COMMISSION FOR REHABILITATION SERVICES - Commissioners Theresa Flannery, Wes Hilliard and - Oklahoma.gov
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COMMISSION FOR
REHABILITATION SERVICES
C om m i s s i o n e r s T h e r e s a F l a n n e r y , W e s H i l l ia r d a n d
J a c e W ol f e
Regular Meeting
January 11, 2021
Department of Rehabilitation Services
3535 NW 58th Street, Suite 200
Oklahoma City, OK 73112
Empowering Oklahomans with DisabilitiesState of Oklahoma
Commission for Rehabilitation Services
January 11, 2021
10:30 a.m.
Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services
3535NW 58th Street, Suite 200
Oklahoma City, OK 73112
Wes Hilliard, Commission Chair
Theresa Flannery, Commission Vice-chair
Jace Wolfe, Commission Member
1. Call to Order and Roll Call Wes Hilliard, Chair
2. Statement of Compliance with Open Meeting Commission Assistant
Act
3 Public Comments. (Under Oklahoma Open Public Audience
Meeting Laws, the Oklahoma Commission for
Rehabilitation Services cannot respond to or
discuss any public comment not on today’s
agenda.)
REPORTS PAGE #
4. Presentation of Certificates of Appreciation. Melinda Fruendt
Executive Director
5. Executive Director’s report with possible Melinda Fruendt 2
Commission discussion. The report includes Executive Director
Executive Director’s participation in meetings;
updates on Process Improvement which
Includes federal reporting, AWARE, Case
Reviews; and Program Standards, Statistical
Research.
6. Priority Group Updates with possible Mark Kinnison
Commission discussion. Report includes Director of Vocational
current status of all Priority Groups I, II and III. Rehabilitation
7. Financial report with possible Commission Kevin Statham 5
discussion, FY 2021 as of November 30, 2020. Chief Financial Officer
8. Personnel Activity report with possible Tom Patt, Director 13
Commission discussion, as of December 31, Human Resource
2020. The activity report has current FTE status.9. Oklahoma Rehabilitation Council Report with Carolina Colclasure 19
possible Commission discussion. This report Program Manager
includes new ORC officers; updates on
Committees and their work.
10. Oklahoma School for the Deaf Report with Chris Dvorak 21
possible Commission discussion. The report Superintendent
Includes training and outreach; update on 235
Program; fall ASL Community classes; virtual
learning; and athletic activities.
ACTION ITEMS
11. Review and discussion with possible vote for Wes Hilliard, Chair 23
approval of the December 14, 2020 Commission
for Rehabilitation Services regular meeting
minutes.
12. Review and discussion with possible vote for David Hankinson 28
approval of the Proposed interpreter rate Program Manager
increase.
13. Review and discussion with possible vote for Kevin Treese 31
approval of the December 2020 donations to the Program Manager
Oklahoma Library for the Blind and Physically
Handicapped.
14. Review and discussion with possible vote for Rita Echelle 33
approval of the December 2020 donations to the Superintendent
Oklahoma School for the Blind.
15. New Business (“Any matter not known about or Wes Hilliard, Chair
which could not have been reasonably foreseen
prior to the time of posting.” 25 O.S. § 311).
16. Announcements Wes Hilliard, Chair
Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services
3535 NW 58th Street, Suite 200
Oklahoma City, OK 73112
Monday, February 8, 2021 at 10:30
17. Adjournment Wes Hilliard, ChairOklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR REPORT
January 11, 2021
Executive
December 16 – Director participated in the first meeting for Inclusive Post-Secondary
Education (PSE) Opportunities for Students with IDD.
December 16 – Director and staff participated in the VR/SBVI Performance Team
meeting.
December 17 – Director participated in Fruendt’s Front in the Studio, moderated by
Craig Glasscock and Mark Ferguson, Professional Development Unit.
December 18 – January 3 – Director on Holiday and Annual Leave.
January 5 – Director and staff participated in the VR/SBVI Performance Team
meeting.
January 7 – Director participated in the cross-cabinet Workforce Meeting.
January 8 - Director participated in the HEC Meeting.
January 8 – Director and CFO participated in a meeting with State CFO Rodriquez.
Process Improvement – Lyuda Polyun
AWARE
The AWARE team has been focused on developing training materials and working
with the Professional Development staff to produce accessible training content to
help staff follow case management procedures that are policy compliant and insure
accurate Federal reporting.
