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An Update on the Oregon Needs Assessment (ONA) by ODDS Director Lilia Teninty
by independence northwest | Nov 7, 2017 | 2017 changes, 2018 changes, assessments, budget cuts, customers, k plan
On October 30th, 2017, Oregon Developmental Disabilities Director Lilia Teninty released the following statement regarding the Oregon Needs Assessment:
"We've reached some important milestones I want to share with you. The summary below reflects a great deal of work done by everyone in our service system – ODDS staff, CDDP and Brokerage staff, providers, people with I/DD and their families. Thank you for your thoughtful feedback and your efforts to help us get to this point.
The journey to create the ONA started in 2013. The Legislature told ODDS to implement a single, uniform assessment tool. It would be used for everyone we support, regardless of setting.
We engaged a stakeholder group for the project. We also hired Mission Analytics Group. Mission Analytics' role was to ensure the ONA is a validated tool for all service settings.
The project team members have been diligent. They worked through technical challenges, revisions to the questions, and more. They conducted hundreds of assessments that were used to test the validity and reliability of the ONA. They managed two rounds of pilot testing.
We are close to rolling out the ONA. All individuals receiving I/DD services will be assessed using the ONA in 2018. We need to start the ONA assessments in January to be able to collect data needed for the Compass Project.
Based on input from advocates and partners, we asked CDDPs and Brokerages to work with us to identify staff to administer the ONA. CDDPs and Brokerages are identifying staff in their entities to perform the assessments. The ODDS assessment team will also assist with administering ONAs in rural areas of the state.
From January through June, staff will use both the ONA and the current assessment tool. In July, the ONA will be the official assessment. The ODDS assessment team will train the CDDP and Brokerage staff who will use the tool. The team will also provide technical assistance and quality assurance. They will do this to ensure the tool is administered consistently across the state.
The ONA will be administered by a staff person who is not the person's case manager.
Benefits of separating case management from the assessment include:
Removes real or perceived conflicts of interest.
Improves objectivity and consistency.
The case manager may still take part in the assessment. The case manager will not be responsible for the results of the assessment itself. Instead, the case manager can support the person and provide information to inform responses.
Our journey to create the ONA is reaching its destination. Thank you to the many people who are making it possible."
Meet Kelly Quinlan – Independence Northwest Customer Stories Project #2
by independence northwest | Jun 8, 2015 | customers, Independence Northwest Customer Stories Project, inw customer stories
Kellly has been an INW customer since 2008.
Kelly Quinlan has a first-hand understanding of how Oregon brokerage services help in establishing and maintaining a good quality of life for adults with intellectual disabilities. A prolific writer, with over 50 short stories and author of a self-published book of personal memoirs, Kelly is a vivacious 36-year-old woman known for her bubbly personality and unique style of dress, which includes wearing legwarmers year-round. She loves spending time with her best friend, playing board games and making movies to post on youtube. Energetic, with a great sense of humor and a variety of interests, Kelly says, "There is a lot of flavor in my life right now!"
But about 7 years ago, Kelly's life was different. She was on a waiting list for brokerage services, and though she was connected with some social services like Section 8 Housing and Social Security Income, she did not have access to individualized supports for individuals with intellectual disabilities. "There was not a whole lot going on–working on my stories—but that was it. I was lonely without having any friends," she recalled. When she entered brokerage services in 2008, Kelly was surprised at the variety of supports available, and pleased with how dramatically her life was enhanced. She now receives training in independent living skills, assistance with communication due to hearing impairment, support with social skills, and help with medical management. She uses two independent contractors and contracts with a day support activities provider organization for community inclusion. She describes her life as balanced and thriving, quite different from her adult life before receiving services. "If I just had funding for one thing, I don't know what I would do. I would have to advocate and say, I need more funds for this," Kelly says as she recounts her providers and lists her goals and support needs. "It would be hard if I didn't get help."
Kelly has found the design of brokerage services flexible enough to access services catered to her specific support needs. Kelly has severe food allergies, so was thrilled to find a provider who helps her shop, read food labels, find recipes, and cook. In the past, if she accidentally ate something she was allergic to, she said, "I would get really sick. And it does take me a while to get back on my feet after I am contaminated with the food that I am allergic to." A favorite recipe she discovered with her provider is a gluten-free vegan clam chowder that "tastes like the real thing, only with coconut cream and sweet rice flour." This brokerage service "really helps me out," she says. Another unique service Kelly has access through the brokerage is the ability to attend the national Turner Syndrome conference each year. "I have Turner's. I like to go to these conferences that happen every year. And the brokerage pays for that, which is really nice." While Kelly saves money to afford a plane ticket and hotel room, her brokerage service plan covers the cost of her conference registration so that Kelly can network with hundreds of people affected by Turner syndrome and go to workshops and presentations given by healthcare providers and other professionals. Another part of her brokerage plan that Kelly states is very valuable to her is transportation services that allow her to get places she cannot access independently. The individualized services outlined in Kelly's annual support plan are entirely unique, and as Kelly points out, different from other brokerage customers. "I live out on my own—not everyone I know lives on their own. Not everyone that I know has food allergies, not everyone I know has Turners, or the same kind of medical conditions. I don't know anybody else that gets the same kind of services that I get," Kelly says.
Part of Kelly's busy schedule includes working at her uncle's restaurant, Cheryl's on 12th, where she spends about 15 hours per week. "I'm a dishwasher, that's basically my title," says Kelly, laughing. "I sometimes come out and help with washing down tables, bus tables, and sometimes I'm a hostess." She says that she loves "working along side the people that work here…. to work with people that I'm familiar with. Most people know that I'm Eddie's niece, so sometimes that's when they really straighten up. And sometimes I do chuckle about that!" She prides herself on "the sense of accomplishment" that comes from helping at the restaurant. When asked what she likes most about her employment, she said, "Working. Just having a job. Being out in the community and contributing what I can do. And helping my uncle."
Kelly is an avid user of social media. "I like posting all the stuff that I do, posting activities with On-the-Move, saying what I did at work… my family likes that I post things on Facebook so that they have a good sense of what's going on." She also posts personal memoirs and original creative writing on a self-publishing internet site, and makes short movies that she posts on her youtube channel. She observed that her interest in communicating her experiences through these different media increased as she has become more involved in her community, particularly through her community inclusion program. "When I started going to On-the-Move I thought, that's interesting… this part is interesting to ME. And it's something special that happened to me." Having interesting, novel experiences that are independent from her family give her rich experiences that Kelly defines as key to a good quality of life.
When Kelly heard, in the spring of 2015, that there were possible cuts proposed that would negatively impact her brokerage and services, she decided to go to the state capitol to speak to her legislators directly. "It was really interesting, the building gave off the impression that I am big, large, and I mean business. I had never been there before. But inside it was more low-key and it felt like you can address your problems and someone will listen to you." While there Kelly spoke to her representative about the importance of having people with disabilities present in the community, and how important it is to have community inclusion supports. "It's good… being in the community with other people that are disabled. If you cut our programs, there's not going to be any community living for people with disabilities." She says she felt the advocacy effort was effective. "Oh, I definitely got some people's attention. I was talking to a group of people!"
Excited to continue with advocating for individualized services and support for adults with intellectual disabilities, Kelly has already planned another trip to Salem and is joining the Board of Directors of a local Portland nonprofit. She said she would make the following recommendations to anyone just entering the brokerage system: "I would definitely tell them about On-the-Move, I would tell them that if they have any medical issues then tell your PA. If you need assistance with financials, speak up, don't be shy, because that's what they're there for. When I first started, I wasn't quite sure what to ask, or what was even available. I wasn't quite sure if I could get help with learning how to cook, and what kinds of things would help me out when it came to community, things like that. The medical stuff is especially important," Kelly says, referencing transportation services, adds, "and going to places that I cannot get to." Having access to services that are uniquely individualized to her specific needs and circumstances has been life-changing for Kelly. "Yes, it's really important!" she says.
You can read Kelly's stories on fanfiction.net (fanfiction.net/u/37688/kellyQ) and wattpad.com (wattpad.com/user/kellyq204) and see her videos on her youtube channel (youtube.com/user/kellyq204).
– Text by Molly Mayo
Meet Henry Meece – Independence Northwest Customer Stories Project #1
by independence northwest | May 28, 2015 | customers, Independence Northwest Customer Stories Project, inw customer stories
This is the first of the Independence Northwest Customer Stories Project, an effort we've recently begun in collaboration with disability community leader Molly Mayo. We believe that hearing/reading the life stories of those who receive our services will deepen community understanding of the uniqueness of essential home and community-based brokerage services. As our system continues to wrestle with changes, we must keep the principles of self-determination front and center. There's no better example of someone taking services and running with them than INW customer Henry Meece. You may recognize Henry from many of INW's promotional materials. His face graces our Facebook page and several of our published documents. Henry is living quite the life and has a memorable story to tell!
Henry Meece has been a brokerage customer since 2009. He uses brokerage dollars to purchase Day Support Activities/Attendant Care, Supported Employment and Relief Care. His Personal Agent is Carie Shumway.
