June 9, 2008

CSAVR & NCSAB HOLD SPRING CONFERENCES

The Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation (CSAVR) and the National Council of State Agencies for the Blind (NCSAB) held their Spring Conferences in Bethesda, Maryland, April 20-25, attracting more than 400 participants.  The two organizations hold adjacent conferences twice each year to provide opportunities for administrators, professionals and partners to learn about new trends and issues affecting rehabilitation services for VR agencies and their clients.

The theme of the NCSAB Conference was "Great Practices, Great Results," recognizing that many rehab agencies throughout the country are implementing creative and effective initiatives which lead to improved services and outcomes for clients with disabilities.  The final portion of the NCSAB Conference was a popular "Brag and Steal" session, providing participants an opportunity to share some of their great practices, as well as to learn from others.  The MCB Mini-Adjustment Program was among the creative programs highlighted.  Other "Great Practices" presented at the conference included effective outreach efforts to the eye care community, collaborations to serve veterans, building effective relationships with consumer organizations, creative approaches to serving the DeafBlind, and successful strategies for competitive employment.  Participants also received an update on the federal "Ticket to Work" program.

One of the more provocative topics of the conferences related to the Randolph-Sheppard Act, the federal law under which MCB's Business Enterprise Program (BEP) operates, providing a priority for trained and licensed blind individuals to operate food service businesses in federal facilities.  The controversy centers on an attempt by the U. S. Department of Defense to exempt itself from the Randolph-Sheppard Act in troop dining installations, such as the National Guard Combat Readiness Training Center in Alpena.

Catriona McDonald, representing the Blind Entrepreneurs Alliance (BEA) provided an update to attendees on their efforts to preserve priorities for blind entrepreneurs in such facilities.  While the actions of the Defense Department pose a clear threat to food service providers in troop dining facilities, the action has the potential of adversely affecting operators in other federal facilities as well.  U. S. Senator Carl Levin of Michigan, the Chairman of the Senate's Armed Services Committee, has met with individuals from MCB and its Elected Operators Committee and has been helpful to the cause.

Other highlights of the two conferences included:

·        Updates from the federal Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA), featuring remarks by Tracy Justesen, Assistant Secretary of the Department of Education, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services; William Knudson, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services; Edward Anthony, Acting RSA Commissioner; David Esquith, Director, State Monitoring and Improvement Division; and Beverly Stafford, Director, Training and Services Division.  RSA's new strategic plan, RSA reorganization to provide technical assistance to state agencies and the pending reauthorization of the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) were among the many topics addressed by RSA officials.

·        Kathy West-Evans, CSAVR's Director of Business Relations, presided over a panel presentation on the National Employment Team (NET) and their efforts to engage state VR agencies throughout the country to meet the demands of employers and job seekers with disabilities.  The discussion also centered on the accelerated initiative by the federal government to employ people with disabilities, including comments by Commissioner Rick Byrd, Internal Revenue Service, who detailed new efforts by the IRS to recruit and employ persons who are blind.

·        CSAVR Legislative and Business Awards breakfast was held at the Dirksen Senate Office Building, featuring updates on legislation affecting rehabilitation programs and VR clients.  Numerous awards were presented to exemplary employers for their leadership in promoting the employment of people with disabilities to their employer colleagues.  J. Randolph Lewis, Walgreen's Vice-President for Distribution and Logistics, was honored for his special work in recruitment and his dedication to increasing representation of people with disabilities at Walgreens.  Congressional Awards were also presented to Senators Michael Enzi, Patty Murray and Orrin Hatch.

·        Jaye Shamsiddeen, Director of Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS) led a presentation on the MRS ADA Wizard, a useful marketing tool to assist businesses in understanding the Americans with Disabilities Act and their responsibilities under the federal law.

·        The conferences also featured special sessions for members of State Rehabilitation Councils (SRC) and members of governor-appointed commissions, such as the Michigan Commission for the Blind, to focus on the role these boards, councils and commissions can play in advancing sound public policy for quality rehabilitation services.

·        In addition to agency reports, several partner organizations provided update information, such as the American Foundation for the Blind's (AFB) reports on Senior Site, a popular feature of their web site, and a new addition to the site, Family Connect, a collaboration between AFB and the National Association of Parents of Children who are Blind or Visually Impaired.