In addition, we have been working with the Process Improvement team to develop
written data validation policies for the RSA-911 and create data tools to help us
manage and implement those policies.
Case Review
The QA team continued with updating of the Companion GUIDE used in
conjunction with the Case Review Instrument to be shared with field staff.
A Data Validity “Target Audit” meeting was held in conjunction with the AWARE
team several times in December. Purpose of the meetings were to begin the
development of a special audit for transition cases to ensure accurate reporting to
RSA.The Case Review staff conducted daily auditing in December of cases closed both successfully and unsuccessfully between 10.16.20 and 11.15.20 for federal compliance. Unit Supervisor developed and submitted a report of November’s Audit results to Administration. Program Standards, Statistical Research Data collection is still in progress for the client Covid-19 survey. The DDS diversity and inclusion survey is open and receiving responses. The research staff are going to work with ORC, VR, and SBVI to expand the open case milestone surveys by making an iPad for survey use available at the Hispanic unit in OKC. Carolina Colclasure will be translating the surveys to Spanish. We will also be creating new surveys focused on AT services for VR and SBVI and making iPads available for survey use AT evaluations. The iPads were provided by ORC. Respectfully submitted by Melinda Fruendt, Executive Director
Department of Rehabilitation Services
Financial Status Report FY 21
As of November 30 , 2020
All Programs
Agency Summary
% of Total %
Budget Budget Expenditures Expended Encumbrances % Used
Personnel 82,373,230.00 51.8% 29,372,247.60 35.7% 50,236,638.63 96.6%
Travel 1,005,074.00 0.6% 77,589.61 7.7% 51,679.25 12.9%
General Operating 26,939,021.00 16.9% 4,735,386.06 17.6% 17,244,274.74 81.6%
Office Furniture & Equipment 1,679,499.00 1.1% 250,370.47 14.9% 214,329.74 27.7%
Client / General Assistance 37,760,458.00 23.7% 9,160,094.63 24.3% 25,873,483.24 92.8%
Indirect Cost 9,365,089.00 5.9% 3,361,637.55 35.9% 6,003,451.45 100.0%
Total 159,122,371.00 100.0% 46,957,325.92 29.5% 99,623,857.05 92.1%
1 of 7Department of Rehabilitation Services
Financial Status Report FY 21
As of November 30 , 2020
All Programs
Vocational Rehabilitation and Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired
% of Total %
Budget Budget Expenditures Expended Encumbrances % Used
Personnel 25,028,962.00 36.2% 8,859,019.58 35.4% 16,157,541.95 100.0%
Travel 753,200.00 1.1% 58,481.03 7.8% 0.00 7.8%
General Operating 9,905,307.00 14.3% 2,045,163.73 20.6% 7,118,448.27 92.5%
Office Furniture & Equipment 980,494.00 1.4% 55,033.16 5.6% 50,127.75 10.7%
Client / General Assistance 28,560,601.00 41.4% 6,803,303.67 23.8% 19,223,840.85 91.1%
Indirect Cost 3,826,403.00 5.5% 1,297,161.75 33.9% 2,529,241.25 100.0%
Total 69,054,967.00 100.0% 19,118,162.92 27.7% 45,079,200.07 93.0%
Vocational Rehabilitation Grant
% of Total %
Budget Budget Expenditures Expended Encumbrances % Used
Personnel 22,322,425.00 34.7% 7,909,918.90 35.4% 14,407,090.69 100.0%
Travel 732,200.00 1.1% 55,482.53 7.6% 0.00 7.6%
General Operating 9,083,658.00 14.1% 1,893,083.48 20.8% 6,509,086.48 92.5%
Office Furniture & Equipment 794,400.00 1.2% 22,682.43 2.9% 26,812.39 6.2%
Client / General Assistance 27,916,667.00 43.4% 6,588,512.28 23.6% 19,041,904.42 91.8%