Henry Meece, a 25-year-old customer of Independence Northwest brokerage, can be found jam-skating at the local rink, paddling on a dragon-boat, competing in Special Olympics sports, snowshoeing, and snowboarding– when he's not riding his skateboard to work. In March 2015, Henry was interviewed on ESPN after winning a gold medal in the 2015 X Games in the first unified dual slalom race, and in 2013 Henry's athleticism took him to his birthplace of Korea for the Special Olympic World Games where he won a gold medal in slalom snowboarding. Henry has completed three marathons. He is proud of his athletic ability, and the interesting life that he leads. He thrives on a rigorous day-to-day schedule that he has shaped with the help of his mom, his brokerage, and his providers. He says his brokerage supports give him "something to do" and help him "stay active, make friends," and lead an "independent life." His mom says, "I would say of all the people we know, Henry is the most active."
Henry was adopted by Nancy Newell and Ted Meece in 1990. His parents knew that Henry, an orphan from Korea, would probably have a disability. He began early intervention services at age 18 months and was in special education throughout school, graduating with a modified diploma when he turned 21. Although frequently in segregated classrooms, Henry experienced true inclusion in sports programs and "competed right alongside his peers" his mom states. But once school ended, without regular, structured activities, the family at first had no idea what Henry was going to do.
"Once a person is done with public school—there is nothing," says Nancy. "It's a very bleak outlook." Luckily, due the advocacy of his mom and through the adult services he receives through Independence Northwest brokerage, Henry is gainfully employed and leads an active, stimulating, and productive life, which includes participation in two different community-based Day Support Activity programs. "Henry is active and integrated with these programs, but if there weren't these programs… where is the natural inclusion?" Nancy asks. She said that policymakers should be educated about the lack of resources for adults with intellectual disabilities. "I know people that don't live in the Portland area," Nancy says. "These programs don't exist in other parts of the state, there isn't an On-the-Move, there isn't a Creative Goals Solutions—and it's not just Portland that has people with disabilities. It's alarming!" And 10% of people experience a disability, she points out. She wants policymakers to understand that funding for services is vital to the life of people with disabilities after high school. "Without the funding there are no programs. Even if you could private pay, what would be out there?"
Brokerage-facilitated supports have been instrumental in matching Henry to meaningful employment. Using supported employment services, Henry has been able to gain significant experiences building an employment resume, and as a result successfully obtained two part-time jobs. He has worked at a nonprofit brew pub for three years, and at a fitness center for the past year and a half. "I like everything," Henry says about his jobs, which total about 10 hours per week and pay minimum wage. "I want to get the money," he says, to put into a savings account.
Nancy and Henry appreciate how brokerage supports are uniquely individualized to each person. But such open-ended options have at times made the system challenging to grasp. "It's great to have individualized systems, but there is no uniformity," which can make things confusing, says Nancy. "It's a wonderful system, but how do you know about it? We've learned as we go along, and the information can be very difficult." Nancy has found dealing with employment issues especially challenging, because when Henry earns an income, it affects his Social Security benefits and requires detailed documentation. "Everyone should work if they want to, and everyone should work if they can. But there are a lot of reasons not to work," says Nancy, referring to the complex rules around earning money while receiving Social Security benefits. Before Nancy had a clear understanding of the needed documentation, which requires writing a letter to Social Security and submitting all of Henry's pay stubs each month, she says, "I felt like a fool—the college educated mom! …You know we are doing just a bit more than waving goodbye—we're orchestrating. We're like an air traffic controller keeping everything in the air and trying to have everything land smoothly. So I think it is very hard to carry all this information around… and if you have one lapse," there can be dire consequences, Nancy points out, such as the entire loss of eligibility for much-needed benefits.
Nancy and Henry describe their experience with Independence Northwest brokerage as smoothly functioning and "highly efficient. Everything behind the scenes works. The relationship between the brokerage and the providers seems to work really well. I have never had to be involved in a billing issue. Henry has never been turned away because papers weren't signed. The relationship between the brokerage and the providers has been very strong." Additionally, Nancy adds, "the PA [personal agent] will sit down with Henry in a way that he understands. I can be involved or Henry can get to the PA independently." Henry has chosen to use Independent Contractors, small local agencies, and larger organizations for various services as his needs have changed throughout the years.
Nancy and Henry have begun to talk about Henry living somewhere other than his parents' home in the near future. "These are not journeys that other people I know have taken, and the move might look different for everyone," with options such as living in an apartment, finding a roommate, moving to a group home, or discovering other supported living opportunities." When asked what he thought about living somewhere else, Henry said, "Good, because my girlfriend is talking about it."
"All clients, all families are different," says Nancy. It is clear that Henry's unique challenges and talents could not be met with generic, non-individualized services. "It's frustrating and complicated, yet I think it's wonderful that all these supports are in place."
– Text and photo by Molly Mayo
Independence Northwest Offering Brokerage 101 Forums in Nov/Dec 2014
by independence northwest | Oct 29, 2014 | advocacy, aging into adult services, clackamas county, customers, multnomah county, resource, washington county
In November and December 2014, Independence Northwest will be offering a series of forums: Brokerage 101: A Primer on Support Services. The forums are designed for people new to brokerage services – whether just recently referred (in the last year) or considering their options for in-home and community-based supports. You'll learn where brokerages come from, what we do, and what to expect from our services. These presentations are perfect for students in transition and their families! Topics include: eligibility, funding, the K Plan, the Adult Needs Assessment, case management services, support service options, provider options, person-centered planning, supported employment, and more!
Join us to have your questions answered!
Thursday, November 13th from 5:30 – 7:00 PM
Tuesday, December 16th from 5:30 – 7:00 PM
919 NE 19th Avenue Suite 275 in Portland
RSVP by calling 503.546.2950 or emailing bcooper@independencenw.org. (Space is limited to 30 per session.)
Introducing the Personal Support Worker Enhanced and Exceptional Worker Certificate Program
by independence northwest | Oct 14, 2014 | customers, domestic employees, independent contractors, providers, resource, training
The 2013-15 HCW/PSW Collective Bargaining Agreement provides for a new level of worker and compensation. Enhanced and Exceptional Workers provide services to consumers with certain assessed medical and/or behavioral needs, AND have successfully completed additional training.
The Oregon Home Care Commission will be holding the first pilot Enhanced and Exceptional Worker trainings for both HCWs and PSWs in November/December in the Portland area. If you, or someone you know, are interested in being part of the pilot, follow these steps:
1. Make sure your CPR/First Aid is up-to-date. You will need to send a copy of your certification with the application.|
2. Go to the website: ohcc-training.org. Create an account, then log in to your account. Look under "Courses" for the Readiness Assessment for your work group (HCW or PSW).
3. You are allowed to take the Readiness Assessment one time only, so some study ahead of time will be helpful. It is highly recommended that you review course manuals from the classes you have attended that are listed on the website if you have taken them.
4. Complete the Readiness Assessment. You will be able to review your answers after you finish the assessment.
5. If you pass the assessment with a score of 80% or better, you will be directed to the application. Fill this out and send to the Home Care Commission. These must be received by October 20, 2014 to be eligible for the pilot course.
If you do not pass the readiness assessment, you can use the feedback online to determine which topics to learn more about or courses to attend. The assessment will open again in 2015 the next time the course is offered.
Joan Medlen
Personal Support Worker Training Coordinator
joan.e.medlen@state.or.us
Sept 2014 Changes to Provider Organization Day Support Activities (DSA) and Employment Services
by independence northwest | Sep 27, 2014 | 2014 changes, customers, data, k plan, policy
Effective 09.01.2014, the State of Oregon Office of Developmental Disabilities has made significant changes to day program, sheltered workshop, and supported employment services offered by provider organizations. Please see below for some Frequently Asked Questions related to the September 2014 transition and translation of Day Support Activities and Employment Activities.
What is DSA? DSA stands for Day Support Activities. This is a new title (with new rates) for a subset of services offered exclusively by provider organizations. DSA includes both attendant services and skills training and may be provided in either a facility or the community.
Why is this change being made? The State is aligning rates and service descriptions across both brokerage and 24/7 comprehensive services. Unfortunately, brokerages and brokerage-specific providers weren't included in the planning for this change, which has resulted in a rocky implementation process.
What's changing? Effective September 1st, 2014, many traditional services (like Community Inclusion and Skills Training,) when provided by provider organizations, will be collapsed into the new DSA heading. There are rate changes associated with this change. Further, these services must now be billed through Oregon's online payment system, eXPRS.
What's happening with Employment Services? Employment services and rates have been adjusted and amended as well. As with DSA services, billing will now go through eXPRS for services provided September 1st, 2014 forward.
Where did the new rates come from? The rates were determined by the State of Oregon Office on Developmental Disabilitiesas part of its ReBAR efforts.
Are these rates and definitions permanent? We don't know. The state has pulled together a workgroup, set to begin meeting in late September and through October 2014. The workgroup has provider organization, county, brokerage, customer, and family representation. The group will give recommendations for everything from rates to service definitions. The first meeting is on September 29th, 2014.
Do provider agencies charge the same rate for every customer? No. Each customer has an individual rate based on his/her assigned Tier. The Tier is determined by the Adult Needs Assessment his/her Personal Agent conducts prior to ISP planning.
Can Personal Support Workers or Independent Contractors provide DSA? No. DSA is a provider organization-specific service. Similar services are provided by other provider types, but they are labeled differently and have a different set of rates.
What if my agency isn't in eXPRS? You should contact Julie Harrison or Acacia McGuire Anderson directly. You need to ensure you have a properly set up provider number.
What's a Medicaid provider number? A Medicaid provider number is assigned to you by the State. You must have a Medicaid provider number in order to bill in eXPRS and be paid for certain services provided September 1st, 2014 forward. If you provide DSA or Employment services to brokerage customers, you need a provider number ASAP. Brokerages can no longer pay you directly for these services. Nate Deeks and Acacia McGuire Anderson are responsible for assisting provider organizations having trouble with this particular issue.