·        Several standing committees met during the conferences to focus on particular issues, including employment, technology and alternative techniques, independent living services for the older blind, small business development, human resource development, strategic planning and residential training centers.

In addition to all of the substantive learning opportunities offered by the conferences, attendees also had tremendous networking opportunities with their colleagues from other states.  MCB Vice-Chair Velma Allen and MCB Director Pat Cannon, who is also President-Elect of NCSAB, attended the conferences, as did representatives from Michigan Rehabilitation Services, Department of Labor and Economic Growth.

VISIONS 2008

On Wednesday, May 14, the Michigan Commission for the Blind and the Washtenaw County Library for the Blind and Physically Disabled co-sponsored VISIONS 2008 at the Morris Lawrence Building at Washtenaw Community College in Ann Arbor.  The 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. event, which was free and open to the public, was Michigan's largest vendor fair of technology for people who are blind or visually impaired.  This year's fair was another success in the VISIONS tradition, with nearly 1,000 attendees from throughout Michigan and parts of Ohio and Canada, as well as 72 vendors representing 52 agencies, organizations, and businesses. 

In the morning, Dr. David Zacks of the University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center spoke on "What's New in Eye Therapy?"   Throughout the day, Ann Arbor's Coalition for Voter Access demonstrated the AutoMark voting machine, currently available at polling sites and providing voters with disabilities the opportunity to vote privately and independently.  Vendors throughout the exhibit area provided hands-on demonstrations of their products, including some with the latest technology.

Many people worked to make this fair a success.  The planning committee, chaired by LBPD Librarian and MCB Commissioner Margaret Wolfe, included library staff, MCB staff, and members of the community.  In preparation for Visions 2008, Roberta McCall and Jon Armstrong of MCB worked with LBPD staff to train more than 50 individuals to be sighted assistants, providing this service to attendees upon request.  Tasty snacks, beverages, and sandwiches were available for purchase during the fair through MCB's Business Enterprise Program, thanks to BEP Promotional Agent Joe Pelle and BEP entrepreneur Brad Duda.   MCB staff who worked at the MCB booth and information table included Jon Armstrong, Taletha Crawley, Diamalyn Gaston, Lisa Marchione, Janet McInnis, Roberta McCall, Gwen McNeal, Danielle Smith, Susan Turney, and Nichole Wright. 

The first VISIONS fair was sponsored in 2000 by the Washtenaw County Library for the Blind and Physically Disabled.  MCB first co-sponsored the fair in 2002 and has continued to do so for VISIONS 2004, 2006, and 2008.  This collaboration will continue for the next fair, VISIONS 2010, which will take place on Wednesday, May 12.

MINI -ADJUSTMENT PROGRAM IN TRAVERSE CITY

Nearly 30 Commission clients attended the second Mini-Adjustment Program Workshop of 2008, which was held in Saginaw, May 18-23.  Additional workshops will be held in Farmington Hills, August 24-29, and in Battle Creek this fall.  MCB clients attending the week-long Mini-Adjustment Program workshops were introduced to a variety of skills of blindness, such as cane travel, Braille, managing time and money, adaptive kitchen skills and other skills to enhance independence.

In conjunction with the workshops, the Commission also conducted an Employment Readiness Seminar, May 22, for ten clients who have advanced to the job-readiness stage of their rehabilitation program.  Consumers attending the seminars learned about various approaches to job searching, Michigan Works!, the Talent Bank, interview preparation and resumé development.  They also took part in mock interviews and heard from local employers on their workforce needs.  Additionally, consumers received information about social security benefits and work incentives, as well as information about the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and how it relates to employment of persons with disabilities.

AFB PROMOTES ACCESS TO PRESCRIPTION LABELS

The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) is promoting "Rx Label Enable" to make medication labels and related information accessible to blind individuals.  In today's society, medications-both over the counter and prescription-are an important factor in maintaining health.  However, the print on medication labels and package inserts is typically very small, posing a serious health threat to the 20 million, and growing, Americans experiencing significant vision loss. To address this critical public health issue, AFB has embarked on the Rx Label Enable (www.afb.org/label) campaign to ensure that people with vision loss have ready access to the vital information available to all consumers via prescription labeling and related documentation, enabling them to take medications safely, effectively and independently.  For individuals with vision loss, not being able to read medication labels and related information is a particularly dangerous problem. Currently, people with vision loss must rely on memory, use compensatory strategies or devices, or depend on someone else for help. As a result, many people with vision loss and older adults with reduced visual acuity are unable to "access" important instructions for use and safety information from prescription labels and Consumer Medication Information. Through this campaign, AFB is encouraging individuals with vision loss and their families to complete an online survey telling them about problems they are having with identifying their medications.  AFB plans to use this information to bring about needed policy changes in medication labeling standards.  

