2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998
Gavin Newsom
Mayor
Susan Mizner
Director
Jack Fagan
Co-Chair
Jul Lynn Parsons
Co-Chair
Norma Block
Ed Evans
Eugene T. Flannery
Elizabeth Grigsby
Tatiana Kostanian
Robert Neil
Ruth Nunez
Richard Ow
Denise Senhaux
Mayor's Disability Council
Minutes
17 September 2004
1 ROLL CALL
Mayor's Disability Council Members Present: Norma Block, Ed Evans, Jack Fagan, Tatiana Kostanian, Robert Neil, Ruth Nunez, Richard Ow, Jul Lynn Parsons, and Denise Senhaux (via Bridge Line).
Absent Excused: Eugene T. Flannery
Mayor's Office on Disability: Susan Mizner, Director; Ken Stein, Program Administrator; and Howard O. Wong, Council Clerk.
Jack Fagan, Co-Chair, called the meeting to order at 1:00 p.m.
2 APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
The Council approved the agenda of the September 17, 2004 MDC Meeting.
3 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES
The Council approved the minutes from the meeting of July 16, 2004.
4 REPORT FROM THE CO-CHAIRS
Both co-chairs thanked Mayor Newsom for attending the July MDC Meeting on the Americans with Disabilities Act's 14th Anniversary. Ms. Parsons expressed her appreciation for the turnout and response to the meeting.
Mr. Fagan reported that The Arc of San Francisco recently launched a Campaign to Employ Adults with Developmental Disabilities in the San Francisco Bay Area. He wanted to thank the Mayor for agreeing to serve as the honorary chair for this campaign.
5 REPORT FROM THE DIRECTOR
ADA Self-Evaluation Report - Ms. Mizner reported that San Francisco's Self Evaluation Report is completed. The Mayor's Office on Disability (MOD) has drafted the priorities and timelines for the Self-Evaluation. Ms. Mizner will be presenting it to the Programmatic Access Committee (PAC) in two weeks, and to the Council and public in the near future.
Deputy Director for Physical Access Position - Ms. Mizner reported that job announcements have gone out and the office has started to receive applications for this position. The deadline is Wednesday, September 22nd.
Complaints Intake - Ms. Mizner reported that one recent complaint involved a deaf man who was arrested and jailed for one week without being given a sign language interpreter. When his advocate contacted MOD on his behalf, a sign language interpreter was provided and he was released within 24 hours.
MOD Website - The MOD website is being re-designed to make it more accessible and more user-friendly to the public and City staff. MOD welcomes suggestions, requests and feedback on improving the website and any other disability issues. We can be reached by phone at (415) 554-6789, (415) 554-6799 (TTY) and e-mail at [email protected]
6 REPORT FROM THE PROGRAMMATIC ACCESS COMMITTEE (PAC) CHAIR
Ms. Parsons spoke on behalf of Harry Mar, the Chair of the PAC. She provided a report on recent activity, which included discussion of changes in the administrative code, Chapter 12D; the disadvantaged business enterprise bid preference program; and accessible website design. The PAC meeting is regularly scheduled on the first Friday of each month, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Rose Resnick Lighthouse for the Blind located at 214 Van Ness Avenue.
7 REPORTS FROM THE PHYSICAL ACCESS COMMITTEE (PhAC) CHAIR
Mr. Evans reported that the PhAC has been working on policy issues relating to accessibility in housing. Meetings are regularly scheduled the second Friday of each month, from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at City Hall in Room 421.
8 LAGUNA HONDA HOSPITAL - HISTORY OF LAGUNA HONDA AND PLANNED RE- BUILD. PRESENTATION BY MICHAEL LANE, DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS.
Council Member Neil provided a brief history of Laguna Honda (LH). He has been a resident there for the past 15 years. The hospital was initially a homeless shelter providing care and emergency housing to the public after the earthquake in 1906. Mr. Neil resides in Clarendon Hall, an addition to LH, which was built in 1906. In 1962, LH and San Francisco General Hospital were licensed as a Rehabilitation Center. Currently, the LH is entering a new phase of construction.