What services to brokerage customers will be billed through eXPRS? For services PROVIDED September 1st, 2014 forward, all DSA, employment and employment path related services will be billed and paid through eXPRS. This includes: Day Support Activities, Individual Supported Employment, Small Group Supported Employment, Discovery/Career Exploration, and Employment Path Services.
What are the steps a provider agency needs to take to get paid for DSA and/or employment services? The provider agency must log into eXPRS, find the specific customer for whom services was provided, locate their active Plan of Care, then bill against that Plan of Care. At the same time, the provider organization must send a copy of their customer-approved invoice and progress notes to the Personal Agent (as you always have.) From there, brokerage staff will review your invoice, go into eXPRS and give the state the thumbs up to release payment.
How do I know if my agency and customers are affected? We have been in direct contact with many provider organizations over the past month. Additionally, INW sent out mailers in the last week of September, notifying provider organizations directly of what we believe the translation will look like. However, if you have questions or believe we should make adjustments to the changes, Larry Deal (503.546.2950 x10) or Ron Spence (503.546.2950 x12.)
Will provider organizations receive new service agreements from INW? INW will not be sending new service agreements, but will send you a translation document which amends the current agreement. If you require additional documentation, please call us directly.
Do I have to submit an invoice to the brokerage anymore? Yes. You should submit your customer-approved invoices and progress notes to your Personal Agent as you always have. Nothing has changed there. Brokerages are not a pay and chaseenvironment.
Can I bill for two different services on the same invoice? Yes, you can, but you'll need to itemize and clearly spell out the differences in services.
Are there changes to what provider organizations can/cannot bill for? One large change is that provider organizations cannot bill for miles driven while concurrently providing Day Support Activities.
Are DSA services pro-rated? No. DSA services are never pro-rated, regardless of the number of people served at one time.
Why are services in eXPRS limited to a monthly allotment when brokerage plans are written at an annual allotment? We hope this will be corrected in eXPRS very soon as it is already causing issues for providers and customers. We have a commitment from the new DD Director that annual authorizations are allowable in the system. In the meantime, the monthly limit in eXPRS creates a false restriction of services (counter to how plans were written.) If you see that the monthly restriction is too tight for a customer's actual utilization (but keeps within the customer's annual contracted agreement with you) give us a call and we will work towards correction in eXPRS. Thanks for your patience while this gets sorted out.
What happens if I submit "old" invoices for services provided before September 1st, 2014? Those services will not be billed through eXPRS. So, you can skip going into eXPRS and just send the bill directly to your PA. Payment will come via direct deposit or paper check from Independence Northwest.
What if I run into issues with billing? Please call Larry Deal (503.546.2950 x10) or Ron Spence (503.546.2950 x12.) We will respond to provider organization issues within 1 working day. Our aim is to work with providers to clear up issues as soon as possible.
Source Documents:
State of Oregon DSA and Employment Rates (07/2014)
State of Oregon DSA Change Transmittal (Updated 08/2014)
State of Oregon Expenditure Guidelines 08/2014 (Still in DRAFT)
INW Letter to Provider Organizations 09.27.2014
State Delays eXPRS Implementation and Employment Rate Changes to Fall 2014
by independence northwest | Jun 2, 2014 | 2013 changes, 2014 changes, advocacy, customers, k plan, provider organizations, training
Late Friday afternoon (05.30.2014), Interim DD Director Trisha Baxter released the following statement to the I/DD community:
"As you are aware we have many priorities that we are focusing on, all with a July 1 implementation date. We have heard from many of you that these converging priorities are causing angst, stress and strain on you, and on the system. We, as well, are discovering the complexities of handling so many moving parts all at once. As such, based upon feedback from many of you and weighing our internal priorities and commitments with SEIU, CMS and others, we have come up with the following strategy to delay portions of the work and to stage implementation in a more manageable way. Additional information will be coming out over the coming weeks about the details behind these strategies so please pay close attention to emails and other communications over the coming days.
First, July 1 is a milestone for new employment services to be offered. These services are included in the Medicaid waivers that will be submitted for approval with a July 1 effective date. These new services will still be offered as of July 1. July 1 was also a targeted date for implementation of a new rate structure for employment services for both the comprehensive and support service system. The new rate structure will be finalized next week, however, at the request of multiple providers, we will hold off on implementation of those rates, with the exception of the rates for the new services, until September 1, 2014. The new services, which include Discovery and Job Development will be paid at the new outcome based rates. All other services will continue to be paid at the current, daily rate. This additional time will allow providers of employment services an opportunity to analyze how the new rates will apply to their service arrays. Additional information about the rate transition schedule, and expectations for tracking, billing and reporting of services provided during July and August will be coming shortly.
Additionally, we have been challenged to provide training to the large number of personal support workers, CDDP and Brokerage staff, and other providers on the new plan entry and claims process within the eXPRS system. In order to allow more time for training and other associated activities, we are delaying the implementation of Plan of Care functionality to September 1, 2014 as well. We will be working with partners, including SEIU and providers, to develop an implementation plan from September 1 forward, beginning with employment services. The delayed schedule and restaging of activities is important to assure successful implementation, but it does not deter or alter the strategic or programmatic outcomes the changes are designed to achieve.
There is much work to be done over the upcoming months to ensure that individuals experiencing intellectual and developmental disabilities continue to receive services and that those providing the services are paid accordingly. We thank all of you for your continued work with us as we pull together plans for full implementation. As always, if you have questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me." – Trisha Baxter
What to Expect Between Now and July 1st, 2014
by independence northwest | May 5, 2014 | 2013 changes, 2014 changes, advocacy, customers, domestic employees, independent contractors, k plan, provider organizations, providers, training
By Larry Deal
There are just 40 working days left between now and the end of the current fiscal year, June 30, 2014. Over the past year, that mid-summer date has been a much-publicized target for many changes in the Oregon's developmental disabilities brokerage system. You've no doubt heard many times over: "this, that, or the other has to be done by July 1st". This includes significant changes such as ensuring all 7,500 or so brokerage customers have been assessed with the new Functional Needs Assessment, ensuring that all providers are signed up in the state's payment system, and preparing for having the state take over direct payment to all brokerage providers. In some areas of the state, customers are changing fiscal intermediaries as well. (Here at INW, this is not the case.)
There's a lot happening. We understand that change can be confusing, frustrating and overwhelming. Sometimes all three. So here's a cheat sheet for what you need to tend to in the next forty days.
If you're a customer or a representative designee:
Be sure to respond to your Personal Agent's (or a state worker's) call to complete the new Functional Needs Assessment. It's essential these are completed for everyone by June 30th. This allows the state to draw down increased federal funding via the new K Plan. Additionally, be ready to revise your plan to make some language changes. Your PA will help you with that.
If you have a provider, be sure that s/he has filled out a Provider Enrollment Agreement. We want to be sure they can continue to get paid after the state takes over payment (currently planned for July 1st.)
One great way to better understand the changes is to attend one of INW's community forums. We have two scheduled in May.
If you're a provider of brokerage services:
Make sure the customers you serve have scheduled a Functional Needs Assessment with their PA (or a state worker.) If they need some support during the assessment and would like you to assist, offer your help.
If you have not already, you must apply for and receive a Medicaid provider number. Sign up by filling out the Provider Enrollment Agreement form as soon as possible.
If you have already applied for a provider number, but haven't heard back from the state, please contact them directly at DD-MH.OHCC@state.or.us
If we've contacted you about updating your Criminal History Check, be sure you respond quickly. All PSWs must have a CHC completed every two years. You cannot be paid without a current check on file.
Attend one of the upcoming Personal Support Worker webinars. There are currently three scheduled. The webinars will give you basic details on the state's payment system (eXPRS) and how the way you'll be paid is changing. Click here to learn more.
Attend one of INW's community forums.
If there are changes to the deadlines or expectations (and there may be), we'll keep you updated via additional mailing. In the meantime, keep an eye on the INW blog or our Facebook page for the latest. As always, thank you for the opportunity to serve you, your family, and this community.
Sign Up for This Month's Craft Night: Tuesday, May 13th, 2014
by independence northwest | May 5, 2014 | customers, entertainment, multnomah county, providers, resource
Please join us for Craft Night on Tuesday May 13th, 2014 at Independence Northwest. We suggest a $3 donation, but no one will be turned away. Our office is located at 541 NE 20th Avenue Suite 103 in Portland. You may RSVP by calling 503.546.2950 or emailing Rachel at rachel@independencenw.org.
Please note: if you require support to participate, please bring someone to assist you. Providers may be paid via brokerage funds to provide disability-related support.
Brokerage Association Announces New Leader: Kathryn Weit Hired as Executive Director
by independence northwest | Mar 16, 2014 | customers, k plan
The Oregon Support Services Association (OSSA) is pleased to announce the hiring of Kathryn Weit as our Executive Director. Kathryn is well known as an advocate and leader for services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Her extensive history in our State includes participating in launching the Oregon Support Services Brokerage system, leading the Oregon Developmental Disabilities Coalition and serving as the Executive Director of the Oregon Council on Developmental Disabilities.
