IMAGE: url(res://ietag.dll/#34/#1001); BACKGROUND-REPEAT: repeat-x"
tabIndex=0 w:st="on">nnightingale@earthlink.net</st1:PersonName>;
nwhknc@juno.com; <st1:PersonName
style="BACKGROUND-POSITION: left bottom; BACKGROUND-IMAGE: url(res://ietag.dll/#34/#1001); BACKGROUND-REPEAT: repeat-x"
tabIndex=0 w:st="on">paul.dziedzic@wwu.edu</st1:PersonName>; pshoel@aol.com;
certainvictory@earthlink.net<BR><B><SPAN
style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Cc:</SPAN></B> Direct Service Staff; Sheila Turner;
Carl Jarvis; Cathy Jarvis; Cheryl Martin; Chris Ensor; Larry Weiss; Laura Beigh;
Margie Corier; Miriam Freshley<BR><B><SPAN
style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Subject:</SPAN></B> RE: DSB Director's Update
4/6/09</SPAN></FONT><o:p></o:p></P></DIV>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face=Verdana color=blue size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; COLOR: blue; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana">Dear
LouOma,</SPAN></FONT><o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face=Verdana color=blue size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; COLOR: blue; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana">Thank you for the
very complete update on what is happening
currently.</SPAN></FONT><o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face=Verdana color=blue size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; COLOR: blue; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana"> </SPAN></FONT><o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face=Verdana color=blue size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; COLOR: blue; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana">I continue to urge
that you include all partners in ongoing discussions about DSB changes as well
as the potential for additional funding under the stimulus bill. It is
vital that engagement occur as soon as possible so that those of us serving the
community aren’t faced with an immediate deadline to implement something with no
chance to plan ahead of time. Our experience with the implementation of the new
IL contract was unfortunately less than great and we would hope to not repeat
that under these new circumstances.</SPAN></FONT><o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face=Verdana color=blue size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; COLOR: blue; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana"> </SPAN></FONT><o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face=Verdana color=blue size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; COLOR: blue; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana">Of particular concern
continues to be the planned transition of the IL Part B clients to DSB.
That means that planning needs to be occurring now – how will transition occur
for those clients that we are currently seeing under contract. How will
future referrals be made and handled. What will the waiting period be for
those individuals? Harborview trauma cases require immediate
response. Last year our organization served over 300 part B eligible
clients. While only a small amount were able to be put on the program due
to the funding limitations, how does DSB plan to handle 300 additional clients
in a timely manner starting July 1<SUP>st </SUP>we expect that under this
new plan we would direct all of those people to DSB for contact and screening
for eligibility. And that is only from one service provider! How will DSB
screen these individuals – how will DSB decide which to reject? Who will serve
those that DSB does not wish to or cannot serve? All of this demands
planning and integration with community partners and this must start now – not
July 1<SUP>st</SUP>.</SPAN></FONT><o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face=Verdana color=blue size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; COLOR: blue; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana"> </SPAN></FONT><o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face=Verdana color=blue size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; COLOR: blue; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana">In addition, I know
all of the community partners are very interested in the stimulus funds for the
Older Blind program. As I read through the Department of Education policy
statements regarding the recovery I find statements such as: grantees under the
State IL grants and OI B programs should consider how they can use the
additional funds to improve and expand IL services; serve additional consumers,
especially populations that are unserved or underserved in the state, increase
the capacity of IL service providers to provide IL services…” Additional
statements include the following: “Generally funds should be used for short-term
investments with the potential for long-term benefits, rather than commitments
that the State may not be able to sustain once ARRA funds are expended… some
examples include building long-term capacity by improving the technological core
of the program, including, but not limited to, purchasing equipment, improving
connections, and obtaining software in order to better serve
consumers.”</SPAN></FONT><o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face=Verdana color=blue size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; COLOR: blue; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana"> </SPAN></FONT><o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face=Verdana color=blue size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; COLOR: blue; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana">To me much of this
suggests that engagement with community partners, many who are able to leverage
philanthropic dollars is key and very important. With the leverage that we
are able to provide, services are extended farther and wider, especially to the
older blind who we are all aware are the most under served population in our
state, with the least amount of state and federal dollars set aside to provide
programs and services to them. With early planning we may be able to
leverage additional dollars from the community but all of that takes time and
planning. </SPAN></FONT><o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face=Verdana color=blue size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; COLOR: blue; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana"> </SPAN></FONT><o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face=Verdana color=blue size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; COLOR: blue; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana">Now is the time to
start planning with your community partners – all of them. Remember, we also
have boards and constituencies that we answer to and they too are looking for
answers. We all must work together to assure that people with
vision loss, across the entire age spectrum can benefit from the stimulus
funds. In my view, we should have a whole array of ideas and projects on
the table so that when the money starts flowing we are able to jump right in
serving people. Let’s not wait any longer for these discussions to occur.