Mr. Lane is the contracting officer for the Replacement Program, which manages the design and construction of the new facility at Laguna Honda. He provided an overview of what the new building will look like. There will be four new buildings - the South Building, the Link Building, the East Building and the West Building. One of the buildings will be a rehabilitation facility with an aqua therapy program and fitness center. Another building will be a "town center" with meeting rooms, library, store, artwork, beauty/barber shop, etc. Many of the rooms in the new building will be shared by two residents with their own large and tall window to allow for a lot of natural light into the room. Mr. Lane's staff is working to develop an accessible path of travel from the entrance to the building and around the connected buildings. In addition, there are plans to renovate two of the wings in the existing facility for a 140-person assisted living facility.
The Olmstead Decision and its Implications for Laguna Honda (LH) - Presentation by Herb Levine, Independent Living Resource Center, San Francisco (ILRC)
Mr. Levine explained that the Olmstead Decision is a 1999 U.S. Supreme Court decision. It started with two women in Georgia who filed a discrimination lawsuit against Mr. Tommy Olmstead, Commissioner of Human Resources. The women argued that they were being discriminated against because they were in an institution when there were services/resources for them to live independently in the community. The Court ruled in their favor. Mr. Levine explained that the civil rights issue is choice - that people should have the choice of living in the community or in an institution. ILRC advocates for a smaller skilled nursing facility and believes that many of the residents at LH would benefit more from rehab beds, more assisted living housing and training for transitional living skills.
The Intersection of Laguna Honda (LH) and Community-Based Care Options - Presentation by Charlene Harrington, Ph.D., Professor UCSF and Laguna Honda Executive Health Leadership Staff
Dr. Harrington reported that in 1998 and 2003, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) notified the City & County of San Francisco (CCSF) that it had violated Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act by placing people in LH who could live in their homes or in the community and by failing to provide services in the most integrated setting. In 2004, the DOJ included in their findings that the State had contributed to unnecessary institutionalization at LH by failing to assess the resident's needs and to inform them of their options of living at home or in the community. Dr. Harrington pointed out that CCSF should ensure that only residents with genuine skilled nursing and rehabilitation care needs are placed at LH. She feels strongly the City needs to improve its coordination and use of the existing community resources, thereby enabling more residents to move to assisted-living into the community. This will be cost effective because it is a lot less expensive than caring for someone at LH and will enable LH to be available for all high-risk individuals who require extensive care.
Department of Public Health, Current Policies and Practices - Presentation by Mitchell Katz, M.D., Director, Department of Public Health, City & County of San Francisco (CCSF)
In addition to being the Director of the Department of Public Health, Dr. Katz is an attending physician at San Francisco General Hospital (SFGH). He reported on a recent patient of his who had been in a good supportive housing program. However, she developed significant physical and psychiatric problems requiring admission to SFGH. After her acute problems were addressed, she was still not ready to return home. She was transferred to LH for further rehab. During her time at LH, services were provided for her, including in home support services (IHSS), arrangements to start school, dental services, etc. She will be discharged at the end of the month after only a temporary 30-day stay. Dr. Katz called this "social rehabilitation" and stated that this is the type of use he would like to see more of at LH.
Targeted Case Management Program - Presentation by V. Elizabeth Gray, Department of Public Health, City & County of San Francisco (CCSF)
Ms. Gray performed an assessment among the residents, which found that the majority of the patients would like to live in the community if given the opportunity and the resources to do so. However, many are afraid to take that big step because they have become so accustomed to 24-hour professional care. Overall, she feels the residents would like to be given the choice in making their own decision.
The overall goal of the Targeted Case Management program is to provide comprehensive screening, assessment, individualized linkage service and ongoing case management. The program officially opened on March 29, 2004 and since has screened a total of 637 clients.
Consumers Perspectives
Rudolph Neihoff spoke about how LH saved his life. He was there for four years. Mr. Neihoff was thankful to the staff of LH and MDC for all their assistance.
Michael Smith described himself as a C-5 C-6 Quadriplegic due to a diving accident in 1979. He had lived in many institutions and convalescent hospitals for 15 years after his accident. LH was one of the possible placements for him, but he was able to find housing at Bethany Center where he has been living independently for the past ten years.
Barbara Jamison, a current resident at LH, was thankful to the staff for their assistance with the things she is unable to do for herself. Ms. Jamison felt that she had lost hope, but when she arrived at LH, she found new friends for support and felt love from the staff and other residents.