Her primary roles are advisory to OSSA regarding advocacy needs on major policy, budget and customer issues for support services brokerages and the broader IDD system; representation of OSSA at key DHS, legislative and other organizational meetings; recommending advocacy actions to OSSA and to function as the key communicator for the association. Additionally, she will be working in support of spotlighting client success stories with the advent of the K plan and addressing implementation concerns identified in our current advocacy position, posted here for your information. Kathryn will report to the OSSA Board of Directors, which consists of the 13 Executive Directors of the Oregon Support Services Brokerages. http://ossaweb.wordpress.com/about/
Kathryn is reachable at KathrynWeit@oregonsupportservices.org and 541-520-7461.
Oregon Council on Developmental Disabilities Launches "Expect Me to Succeed, I Will" Campaign
by independence northwest | Mar 8, 2014 | advocacy, customers, employment, history
The Oregon Council on Developmental Disabilities kicked off DD Awareness Month at the Oregon State Capitol this past Friday. At the event, they premiered a brand new video: "Expect Me to Succeed, I Will." Take a minute or two to check out this excellent message and beautifully executed content from OCDD. Great start to the month!
INW Presents a Free 3-Day Healthy Lifestyles Class in February
by independence northwest | Jan 28, 2014 | advocacy, customers
Healthy Lifestyles for People with Disabilities is a holistic wellness workshop designed for people with disabilities. The workshop embodies the self-determination model, and its ultimate goal is to give participants the tools they need to evaluate their lives and identify the areas in which they would like to improve to make positive changes.
The workshop is divided into five modules including: Emotional Health, Social Health, Physical Health, Spiritual Health & Health through Meaningful Activities. Be prepared to share stories, participate in fun exercise activities, identify your dreams and learn useful tools that will help you live a happy, healthy and fun life!
When: Feb 12th, Feb 13th and Feb 14th from 8:30AM – 4:30PM
Where: East Portland Police Precinct (737 SE 106th Ave in Portland
Free lunch and snacks provided!
RSVP your space by calling Rachel at 503.546.2950 or emailing rachel@independencenw.org. We look forward to seeing you there!
Guest Blog: Proposed Rate Cuts to Provider Organizations Threaten Innovation
by independencenw | Jan 22, 2014 | 2013 changes, advocacy, customers
Our first blog post of 2014 is an important one. Late in 2013, word came from the Oregon Office of Developmental Disabilities Services that they were planning to significantly reduce Small Group Inclusion and Skills Training rates paid to provider organizations. Upon review, brokerages immediately responded explaining such a decision would put many small business completely out of business, reducing key resources for our customers statewide. In the weeks since that exchange, small provider agencies in the Portland metro area (led by On The Move Community Integration, Creative Goal Solutions and Trellis) have come together to form a grassroots coalition (known as The Coalition of Provider Organizations.) Their aim is to educate the state, legislators and the general public on their services and fight the potential reductions in rates. The group developed a comprehensive white paper on their concerns (read it here: Provider Organization Coalition Paper) and, in December of 2013, presented to and gained the support of the I/DD Coalition. As a result of their efforts, state leadership has agreed to meet with some small agencies this week as they reconsider the rates. Our understanding is that the state will need to publicly share their methodology and reasoning and has committed to entertaining stakeholder input and education throughout the process. Given the stakes, full engagement is key.
Sasha Vidales, Director of Creative Goal Solutions
Sasha Vidales, Director of Creative Goal Solutions, one of the most sought-after agencies in the Portland area is today's guest blogger for the Independence Northwest blog. Below, she shares what this all means from a provider organization, small-business owner and concerned community member perspective.
"Proposed Rate Cuts to Provider Organizations Threaten Innovation"
By Sasha Vidales, Director of Creative Goal Solutions
While Oregon is moving to the K-Plan, many customers are seeing increased access to funding for their services. But simultaneously, provider organizations' hourly rates are slated to be cut by almost 18%. Perhaps most affected by these cuts are smaller, local, grass-roots organizations who have sprung up in response to the diverse needs of brokerage customers; programs like Creative Goal Solutions, which I started in 2011 to offer fully-integrating community-based services to adults with developmental disabilities. Already operating on a shoe string budget and my personal investment, the proposed rate would unquestionably force Creative Goal Solutions to close its doors within just a couple of months.
The greatest detriment would be to the individual customers served by Creative Goal Solutions, customers like Annie Rose. When Annie Rose started working with Creative Goal Solutions, she had the same goals as most twenty-somethings—to move out on her own, get a job, have new life experiences, and exert her independence. Through working with CGS, she had the opportunity to explore her greater community in a group setting. "I like Creative Goal Solutions because it gets me out of the house. I like meeting new people. I discovered new foods…I enjoy going to the park… camping was lots of fun. I like going to the library and art showings." Soon after her start, Annie decided to move into her own apartment. CGS staff helped her establish a routine around cooking and cleaning that would increase her success as she transitioned. Knowing the importance of community connectedness, staff also helped Annie explore her immediate community on foot and on bus to find new hang-outs. She now independently works out at her local community center and has some favorite local shops and cafes, all the while staying involved in CGS' group community inclusion. A while later, Annie also took on various volunteer jobs. With staff support, Annie Rose works alongside community members and other customers to gain job skills and give back to her community.
"I like doing Zenger Farms," says Annie Rose, "I really like gardening and don't do enough. Now I get to go out once a week and it's a relief. I'm suddenly happy! I've noticed the weeds have gotten enormous and tough to pull out. I'm proud that I can pull them out."Annie is just one of the over 40 customers flourishing with the support of Creative Goal Solutions' unique service model. When I started Creative Goal Solutions, I was excited to use innovative strategies to develop meaningful, community-integrating experiences for our customers. I envisioned services that would empower each customer to become involved citizens and create meaningful visibility for themselves. Over the past two and a half years, I've assembled a team of highly creative, motivated and skilled employees to put this vision into action. Now, we boast a diverse array of programs to accomplish that vision.What I didn't realize upon CGS' inception, was the tremendous value of the group-model. Customers learn so much from each other and there is often a lot of camaraderie, connectedness and natural support developed. At the same time, the model differs drastically from facility-based models in that customers are making daily, "real-life" contact with their communities through recreation and volunteering. Many customers and parents, including Laurie Burk, have noticed the difference.
"[The facility-based program he attended prior to CGS]… provided little or no outside community activities. There was nothing special about the program. I likened it to a daycare center. Since attending CGS, he has shown much improvement. We believe this to be directly related to attending outings to places that "regular" people go. I don't think many people who are not affected by developmental disabilities understand the secluded life of a young person with disabilities and what they face day in and day out… Just because he has a disability doesn't mean he doesn't have worth."Our Volunteer Program connects and teaches customers at six different community organizations, including The Rebuilding Center, SCRAP, Hoyt Arboretum, Impact NW, the Bike Farm, and Zenger Farms. All of these sites give our customers job-like experience where they can gain skills and confidence working right alongside community volunteers. The program has been tremendously impactful in our customers' social well-being and sense of worth and individual contribution.
Nightlife Group at local pub
We also provide fully-integrating recreation experiences. The programming is diverse, offering many activities not commonly accessible to people with developmental disabilities. We fill the monthly calendar with customer-preferred activities, such as bowling and libraries and unique experiences, such as attending the Feast of Guadalupe concert, Leech Botanical Gardens, and a tour of the Human Society. We also offer a Nightlife Group. Through this, many customers have their first experiences going to activities like stand-up comedy, salsa dancing and pub trivia. Additionally, our camping trips afford customers the opportunity to be away from home with a group of friends and foster budding friendships through exploring nature.
At Creative Goal Solutions, we continually challenge what others think possible. Those with seemingly significant barriers are equally engaged through our program. Oxana Betska, a mother of one such customer wrote, "[Though he is] nonverbal, he is very social. He wants to be around people, go places, learn new things… [at CGS] he is taught how to behave around other people, how to treat them properly. We can definitely see the progress he has made paying attention to the instructions he was given, evaluating the situation which can be new for him, becoming more independent and mature. The program has helped my son gain self-esteem. Through the program our son volunteers at the retirement center. He has a wonderful time there!"
Volunteering at Bike Farm
Writes Matthew Burk, customer and self-advocate, "I like the format where we meet at the office and board mass transit and go to different places like Fazio Farm, The Old Church for a lunch time concert, the Rose Garden up near the zoo, the zoo, and the game room down at PSU among other cool places. My favorite part of the program is that being a boy from SE Portland I get to see the other parts of the city that I never knew existed. If cuts were to be made I'm not sure what I would do. Without CGS I would go back to being a couch potato and having no routine."
Despite our customer's successes, we've experienced significant barriers when it comes to a functional and sustainable business model, having to fit a square peg in the proverbial round hole. Our program model of fully-integrating group experiences does not fit well in the current provider rate structure. Most traditional services are provided with one staff per one customer or take place in a facility. Our services don't fit either of those models and our way of providing services comes with substantial added costs as well as barriers to be able to bill for the full rate. Despite these barriers, we've persevered. We're proud to be one of the handful of truly unique, local, grass-roots organizations with truly unique services to offer.
It's hard to imagine the local impact of all of these customers losing the visibility and community presence that we've worked so hard to promote. Observing our customers' growth in confidence and self-efficacy over the past two years has been one of the most impactful experiences of my life. Equally important, I've seen our community's response to our customers. I believe that through our work, we've begun to shift how people understand disability. They are witnessing all that people with developmental disabilities are capable of contributing, and, with time, learning how essential they are to the fabric of our community.
