Theran Fries

The board reviewed the budget report for the fiscal year 2025 and discussed updates on the Olmstead Plan, the Employment First initiative, the 406 Jobs program, and the PATH Program. Elections were held for the Vice-Chair and Secretary positions. The board approved funding for a consumer satisfaction survey. Several Centers for Independent Living (CIL) provided operational reports, covering topics such as PPR submission, building construction and IT issues, staffing updates, transition program successes, and community outreach efforts including training classes and legislative engagement.

The joint meeting focused on updates from the State Rehabilitation Council regarding a new Legislative Committee, orientation materials, and strategic goals for employment and workforce partnerships. The Statewide Independent Living Council provided updates on policy, procedure reviews, and survey efforts. A legislative update highlighted staffing allocations for specific programs, apprenticeship goals, and waitlist status for services. Additional discussion topics included the draft Olmstead plan, insights into Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation services, and concerns regarding the potential restructuring or elimination of disability programs. The session also included roundtable discussions on Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation and local resources in Havre.

The meeting included updates on the Rural Health Transformation Program, the launch of Category D services under the Big Sky Waiver, and the development of the Olmstead Plan. Progress was reported on updating policies for the Older Americans Act and Long-Term Care Ombudsman programs, as well as the commencement of work on the new four-year State Plan on Aging. Discussions covered planning for the upcoming Governor's Conference on Aging and identifying potential speakers. AARP representatives provided an overview of fraud statistics, scheduled shred events and volunteer summits, and discussed current legislative efforts regarding guardianship and cryptocurrency kiosks. Additionally, the Council addressed a departmental budget deficit and confirmed council member term conclusions.

The board meeting focused on conflict of interest clarifications and the status of various implementation committees. Key discussion topics included the Special Needs Training Implementation Committee, which aims to strengthen support for providers serving children with developmental delays through training and potential mini-grants. Additionally, the Quality Incentive Implementation Committee discussed strategies for staff recruitment and retention, childcare facility improvement grants, and the use of financial incentives. An Evaluation Committee was also appointed, and public comments were received on the proposed initiatives.

The meeting featured a detailed review of the current and upcoming fiscal year budgets, including expenditure status for various contracts and administrative costs. Participants discussed updates from CIL evaluation survey groups and received information regarding the Independent Living Technology & Technical Assistance Center, legislative updates, and the Vocational Rehabilitation Order of Selection. Board members approved funding for representatives to attend several professional conferences. Additionally, representatives from Summit, LIFTT, NCILS, and Ability Montana provided comprehensive operational reports highlighting their community engagement, accessibility projects, growth in services, and challenges regarding funding and staffing.