Indirect Cost 3,548,140.00 5.5% 1,185,264.06 33.4% 2,362,875.94 100.0%
Total 64,397,490.00 100.0% 17,654,943.68 27.4% 42,347,769.92 93.2%
2 of 7Department of Rehabilitation Services
Financial Status Report FY 21
As of November 30 , 2020
All Programs
Oklahoma School for the Blind
% of Total %
Budget Budget Expenditures Expended Encumbrances % Used
Personnel 6,376,484.00 70.4% 2,430,936.05 38.1% 3,889,618.77 99.1%
Travel 53,000.00 0.6% 4,381.62 8.3% 0.00 8.3%
General Operating 1,645,377.00 18.2% 462,729.76 28.1% 1,109,287.91 95.5%
Office Furniture & Equipment 265,200.00 2.9% 60,435.67 22.8% 57,376.35 44.4%
Client / General Assistance 73,000.00 0.8% 5,470.06 7.5% 0.00 7.5%
Indirect Cost 642,964.00 7.1% 261,688.93 40.7% 381,275.07 100.0%
Total 9,056,025.00 100.0% 3,225,642.09 35.6% 5,437,558.10 95.7%
3 of 7Department of Rehabilitation Services
Financial Status Report FY 21
As of November 30 , 2020
All Programs
Oklahoma School for the Deaf
% of Total %
Budget Budget Expenditures Expended Encumbrances % Used
Personnel 7,819,120.00 49.2% 2,904,929.16 37.2% 4,904,190.46 99.9%
Travel 40,974.00 0.3% 4,052.38 9.9% 300.00 10.6%
General Operating 6,586,287.00 41.5% 335,971.63 5.1% 3,752,491.87 62.1%
Office Furniture & Equipment 328,459.00 2.1% 107,991.76 32.9% 95,051.88 61.8%
Client / General Assistance 312,857.00 2.0% 80,472.77 25.7% 106,490.52 59.8%
Indirect Cost 791,297.00 5.0% 289,323.75 36.6% 501,973.25 100.0%
Total 15,878,994.00 100.0% 3,722,741.45 23.4% 9,360,497.98 82.4%
4 of 7Department of Rehabilitation Services
Financial Status Report FY 21
As of November 30 , 2020
All Programs
Disability Determination Services
% of Total %
Budget Budget Expenditures Expended Encumbrances % Used
Personnel 36,322,769.00 65.7% 12,534,352.40 34.5% 21,102,591.11 92.6%
Travel 104,900.00 0.2% 7,035.66 6.7% 51,379.25 55.7%
General Operating 5,918,090.00 10.7% 1,295,256.60 21.9% 3,433,967.57 79.9%
Office Furniture & Equipment 59,432.00 0.1% 6,951.34 11.7% 11,773.76 31.5%
Client / General Assistance 8,814,000.00 15.9% 2,270,848.13 25.8% 6,543,151.87 100.0%
Indirect Cost 4,098,309.00 7.4% 1,511,360.51 36.9% 2,586,948.49 100.0%
Total 55,317,500.00 100.0% 17,625,804.64 31.9% 33,729,812.05 92.8%
5 of 7Department of Rehabilitation Services
Financial Status Report FY 21
As of November 30 , 2020
All Programs
DRS Support Services
% of Total %
Budget Budget Expenditures Expended Encumbrances % Used
Personnel 6,825,895.00 69.5% 2,643,010.41 38.7% 4,182,696.34 100.0%
Travel 53,000.00 0.5% 3,638.92 6.9% 0.00 6.9%
General Operating 2,883,960.00 29.4% 596,264.34 20.7% 1,830,079.12 84.1%
Office Furniture & Equipment 45,914.00 0.5% 19,958.54 43.5% 0.00 43.5%
Client / General Assistance 0.00 0.0% 0.00 0.0% 0.00 0.0%
Indirect Cost 6,116.00 0.1% 2,102.61 34.4% 4,013.39 100.0%
Total 9,814,885.00 100.0% 3,264,974.82 33.3% 6,016,788.85 94.6%
6 of 7Department of Rehabilitation Services
Financial Status Report FY 21
As of November 30 , 2020
Personnel
Salary Expense
Insurance Premium -Health-Life, etc
FICA-Retirement Contributions
Travel
Travel - Agency Direct
Travel - Reimbursements
General Operating
AFP Encumberances
Bond Indebtness and Expenses
Buildings-Purchase, Construction and Renovation
General Operating
Inter/Intre Agency Payment for Personal Services
Maintenance & Repair
Miscellaneous Administration Fee
Professional Services