</SPAN></FONT><o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face=Verdana color=blue size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; COLOR: blue; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana"> </SPAN></FONT><o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face=Verdana color=blue size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; COLOR: blue; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana">June Mansfield,
President/CEO</SPAN></FONT><o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face=Verdana color=blue size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; COLOR: blue; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana">Community Services
for the Blind and Partially Sighted</SPAN></FONT><o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><FONT face=Verdana color=blue size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; COLOR: blue; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana"> </SPAN></FONT><o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in"><FONT face=Tahoma size=2><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma">-----Original
Message-----<BR><B><SPAN style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">From:</SPAN></B>
<st1:PersonName
style="BACKGROUND-POSITION: left bottom; BACKGROUND-IMAGE: url(res://ietag.dll/#34/#1001); BACKGROUND-REPEAT: repeat-x"
tabIndex=0 w:st="on">Durand, LouOma</st1:PersonName> (DSB)
[mailto:LouDurand@DSB.WA.GOV] <BR><B><SPAN
style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Sent:</SPAN></B> Monday, April 06, 2009 3:29
PM<BR><B><SPAN style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">To:</SPAN></B> PhedraQ@wfse.org; Bob
Huven; <st1:PersonName
style="BACKGROUND-POSITION: left bottom; BACKGROUND-IMAGE: url(res://ietag.dll/#34/#1001); BACKGROUND-REPEAT: repeat-x"
tabIndex=0 w:st="on">Cindy Van Winkle</st1:PersonName>; Diane Hansen; Edna
Harper; J. Michael Freeman; Laura Beigh; Linda Wilder; Lou Colwell; Marlaina
Lieberg; Michael Cunningham; Mike Davis; Penny Grist; caprogram@qwest.net;
dcolley@esd.wa.gov; Dean Stenehjem; fpennell@watf.org; jnuccio@seattledbsc.org;
June Mansfield; kadams@seattlelh.org; kjohnson@u.washington.edu;
ruttllm@dshs.wa.gov; <st1:PersonName
style="BACKGROUND-POSITION: left bottom; BACKGROUND-IMAGE: url(res://ietag.dll/#34/#1001); BACKGROUND-REPEAT: repeat-x"
tabIndex=0 w:st="on">nnightingale@earthlink.net</st1:PersonName>;
nwhknc@juno.com; <st1:PersonName
style="BACKGROUND-POSITION: left bottom; BACKGROUND-IMAGE: url(res://ietag.dll/#34/#1001); BACKGROUND-REPEAT: repeat-x"
tabIndex=0 w:st="on">paul.dziedzic@wwu.edu</st1:PersonName>; pshoel@aol.com;
certainvictory@earthlink.net<BR><B><SPAN
style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Subject:</SPAN></B> DSB Director's Update
4/6/09<BR><B><SPAN style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Importance:</SPAN></B>
High</SPAN></FONT><o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in"><FONT face="Times New Roman"
size=3><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"> <o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in"><B><FONT face=Arial size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">GREETINGS
EVERYONE:</SPAN></FONT></B><o:p></o:p></P>
<P style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in"><FONT face=Arial size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">This email may be redundant for some
of you, but I want to get as much information out to people as possible.