There are essentially no federal guidelines for pharmacists to follow in making prescription labels accessible.  As part of the Rx Label Enable Campaign, AFB teamed up with the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists Foundation (ASCP) to develop the "Guidelines for Prescription Labeling and Consumer Medication

Information for Persons with Vision Loss."    The Guidelines provide pharmacists and pharmacies with specific format recommendations for making important medication information accessible to patients with vision loss and will serve as a resource for persons with vision loss and organizations serving this population. They also contain suggestions for making information accessible to people for whom larger print is not useful and general information on assistive technology, resources, and services that pharmacists and pharmacies can share with their patients with vision loss.   For consumers who have trouble reading their medication labels, and pharmacists who want to better serve their customers, information on the Rx Label Enable campaign and the full set of prescription labeling recommendations can be found at www.afb.org/pharmacistguidelines .

DOJ SETTLEMENT TO INCREASE MUSEUM ACCESS

The U. S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced, June 3, a settlement agreement with the International Spy Museum under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).  The Department of Justice and the museum have come to a settlement agreement, under which the museum agrees to work to bring the content of its exhibitions, public programs, and other offerings into full compliance with ADA requirements so that its exhibits are accessible and effectively communicated to individuals with disabilities, including individuals with hearing and vision impairments. By focusing on visitors who are blind or have low vision and who are deaf or hard of hearing, the agreement establishes a new level of access for cultural and informal educational settings.  The agreement will ensure equal access for people with disabilities who want to participate in the educational activities offered by the museum and access to the museum's exhibitions, audiovisual presentations, and programs, as required by law.

According to DOJ, the museum fully cooperated with the Department's investigation and has demonstrated an effort to find innovative solutions to work toward compliance.  It developed a proprietary technology for closed captioning of its audiovisual presentations, and has retained experts to help provide effective access for visitors who are blind or have low vision. When it reaches full compliance with the settlement agreement, the Spy Museum will become a national museum leader in welcoming visitors with disabilities.

Under the settlement agreement the museum will provide:

·        tactile maps of the museum and floor plan that visitors can borrow;

·        regularly scheduled tours with a qualified audio describer to describe audiovisual presentations, computer interactives, or exhibits;

·        a qualified reader to read exhibit labels;

·        captions for all audiovisual, audio-only, and computer interactive programs, or scripts or wall text to communicate the audio narration or ambient sounds where captioning is not an option;

·        a sample of models, and objects or  reproductions of objects for tactile examination accompanied by audio description;

·        sign language and oral interpreter services and real-time captioning, on advance request, for all public programs.

·        advertisement of the availability of auxiliary aids and services;

·        integrated wheelchair seating areas and companion seats at certain locations; and

·        training for supervisors and managers on the ADA.

The settlement is the result of an investigation conducted after the Department received a complaint from a blind individual who visited the museum with a group who found the museum's exhibits and programs to be inaccessible. Title III of the ADA applies to private entities such as museums, restaurants and stores.  It requires that public accommodations ensure that no individual with a disability is discriminated against on the basis of a disability in the full and equal enjoyment of the entities' goods, services and facilities. Where necessary, a public accommodation must also provide appropriate auxiliary aids and services in order to ensure effective communication. Title III also requires removal of barriers to access in existing facilities where it is readily achievable to do so.

Any new construction or alteration to any buildings or facilities, including exhibitions, must be made in such a manner that those buildings or facilities meet the requirements of the physical accessibility standards.  The United States Access Board has formed an advisory committee, which includes MCB Director Pat Cannon, to develop specific standards to achieve accessibility for museum visitors with sensory impairments.