Production, Safety, Security
Refunds, Indemnities, Restitution
Rent Expense
Scholarships, Tuition and Other Incentive-Type Payments
Shop Expense
Specialized Supplies & Materials
Office Furniture & Equipment
Library Equipment & Resources
Office Furniture & Equipment
Client / General Assistance
Social Service and Assistance Payments
Indirect Cost
7 of 7PERSONNEL ACTIVITY REPORT
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2020
FILLED AND VACANT POSITIONS
Personnel Activity = 0 vacant positions filled / 26 positions in Announcement or Selection Process
Division Title/PIN Date Vacated Location Begin date End date Ann. # Action/Incumbent Date Filled
Transportation Officer/Student
OSB Aide / 1084 12/4/2020 OSB 12/22/2020 Continuous 21-029.1 Currently Open
Independent Living Instructor / Applicant List sent
OSB 0164 07/31/2020 OSB 12/09/2020 12/15/2020 21-032 12/17/2020
Applicant List Sent
OSD Direct Care Specialist / 0877 11/01/2020 OSD 12/1/2020 12/18/2020 21-025.1 12/22/2020
Direct Care Specialist / 0115, 09/01/2020, Applicant List Sent
OSD 0028 09/01/2020 OSD 12/2/2020 12/21/2020 21-023.1 12/28/2020
Applicant list sent
OSD Teaching Assistant / 0060 08/01/2013 OSD 08/25/2020 08/31/2020 21-002.1 09/02/2020
OSD Counselor I / 0247 08/14/2017 OSD 07/22/2020 Continuous 21-003 Currently Open
VR12 – Applicant List Sent
VR Programs Manager / 0943 11/1/2020 Lawton 11/05/2020 12/03/2020 21-027 12/08/2020
Vocational Rehabilitation VR67 –
VR Specialist / 0567 09/01/2020 Tulsa 12/22/2020 Continuous 21-028.1 Currently Open
Vocational Rehabilitation
VR Specialist / 0255 11/13/2020 VR23 – OKC 11/24/2020 Continuous 21-030 Currently Open
VR Rehabilitation Technician / 0545 09/01/2020 VR86 –Ada 12/22/2020 12/30/2020 21-019.2 Currently Open
Vocational Rehabilitation 07/22/2020 VR07 –
VR Specialist / 0194, 1077 10/01/2019 Durant 08/24/2020 Continuous 21-006.1 Currently Open
Vocational Rehabilitation VR18 – Applicant List Sent
VR Specialist / 0627 07/08/2020 Muskogee 09/15/2020 10/13/2020 21-007.1 10/16/2020
Vocational Rehabilitation VR67 –
VR Specialist / 0044 08/15/2020 Tulsa 10/19/2020 Continuous 21-015.1 Currently Open
Vocational Rehabilitation 11/16/2019
VR Specialist / 0438, 0323 11/09/2020 VR47 – OKC 09/29/2020 Continuous 20-078.2 Currently Open
Vocational Rehabilitation SBVI 91 – Applicant List Sent
SBVI Specialist / 0094 07/16/2020 Tulsa 12/03/2020 12/22/2020 21-031 12/28/2020
SBVI 91 –
SBVI Specialist on Deaf/Blind / 1144 12/01/2020 Tulsa 12/30/2020 02/11/2021 21-033 Currently OpenRehabilitation of the Blind SBVI 90 –
SBVI Specialist / 0695 06/01/2020 OKC 12/30/2020 01/20/2021 21-034 Currently Open
SBVI 71 –
SBVI Rehabilitation Technician / 0072 01/1/2021 Idabel 12/31/2020 02/12/2021 21-035 Currently Open
SBVI 33 –
SBVI Business Manager / 0785 02/01/2020 BEP 08/04/2020 Continuous 21-009 Currently Open
Vending Operations Manager / SBVI 33 –
SBVI 1486 05/28/2020 BEP 08/14/2020 Continuous 21-012 Currently Open
Vending Machine Technician / SBVI 33 –
SBVI 0167 02/20/2020 BEP 08/31/2020 Continuous 21-014 Currently Open
Rehabilitation of the Blind SBVI 71-
SBVI Specialist / 0754 10/01/2018 Idabel 05/29/2019 Continuous 19-043.3 Currently Open
Vending Facility Business SBVI 33 –
SBVI Consultant / 0134 11/23/2019 OKC BEP 12/10/2019 Continuous 20-064 Currently Open
Waiting for E-List = Waiting to receive electronic applicant log from HCM.