</SPAN></FONT><o:p></o:p></P>
<P style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in"><FONT face=Arial size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">Thank you, DSB staff, for
participating in our first attempt at an all-staff conference call. I wish
we could have all been in the same room at the same time. For those of you
who already had other commitments and couldn't be on the call, I also want to
make sure you get the same information. As you know, Nancy Kim sent out
some excellent notes on Thursday and I want to thank her for her keen listening
and writing skills and quick action. I also want to thank Don
Alveshere and Marla Oughton for figuring out how to make our conference call
happen.</SPAN></FONT><o:p></o:p></P>
<P style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in"><B><FONT face=Arial size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">BUDGET NEWS AND
BOTTOM LINE:</SPAN></FONT></B><o:p></o:p></P>
<P style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in"><FONT face=Arial size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">I am grateful for DSB's current
fortunate situation in these very difficult times. I have deep empathy for
other agencies, other parts of state government, other state employees, and
especially for the education system, because of the extreme challenges they
face.</SPAN></FONT><o:p></o:p></P>
<P style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in"><FONT face=Arial size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">After analyzing the Senate and House
budget proposals, at this point in the process, we are still in the same
ballpark that we were with the Governor's budget, which cut us at
$137,000. That means that we are looking at a cut in state dollars of
around $140,000, plus or minus about $20,000. The Senate cut us at about
$151,000 and the House cut us at about $126,500.</SPAN></FONT><o:p></o:p></P>
<P style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in"><FONT face=Arial size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">So far, the Legislative budgets do
not micromanage how we take the cuts, with the exception of a proviso in the
House version that we cannot make any cuts to the <st1:place
w:st="on"><st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Deaf-Blind</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceName
w:st="on">Service</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType
w:st="on">Center</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>. Our FTE cap remains at
75. The budgets include the authority to spend all of our stimulus money
without any penalty to our regular funding.</SPAN></FONT><o:p></o:p></P>
<P style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in"><FONT face=Arial size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">Cost of living increases for all
state employees are eliminated, and only employees represented by the <st1:place
w:st="on">Union</st1:place> could receive any pay increases. There will
also be some impacts on retirement funds and employee participation in health
insurance premiums. So far, we still have a separate State Rehabilitation
Council.</SPAN></FONT><o:p></o:p></P>
<P style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in"><FONT face=Arial size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">Cuts to DVR’s state dollars are
creating a “maintenance of effort” issue in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:State
w:st="on">Washington</st1:State></st1:place>, and VR will suffer a penalty in
federal funding. However, DVR has assured us that they will absorb the
penalty and this will not impact DSB. In spite of our cuts, we will be
able to match our federal dollars. One of our goals through this crisis
has been to protect our federal funding.</SPAN></FONT><o:p></o:p></P>
<P style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in"><FONT face=Arial size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">Now the House and Senate are working
on reconciling the two budgets and the current date for a Conference Budget to
go to the Governor’s office is April 26<SUP>th</SUP>. The ink needs to be
dry on the Governor’s signature before we can finalize our decisions for next
year’s spend plan. But as you know, the economic crisis has created a
rapidly evolving environment for decision-makers.</SPAN></FONT><o:p></o:p></P>
<P style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in"><FONT face=Arial size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">We have been getting feedback and
analyzing the scenarios you are familiar with, based on the Governor’s budget
cuts.</SPAN></FONT><o:p></o:p></P>
<P style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in"><B><FONT face=Arial size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">OUR
VISION:</SPAN></FONT></B><o:p></o:p></P>
<P style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in"><FONT face=Arial size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">In the context of all this, we do
have a vision for sustaining and improving services to our DSB customers.
Our vision is an</SPAN></FONT><B><SPAN style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">
</SPAN></B><B><FONT face=Arial><SPAN
style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">integrated,
customer-focused</SPAN></FONT></B><FONT face=Arial><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial"> approach to service delivery, where we would
continue to offer comprehensive, individualized services to all age groups of
blind and visually impaired individuals statewide. We propose to
accomplish this by creating regional cross-functional teams that can be deployed
to meet any customer’s needs, as effectively and seamlessly as possible.