  DVS HOME VIDEO SALES ENDS

Descriptive Video Service (DVS) Home Video, a project begun by Boston public broadcaster WGBH in the early 90's to make movies on video accessible to the nation's blind and visually impaired viewers, ended May 12.  The Hollywood studios have ceased manufacturing VHS or tape versions of films for sale and rental. WGBH's work to make media accessible via description goes on, with efforts focused on television, feature films in theaters, DVDs and online video.

The DVS Home Video effort, started over a decade ago with funding from the U.S. Department of Education, resulted in more than 300 videos made accessible through narration of key visual elements inserted into natural pauses in dialogue.  From the very first DVS Video's debut, the reaction of the blind community was immediate and positive.  Films came alive in a whole new way, and the eagerness for new titles continued to grow.  Many of the videos sold over the years were purchased by libraries and schools, which multiplied the number of individuals and families who took such enjoyment in described movies.

Films are now being distributed for sale and rental on DVD, BluRay DVD and through video on demand (either rental or download to own) services via the Internet.  WGBH's Media Access Group, home to the Descriptive Video Service, has been working to transition the home video efforts to DVD and to these online movie delivery outlets.  Lack of available memory space on DVDs has been stated as the reason why more description tracks, created for theatrical release in the over 300 movie theaters with WGBH's Motion Picture Access® (MoPix®) systems, are not making the migration onto DVDs. WGBH maintains a list of DVDs that have description tracks on them.  Following is a list of links to information about ongoing description work from WGBH:

DVS on Television http://main.wgbh.org/wgbh/pages/mag/services/description/ontv/

DVS in Movie Theaters

www.mopix.org

DVS on DVD http://main.wgbh.org/wgbh/pages/mag/resources/accessible-dvds.html

CONSUMER SERVICES REPORT

Collaboration between MCB and other agencies 

During the past several months, the Consumer Services Division has been very active in working with its community partners to develop and expand vocational opportunities for its consumers.  The staff has been in contact with the Area Agencies on Aging, as well as AARP in which an AARP representative presented the programs to the managers.  Further, some staff has been in contact with community rehabilitation agencies with the objective of working with them to modify MCB's training programs and materials so that these materials are accessible to MCB consumers.  In each of these areas, the potential for collaboration is promising; in fact, these programs are open to working with MCB to explore vocational training as well as placement assistance for consumers.  The AARP program provides training for seniors to acquire additional skills that may lead to gainful employment.  The agency also provides seniors with placement in non-profit agencies to obtain valuable work experience.  This program affords an opportunity for some of MCB's seniors who wish to obtain part time employment.  Efforts are on-going in regards to the establishment of training opportunities with Area Agencies on Aging.  Some of the Area Agencies on Aging continue to express interest in working with MCB and its consumers; although, currently MCB does not have any agreements with them. 

Timeliness of Services 

MCB's policy manual is in accordance with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended in 1998, which states that an individual must be determined eligible for rehabilitation services within 60 days of expressed interest in services.  The eligibility is determined by an appropriate eye examination report that indicates legal blindness provided by an ophthalmologist or optometrist.  The Comprehensive Assessment of Rehabilitation Needs ( CARN) provides additional information regarding an individual's physical, emotional, educational, psychological, and social aspects.  This information enables the counselor to adequately assess the consumer's eligibility and determine the vocational needs.  Medical documentation may be obtained after consultation with the consumer and the discussion of a specific vocational goal.  The medical reports provide information that assist in determining limitations as it relates to specific vocational training. 

The Individual Plan for Employment (IPE) is developed by the consumer and counselor that specifically outline the vocational goal, service dates, as well as cost of services.  The IPE must be developed within 90 days after eligibility determination.  The federal regulations provide information regarding timeliness for the development of the IPE based on the 1998 amendments.  MCB, in conjunction with the Rehabilitation Services Administration representatives, provided training regarding the interpretation of the regulations governing the amendments and established the 90 day criteria for the development of the IPE.  The Individualized Plan for Employment itemizes the services, as well as any equipment recommended to assist the individual in the achievement of their vocational goal.  Timelines are identified in the IPE regarding the services. 