Pending Approval= Waiting for unclassified appointments to be approved by director and cabinet secretary to establish
NOTE: an effective dateRESIGNATIONS/RETIREMENTS/SEPARATIONS = 10
As of December 31, 2020
SUPPORT SERVICES DIVISION (Executive/MSD/FSD)
Resignation = 1
1 = 7 years
Retirement = 1
1 = 30 years
DIVISION OF VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION
Retirement = 1
1 = 28 years 6 months
SERVICES FOR THE BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED DIVISION
Discharge = 1
1 = 4 years 1 month
Resignation = 1
1 = 4 years 8 months
Retirement = 2
1 = 25 years 6 months
1 = 31 years 7 months
OKLAHOMA SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND
Resignation = 1
1 = 2 years 3 months
OKLAHOMA SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF
NoneDISABILITY DETERMINATION SERVICES Resignation = 1 1 = 33 years 3 months Retirement = 1 1 = 27 years 8 months
CURRENT FTE STATUS
FY 2021
FTE as of December 31, 2020
DIVISION BUDGETED FTE FILLED PENDING EXEMPT TOTAL FILLED PLUS PENDING
MINUS EXEMPT FTE
FTE
Support Services (Executive/MSD/FSD) 75.1 73.00 0.00 (1.00) 72.00
Vocational Rehabilitation 237.8 212.00 10.00 (4.00) 218.00
Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired 113.5 98.00 9.00 (3.00) 104.00
VR/SBVI-DP 2.00 2.00 0.00 (0.00) 2.00
Oklahoma School for the Blind 99.0 91.00 2.00 0.00 93.00
Oklahoma School for the Deaf 129.3 117.00 5.00 0.00 122.00
Total (NON-EXEMPT) 656.7 593.00 26.00 (8.00) 611.00
Disability Determination Services (EXEMPT) 394.3 370.00 0.00 (378.3) 370.00
TOTAL NON-EXEMPT & EXEMPT 1051.0 963.00 26.00 (386.3) 981.00
FY 21 Budgetary Limit = 1255
* Authorized agency FTE limit does not include Executive Fellow and SWIP appointments
ROUTING TO: Melinda Fruendt, Director
Kevin Statham, Chief Financial Officer
Randy Weaver, Chief of Operations
Tom Patt, Human Resources Program Director
Dana Tallon, Public Information Manager II
Carol Brown, Executive Assistant
Rosemarie Chitwood, Secretary V
Brett Jones, Public Information Officer IIIOklahoma Rehabilitation Council (ORC) Report
Since the last report, ORC started a new Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2021. Beginning
October 1, the new ORC officers include:
• Chair: Tim Yeahqou, the 121 Projects representative, and the Cheyenne and
Arapaho Tribe Vocational Rehabilitation Program Director.
• Vice-Chair: Shelley Gladden, Chair of the Program and Planning
(P&P)Committee, from Oklahoma ABLE Tech.
• Member-at-Large: Jen Randle, Chair of the Employment Committee from the
Developmental Disabilities Council of Oklahoma.
• Member-at-Large: Lori Chesnut, Chair of the Transition Committee from the
Oklahoma State Department of Education.
• Member-at-Large: Jeff Newton, Chair of the Policy and Legislative (P&L)
Committee from the Oklahoma City Public Schools.
The Employment Committee assisted with planning the Department of Rehabilitation
Services (DRS) Virtual Business Summit 2020 that took place on October 15. Several
ORC Members and the Program Manager (PM) attended and served as room
monitors in at least four sessions.
The P&P Committee continues to work with the DRS Process Improvement (PI) Unit
on the Customer Satisfaction Surveys and purchased four additional iPads that will
be used in 2021 to include new offices in the pilot program.
The P&L Committee is creating a new Legislative Primer that will include the FFY20
DRS Successful Closure information. The Primers will be used to advocate for DRS
and people with disabilities in Oklahoma.
The Transition Committee continues to support the Oklahoma Transition Council
(OTC) and will assist with planning the 2021 Oklahoma Transition Institute (OTI),
which has been tentatively scheduled for October 2021.
The Council’s November Quarterly Meeting had to be canceled because it couldn’t be
done virtually under the current Open Meeting Act amendment that ended on
November 15, 2020. The Committees will continue to work and plan to meet in
January via Zoom.
The 2020 ORC Annual Report was completed and reviewed by the full Council and
emailed on time to the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) on December 18
before the deadline of December 31. It was also emailed to the Governor's Office on
December 18.
The next ORC Quarterly Meeting will be on Thursday, February 18, 2021, at 9:30 am.
Respectfully submitted by
Carolina Colclasure, ORC Program ManagerOklahoma School for the Deaf
DRS Commission Report
January 11, 2021
Chris Dvorak, Superintendent
Training and Outreach
Training at the Ada Police Department Dispatch
Program overview presentation at the Paul’s Valley Chamber of Commerce
OSHA Virtual conference in October
235 Program from August 1 - now has served the following number of clients for the programs listed below:
Equipment Program - 97
Fund 216 (Mason’s Donated Funds for Hearing Aids) - 92
Senior Citizens Hearing Aid Program - 90
Children’s Hearing Aid - 4
Loaner Equipment Program - 2
Speech Equipment Program - 1
Fall ASL community Classes, we had the following numbers.