</SPAN></FONT><o:p></o:p></P>
<P style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in"><FONT face=Arial size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">As described in my previous emails,
we would move our Independent Living services to customers under age 55 inside
the agency. So that staff who formerly served only children and families,
would serve adults as well. We expect this change to provide a better
array of services to this population, to improve access to O&M, assistive
technology and the OTC, and to improve transition to or from VR. The older
blind population would continue to be served through our contracted
providers. We hope to expand our OTC training to include some IL and
Transition customers as well as VR. </SPAN></FONT><o:p></o:p></P>
<P style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in"><FONT face=Arial size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">Every individual customer matters to
us. We know how greatly OTC students have benefited from their experience
at the apartments. We hear from parents and families about what a
life-changing difference it makes for them to learn that their blind child
can have a successful and independent future, and to connect with resources and
support. We hear from the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceName
w:st="on">Deaf-Blind</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceName
w:st="on">Service</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType
w:st="on">Center</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> about how individuals are empowered
to communicate, manage their lives and maintain employment. We hear how
much our IL services matter to older individuals in the community. We know
what a huge impact a summer of work experience can have on a Transition-age
youth. Or, for a young adult to have access to information (including the
news) and technology and the opportunity for higher education. We know
what it means for someone to go to work in a competitive job with benefits, or
to establish a successful business. We know how important it is for a
person to keep a good job, and health insurance, especially in this
environment. All of this is important.</SPAN></FONT><o:p></o:p></P>
<P style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in"><FONT face=Arial size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">We want to preserve our unique
expertise in blindness, which means our skilled, professional staff, to serve
the blind population of all ages in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:State
w:st="on">Washington</st1:State></st1:place>. We are a unique resource
because we can teach the alternative skills of blindness, provide assistive
technology and specialized counseling. This is what sets us apart from
other workforce and social service agencies. The Governor’s office and
Legislature have been actively looking for opportunities to eliminate or
consolidate programs and agencies. Our unique, in-house expertise helps to
keep us separate. </SPAN></FONT><o:p></o:p></P>
<P style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in"><B><FONT face=Arial size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">ISSUES AND
CHALLENGES</SPAN></FONT></B><o:p></o:p></P>
<P style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in"><FONT face=Arial size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">We want to preserve and further
develop the infrastructure of the OTC by providing intensive training to more
than just VR customers. We have heard the feedback about the importance of
the residential component and keeping at least a couple of the OTC apartments,
and we are trying to work this out. We are grateful that the Legislature
is not micromanaging how we move forward. At the same time, we know that
government promotes the greatest good for the greatest number, so we must be
prepared to justify with outcome and cost benefit data what taxpayers are
buying. Stay tuned.</SPAN></FONT><o:p></o:p></P>
<P style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in"><FONT face=Arial size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">We want to manage our resources
effectively so that no customer ever has to be in an Order of Selection, a
circumstance where some “less significantly disabled” customers may not even
receive any services. The Governor has been looking at ways to combine
programs and agencies to improve efficiencies. If we are operating as
efficiently as possible and avoiding an Order of Selection, this reinforces our
agency’s autonomy. We are currently watching our VR case expenditures very
closely. We started this current fiscal year with $195,000 less in our VR
spend plan than last year. We have been spending VR dollars at a higher
than historical rate, though this may be tapering off. The good news is
that we have 20 more successful employment outcomes than we did at this same
time last year, which is pretty terrific given this economy. Way to go
VR! However, we will probably end the year with an over-expenditure in VR
of at least $200,000. Because of some carry-over dollars and reserves, we
will be okay for this year. But we need to determine how much funding we
will need to sustain VR services into the coming biennium, without going to an
order of selection. </SPAN></FONT><o:p></o:p></P>
<P style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in"><FONT face=Arial size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">We need more rehabilitation teachers
and O&M instructors in the field. And we need a third team leader to
help manage the statewide scope of cradle-to-grave services.