We've accomplished a lot in just over two years. I have many more ideas that I'm actively implementing: a self-employment program, a healthy lifestyles group, and leveraging our culturally-competent, 50% Spanish-speaking staff to better engage Latino customers. Yet, my intense passion and enthusiasm is met with a very real possibility of closure. I'm working hard to push back against the proposed cuts. I've co-formed a coalition of small provider organizations, including On-the-Move Community Integration and Trellis to express our alarm and the potential impact of cuts. We're meeting with decision-makers at the State level as well as other affected provider organizations. I am also counting on the support of families, professionals, self-advocates, community members and the decision-makers at DHS to halt rate cuts and make the growth and development of our innovative program, and others like it, to flourish… for the betterment of our customers and the betterment of our communities.
Sasha Vidales has worked in community services for 14 years in mental health, policy research, training development, case management, quality assurance and other capacities. She has a BA in Psychology and an MBA in Organizational Behavior and is trained as an Autism Specialist and Social Sexual Consultant. Sasha founded Creative Goal Solutions in 2011 because of her belief in and commitment to strong communities. She knows that strengthening communities requires meaningful and full integration for all people. If you are interested in learning more or joining the coalition, contact Sasha at sasha.vidales@creativegoalsolutions.org.
11/25/2013 Update on Provider Payment Changes and Provider Enrollment into the State's System
by independencenw | Nov 25, 2013 | customers, domestic employees, independent contractors, provider organizations, providers
Dear Providers,
There continue to be hold-ups on the State's move to take over payment to providers of brokerage services.
Representatives from the Office of Developmental Disabilities Services promise there's continued work on a solid plan, but as of right now they have produced no clear plans or feasible timelines. What we do know is this:
Payment will not be coming through the State effective January 1st, 2014
We will continue to provide your payment until an appropriate plan is developed and agreed upon.
Given the amount of work left to do during implementation, our best guess is a transition several months into the new year at this point.
If you haven't sent in your Provider Enrollment Agreement, do so now. This is an essential action on your part, regardless of changing timelines.
If you have turned in your PEAA and have received no response back from the State, contact them directly at DD-MH.OHCC@state.or.us. (We initially thought we would be able to send out emails for those who had provider numbers, but the information we have received from the State isn't in a format that allows us to do so given our limited resources.) Please email the State for assistance on this matter.
Many of you have received requests for W4s, I9s, and Direct Deposit forms. (Oddly, this request also went to Independent Contractors, a designation of providers who do not utilize W4s or I9s in their business practice.) Stranger still, we understand that you're being told to submit items to brokerages. We have already processed these forms during your initial qualification and we cannot process them a second time. Please send your W9s, I9s, Direct Deposit forms directly to the State at:
Email: info.exprs@state.or.us
Mail: DHS – ITBSU
ATTN: eXPRS User Enrollment
500 Summer Street NE E-12
Finally, provider organizations who need a provider number should be hearing from the State shortly. We are aware of a transmittal being developed and have heard it should be out within the next week or so.
Unfortunately, the State has not provided a phone number to field your questions. If that changes, we will update you and share the resource. We will continue to update you as we have more clear information. Thank you for your continued patience during this process. Rest assured that your payment will continue to come through us in the interim while these bureaucratic and procedural tangles are dealt with.
Join INW in December for a Community Forum on the Big Changes Happening in Brokerage Services
by independencenw | Nov 24, 2013 | 2013 changes, advocacy, customers, provider organizations, providers
Independence Northwest continues its community outreach on big changes to brokerage and I/DD services in Oregon. Since August, we've held many highly successful community forums presenting to over 300 community members – and we've got two more scheduled for the month of December!
Join us if you'd like to learn more about the K Plan, the upcoming needs assessment requirement, new options for case management, plans for a new universal ISP, changes to provider payment and rates and much more.
Remember to RSVP by calling our front desk 503.546.2950. You may also email us at larry.deal@independencenw.org. Space is limited, so reserve your space at one of our evening or day sessions today!
Big thanks to all the families, customers, providers and community members who have joined us in the past few weeks. Your questions, comments, concern and input continue to make a difference in the restructure of the I/DD system!
Announcing the 1st Annual CUTS FOR A CAUSE Benefit for INW Customers – Sept 22, 2013
by independencenw | Sep 8, 2013 | advocacy, customers, fundraising, resource
We're proud to announce what we hope will become an annual tradition: Cuts For a Cause, an event on Sunday, September 22nd, that will offer free haircuts to our customers and their caregivers and will raise money for our emergency fund, a small pool of money we keep to help out our customers in times of extreme need. We will be partnering for this event with Heritage Barbershop, a newly-opened business that has generously offered the time and talent of its barbers to make this event possible.
Heritage proprietor Brian Porteous is no stranger to giving haircuts to people with disabilities. He spoke to me recently during a haircut of my own about his experiences early in his barbering career in California. "There was a group who came in every couple of months and I learned really quickly that just like everyone else, people with disabilities are all different from one another," he told me. "Next to giving a good cut, a barber's most important skill is communicating with the person in the chair, and that's all about treating every person as an individual."
Space is limited and must be scheduled ahead of time. Please call Rachel at our office (503.546.2950) to schedule an appointment. If the free haircut slots fill up we'd still love it if you'd stop by and say hello. We'll have free popcorn and will be having drawings for prizes every 30 minutes or so. And of course we'll be accepting donations from those of you are able to give a few dollars to what we think is an important cause. We can't thank Heritage Barbershop enough for their support and generosity and look forward to a long partnership with Brian and his barbershop.
If you'd like more information or would like to donate please contact me at 503.546.2950 or ron.spence@independencenw.org
Ron Spence, Operations Director
What: Cuts For a Cause, a fun benefit offering free haircuts to Independence Northwest's customers and their caregivers
Where: Heritage Barbershop, 22137-B East Burnside in Portland
When: Sunday September 22nd from 11 am to 4 pm
Remember, all free haircuts must be schedule ahead of time. Please call today to reserve a spot. Contact Rachel at 503.546.2950.
Sept 09, 2013: FACT's Understanding the IEP Training in Beaverton
by independencenw | Aug 23, 2013 | customers
FREE TRAINING FOR FAMILIES! Understanding the IEP: Development, Process, and Your Critically Important Role on the Team
Monday, September 9th, 2013 – 6:00 – 8:30pm
Beaverton City Library12375 SW 5th St.
How to understand the IEP
How it is developed
Your involvement in the process
Tips and tools for being your child's #1 fan and advocate
Your questions and answers!
Informational flyer (in English)To register, click here, call 1-888-988-FACT, or email registration@factoregon.org with questions or assistance with registration.
Schedule of Upcoming Forums and Events | August & Sept 2013
by independencenw | Aug 16, 2013 | 2013 changes, advocacy, customers, multnomah county, resource, washington county
There have been a lot of announced events in the last couple of weeks. Here's a quick list of what's happening and where (UPDATED 08.22.2013)
August 20th – 6:30pm
Provider Forum at Independence Northwest
Note: This forum is at capacity and is no longer accepting RSVPs. Future forums forthcoming
(Portland) Details
August 21st – 6:30pm
Community Forum at Independence Northwest
Note: This forum is at capacity and is no longer accepting RSVPs.
August 22nd – 6:00pm
Customer and Family Forum with State DD Director Patrice Botsford at Edwards Center
Please RSVP to Dan Peccia at 503.292.7142 x11 or dan@sdri-pdx.org
(Aloha) Details
Craft Night at Independence Northwest
Please RSVP to Melissa at 503.546.2950
Please RSVP to Rachel at 503.546.2950 or rkroll@independencenw.org
September 11th – 6:30pm
September 12th – 10:30am
Keep an eye on our blog for future announcements!
August 22nd, 2013: INW Craft Night Returns! Join Us!
by independencenw | Aug 7, 2013 | customers, resource
Craft Night returns to Independence Northwest!
Join us on August 22nd from 4:30 – 6:00pm here at the INW office (541 NE 20th Avenue Suite 103 in Portland). We'll be making duct tape wallets and other duct tape accessories.
We suggest a $3 donation to go toward supplies, but no one will be turned away because of inability to pay.
Space is limited – please RSVP to Melissa at 503.546.2950 and we'll see you there!
August 22nd, 2013: SDRI Hosting Customer Forum with State DD Director
by independencenw | Aug 7, 2013 | advocacy, customers, k plan, resource
Announcing an upcoming self-advocate and parent meeting with Patrice Botsford, State Director for Oregon's Office of Developmental Disabilities. Many changes are ahead that will affect services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Washington County brokerage SDRI is hosting an evening discussion on August 22nd from 6 – 8pm. Join them to discuss the changes and have your questions answered! The meeting will take place at Edwards Center: 4375 SW Edwards Place in Aloha.
Be sure to RSVP to Dan Peccia at 503.292.7142 x11 or dan@sdri-pdx.org.
Thanks to Dan, SDRI and Edwards Center for pulling this important evening together.


Harley-Davidson reported out on Q1'08 earnings. They had net income of $187.6 million or 79 cents a share down 2.5% from $192.3 million or 74 cents a share in the prior period despite revenue rising 11% to $1.31 billion, from $1.18 billion in 2007.
The impact of the economic slowdown was felt mostly at U.S. retail as dealers' new motorcycle sales declined 12.8% compared to a year ago. As a result, Harley has taken steps to significantly reduce shipments for the rest of this calendar year and reduce the workforce. It now plans to ship 23,000 to 27,000 fewer Harley-Davidson motorcycles in 2008 than it did in 2007.