ASL I Participants - 142
ASL II Participants - 25
We had participants from 24 states which are listed below.
Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa,
Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma,
Oregon, Tennessee, and Texas.
We also had a participant from Alberta, Canada.
Instructional
Academic Team progressed to the Gallaudet University Central Regional Academic Bowl. They will compete in
February/March via Zoom.
Virtual learning was required to temporarily continue in January due to a high number of staff COVID cases
and quarantine requirements following the holidays. We hope that the spike subsides and in person school will
resume as soon as possible.
Boys and girls high school and junior high school basketball will be played when in person school resumes. All
games will be played at home. While no spectators will be allowed to attend, all games will be live streamed
via the OSD Athletics YouTube channel.Oklahoma Commission for Rehabilitation Services
Department of Rehabilitation Services
3535 NW 58th Street Oklahoma City, Ok
Commission Minutes
December 14, 2020
Wes Hilliard, Commission Chair
Theresa Flannery, Commission Vice-chair
Jace Wolfe, Commission Member
Sign Language Interpreters are provided for public accessibility
PRESENT
Theresa Flannery, Commission Vice-Chair
Jace Wolfe, Commission Member
NOT PRESENT
Wes Hilliard, Chair
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
The meeting was called to order at 10:40 a.m. by Commissioner Flannery.
Commissioners Flannery and Wolfe were in attendance and a quorum was established.
STATEMENT OF COMPLIANCE
The Commission Assistant confirmed the Commission for Rehabilitation Services is in
compliance with the Open Meetings Act.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
None
REPORTS
PRESENTATION OF THE 2020 OKLAHOMA COMMISSION FOR REHABILITATION
SERVICES
Commissioner Flannery presented the 2020 Oklahoma Commission for Rehabilitation
Services to two Individuals. Commissioner Flannery presented each with an Oklahoma
Flag, which has been flown over the Oklahoma State Capitol.
Mark Ferguson, On-line Training Specialist. Mark was recognized for his work which is
instrumental in DRS being able to continue to operate in a virtual world. Mark devotes
his time, energy and passion to serve our agency and our people.
Jody Harlan, Communications Director. Jody continues to promote DRS amid all the
COVID-19 Issues. Jody Is Immensely loyal to DRS and has the uncanny ability to sense
potential trouble and takes preemptive steps to be ready for any situation.
PRESENTATION OF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S AWARD
Commissioner Flannery recognized Executive Director Melinda Fruendt. Director
Fruendt presented the 2020 Executive Director's Award to two Individuals.Lyuda Polyun, was recognized for her exceptionally high degree of courage in her leadership abilities. She is a trusted leader whom earns the respect and loyalty of subordinates. She excels in conveying her knowledge to others. Overall, Lyuda is a visionary thinker and planner. She promotes a strong vision of DRS's future. Stephanie Roe was recognized for the high priority to partners and stakeholders with whom she works side by side. She delivers consistently high performance on a multitude of projects. She views problems as opportunities. She is a strong supporter of and works incredibly hard to represent all DRS programs and services. She is a true ambassador for DRS. Stephanie excels in intercommunications and interactions, as well as in facilitating group discussions and meetings. Overall, Stephanie is able to turn visions into reality to inspire future success. CERTIFICATES OF APPRECIATION Commissioner Flannery recognized Executive Director Fruendt to present Certificates of Appreciation. Those receiving certificates were Connie Merrill, Brian Culver, Matt Neal, Richard Yahola, Terri Williams Murphy, Mark Ferguson, Jonathon Cook and Craig Glasscock. Commissioners Flannery and Wolfe extended their thank you to each of the recipients. PRESENTATION OF LONGEVITY CERTIFICATE Commissioner Flannery recognized Teresa McDermott, Program Manager for Services to the Blind and Visually Impaired, for her thirty (30) years of service to the Department of Rehabilitation Services EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Commissioner Flannery recognized Melinda Fruendt, Executive Director. Her report included her participation in meetings; updates on Process Improvement which Includes federal reporting, AWARE, Case Reviews; and Program Standards, Statistical Research. She also wanted to say a thank you to her Core Team, consisting of Randy Weaver, Kevin Statham, Jonathan Woodward, Tom Patt and Grant Moak, who have worked diligently taking care of emergency and day to day Issues. She had a special thank you to Randy Weaver, Chief of Operations, who continues to maintain the agency's Integrity and safety throughout this pandemic. She called him the agency's "Pandemic Czar". PRIORITY GROUP UPDATE Commissioner Flannery recognized Tracy Brigham, Director of Services to the Blind and Visually Impaired. She reported on the current status of the Priority Groups. There have been three hundred twenty (320) clients released. As of today, Priority Group I have seventy-one (71), Group II one thousand (1000) and Group III has one hundred eighty-one (181) with a total of one thousand two hundred fifty-two (1,252). FINANCIAL STATUS Commission Flannery recognized Kevin Statham, Chief Financial Officer, who reported the Financial Status Reports for FY 20 report as of October 31, 2020 and FY 21 as of September 30, 2020.