Unfortunately, the hiring freeze may continue into the next biennium, so we will
have to accomplish our mission and our vision with our existing staff.
Some staff will need to assume some new duties or work in a different location
or work with an expanded age range. This will at least affect the current
Child and Family staff and probably some OTC staff. We are working
with the <st1:place w:st="on">Union</st1:place> on these changes as
well.</SPAN></FONT><o:p></o:p></P>
<P style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in"><FONT face=Arial size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">Our FTE cap, which is controlled by
the budget, is still at 75. I am very thankful that, so far, we are not
being mandated to do lay-offs. However, we are currently burning our
FTEs at about 78. Historically, we had been running about 5 or 6 vacancies
at a time, and we made the decision a while back to convert our reader-drivers
to state employees too, anticipating that we would still stay under our
cap. We did include a decision package in our budget proposal for
additional FTEs to cover the read-drivers, but that did not move forward.
Also, in the last two years, we became very successful at recruiting and hiring
excellent, highly qualified staff. Then, ironically, the crisis hit when
we had only one vacancy. The Governor has made it clear that we cannot
hire above our FTE cap. So, even if the hiring freeze is lifted, we would
not be able to fill back any vacancies or create any new positions until at
least 4 positions are vacated (through attrition or however). This creates
some challenges in how we do business, so we will all need to work creatively
together. Every staff person and staff person’s job is important.
You each equal important customer service. You all contribute to our
economy and our state’s well-being.</SPAN></FONT><o:p></o:p></P>
<P style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in"><B><FONT face=Arial size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">STIMULUS
FUNDS</SPAN></FONT></B><o:p></o:p></P>
<P style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in"><FONT face=Arial size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">To make these times even more
interesting, we have both the opportunity and the pressure of the Stimulus (S)
funds. We know we need to make wise short term investments
that will promote long term gain. We are learning more about both RSA’s
and the Governor’s expectations, which are not completely the same. The
Governor’s focus is clearly on “quick attachment to jobs”, with a high level of
transparency and accountability for how the funds are spent. The federal
approach takes a broader approach to stimulating the economy in general and
increasing capacity, while still emphasizing saving and creating
jobs.</SPAN></FONT><o:p></o:p></P>
<P style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in"><FONT face=Arial size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">DSB staff and managers are working
together creatively and rapidly to implement S fund spending in the most
appropriate and effective ways possible. We appreciate all the ideas you
have already communicated to us and you will continue to help shape DSB’s plans
and outcome measures for the S funds. New projects and approaches also
require additional horse power and effort. You will all be key to the
implementation and success of this opportunity.</SPAN></FONT><o:p></o:p></P>
<P style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in"><FONT face=Arial size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">There is so much information to
share with you about the Stimulus funds, I am going to send you another email
soon just on that topic.</SPAN></FONT><o:p></o:p></P>
<P style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in"><FONT face=Arial size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">In summary, we have through
September of 2011 to spend those dollars. The VR funds do not require a
state match, but the Independent Living funds will still require a 10% state
match. VR will receive about $1.5 million. The Older Blind
Independent Living portion will be around $736,414, and the Independent Living
Part B (under age 55) portion will be $43,083.</SPAN></FONT><o:p></o:p></P>
<P style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in"><B><FONT face=Arial size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">TIMING AND
PROCESS:</SPAN></FONT> </B><B><FONT face=Arial><SPAN
style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"> NEXT
STEPS</SPAN></FONT></B><o:p></o:p></P>
<P style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in"><FONT face=Arial size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">We are still on a fast track for
making decisions, but the timing has been somewhat delayed due to ongoing
developments. The deadlines are pretty much the same as indicated on the
calendar I sent to you all a couple of weeks ago.</SPAN></FONT><o:p></o:p></P>
<P style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in"><FONT face=Arial size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">The Executive Team will continue to