Staff Training

MCB's staff is provided with training regarding the eligibility requirements and the plan development requirements in the components of the IPE, as well as case management training.  The staff receives individualized training and group training regarding these rehabilitation requirements.  New staff receives approximately nine weeks of training regarding MCB's policies, procedures, as well as the rehabilitation amendments and the familiarization of community services.  The expectations are that the staff will provide timely services to all eligible consumers based on MCB's policy and procedure manual.  MCB's manual is in compliance with the rehabilitation amendments in the provisions of rehabilitation services to persons that are blind and visually impaired.  Managers provide individual consultations with staff to discuss program procedures and practices.  They also conduct random case reviews and other system generated documentations to assure timeliness of services, and provide frequent staff meetings to allow staff to discuss concerns regarding service provisions. Staff meetings also provide training by inviting local community partners to participate in the meetings.

Grievance Process

If a consumer has a complaint regarding services, he or she may contact the manager of the specific office and request an administrative review.  The staff person will offer the Client Assistance Program ( CAP) information to the consumer for further discussion of the complaint.  If the consumer is not satisfied with the results of the administrative review, he or she may request a fair hearing regarding the complaint in writing to the administrative coordinator.  The administrative coordinator sends the complaint to the State Office of Administrative Hearings and Rules (SOAHR).  Once SOAHR receives the written complaint, they will provide MCB and the consumer with a hearing date.

MCB 's Outreach Activities

The Consumer Services staff continues to reach out to the community to become involved in a variety of activities to enhance program accessibility for its consumers.  The staff has been involved in community projects such as, a health fair at the Bethel AME Church where MCB provided information regarding the programs and eligibility requirements for services to persons that are blind and visually impaired.  This activity was an outreach activity to a minority population in Saginaw.  A staff person participated in the Tri-City Business Expo where a variety of business owners and employers displayed information and employers announced job opportunities for job seekers.  The MCB staff person objective was to obtain information regarding job leads and to establish relationships with the various employers. The Wrestlers Hall of Fame was attended by a staff person to recognize a consumer in his achievement.  Several presentations were given at meal sites for seniors in Oscoda and West Branch counties regarding MCB services.  A transition fair in Sault St. Marie was attended by the U.P. staff and West Region Manager. The transition fair provided an opportunity for students and especially blind and visually impaired individuals to access information regarding community agencies, employers, and MCB services.

The East Region Manager participated in the Governor's Small Business Council.  The objective is to become familiar with small businesses in the local area in order that a working relationship may be established with them.  The overall goal is to be able to provide employment opportunities for MCB consumers.  She also co-sponsors a partnership forum with the Macomb County MRS offices.  This forum created an opportunity for several community agencies and organizations to present ideas and possible solutions to work together in the elimination of duplications and gaps in providing employment opportunities for persons with disabilities.  Several small groups were established to work on such things as transportation, skill training and marketing the abilities of persons with disabilities.  As a result of the partnership forum, a meeting with United Cerebral Palsy was conducted to discuss job development and service provision.

Match Agreements 

The Assistant East Region Manager continues to work with the intermediate school district (ISD) in the central part of the east region for the purpose of developing transition programs.  An agreement with Ingham and Eaton ISD's has been completed.  A summer program was developed as a result of a cash match agreement for students in these school districts.  Through the collaboration with the Ingham and Eaton ISD's, a certified match was secured that will enable MCB to provide more rehabilitation services.  Washtenaw, St. Clair and Genesee counties all have been approached regarding certified match agreements for the same purpose.  These agreements are in various stages of development at this time.  Staff is also in discussion with Macomb and Oakland ISD's to initiate certified match agreements.