PERSONNEL ACTIVITY
Commissioner Flannery recognized Tom Patt, Human Resources Director who
reported on the personnel activity report as of November 30, 2020. The activity report
also has current FTE status.
OKLAHOMA SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND
Commissioner Flannery recognized Rita Echelle, Superintendent of OSB. Her report
Included distance learning procedures, and instructional and student activities held on
campus.
SERVICES FOR THE BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED
Commissioner Flannery recognized Tracy Brigham, Director of SBVI. Her report
included updates on Field Services, Business Services program, OLBH and Transition,
Business Enterprise Program, and her activity highlights
PROPOSED ADMINISTRATIVE RULE REVISIONS
Commissioner Flannery recognized Tina Calloway, Administrative Programs Officer.
She reviewed the proposed Administrative Rule Revisions, 2020-2021 Rule Cycle. these
revisions will be voted on at the March 2021 meeting.
ACTION ITEMS
COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
Commissioner Flannery asked for possible vote to approve the November 9, 2020
Commission for Rehabilitation Services regular Meeting Minutes.
Motion was made by Commissioner Wolfe and seconded by Commissioner
Flannery to approve the October 12, 2020 minutes. Both Commissioners
voted in the affirmative. Motion passed.
LEGISLATIVE REPORT
Commissioner Flannery recognized Kevin nelson, Legislative Liaison. He asked the
Commission’s approval on two proposals. One to expand DRS Central purchasing
exemption to cover Blind Vendor purchases and the other for Deaf/ASL teacher
candidates testing exemption.
Motion was made by Commissioner Wolfe and seconded by Commissioner
Flannery to approve the request for the two proposals. Both Commissioners
voted in the affirmative. Motion passed.
REVISED FY2021 EXPENDITURE LIMITS
Commissioner Flannery recognized Kevin Statham, Chief Financial Officer. He asked
for approval on the Revised FY 2021 Expenditure Limits.
Motion was made by Commissioner Wolfe and seconded by Commissioner
Flannery to approve the Revised FY 2021 Expenditure Limits. Both
Commissioners voted in the affirmative. Motion passed.PROPOSED INTERPRETER RATE INCREASE
Commissioner Flannery recognized LV Berglund, ICRC Program Specialist. She asked
for approval of the Proposed Interpreter rate Increase.
Motion was made by Commissioner Wolfe and seconded by Commissioner
Flannery to approve the rate increase. Both Commissioners voted in the
affirmative. Motion passed.
OKLAHOMA LIBRARY FOR THE BLIND AND PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED
DONATIONS
Commissioner Flannery recognized Kevin Treese, Program Manager. He asked for
approval of the November 2020 donations.
Motion was made by Commissioner Wolfe and seconded by Commissioner
Flannery to approve the November donations. Both Commissioners voted in
the affirmative. Motion passed.
OKLAHOMA SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND DONATIONS
Commissioner Flannery recognized Rita Echelle, Superintendent of OSB who reviewed
their November 2020 OSB donation report, for possible vote for approval.
Motion was made by Commissioner Wolfe and seconded by Commissioner
Flannery to approve the November 2020 OSB donations. Both
Commissioners voted in the affirmative. Motion passed.
OKLAHOM SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF DONATIONS
Commissioner Flannery recognized Chris Dvorak, Superintendent of OSD who
reviewed their November 2020 OLBPH donation report, for possible vote for approval.
Motion was made by Commissioner Wolfe and seconded by Commissioner
Flannery to approve the November 2020 OSD donations. Both
Commissioners voted in the affirmative. Motion passed.