assess and analyze the budget and Stimulus requirements, considering all of the
ongoing developments and feedback. Managers will continue to discuss
scenarios, impacts and implementation possibilities with staff, the SRC, and
stakeholders. Any of you is welcome to contact any of us directly at any
time with ideas or concerns.</SPAN></FONT><o:p></o:p></P>
<P style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in"><FONT face=Arial size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">Our analysis and information
regarding various scenarios, which will address the feedback you have provided,
will be shared again with staff, the SRC, the <st1:place
w:st="on">Union</st1:place> and stakeholders by April 13th. We will be
open to continued input throughout this process and up to when we send back to
you another “best thinking” scenario. We hope to share this scenario on
Thursday the 16<SUP>th</SUP>. The Management Team will focus on this
scenario at their meeting on April 20<SUP>th</SUP>. This process will
become the basis for the development of our new biennial spend plan, and the
corresponding programmatic and organizational changes. Based on financial
restrictions, new opportunities with the Stimulus funds, as well as our
intention to move toward integrated service delivery, we will modify our
Strategic Plan. We will also be restructuring our GMAP and updating our VR
State plan by the end of April.</SPAN></FONT><o:p></o:p></P>
<P style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in"><FONT face=Arial size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">Our Spend Plan for FY 2010 will be
developed by the end of May. Based on this plan, the teams will design
many of the details of implementation prior to July 1, 2009, when our updated
Strategic Plan becomes effective.</SPAN></FONT><o:p></o:p></P>
<P style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in"><B><FONT face=Arial size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">During all this,
we will find a variety of ways to keep you posted. But, please never
hesitate to contact me directly. </SPAN></FONT></B><o:p></o:p></P>
<P style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in"><B><FONT face=Arial size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">Thanks,</SPAN></FONT></B><o:p></o:p></P>
<P style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in"><B><FONT face=Arial size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">Lou
Oma</SPAN></FONT></B><o:p></o:p></P>
<P style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in"><B><FONT face=Tahoma color=black size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma">Lou
Oma Durand</SPAN></FONT></B><o:p></o:p></P>
<P style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in"><B><FONT face=Tahoma color=black size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma">Executive
Director</SPAN></FONT><I><SPAN style="FONT-STYLE: italic">
</SPAN></I></B><o:p></o:p></P>
<P style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in"><FONT face=Tahoma size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma">Department of Services for the
Blind</SPAN></FONT><o:p></o:p></P>
<P style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in"><st1:Street w:st="on"><st1:address
style="BACKGROUND-POSITION: left bottom; BACKGROUND-IMAGE: url(res://ietag.dll/#34/#1001); BACKGROUND-REPEAT: repeat-x"
tabIndex=0 w:st="on"><FONT face=Tahoma size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma">3411 S. Alaska
St</SPAN></FONT></st1:address></st1:Street><FONT face=Tahoma><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma">.</SPAN></FONT><o:p></o:p></P>
<P style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in"><st1:place w:st="on"><st1:City w:st="on"><FONT
face=Tahoma size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma">Seattle</SPAN></FONT></st1:City><FONT
face=Tahoma><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma">, <st1:State
w:st="on">WA</st1:State> <st1:PostalCode
w:st="on">98118</st1:PostalCode></SPAN></FONT></st1:place><o:p></o:p></P>
<P style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in"><FONT face=Tahoma size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma">Voice: (206) 721-6435
</SPAN></FONT><o:p></o:p></P>
<P style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in"><FONT face=Tahoma size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma">Toll-Free:
1-800-552-7103</SPAN></FONT><o:p></o:p></P>
<P style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in"><FONT face=Tahoma size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma">Fax: (206)
721-4103</SPAN></FONT><o:p></o:p></P>
<P style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in"><FONT face=Tahoma size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma">Email:</SPAN></FONT> <A
href="mailto:loudurand@dsb.wa.gov"><FONT face=Tahoma><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma">loudurand@dsb.wa.gov</SPAN></FONT></A><o:p></o:p></P></DIV></BODY></HTML>