Executive Director’s Report:

1) Office activities: A significant increase noted in referrals, incoming contacts (phone, IMs, relay calls, etc.) as well as personal contacts due to Kara’s attendance at the RID conference.

2) PEC activities: Recently completed a two day consortium with PEC/UT staff as well as disability coordinators from colleges and universities, DRS, WVSD and Education staff, and interested others to address issues related to deaf services and transitioning in WV. Established priorities include: accessing grant writers to secure funds for identified activities; improve access to technology; increase family advocacy; improve interpreter training opportunities; and increase literacy skills.

3) Board membership: The latest nominations are now on the Governor’s list.

4) Town Hall Meetings: Conducted on October 5th at WVSD. Approximately 25 attended. Next town meeting in Institute, April 5, 2002.

5) Task Force Schedule: Bidding process for Task Force consultant will begin and be ready to start in January, 2002. Timelines have been revised to accommodate a 15 month duration.

6) Database system update: Staff met with MIS tech support to implement an easier system to access data, eliminate duplicates on mailing lists, and facilitate other methods of information retrieval.

7) Educational interpreting update: Agenda for July, 2002 interpreting workshop is under development. Dr. Brenda Seals, professor at JMU will be the keynote speaker. Charity is seeking additional funding from Verizon.

8) Legislative session: Three bills will be proposed: Hearing Aid Insurance Coverage; Drivers’ License Code; and Educational Interpreter reclassification.

9) Deaf Awareness Day: at Greenbrier Valley Association for the Deaf in September, 2001. Plans for future activities in Martinsburg for next year.

10) Communication Services for the Deaf (CSD): Charity has met with Karen Shaffer- Tucker, consultant for CSD to discuss future services and programs. It was noted that WV Relay Service contract with AT & T expires September 30, 2002. Charity developed a summary proposal directly to the CSD, with information pertinent to WV - will send copies to Board members, as they requested.

11) WVSDB: Charity and Jane McBride have agreed to provide training for WVSDB and WVCDHH staff regarding clarification of roles and general information sharing. It was expressed for a need to re-publish an IEP handbook for parents ("Hand in Hand").

12) Deputy Director’s Report: Alex Young, introduced as the new Deputy Director, participated in a new employee orientation, which he found most helpful. He is currently working on a newsletter for Winter 2001, as well as improving the website and updating current brochures. It was recommended that the website be accessible for all users (screen readers, etc.) Darren Burton of WVATS can assess readibility.

13) Statewide Interpreting Coordinator (SIC) Update: Kara was introduced in her new position as the SIC. RID interpreting evaluations are being explored and will be available next year. Kara attended an RID conference and is in contact with RID to establish testing within WV. Other areas under development include the educational interpreter certification process; changes in the FSC Interpreter Training Program; and recruitment for the staff interpreter position.

14) Dates for 2002 Board meetings: January 17, March 28, June 6 (Romney), September 5 and November 7 (back-up date).

Other: Shana requested and others concurred that a financial report be provided during the Executive Directors report, to keep the board apprised of current fiscal activity within the Commission.

The meeting was called to order by Pierre Sevigny at 3:19 P.M.

Reading of the Minutes:

Minutes of the September 6 , 2001 meeting were read. Modifications were made to the minutes and a mo tion to accept the modifications were made by G. Vandevander and seconded by M. Sullivan. Motion carried.

Information related to the resource library identification was sent to Jennifer Burgess. A report from her will be ready for the December meeting.

Charity has not yet met with D. Bodkins regarding ASL in the public schools.

None

Other: Pat Moss indicated that Maternal and Child Health Bureau was successful in obtaining a $100,000 grant to address diagnostic procedures for hearing screenings for newborns.

Hearing no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 3:30 P.M.

Submitted by Barbara King