And did you know that ALL of Harley-Davidson's top execs including current CEO James Ziemer, were NOT paid any bonus for 2007? It's true! Recently released documents show it's the first time in several years that Harley execs have not received a bonus and is a result of the company failing to meet financial performance targets in a year in which the sales and earnings dropped.
So, how does this compare with other companies? These obscene bonus amounts sadly aren't a wild exception. In fact, Harley bonuses were "modest" according to a study by Graef Crystal, a business columnist and compensation expert, where CEO pay rose 22% last year, while the average worker's pay rose by around 3%. For further proof, it doesn't take much of a Google search to learn that Viacom CEO Sumner Redstone took home about $28M, including a bonus of $16.5M, even as his company's stock dropped 11% during the fiscal year. Applied Materials CEO Mike Splinter got a tidy $5M bonus, despite a stock slide of more than 22%. Rick Wagoner, CEO of General Motors, saw GM stock plunge 25%, yet he still pocketed a $2.5M bonus.
I don't like "busting" on Harley especially when they are down, but knowing bonuses were "modest" just didn't make me feel better. Ziemer mixed words like "challenging" and "no signs when things will turn around" frequently during the last analyst call. I'm not sure how a person making $480/hour from their annual bonus alone can say "challenging"…oh, wait he's talking about the company, not his personal struggle to make ends meet!
And speaking of struggle, what about those positions getting "downsized"? Well Thomas E. Bergmann (CFO), quantified the reduction of headcount as 370 or approx 6.5% of the N.A. workforce or if you look at it from the non-production workforce of 360 positions it's approx 10% of the Harley's N.A. motorcycle operations being let go.
It's not exactly clear, but it looks like the overweight, mid-life testosterone driven, on your 3rd marriage with a trophy wife buyers are really drying up and so goes the potential profit gains of my HOG stock portfolio.
Photo courtesy of the HD Museum. The 1981 ad represents the company buyback from AMF ownership.


text:
Lin given distinguished status by chemical engineering institute
Posted by Fulton Schools | Oct 15, 2013 | Faculty, Research
The American Institute of Chemical Engineers has elected ASU professor Jerry Lin to Fellow status, recognizing his international leadership in research, mentorship and education.
Photo: Jessica Slater/ASU
Pioneering research in modern inorganic membrane science has led to Jerry Lin's election to the status of Fellow of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE).
Lin is a Regents' Professor in the School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy, one of the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering at Arizona State University.
AIChE Fellows are elite members, typically with 25 or more years of experience in the field. Selection as a Fellow is "recognition of professional attainment and significant accomplishment in engineering."
In nominating Lin, his colleague Yushan Yan, Distinguished Engineering Professor at the University of Delaware, lauds Lin's "exemplary service to the chemical engineering profession."
Yan notes Lin's leadership as chair of several major national and international science and engineering conferences, as editor of the flagship journal in his research area, the Journal of Membrane Science, and as an advisor to an AIChE chapter.
Yan's research in zeolite films includes membranes, an overlapping area with Lin's expertise. Their teams have benefitted from each other's results in closely related areas of research.
Pioneer in the field
Lin's achievements in fundamental advances in inorganic membrane science for gas separations and adsorption separation technologies have earned him international recognition. He is widely credited with taking the field from an emerging area of science to an established new specialty.
Lin focuses on small molecules including hydrogen, oxygen and carbon dioxide. The work has applications across a number of fields of national and international importance, from producing clean alternative fuel and purifying water supplies to preventing pollution from industrial processes.
"Jerry's work has impacted all major areas of inorganic membrane science, from mesoporous and microporous to dense membranes. His work is particularly important to applications in energy and the environment, including removing pollutants from industrial effluents, capturing CO2 from power plant flue gas, and reducing the costs of oxygen and hydrogen production and purification," says Kyle Squires, director of the School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy.
Separation of hydrogen, oxygen or carbon dioxide from gas mixtures is directly related to many chemical, petroleum and energy production processes. The molecules in the gas mixture are often very similar in chemical or physical properties, making their separation highly energy intensive.
Lin's major research efforts in the past two decades have been on the development of new effective membrane and adsorption processes and understanding the fundamental science these processes are based upon for gas separation.
History of achievement
Lin has received more than $10 million to support his research from the National Science Foundation, the Department of Energy, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Defense, the State of Ohio and industry sources.
His efforts have led to eight patents, 10 book chapters, 230 journal articles, 60 conference proceedings papers and more than 300 conference presentations. His journal articles have been cited more than 6,500 times by other researchers.
Among his greatest achievements, Lin cites the more than 80 graduate students and post-doctoral researchers he has supervised, who have been embarking on their own careers in chemical engineering. While serving as chair of chemical engineering department, he was instrumental in the expansion and improved national ranking of the chemical engineering program at ASU.
"Jerry is dedicated to the profession and to the development of undergraduate students, graduate students and post-doctoral researchers," Squires says. "He maintains the highest standards of academic scholarship."
Lin was named an ASU Regents' Professor in 2012. It's the highest honor bestowed on faculty of Arizona's state universities. He is also a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and current editor of the Journal of Membrane Science.
Among his many awards, he has received the AIChE Institute Award for Excellence in Industrial Gases Technology, BP Faculty Excellence Award, Cheung Kong Scholar award, Sigma Xi Young Investigator Award and a National Science Foundation (NSF) CAREER Award.
Lin joined ASU in 2005 and served as chair of the Department of Chemical Engineering from 2006-2009. Previously, he was a professor of chemical engineering and co-director of the NSF Center for Membrane Applied Science and Technology at the University of Cincinnati, where he joined the faculty in 1991.
He earned a bachelor of science degree from Zhejiang University in China and masters of science and doctoral degrees from Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Massachusetts, all in chemical engineering.
Written by Heather Beshears
Joe Kullman, Joseph.Kullman@asu.edu
PreviousTang's accomplishments lauded by Carnegie Mellon
NextIra A. Fulton Schools of Engineering wins ASU Academic Bowl
Vijay Vittal: 15 years of energizing power systems engineering
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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Kat's signature styles have landed in Australia for another AW season down under.
As specialist's in shoes we are delighted to work closely with Hugo Sheppard and showcase the collection in Melbourne's Emporium.
With their strap line 'So many shoes and so little time' you can check out their website www.hugosheppard.com.au and shop trans seasonally online.
If you're in sunny Melbourne make sure you shop at the stunning Emporium Centre and look out for our collections whilst you're there.


text:
Grill 'em!
By Alex Rush Posted on April 25, 2011
You gotta fight for your right to barbecue!
In the latest battle between Manhattan Beach's famously combative civics groups, Manhattan Beach's oldest organization condemned its off-shoot's plan to ban charcoal grilling in the park, saying all its rival wants to do is keep out non-residents off their peninsula.
"The hope of privatizing Manhattan Beach is still very much alive, and now they speak of preventing people from barbecuing," said Community Group President Ira Zalcman at the group's meeting last Wednesday night. "We should encourage more activities to attract families."
In 2007, former Community Group president Ron Biondo proposed to make the beach exclusive to residents and to charge admission. His controversial idea, which required city approval, never panned out, but the uproar caused by the proposal was one of several reasonswhy Biondo and others broke away from the Community Group to form the Neighborhood Association in 2008, according to Zalcman. Since then, the two groups have become the Hatfield and McCoys of community activism.
"I was appalled at what was happening," Zalcman said. "That's why I ran for president the following year."
The four-year-old Neighborhood Association hasn't discussed privatizing the beach or park, and its leaders deny that the grilling ban has anything to do with keeping the nabe exclusive.
"We have no plans to privatize Manhattan Beach," said Neighborhood Association president Alan Ditchek.
Ditchek claimed that his group wants to remove and prohibit charcoal pits only because they pose a health risk, and pointed out that Zalcman signed a petition in favor of the same ban several years ago.
"The Community Group is being hypocritical and putting both residents and visitors to Manhattan Beach at risk by ignoring the hazards of charcoal grilling," Ditchek said.
But Community Group members say that they gave up the initiative because of a lack of scientific evidence, and questioned reasoning behind the Neighborhood Association's initiative, which is based on a recent study that links air pollution to stroke and cardiovascular disease. The report, published in the March 23 Journal of American Medical Association, doesn't specifically mention charcoal as a source of the pollution.
"Linking barbecue smoke to this report is inaccurate and a quantum leap to an erroneous conclusion," said Community Group member Judy Baron, who initiated the motion to oppose the Neighborhood Association's grilling ban. "I haven't been able to find a scientific study that says barbecue pits are harmful, so the designated barbecue pits should remain for the public to enjoy until further research comes out."
The charcoal grilling issue is just the latest in a series of skirmishes between the two organizations. Last month, Zalcman threatened to sue the city for installing the Oriental Boulevard bike lane, while Neighborhood Association leader Edmund Dweck said that residents should negotiate with the Department of Transportation instead.
New York Family Fun Day & Camp Fair – Manhattan


Your company will have problems executing. The people on your team will make mistakes, and these mistakes will become problems for your clients. Sometimes what you deliver is so wildly at odds with what you sold that you could die from embarrassment.
What's worse, the failures to execute occur most often with new clients. Adding insult to injury, the problems are also bigger when you are right at the beginning of the relationship. For some reason, the bigger the client, the more trouble you have at the beginning. Because you own the outcomes you sold, your phone rings when the train comes off the track.
You wish your team was better. You gave them the killer hand-off, and you wish they'd just execute as promised. Maybe you wish you worked for your competitor. Surely they don't have these problems.