NEW BUSINESS
Commissioner Flannery asked if there was any New Business. There was none.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Date and location of next regular meeting of the Commission for Rehabilitation
Services:
Monday, January 11, 2021 at 10:30 a.m.
Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services
3535 NW 58th Street
Suite 200
Oklahoma City, OK
ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Flannery adjourned the meeting.
Respectfully submitted by Carol Brown, Assistant to the CommissionVocational Rehabilitation
For Consideration by the DRS Commission:
The following interpreter pay rate guideline was established for the Oklahoma Department of
Rehabilitation Services (DRS) to use internally when contracting directly with sign language interpreters.
It has been a general practice for other agencies or businesses to adopt and follow the pay rate
guideline. However, the guideline is not a mandated industry standard for other agencies to follow.
The following information is listed in the Department of Rehabilitation Services instructions to staff
as a part of DRS Policy 612:10-7-196. Interpreter Services
Certifications
QAST = Quality Assurance Screening Test
NAD = National Association of the Deaf
RID = Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, which includes:
CSC (Comprehensive Skills Certificate)
CI (Certificate of Interpretation)
CT (Certificate of Transliteration)
NIC (National Interpreter Certification)
CDI (Certified Deaf Interpreter)
Sign Language Interpreter Services Rates
Regular-Hours Rates After-Hours Rates
(7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., M-F) (5:00 p.m. – 7:00 a.m., M-F,
Weekends, Holidays)
Certification Existing Proposed Existing Proposed
RID-CSC, RID-CI/CT, $35.00/hr $50.00/hr $52.50/hr $75.00
RID-NIC, RID-CDI
RID-CI, RID-CT, NAD Level V $32.00/hr $47.00/hr $48.00/hr $70.50/hr
QAST Level V, NAD Level IV $29.00/hr $44.00/hr $43.50/hr $66.00/hr
QAST Level IV, NAD Level III $25.00/hr $40.00/hr $37.50/hr $60.00/hr
QAST Level III $22.00/hr $37.00/hr $33.00/hr $55.50/hr
QAST Level II $18.00/hr $18.00/hr $27.00/hr $27.00/hr
QAST Level I $16.00/hr $16.00/hr $24.00/hr $24.00/hr
2401 N.W. 23 Street, Suite 51, Oklahoma City, OK 73107
o: 405 522-7930 | f: 405 522-7948 | Oklahoma.gov | okdrs.gov
Executive Director Melinda Fruendt
Commissioners Theresa Flannery, Wes Hilliard and Jace WolfeDRS is also proposing addition of the following: ● addition of the RID-NIC, RID-CDI, and NAD Level V certifications; ● addition of a new $5.00/hr Deaf/Blind differential fixed rate for all certifications for provision of tactile (hand-over-hand) interpreting. ● Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) does not recognize nor accept reciprocity from other states that have sign language interpreter certifications, such as Board for Evaluation of Interpreters (BEI) or Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA) certifications. DRS does not consider BEI or EIPA to be equivalent to any of the Quality Assurance Screening Test (QAST) certification levels. ● The interpreter shall be paid at the highest certification level held when they hold a certification with more than one certification level. * The proposal will be brought back to the Commission for consideration and vote at the January Commission Meeting.*
OLBPH Donation Report
December 2020
Donations under $500
Date Name Cash Fund Property Value
12/18 Strat Tolson (Andrew Shockley) 50.00 216
12/28 Betty L. Ray 30.00 216
Subtotal of Cash (Under $500) Donated in December 2020 $ 80.00
Donations $500 and over
Date Name Cash Fund Property Value
12/7 Jane Bowser Rev. Trust 2,000.00 216
Subtotal of Cash (over $500) Donated in December 2020 $2,000.00
TOTAL DONATION AMOUNT DECEMBER 2020 $$2,080.00OSB DONATION REPORT
December 2020 Donations
Donations under $500
Date Name Cash Fund Property Value
12/8/2020 Okla. Sports Connection/Bill Kirby gloves $ 200.00
12/14/2020 Frank Dirksen (Cane Quest shirts) $ 385.00 701
12/23/2020 DRS $ 335.00 701
Subtotal of Cash (under $500) donated in December 2020 $ 720.00 Subtotal prop. $ 200.00
Donations $500 and over $ -
Subtotal of Cash ($500 and over) donated in December 2020 $ - Subtotal prop. $ -
TOTAL DONATION AMOUNTS December - 2020 $920.00You can also read
