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<BODY><B>From:</B> Noel Nightingale [nnightingale@earthlink.net]<BR><B>Sent:</B>
Thursday, April 09, 2009 6:39 PM<BR><B>To:</B> Nightingale,
Noel<BR><B>Subject:</B> FW: DSB Director's Update
4/6/09<BR><BR><B>Importance:</B> High<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> Monday, April 06, 2009 3:29
PM<BR><B>To:</B> PhedraQ@wfse.org; Bob Huven; Cindy Van Winkle; 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; jmansfield@csbps.com; 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<BR><B>Subject:</B> DSB Director's Update
4/6/09<BR><B>Importance:</B> High<BR><BR></FONT></DIV><!-- Converted from text/rtf format -->
<P dir=ltr><SPAN lang=en-us><B><FONT face=Arial>GREETINGS
EVERYONE:</FONT></B></SPAN></P>
<P dir=ltr><SPAN lang=en-us></SPAN></P>
<P dir=ltr><SPAN lang=en-us><FONT face=Arial>This email may be redundant for
some of you, but I want to get as much information out to people as
possible. </FONT></SPAN></P>
<P dir=ltr><SPAN lang=en-us><FONT face=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.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P dir=ltr><SPAN lang=en-us><B></B></SPAN></P>
<P dir=ltr><SPAN lang=en-us><B><FONT face=Arial>BUDGET NEWS AND BOTTOM
LINE:</FONT></B></SPAN></P>
<P dir=ltr><SPAN lang=en-us></SPAN></P>
<P dir=ltr><SPAN lang=en-us><FONT face=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.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P dir=ltr><SPAN lang=en-us><FONT face=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.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P dir=ltr><SPAN lang=en-us><FONT face=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 Deaf-Blind Service
Center. 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.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P dir=ltr><SPAN lang=en-us><FONT face=Arial>Cost of living increases for all
state employees are eliminated, and only employees represented by the Union
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.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P dir=ltr><SPAN lang=en-us><FONT face=Arial>Cuts to DVR’s state dollars are
creating a “maintenance of effort” issue in Washington, 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.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P dir=ltr><SPAN lang=en-us><FONT face=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</FONT></SPAN><SPAN
lang=en-us><SUP><FONT face=Arial>th</FONT></SUP></SPAN><SPAN lang=en-us><FONT
face=Arial>. 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.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P dir=ltr><SPAN lang=en-us><FONT face=Arial>We have been getting feedback and
analyzing the scenarios you are familiar with, based on the Governor’s budget
cuts.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P dir=ltr><SPAN lang=en-us><B><FONT face=Arial>OUR
VISION:</FONT></B></SPAN></P>
<P dir=ltr><SPAN lang=en-us></SPAN></P>
<P dir=ltr><SPAN lang=en-us><FONT face=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</FONT></SPAN><SPAN lang=en-us><B> <FONT face=Arial>integrated,
customer-focused</FONT></B></SPAN><SPAN lang=en-us><FONT face=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. </FONT></SPAN></P>
<P dir=ltr><SPAN lang=en-us><FONT face=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. </FONT></SPAN></P>
<P dir=ltr><SPAN lang=en-us><FONT face=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 Deaf-Blind Service Center 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.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P dir=ltr><SPAN lang=en-us><FONT face=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 Washington. 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. </FONT></SPAN></P>
<P dir=ltr><SPAN lang=en-us><B><FONT face=Arial>ISSUES AND
CHALLENGES</FONT></B></SPAN></P>
<P dir=ltr><SPAN lang=en-us></SPAN></P>
<P dir=ltr><SPAN lang=en-us><FONT face=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.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P dir=ltr><SPAN lang=en-us><FONT face=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. </FONT></SPAN></P>
