Youth Advisory Committee Summary Minutes – September 25, 2007

Key items from the previous month’s public meeting are noted at the top of this record, regarding committee advice on future work and new member recruitment. During the August session, the YAC Chair, Stephanie Orlando reported that the YAC Executive Team has discussed the following methods that can be used for increased involvement of YAC members in NCD activities:  (1.) multiple YAC members on NCD work teams (2.) NCD providing guiding questions or specific questions on areas of the agency projects on which the Council team members would like to have specific youth input (3.) NCD team members using the YAC as a way to network to the broader youth community for youth experts who can provide an increased knowledge base for NCD’s work priorities and (4.) Establish options for collaboration between the YAC and NCD, so that NCD could have the opportunity to gain insight into youth issues from a much wider audience. For example, plan to conduct nation-wide teleconferences, which encourage a town-hall style dialogue.

Ms. Orlando also told the committee to watch for details concerning new member recruitment that needs to be completed by the end of the fiscal year. The committee was encouraged earlier in the month to pass the announcement on to their personal networks and beyond. At the August meeting the YAC Chair reminded the committee that we need to ensure diversity among the committee. Ms. Orlando also asked all committee members that are not ending their terms at the end of the fiscal year to begin thinking about running for an executive team position and feel free to contact any of the current Executive Team with questions about the positions.

Procedural Summary:  After the roll call and agenda review, the DFO turned the meeting leadership to Ms. Stephanie Orlando who recalled that the YAC Executive Team was able to have a very successful meeting with our new NCD Council Liaison prior to the August meeting where we presented many of our ideas on ways in which the YAC could have stronger involvement in NCD activities. Our Council Liaison and DFO are looking into many of these methods.

Policy Summary: 
As requested last month, YAC members whose terms were not ending too action to send information to Betsy Valnes stating 1st, 2nd,3rd preference for areas of individual or group involvement in NCD’s priorities (ongoing, new or follow-up work/study teams).  A list of the topics was e-mailed to the committee members earlier in August.  It was clarified that the NCD Chairperson ultimately is responsible for the appointment of any members to NCD committees and study teams. This will mean that the determination about participation will rest with the Chairperson. However, he has completed the appropriate legal and ethics consultations and learned that determined that there are no problems in those arenas with having advisory committee members assigned as ad hoc members of the agency teams. A confidentiality form will need to be developed for each potential participant.
YAC recruitment has gone well with participation by the DFO, contractor, Council Member Liaison and a team of YAC officers—outgoing and incoming. The closing date for receipt of applications was announced initially as September 27, 2007 and would be honored. The goal is to bring new YAC member on board for the first meeting of the 2008 fiscal year and to align that with the renewal of the YAC Charter.
Announcements/Comments: 
YAC members who responded to the articles about special education and school Medicaid funding were thanked for sharing their perspectives.
The DFO reminded the members that this was the final meeting conducted by the outgoing Executive team. Stephanie Orlando, Chair, Gary Goosman, Vice Chair, and Reagan Lynch, Secretary were thanked for their work and valued contributions to the YAC and the advancement of public policy with attention to perspective directly from youth with disabilities.
Outcome of the electronic ballot process for the selection of new officers was announced. As such, the next public meeting will be conducted in the 2008 fiscal year under the leadership of Amy Doherty (YAC Chair), Carly Fahey (Vice Chair), and Matthew Cavedon (Secretary).  Congratulations to the new officers!

The meeting was adjourned by the DFO.