Summer Programs 

The Michigan Commission for the Blind continues to promote transition activities for youths.  This is reflected in the variety of summer transition activities within the state.  Transition opportunities are available for students in Kent and Ottawa counties.  The Summer in the City program provides an opportunity for youths to become involved in transition activities emphasizing daily living skills and employment skill development.  The Career Club will provide transition opportunities for students in Ingham and
Eaton counties in collaboration with Peckham, Inc., Eaton and Ingham ISD's and MCB.  The program will provide the students with such activities as team building skills, career planning, practice interviewing, application processing, etc.  The Summer Employment Excursion program will enable students to have the opportunity to explore career possibilities, develop resumés, and work with mentors in the community who have disabilities, discuss adult daily living skills, improve socialization skills, job shadow and gain valuable work experience. This program is sponsored by Genesee Intermediate School District and the Michigan Commission for the Blind.  The Bear Lake Camp is a one-day activity in Lapeer County.  The camp will provide simulated employment activities for school age youths and other activities of daily living. The Detroit Summer Youth Program focuses on transition activities for students who are visually impaired and blind.  This is a collaborative venture between Detroit Public Schools, Wayne RESA, and MCB.  A major component of the program provides youths with opportunity to gain actual work experience in a variety of agencies and organizations throughout the area.  The program also provides some technical training, daily living activities and recreational experiences.  Macomb Intermediate School District 's "Summer Fest 2008".  This program will focus on the areas from the Expanded Core Curriculum for Students with Visual Impairments (independent living skills, community based experiences, activities of daily living, recreation and leisure, obtaining information about community resources, etc.)  to promote independence.  Michigan Commission for the Blind's "Summer Independent Living Skills Camp 2008" . This Summer Camp's mission is to offer students ages 14-26, who are legally blind, and a part of the Cash Match Student Transition Program in Macomb, an opportunity to develop, improve, and increase their exposure to the community, increase self-reliance skills, focus on independent living skills, activities of daily living, and increasing professional "soft skills" needed in obtaining competitive employment.  The Quest for Success program is provided in collaboration with OUB, Department of Education and the Michigan Commission for the Blind.  The program is for high school transitioning students that provides a week-long experience combining the fun and activity of summer camp with the chance to learn some of the invaluable skills in Braille, access technology, travel skills, cooking and organizational management, as well as fun evening activities. The College Prep Program will be held at Western Michigan University that will give high school students an opportunity to experience college life and to participate in college classes and other activities on the campus.

The American Printing House (APH) Federal Quota Census provides MCB each year with the number of students that are legally blind in the state.  The data identifies the students that are in grades and ungraded.  Therefore, MCB utilizes this data to initiate dialogue with the various intermediate school districts to develop transitional programs. As a result of the information, MCB was able to develop eight summer transition programs for these students.  MCB will continue to work with the intermediate school districts to identify as many visually impaired individuals as possible in order that they may be able to participate in the various transition programs.

One of the east region staff developed a Transition Day in conjunction with the Saginaw Mini Adjustment.  Several students and their teachers attended the program and expressed the appreciation for the information that was shared at the meeting.  In fact, the instructors and students expressed an interest in this type of a transition day to be expanded to other parts of the state.  The teachers would like for it to take place in the fall, rather than the spring because of the multiple activities occurring at the end of the school year.  MCB conducted an Employment Readiness Seminar (ERS) in connection with the Mini Adjustment program in Saginaw during the month of May.  There were 10 individuals that participated in the program.  The ERS provides participants with information regarding interviewing techniques, information regarding Michigan Works! and the social security incentives to assist individuals in obtaining employment.

The Business Enterprise Program Summer Work Opportunity Program (BEP SWOP) 

The Consumer Services Division and the Business Enterprise Program worked collaboratively to provide summer work experience for youths ages 15-22.  Through this collaborative effort, nine individuals will have an opportunity to gain valuable work experience through BEP.  These individuals are high school and college students.  The individuals participating in this program will receive compensation for their summer work.  The staff will receive reports from the BEP operator regarding the performance of the individuals.

Director of Consumer Services

The Consumer Services Director continues to work with the Veterans Administration, Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS) and the Michigan Commission on Disability Concerns in the completion and implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding to provide vocational rehabilitation services to veterans.  The agreement between MRS, the Department of Corrections and MCB for the Michigan Prison ReEntry Initiative (MPRI) is ready for implementation.  Discussion is taking place in regards to MCB's involvement in the eighteen teams throughout the state.  After identifying liaisons for these teams, initial training will be scheduled for staff and role out will follow the training.  MCB participated in the Leadership Council meeting with MRS.  The Leadership Council is a collaborative activity that allows both agencies to discuss common concerns.  It also provides a venue to discuss ways to improve services to consumers with the focus on improved employment outcomes.