Michael Kwok, Commissioner from Taxi Commission, spoke about his own negative experience at LH. He was in a car accident in 1986. He was transferred to LH for rehab and stayed for 16 1/2 months. He felt depressed because he was totally dependent - he was told when to eat, when to wake up, when to go to sleep. However, Mr. Kwok stated that the support from his family and outside resources allowed him to live independently outside LH. He feels strongly that the residents at LH should be given more choices to live independently in the community.
Public Comments
Paul Hendrickson spoke about his positive experience at LH for rehab after his stroke in June 2002. Currently, he is a resident at LH and believes that it is the best placement for him. He realizes that it is not for everybody.
Nick Feldman, ILRC, said that there are many resources, such as assistive low and high technology, available for people with disabilities who choose to live in the community, ranging from a magnify glass for reading, to a wheelchair. For more information, please contact him at [email protected] or call him at (415)543-6222.
Patrick Monette disagreed about cutting beds at LH because it would be wrong to discharge someone who is not at their highest level of functioning. He advocates for increased funding (for community based living options), but not at the expense of decreasing the beds that LH needs.
Michael Lyon of the Gray Panthers, said that an increase of the elderly population in the next ten years will require more community-based beds and an increased need for skilled nursing facility at LH.
Luis Calderon, IHSS Public Authority, said individuals should have a choice, and that the resources should also be available for assisted living and accessible affordable housing for people with disabilities in SF. People should have housing options other than LH.
Sister Miriam Walsh, a chaplain at LH for 20 years, spoke about her concerns about the quality of care in independent assisted living. She felt that the outside resources usually hired the cheapest care providers and may not necessarily provide the high level of care that person with disabilities may need. She has heard many stories about workers robbing fragile seniors.
Virginia Leishmin, retired Director of Nursing Services from LH, spoke about the need for all 1,200 beds at LH because there are so many people who need 24-hour nursing services. However, those who are younger who come in for rehab should be discharged, but they should have adequate housing and support services available to them as well. She felt strongly there are too many psychiatric patients mixed in with the elderly.
Denis Craig, an advisor for people with disabilities, spoke via the bridge line. He recommended that the Council monitor the City's efforts to comply with DOJ's recommendations, and that it commission a survey of residents at LH and work to ensure that annually, at least 20% of those who want to move out can, and third, that the Council pass a resolution to fund the development of community alternatives.
Council Members Discussion
Mr. Evans asked how residents who choose to live independently could get 24-hour in-home support services. Dr. Katz responded that IHSS does provide 24 hour assistance, but it is rare, and could be done with family assistance and additional resources.
Ms. Grigsby spoke about her volunteerism at LH, as well as experiences visiting her mother who was a resident at LH. She provided testimony on her observations of the poor quality care at LH. Ms. Grigsby shared her positive experiences regarding her own current living situation in a supportive-living housing. She said that there should be more funding made available for supportive-living.
Ms. Block inquired about the laid-off employees due to closing of the laundry room at LH and "med-seeking" patients. Dr. Katz responded that the laundry room employees had been reassigned to other work duties and that nobody was laid-off. He also pointed out that the doctors do their best to prescribe only necessary drugs to those who really need it.
Mr. Neil shared his positive experiences at LH where he is always treated with dignity, compassion and love. He is optimistic about the changes and re-build plans of LH.
Ms. Senhaux inquired about what the assessment process entails when one chooses to live in the community. Ms. Gray responded that the process begins with a screening and then it goes into a full assessment, which ranges from medical to spiritual needs. Ms. Senhaux pointed out that there needs to be a balance in services and budget for those who want to reside in LH and those who want to live independently in the community.
Ms. Parsons shared her own personal experience about her 92 year old grandmother who lived in a nursing home. Although her grandmother enjoyed living in the nursing home, she felt frustrated that there were many things that she couldn't do herself. Ms. Parsons believes that people should always have a choice as to where they live. Also, she inquired about whether the
theater will be accessible. Mr. Lane indicated that was not part of the reconstruction plan.
Ms. Kostanian inquired about the census of the residents and the average cost it takes to care for a patient at LH. Dr. Katz responded that currently, there are 1,040 residents. The State provides $240.00 per day the City subsidizes another $100.00. He pointed out that it is unfortunate the $240.00 is unavailable for those who choose assisted living.
Mr. Ow inquired about interpreters for non-English speaking patients. Dr. Katz pointed out that they have a multi-lingual staff and several units that served specific ethnic cultures.