<P dir=ltr><SPAN lang=en-us><FONT face=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 Union on these changes as well.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P dir=ltr><SPAN lang=en-us><FONT face=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.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P dir=ltr><SPAN lang=en-us><B><FONT face=Arial>STIMULUS
FUNDS</FONT></B></SPAN></P>
<P dir=ltr><SPAN lang=en-us><FONT face=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.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P dir=ltr><SPAN lang=en-us><FONT face=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.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P dir=ltr><SPAN lang=en-us><FONT face=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.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P dir=ltr><SPAN lang=en-us><FONT face=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.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P dir=ltr><SPAN lang=en-us><B></B></SPAN></P>
<P dir=ltr><SPAN lang=en-us><B><FONT face=Arial>TIMING AND
PROCESS:</FONT></B></SPAN><SPAN lang=en-us><B><FONT face=Arial
color=#000080></FONT></B></SPAN><SPAN lang=en-us><B> <FONT face=Arial> NEXT
STEPS</FONT></B></SPAN></P>
<P dir=ltr><SPAN lang=en-us><FONT face=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.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P dir=ltr><SPAN lang=en-us><FONT face=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.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P dir=ltr><SPAN lang=en-us><FONT face=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 Union 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</FONT></SPAN><SPAN lang=en-us><SUP><FONT
face=Arial>th</FONT></SUP></SPAN><SPAN lang=en-us><FONT face=Arial>. The
Management Team will focus on this scenario at their meeting on April
20</FONT></SPAN><SPAN lang=en-us><SUP><FONT
face=Arial>th</FONT></SUP></SPAN><SPAN lang=en-us><FONT face=Arial>. 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.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P dir=ltr><SPAN lang=en-us><FONT face=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.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P dir=ltr><SPAN lang=en-us><B><FONT face=Arial>During all this, we will find a
variety of ways to keep you posted. But, please never hesitate to contact
me directly. </FONT></B></SPAN></P>
<P dir=ltr><SPAN lang=en-us><B><FONT face=Arial>Thanks,</FONT></B></SPAN></P>
<P dir=ltr><SPAN lang=en-us><B><FONT face=Arial>Lou Oma</FONT></B></SPAN></P>
<P dir=ltr><SPAN lang=en-us></SPAN></P>
<P dir=ltr><SPAN lang=en-us><B></B></SPAN><SPAN
lang=en-us><B></B></SPAN><B><SPAN lang=en-us><FONT face=Tahoma color=#000000>Lou
Oma Durand</FONT></SPAN></B></P>
<P dir=ltr><B><SPAN lang=en-us><FONT face=Tahoma color=#000000>Executive
Director</FONT></SPAN></B><SPAN lang=en-us><B><I></I></B></SPAN><SPAN
lang=en-us><B><I></I></B></SPAN><B><I><SPAN lang=en-us> </SPAN></I></B></P>
<P dir=ltr><SPAN lang=en-us></SPAN><SPAN lang=en-us></SPAN><SPAN
lang=en-us><FONT face=Tahoma>Department of Services for the
Blind</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P dir=ltr><SPAN lang=en-us><FONT face=Tahoma>3411 S. Alaska
St.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P dir=ltr><SPAN lang=en-us><FONT face=Tahoma>Seattle, WA
98118</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P dir=ltr><SPAN lang=en-us><FONT face=Tahoma>Voice: (206) 721-6435
</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P dir=ltr><SPAN lang=en-us><FONT face=Tahoma>Toll-Free:
1-800-552-7103</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P dir=ltr><SPAN lang=en-us><FONT face=Tahoma>Fax: (206)
721-4103</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P dir=ltr><SPAN lang=en-us><FONT face=Tahoma>Email:</FONT></SPAN><SPAN
lang=en-us> </SPAN><A href="mailto:loudurand@dsb.wa.gov"><SPAN
lang=en-us></SPAN><SPAN lang=en-us><U></U></SPAN><U><SPAN lang=en-us><FONT
face=Tahoma color=#0000ff>loudurand@dsb.wa.gov</FONT></SPAN></U><SPAN
lang=en-us></SPAN></A><SPAN lang=en-us></SPAN><SPAN lang=en-us></SPAN><SPAN
lang=en-us></SPAN></P>
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