The truth is that your competitor doesn't have it any better than you do. Apple makes the best products on Earth. Walk into the closest Apple Store on a Saturday morning and look at the line of people waiting to get help with their product (subtract the one's with the spider-webbed screens). No one, no matter how good they are, is without their problems and challenges when it comes to serving their clients.
The reality is that business is hard. Execution is difficult. There isn't a single one of your competitors who doesn't have salespeople who share the exact experience you have when it comes to failures. Your competitors have the same challenges delivering the outcomes that they sold, and they are just as unhappy when this happens as you are now. Your competitor's salespeople are no more happy to stand in front of their clients to address the problems their team has executing.
There is one more thing that you and your competitor have in common. You both believe the other's grass is greener.


Cherish this opportunity to see the art of two senior men from the remote South Australian desert, hanging together as one outstanding exhibition. Taylor Cooper and Witjiti George often sit together while painting at their art centre, Kaltjiti Arts, located in Aṉangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands. Both artists use traditional iconography to share their knowledge of country and depict Tjukurpa (Dreaming) stories; both use an earthy palette spliced with vibrant colour. Discover the subtle nuances of their mark making, composition and palette, as they present their works side-by-side – together as friends.


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Jun 23, 2011 • By Kevin Hunt
Thankful to be alive
Given that more than half of the people who died in the Joplin, Mo., tornado on May 22 died in their homes, it's amazing Cedric Davis and his family didn't meet the same fate.
Cedric, a production utility employee at our General Mills manufacturing facility in Joplin, had just gotten home from a baseball tournament that one of his two sons was playing in when the tornado sirens sounded.
In this video interview, he explained to me how he and his family took cover in a hallway in the middle of their house while the tornado's winds tore his home apart.
You can see where that hallway was in the center of this photo of what's left of Cedric's home.
Cedric and his family had to lift walls and other debris in order to uncover themselves.
Once free, Cedric pulled some of his clothes out of a closet to put on some children in his neighborhood who were cold from the rain and wind.
At the same time, a Joplin High School student who had been driving home from her graduation ceremony came up to Cedric and his neighbors and said she couldn't find her mother, who had been sucked out of their vehicle by the tornado.
Cedric helped locate the injured woman in the debris on his street and put her and the girl in his father-in-law's truck and drove them to Freeman Hospital.
Cedric says he keeps asking himself "What if?" when he thinks back to the night of the tornado. He's grateful his family survived.
He also says the tornado taught him the importance of having a storm shelter, and he plans to build one in his family's new house.
Editor's note: We'll conclude our special series of posts featuring our Joplin employees affected by the May 22 tornado, tomorrow. We started our series with this post, featuring some of the experiences of several of our employees.
Post Tags: joplin tornado
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Hammer the road stretch sectors of your ride to get to where you really want to be, the rural chip seal backroads and gravel surfaces far removed from the busy roads that confine the typical road bike with the SES 4.5 AR Industry Nine Disc Wheelset. Ogden, UT's masters of carbon fabrication provide the rims and Asheville, NC's machining maestros at Industry Nine provide the hubs for this made in America wheelset that looks as fast standing still as they feel once you get them rolling. Explore that dirt road offshoot you've been eyeing and know you're equipped with the same hoops that Team Dimension Data rolls on for the cobbles of Roubaix. With excellent tubeless compatibility, rim profiles built to offer an aero advantage with larger tires, and some of the fastest engaging and smoothest rolling hubs we've experienced, these wheels are a brilliant upgrade or the foundation to that all-road dream bike build.
While this wheelset shares much of its name with ENVE's SES 4.5, the SES 4.5 AR isn't just a wider version of its namesake. The impetus of the 4.5 AR was originally driven by the unique challenges of European cobbles and a desire to run big tires without the associated decreases in aerodynamics that happens when pairing them with standard width road rims. ENVE engineers created a whole new carbon layup and rim shape designed to pair with 28-30mm tires, maintain aerodynamics, and make the most out of the 4.5 AR's wide, 25mm internal rim width, disc specific hub pairing, and intended all-road utility. ENVE further tweaks the design with the inclusion of a hookless bead design, inspired by its mountain rims, which increases tubeless reliability and results in a clean tire to rim interaction.
Even with all those changes, the 4.5 AR sees a continuation of ENVE's now signature shallow front and deeper rear wheel pairings. The 4.5 AR features a 49mm front and 55mm rear depth to comingle with its SES 4.5 sibling in the sweet spot between the 3.4 and TT-leaning 7.8 wheelsets. ENVE's wind tunnel and real-world testing indicate that these wheels hold steady in a wide variety of wind conditions and yaw angles, so they bring their all-purpose depth to multi-surface cycling.
While shaping and dimensions are the brand's calling card, ENVE's obsessively clean construction also sets it apart from the herd of carbon competitors. ENVE wraps carbon fiber continuously around a removable bladder to construct the rims, routing the fibers around each hole for a completely intact, precise design that boasts the highest claimed strength-to-weight ratio on the market. As an added step, ENVE removes the bladder for a final product that's both lighter and better balanced than rims that remain packed with molding material. While that extra step of removing the bladder adds time and expense to the manufacturing process, the end result is worth it.


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Why Did Michael Jackson Wear A Glove?
Back in 1983, Michael Jackson had the world spellbound when he performed the moonwalk dance in 1983. The shimmering white gloves sold back in 2009 for $350,000. Jackson is one musician that was worshipped by people all over the world starting from his days with the Jackson five to the time he started raking in Grammy awards. One thing that stood him out of the crowd aside his symbolic moonwalk dance and his beautiful voice was his hand glove. So, why did Michael Jackson wear a glove?
What made Michael Jackson wear a Glove?
One of the most notable features of Jackson's iconic music career was his glove. It should, however, be noted that this glove did not start as a thing of choice. As you may already know, his appearance witnessed a drastic change at a point in time. This is mainly because he suffered from a skin condition known as vitiligo which is a situation where the skin loses its some or all of its pigmentation. It is said that he wears one glove on one of his hands because the condition first started on one of his hands (the left hand). It made its first appearance during the performance of Billie Jean in 1983. The glove was to hide the patches that were soon to spread to other parts of his body. This soon made Jackson lose his African American looks.
Where Is Michael Jackson's Glove?
Jackson had several gloves. For instance, the one which he wore at the very famous Motown 25 performance is stored up in the warehouse along with other possessions. The gloves which were worn for other performances have since been auctioned off and are now in a private collection. A number of them are on display at the Hard Rock Cafes spread across the world. One of them is displayed at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Some of the gloves have however been loaned to some touring exhibits.
Who Was Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson was born on the 29th day of August 1958 and eventually died on the 25th of June 2009. He was an American entertainer who ruled the entertainment scene for more than four decades starting as a child star with the Jackson 5 and then venturing out to become a solo artist. By the middle of the 1980s, it became obvious that Jackson's appearance had begun to change. The changes observed on his face especially his nose brought about speculation that he had carried out cosmetic surgery and soon his skin tone became a lot lighter.
He was however diagnosed with vitiligo which is a skin condition that leads to white patches on a person's skin as well as sensitivity to sunlight. To treat this condition, he made use of makeup and skin whitening creams to hide the effect of the illness. The creams would then make his skin lighter. The lighter skin would go on to cause a lot of criticisms from people who suggested that he was trying hard to become white. He, however, debunked the claim and said he was not bleaching either was he trying to become white.
Jackson's Many Challenges
Michael Jackson and his siblings claimed that they had been abused psychologically and physically by the father. Their father Joe later admitted to having whipped them when they were kids even though he rejected the notion that he abused them. However, the whippings Jackson endured as a child may have caused some of the health issues he had to endure in the latter part of his life. There is speculation from physicians that he suffered from body dysmorphic disorder.
By the 1990s, Jackson had already become quite dependent on prescription drugs such as sedatives and pain killers. This drug use was later traced to burns he had suffered to his skin years ago. With his dependence on drugs, Jackson's health soon deteriorated and he soon went into rehabilitation.
While he was preparing for some comeback concerts which were scheduled to start in 2009, Jackson kicked the bucket after consuming high levels of benzodiazepine intoxication and acute propofol after he suffered a heart attack in 2009. His doctor was sentenced to four years in prison for his death on charges of involuntary manslaughter.
What Was The Issue With Jackson's Skin Color?
Michael Jackson's skin was of medium-brown tone during his youth. However, beginning from the mid-1980s, his skin grew paler. This change in his complexion drew coverage from the media with some people suggesting that he had been bleaching. His dermatologist named Arnold Klein said he saw signs that Jackson suffered from vitiligo in 1983. Also, he claimed to have observed discoid lupus erythematosus on him. The effects of the Vitiligo on Jackson were one that leads to some psychological issues on Jackson.
At some point, some African American experts claimed that Jackson was not a good role model for the black American youths. In 1993, Jackson told Oprah Winfrey that he does not know of anything like skin bleaching and has never seen it. He made it clear that he suffered from vitiligo and was using some techniques to give his skin an even tone. This interview was watched by over 62 million people. This interview also stirred up a public discourse on the issue of vitiligo which was not a known condition back then.
Jackson made it very clear that he was proud to be a black man saying that he loved every race on planet earth.
After his death, some tubes of hydroquinone and benoquin were discovered in his home. These creams are known to be used in the treatment of vitiligo. It is also on record that Jackson covered his skin condition by putting on long pants and long sleeves. Also, Jackson made it a point to avoid putting on patterned clothes to avoid drawing attention to his disorder.