The Michigan Commission for the Blind was presented with a 2007 Community Partnership Merit Finalist Award from Mutual of America on April 23, 2008 in Pontiac, Michigan.  MCB received the award for the Soft Skills Curriculum Training Project with New Horizons in Auburn Hills, done in collaboration with Michigan Rehabilitation Services. This award is a direct result of collaboration with community partners in the promotion of soft skills curriculums that are so important in assisting individuals with disabilities to obtain and maintain employment.  MCB continues to participate in the soft skills workgroup as one of the three identified teams resulting from the partnership forum.  The award certificate states that the award is presented "for being an outstanding example of leadership in the facilitation of partnerships between public, private and social sector organizations to build better communities for the future."  As a result of the project a soft skills curriculum has been developed for special education students and MCB will work to involve as many students in the program as possible. Leamon Jones, MCB's Consumer Services Director received recognition for his participation in the program.  

MCB TRAINING CENTER REPORT

STAFFING

Assistant Director:  In April, 2008, Bruce Schultz received a promotion to the position of Rehabilitation Manager 14, with the working title of Assistant Training Center Director.  Bruce now oversees the dietary and support services divisions at the Center, while continuing to manage one of the two rehabilitation counselor caseloads.  Bruce's talent and experience are well suited to this managerial post, and his new role has already added greatly to the efficiency and excellence of the Training Center.  Bruce continues to juggle much more than a full-time work load, as he serves as counselor to nearly half of the student body, acts as BEP liaison, and shepherds the Center's developing gardening and courtyard renewal project. 

Rehabilitation Teacher:  The TC will soon announce the addition of a new teacher at the Center. This new teacher will be working in support services during afternoons and evenings, assisting students in integrating the skills they are learning into their lives. 

Fond Farewell:  On Friday May 16^th, the Training Center staff hosted a grand send-off, in the guise of a retirement party for Roger Yake.  After devoting more than thirty years of outstanding talent, teaching, counseling and wisdom to his work with the MCB, Roger decided to trade his laptop computer for the open road.  He and his wife Kathy, plan to travel, relax and travel some more.  Roger and his expertise are already greatly missed at the Training Center. 

More Good-byes:  Will Droll, who has served the Training Center as its industrial arts instructor for the past seven years, has found it necessary to take a medical retirement from state service, effective in April, 2008.  Will brought energy and enthusiasm to his work and will be much missed.  The Center is most fortunate that Jim Baird, who retired a year ago, is willing and able to substitute in the wood shop until a new instructor can be hired.

Also in April, Regina Wesley has left the Training Center due to health reasons.  Regina was an outstanding counselor and role model for the students whom she served.  Her zest for life was contagious and she loved to find things to celebrate.  This lively spirit will also be missed at the Center.

CURRICULUM

Life Skills Class:  The Communications class, formerly taught at the TC, has been redesigned, and its curriculum streamlined into one four-week class.  This class, called Life Skills, covers everything from Newsline for the Blind and the National Library Service for the Blind & Physically Handicapped, to sewing.  A trip to the Kalamazoo public library has been added as well, encouraging students to find and utilize services that are available in the mainstream of their communities. 

COMMUNITY PARTNERS

Leader Dog:  For the second year running, the Training Center welcomed a team of instructors from Leader Dog, for a day of education and partnership.  Dave Greenwald kicked off the morning, with a presentation about the ups and downs, pros and cons, trials and triumphs of being a dog guide user.  Following Dave, the excellent team from Rochester provided an overview of the services now available at Leader Dog.  In the afternoon, students and staff had the opportunity to work with the Trekker GPS system and to spend some time walking with a dog guide. This event offers students a rare glimpse into what it means to commit to using a dog as a travel tool.  While some students strengthened their resolve to pursue Leader Dog training, others discovered their preference for a white cane.  The strengthening partnership between the Training Center and Leader Dog was further enhanced by this excellent experience. 

Collaborations in Creativity:  Several months ago, Mary Zemlick entered into a partnership with art students from Kalamazoo College.  The result has been one of the most popular classes to happen at the Training Center in a long time.  Clay class has met twice each week, and again on most Saturday mornings, since March.  Students have created some amazing art along the way.  After completing the empty Bowls project (see the February MCBTC Report), students began to make items of their own design, some of which will remain at the Center, gracing the walls inside, and the courtyard outside as well.  Visitors to Kalamazoo will be able to see many of these creations, as they appear throughout the building, during the coming months.    

