The NC Stakeholder Engagement Group: Our Past & Present NC SEG Meeting August 10, 2015

The Problem ❖ Disability populations often silo-ed in their advocacy efforts ❖ Consumers and family members are under-represented in the policymaking process ❖ When invited, consumer and family members are often: Not adequately prepared Do not have a common set of agreed upon principles or values to advocate for ❖ The system is rapidly changing and the involvement of consumers and families is more important than ever

❖ Cross-disability advocacy initiative ❖ Focusing on shaping long-term support and service through meaningful engagement and dialogue with policymakers ❖ Consists solely of individuals receiving services and their family members ❖ Works in collaboration with DHHS The Solution

❖ Recruit membership Representative of state ❖ Workgroup Learning Process ❖ Development of “NC Outcomes and Expectations for Managed Long Term Services and Supports Report” Year One: Finding Common Ground

The SEG’s Required Outcomes of a Successful North Carolina MLTSS System 1.All eligible people receive services and supports they require - no waiting list 2.Everyone works in integrated community employment at competitive wages, with the supports necessary to be successful 3.Everyone is able to develop personal and financial assets 4.Everyone lives inclusively in the community, in housing that is not segregated by disability, with people of their choice and actively participates in his or her community 5.The system is continuously accountable (achieves the desired outcomes and is transparent to the public) by involving consumers and families in its design, development, oversight, and evaluation

❖ Letter to Secretary Wos ❖ Presented at the Medicaid Reform Advisory Committee Meeting NC SEG mentioned in Medicaid Reform Legislative Report ❖ Developed a web presence: Website Mailing list Social media Year One: Spread the Word

❖ Advocacy efforts with a a common set of agreed upon principles or values to advocate for enables advocates to speak with a more powerful, collective, effective voice ❖ Has ability to respond quickly to policy changes and opportunities as they arise ❖ Partnering with other organizations to amplify impact ❖ Passionate members that are deeply connected in state advocacy efforts ❖ Utilizes a push and pull model for systems change The Underlying Magic of the NC SEG

The Underlying Magic of the NC SEG: Pushing the System ❖ Increases consumer and family members participation in government ❖ Coordinated 5 “Community Chats” across the State ❖ Increased formal involvement by consumers/family members on government task force/workgroups ❖ Innovations Waiver ❖ HCBS Stakeholder Workgroup ❖ Provides written comments on rules, regulations, etc. ❖ Focused feedback group for HCBS Transition Plan Rule public comment ❖ Letter of Support for the Department of Labor Office of Disability Employment Policy’s (ODEP) Community of Practice (CoP) for Employment First ❖ Provided consultation to the Department on a range of systems reform strategies

❖ Promotes Outcomes & Expectations among member’s networks ❖ The “NC Outcomes and Expectations for Managed Long Term Services and Supports Report” has been endorsed by: The Underlying Magic of the NC SEG: Pulling the System NC Council on Developmental Disabilities The Developmental Disabilities Consortium First in Families of NC The Power of The Dream Disability Rights NC State Consumer & Family Advisory Committee NC Consumer Advocacy, Networking and Support Organization Smokey Consumer & Family Advisory Committee – Central Region NC Substance Use Disorder Federation Alcohol & Drug Council of NC NC Statewide Independent Living Council National Alliance on Mental Illness NC

❖ Invites policymakers, legislators, allies and influencers to our NC SEG meetings to learn from each other and collaborate ❖ Includes government officials, elected representatives, & non-profit leaders The Underlying Magic of the NC SEG: Pulling the System “Spending the afternoon with the Stakeholder Engagement Group was an invaluable experience for me. While their members got a chance to sharpen their legislative advocacy skills, I got an opportunity to hear directly about what we need to do to make life more livable for our citizens with disabilities.” – Senator Jeff Jackson, District 37

❖ 40 policymakers educated ❖ 311 people active/trained in systems quality assurance activities ❖ 15 people attained membership on workgroups, task forces, etc. ❖ 12 organizations have endorsed of Outcome & Expectation Report ❖ $9,582 leveraged for quality assurance ❖ and more... Year Two: Quantified

1. Cross-Disability Group Coordination & Education 2. Increase Public Policy Impact of Outcomes & Expectations Report 3. Facilitate High-Level Stakeholder Engagement Effort 4. Advocacy, Educational Support & Coaching 5. Create Path To Sustainability of Initiative Outcomes & Efforts Year Three Proposal Objectives

“I'm amazed by the hard work, results and vision of our group. The NC SEG brought individually marginalized stakeholders together and demonstrated that together we have a powerful voice throughout our state. We have the experience, skills, empathy and common sense needed to help inform policymakers about what is needed to achieve our common goals. We're a lovely group of people to spend the day with - and we vote.” -Jackie Derling, NC SEG Member