CD/ED Task Force Conference Call Meeting Notes
March 6/2009
Meeting was called to order at 1:05 pm
Task Force Members who participated in the call:
Enrique Escallon, Judy Owen, Jill McElyea, Sandy Osborn, Selina O’Shannon, Renee Valletutti, Kathy Henderson, Susan Gold and Lillian Sigler
Council Staff who participated in the call:
Allison Cruz-Mitchell and April Katine.
1. Project SOURCE (post secondary initiative) Discussion: Allison informed the task force that originally the contract required for the provider (UNF) to develop a strategic plan on developing more 18-22 year old programs in universities/community colleges. However, the education sub-committee of the Governor’s Commission on Disabilities, recommended for DOE/BEESS and the Division of Community Colleges to develop a strategic plan to create more 18-22 year old programs in universities/community colleges for students with disabilities who’ve received a special diploma. As a result of these recommendations, Joyce Lubbers (DOE/BEESS), Dr. Kris Webb (UNF), and Allison Cruz-Mitchell had a discussion about the direction of project SOURCE. It was recommended that instead of developing a strategic plan, Project Source would focus on:
a. Incorporate level of detail regarding what is currently available in Florida. Identify the key essential components of each post-secondary program.
b. Create a Plan of Steps (includes menu of options) In other words, these components represent what is available and these are recommended steps one needs to establish a post-secondary program.
c. Identify, with the assistance of the Stakeholders group, evidenced-based student competencies/standards, including self-determination goals.

Task force members wanted to know if they would survey the public schools. They also wanted to know if the program is run through the public schools or through the universities. Allison informed the task force members that the current 18-22 year old programs are being run both via the public schools and privately. The task force members were also informed that a survey was developed for the school districts and the current 18-22 year old programs to complete. Allison also informed the task force members that in order to change the scope of work, an amendment would need to be executed.
MOTION: Sandy Osborn moved for amendment to change the scope of work and address:
a. Incorporate level of detail regarding what is currently available in Florida. Identify the key essential components of each post-secondary program.
b. Create a Plan of Steps (includes menu of options) In other words, these components represent what is available and these are recommended steps one needs to establish a post-secondary program.
c. Identify, with the assistance of the Stakeholders group, evidenced-based student competencies/standards, including self-determination goals.
Lillian Sigler seconded. All were in favor. The motion passed.
2. Project Discover – Allison reported on the training for this project she attended. The proposal for year three was disseminated. Allison explained that in year 3 the provider/Martin County will develop a resource guide (that then can be used to expand the project and Martin County would not necessarily have to be the provider. This way whoever is the provider could use the resource guide to expand the initiative and Martin County could serve as a model site. It was proposed for the possibility of contracting with Michael Callahan or Ellen Condon, as national experts of the Discovery process to expand the project in Florida.) Year 3 of the project will also include embedding the Discovery process into the curriculum beginning at the elementary level and continuing through High School; educators will be trained on how to facilitate the Discovery process. Susan brought up the issue of having the project gather information on impact of the students who have participated. Susan does not want to just lose the information. It was asked to have year three include gathering data on how the students who where in the project doing and a component in the contract for gathering long range data for the number of students employed. It was also requested for data to be provided in a chart/graphic to the maximum extent possible.
MOTION: Lillian Sigler moved to approve the year 3 proposal of Project DISCOVER for up to $100,000, Enrique seconded the motion and it passed.

Kathy Henderson asked about budget update. Allison indicated that she did not have the current status of the budget, but it will be ready for the task force meeting.
3. Project Ideas
a. Survey of Preschoolers with disabilities in inclusive settings
i. Judy Owen, Sandy Osborn and Enrique Escallon volunteered to be on the subcommittee.
b. Early Childhood Development Awareness Forums – Begin discussions with possibly Expanding Opportunities -Kim Gallant and Amanda Moore with ELC, Mary Ann Ahearn to develop awareness workshops and collaborate on dissemination .
c. Social Emotional Development: Early Childhood Educator Training – Allison said she had a conversation with Lisa Fox at USF. Need funding to do training for teachers. Members said they would like to have ELC on the agenda for a task force meeting.
4. PIT-TA – Enrique Escallon volunteered to be the CD/ED volunteer to review proposals for PIT-TA
New Business – Judy Owen asked what is going on with Universal Education. Allison stated that it was approved and an RFP will be developed to be released to align with the availability of 2010 funds.
Sandy Osborn moved to adjourn the meeting at 2:45 pm and Enrique Escallon seconded the motion. With no further business to discuss the meeting was adjourned.