Jackson's Autopsy
The autopsy carried out on Jackson revealed that he suffered from vitiligo. It was discovered that his skin had reduced melanocyte which is the skin cell that is active in skin pigmentation.
It should be noted that vitiligo takes place in three distinct patterns. In the case of segmental depigmentation, only one part of a person's body gets affected. Generalized depigmentation, on the other hand, involves many parts of a person's body. It was however discovered from the autopsy that Jackson had focal depigmentation which is something that happens in a few areas of the body. In the case of Jackson, five areas were detected to have been affected by the condition.
What Cosmetic Procedures Did Jackson Take Part In?
it was discovered over time that Jackson's facial structures started changing. It was speculated by surgeons he had undergone forehead lift, altered lips, and cheekbone surgery. People who were close to the singer claimed that as of 1990 he had passed through ten surgical procedures. But in his book, Jackson claimed that the changes to his facial structure were a result of puberty, weight loss, vegetarian diet, and stage lighting. He came out to deny allegations that he had made some alteration to his eyes.
In 1992, the Daily Mirror published a full-page picture supposedly of Jackson's face and claimed that his face was hideously disfigured as a result of plastic surgery. Jackson filed charges and the issue was settled out of court. Reports in the media, however, stated that the autopsy carried out on him showed a scar on either side of his nostrils and one behind either ear. It was also claimed that he had two scars on his neck. As for his cheekbone, he claimed that he got that from his father's Indian blood.
What Health Concerns Did Jackson Exhibit
As the years went by, Jackson had a few struggles with several medical issues as covered b the media. In 1984, he was treated for a scalp burn after his hair was engulfed with fire while in a shoot. In 2009, he was admitted to the Santa Monica hospital battling chest pains. However, when tests were carried out it was discovered that he had no abnormalities. It was discovered that the pains were a result of dance practice that lead to bruises. Several concerts got canceled as a result of addiction issues.
Every aspect of Jackson's life is worthy of discourse. The gloves he wore were a part of him and his image. The reason he wore his trademark gloves is something that would be debated for years to come. Michael Jackson the legend certainly lives on!
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Click to copyhttps://apnews.com/210d20cf721840c1978de29787e8ca81
War and unrest
War casualties
International incidents
Political activism
S. Korea: 2 Koreas exchange gunfire along border
HYUNG-JIN KIMOctober 19, 2014
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — Troops from the rival Koreas exchanged gunfire Sunday along their heavily fortified border in the second such shooting in less than 10 days, South Korean officials said. There were no reports of injuries or property damage, but the 10 minutes of shooting highlighted rising tensions between the divided countries.
The Koreas' first exchange of gunfire came after North Korea opened fire at balloons carrying anti-Pyongyang leaflets that were floating across the border from the South. Sunday's shootout began after North Korea sent soldiers close to the border line. The move was an attempt by the North to increase worries in the South about what might happen if leafleting continues, analysts say.
South Korean activist groups, mostly made up of North Korean defectors, have been staunch in their vows to continue sending the leaflets, which Pyongyang considers propaganda warfare; one group says it will float about 50,000 on Saturday. North Korea has warned it will take unspecified stronger measures if leafleting continues.
Generals from the sides met at a border village last week in their first military talks in more than three years to discuss how to ease the recent spike in tensions, but the meeting ended with no agreement and no prospects to meet again.
On Sunday, South Korean soldiers broadcast warnings and fired warning shots at about 10 North Korean soldiers who were approaching the military demarcation line inside the 4-kilometer-wide (2.5-mile-wide) Demilitarized Zone that bisects the Korean Peninsula, according to a statement from South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Two shots believed to have been fired by North Korean soldiers were found at a South Korean guard post. South Korean soldiers fired toward the North, the statement said.
South Korean defense officials said the North Korean soldiers turned back after the shooting.
North Korea opened fire on Oct. 10 after activists floated propaganda balloons across the border, following through on a previous threat to attack. There were no reports of casualties from that incident either.
North Korea has repeatedly demanded South Korea ban activists from sending leaflets, which often urge North Korean citizens to rise up against leader Kim Jong Un. South Korea has refused, saying activists are exercising freedom of speech.
Analyst Cheong Seong-chang at the private Sejong Institute think tank said Sunday's gunfire exchange showed North Korea is intentionally escalating military tension to spread fear about possible casualties should leafleting continue. He said North Korea is expected to launch more provocations as long as South Korea doesn't change its position on leafleting.
The latest exchanges of gunfire serve as a reminder of long-running tensions between the Koreas despite earlier hopes of easing animosities after a group of top North Korean officials made a rare visit to South Korea early this month and agreed to resume senior-level talks.
Only days after the North Koreans' visit, navy ships of the two Koreas also traded gunfire near their disputed western sea border, the scene of several bloody maritime skirmishes in recent years.
The Korean Peninsula remains in a technical state of war because the 1950-53 Korean War ended with an armistice, not a peace treaty. About 28,500 U.S. troops are stationed in South Korea.


Gale Walker aka Granny Gale we featured last year on I Am OCR profile. She sent us this short story about an experience at a recent Spartan Race. Sometimes we all need a Trail Angel to help us through.
Just got back from a Spartan Race in Pala, California. Brutal heat, unforgiving climbs (starting with a whopper 5-mile mountain climb for warm-ups…), no shade or wind…all around Beast and 12 miles of it!
I learned my lesson a year and a half ago racing a Spartan near Vegas. Desert conditions, a mountain climb to start, and I wasn't nutritioned up enough for the job. The real culprit for me was salt, oddly enough. I blacked out briefly several times. Didn't feel stable until a few hours post race. And it was only an 8-mile competition.
So when I ventured off to Pala Raceway venue, (my 43rd career Spartan Race), I came prepared. Hydrated, armed with electrolytes, water, chews, protein bar, and salt, of course. To no avail.
I fell victim, as numerous racers did, to the elements. At mile 9 (with only 3 miles left to go) I considered dropping out. This would have been a FIRST. I was dizzy, blacking out, nauseous, was in the throes of heat exhaustion, and that was the pretty side of it. I had been "touched by the devil"…. Although several racers chose to drop out (and it was the right decision for them), I knew I had to continue.
And then I met my angel.
Anna (a 49 year old racer and mom) asked me if I was running alone. Yes, I replied and she replied the same. We decided to be each other's partner until hell turned into heaven at the finish line.
She stood by me (as I fought passing out ). I gently encouraged her (as she threw up her guts on the rocks beside the dusty, sun-parched path).
Without my angel, I would have had a really tough time getting to the finish. Although I'm certain I would have, it was so much better with a new friend. I'm sure she feels the same.
I was touched by the devil, for sure, in that California race. I even drove myself to the hospital two hours after the race because I was still hyperventilating, and blacking out. (I don't recommend driving that way, folks…). But I had a smile on my face, knowing that Anna was my angel and new friend, and that we had helped each other through to the end. That finish line told a story of a journey I may not want to repeat, but wouldn't trade for anything because of my new friend and angel.


2018 has been an interesting year with the macro Brexit politics creating an element of caution in the market combined with several micro political changes including a new housing minister, a new NPPF and the new London Plan consultation. One thing appears clear though in terms of developers' requirements, London is not the only game in town and there has certainly been a more even spread of growth and demand throughout the country which is in contrast to the London and South East focussed demand and growth of recent years.
This is a positive message and while there appears to be a constantly moving political landscape, one thing is certain, there is demand for housing and therefore continued demand for land. 2018 has, in part, seen a shift in how this housing is delivered. Developers have expanded their playing fields and are looking nationally for opportunities as well as providing alternative tenures over and above the typical private and affordable, with those products such as discount market sale, discount market rent, build to rent and co-living having an increased presence.
Most developers are expecting to increase the number of construction starts over the next year in comparison to the previous 12 months. With the recent housebuilder and housing association mergers and acquisitions and an increasing presence of funds investing in the residential market place combined with the Government's push for housing delivery, this intention is unsurprising.
The South East and the Midlands appear to be the key locations of choice for housebuilders at present, and whilst there has been a traditional focus on the larger housebuilders, the Government has made a conscious effort to support the smaller developer over the last 12 months, evidenced by the £1Bn loan scheme agreed with Barclays Bank to support SME housebuilders agreed in September. Furthermore the L&Q Foundation has commenced its BME initiative to focus on smaller sites providing sub 50 units.
Whilst there has been caution around the new homes market, there are still plenty of buyers out there and the recent subdued demand for mortgages combined with new lenders in the market place has in turn led to higher competition resulting in lower rates and higher loan to values being available, therefore making it an attractive time to buy for those in a position to do so. This combined with plenty of demand from developers both small and large suggests all is not ominous.
A significant driver of new build transactions over the past 12 months has been the Help to Buy equity loan scheme, which has supported more than 144,000 new build purchases since its introduction five years ago. The scheme's extension was announced in Q4 of 2018, and will now continue until 2023, but will be restricted to first time buyers only from 2021.
More than 8 out of 10 of the 144,000 new build properties have been bought by first time buyers. This extension has provided much needed clarity, and has been welcomed by most major housebuilders.
Whilst the market is not without its challenges with Brexit on the horizon and the potential impact on labour availability and investor appetite, there is continued demand and clearly there are developers intent on supplying new housing. Housing delivery is a key focus of the Government and the autumn budget proposal to introduce new permitted development rights, allowing commercial buildings to be demolished and redeveloped as housing, is evidence that it is continuing to propose new initiatives to assist developers.