Ms. Nunez wanted to know what kinds of barriers the Targeted Case Management (TCM) faces. Ms. Gray responded that one of the barriers is the lack of accessible housing. Therefore, the TCM program provides wheelchair ramps and remodels bathrooms as needed.
Mr. Fagan relayed concerns he had heard about LH being unable to serve psychiatric patients. Dr. Katz responded that it is a complex issue and realizes there have been some changes in the balance of priorities, but he is hopeful with staff training and other interventions, LH will be able to serve both populations.
9 RANKED-CHOICE VOTING - PRESENTATION BY SENIOR ACTION NETWORK.
Bob Planthold briefly explained that Ranked Choice Voting is a system that allows voters to rank their first, second and third choice candidates. This voting method makes it possible to elect a local official (e.g. District Supervisors) by majority vote without the need for a separate run-off election. For more information, contact the Department of Elections at (415) 554-4375, visit their website at www.sfgov.org/election, or go to their office at City Hall in Room 48.
10 HOARDING AND CLUTTERING CONFERENCE - PRESENTATION BY MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION OF SAN FRANCISCO.
Rob Wheeler announced the annual Hoarding and Cluttering Conference will be held Wednesday, October 6th at the Marines Memorial Club in San Francisco. The conference is for consumers as well as service providers. Mr. Wheeler explained that compulsive hoarding is defined as being unable to throw things away such that one's living space becomes extremely cluttered. Therefore, it can become a problem for many because it can result in public health problems, personal safety and even eviction.
11 "LET'S ROCK AND ROLL" EVENT - PRESENTATION BY MARIE JOBLING.
Ms. Jobling is a volunteer for Planning for the Elders. This event hopes to increase public awareness and to raise money for a number of different organizations that provide services, advocacy and support for elders, adults with disabilities and their care providers. It will be held on Friday, October 1st at Union Square in SF.
12 PALACE OF THE LEGION OF HONOR - ACCESS ADVISORS' OPEN HOUSE
Mr. Dorris announced that the Open House is a daylong party for the disability community. It features artwork, sculptures in stone, clay, shell, and precious stones of the "Courtly Art of the Ancient Maya." The Open House will be at the California Palace of the Legion of Honor Museum located in Lincoln Park, at 100 34th Avenue in SF. It is free to those who make an appointment. For more information, contact Tish Brown at (415) 750-7645 or e-mail [email protected].
13 CORRESPONDENCE
The Council received correspondence from Mr. Denis J. Craig, Community Program Specialist, Area Board 5 on Developmental Disabilities, regarding Laguna Honda; as well as from Ms. Ernestine Patterson regarding the need for responsible, competent care workers; lastly, a copy of a legal complaint from Mr. Michael Lyon.
14 PUBLIC COMMENT
William Farrell urged people to lend a helping hand to those less fortunate.
Roger Bazeley spoke briefly about the new housing project on Bay Street in SF, which provided inadequate wheelchair access on the sidewalk. He urged the council to follow-up with the Planning Commission to enforce walkability and accessibility in the community. He also urged the Council to urge more "white ladder" crosswalks at dangerous intersections.
15 COUNCIL MEMBER REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Mr. Evans suggested the ten year homeless plan and propositions that effect seniors and people with mental and physical disabilities on the upcoming ballot in November Election. Also, Ms. Block spoke about the training and responsibilities of the police relating to the "72-hour hold" of psychiatric patients.
16 COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mr. Fagan announced that on Saturday, September 18th, there would be a picnic in Marks Meadows at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco (SF) sponsored by AASCEND (Autism and Asperger's Syndrome Coalition for Education, Networking, and Development).
Ms. Grigsby announced the Self-Advocacy Conference for adults with developmental disabilities, held Wednesday, September 29th from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Fort Mason in SF. Mr. Fagan said Ms. Parsons and he would be speaking on a panel in that conference. For more information, contact Mr. Fagan at (415) 255-7200 or [email protected]
Per Mr. Evan's request, the meeting was closed in honor of Disability Advocate Bruce Oka's father who recently passed away. Funeral was scheduled for Saturday, September 18th at 3:00 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in SF.
17 ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 4:30 p.m.
For additional information, please contact:
Mayor's Office on Disability
401 Van Ness, Room 300
San Francisco, CA 94102
415.554.6789 voice;
415.554.6799 TTY;
415.554.6159 fax;
email: [email protected]