TRAINING CENTER STATISTICS FOR FY 2007

This report will identify the number of individuals who received services at the MCB Training Center during FY 2007.  It will also provide the total number of weeks of service provided at the facility. 

PERSONS SERVED:  

·        287 individuals received one or more services at the Training Center during 2007. 

(7 of these were new employees participating in their 2-week training, and 1 was a community partner who received training.)

·        120 customers participated in the mini adjustment program during 2007.  

(41 of these were VR customers, including 1 individual who is Deaf-blind, and 79 were in the IL program). 

·        18 Mini Adjustment participants also received TC services within FY 2007.

For purposes of statistical accuracy, the actual number of persons attending the TC during 2007, (287) differs from the number of program participants during that same time period.   

Approximately 40% of those who came to the TC during FY 2007 were repeat customers.  Many of these individuals participated in more than one program during the period, and many others attended at two separate times, participating in the same program.   Therefore, customers are counted more than once in a particular category (IL, VR), if they participated in multiple programs, or visited the TC more than once during the rating period.   

·        VR clients: 329 (includes personal adjustment training, evaluations, and BEP participants)

·        IL clients: 58 (includes personal adjustment training, evaluations, and BEP participants)

·        Total VR and IL Clients in all programs - 387

WEEKS OF SERVICE

For purposes of determining total weeks of service provided, an individual must be counted for each program in which he/she participates, because no one may participate in two programs during the same week.  Consequently, individuals are counted multiple times, if they participated in multiple programs at the TC. 

Below you will find a small table.  The left column contains the number of weeks of service received by MCB customers.  The right column indicates the corresponding programs provided by the TC and/or operated at this facility. 

Weeks     PROGRAM

1,111.5      Personal Adjustment

      48        BEP Assessment

      46        BEP Math Class

      66        College Assessments

    119        BEP Training (TC room & board) 

    213        Total BEP-Related Programs

1,271         Total TC operated programs

1,390         Total TC-based programs.

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES REPORT

Budget News

The budget through May 31^st is in very good shape.  Total funds expended and encumbered are $12,574,628 which is sixty percent of the budget sixty-six percent of the way through the fiscal year.   On another budget highlight, Beth White has secured two Certified Matching Agreements with Intermediate School Districts in her region.  There are also two additional agreements in the works.  These agreements have the potential of resolving our matching deficit for this fiscal year and will assist with matching funds for the future.   Beth should be commended for her diligent work in securing these agreements.  She has also worked tenaciously in setting up several Cash Match Agreements that have resulted in additional services for clients and match money.   It is anticipated that funding will be needed next year to begin to replace aging computers in the agency.  Most of the agency computers are at least four years old.  These machines are beginning to fail and are no longer under warranty.

Telephony System      

The long awaited Telephony System that allows BEP operators to input there monthly stand reports is finally in production.  It is anticipated that this system will be a great tool for the operators.   MCB is also ready to begin to roll out the System 7 payment interface with the State of Michigan's MAIN accounting system.  This is a batch processing system that has been in testing mode for several months.  Final approvals are in the works.  The plan is to begin implementation one office at a time starting with the Lansing Office.  This process will streamline the purchasing for all VR, IL and YLV support staff saving time and money. 

HR

There are currently several job vacancies being processed to fill. Interviews have been completed and steps are being taken to fill a Blind Rehabilitation Instructor at the MCB Training Center.  The Blind Rehabilitation Instructor position in Gaylord is being changed to a Rehabilitation Counselor position because we must have a counselor in that area. Steps are being taken to establish the new position and once that's worked its way through the system, the position will be posted on the Civil Service website. Finally, steps are being taken to establish some student assistant positions at the Training Center. This is in the earliest stages.   

Training

Plans are being finalized for a one day diversity training program in October. The presenters will be Carl Flowers and Linda Hedenblad from the Region V RCEP at Southern Illinois University. There will be three different dates - October 20, 21, and 22 - and staff will be asked to select one of these dates to participate. All three sessions will be in Lansing.

The Michigan Rehabilitation Conference is scheduled for November 5-7 at the Grand Traverse Resort. More information about the program will be sent out in a couple months along with a request for interested staff to notify Bob Robertson. The hope is that all who are interested will be able to attend but the current budget situation will determine attendance.

Program Evaluation

A survey of former consumers whose cases were closed successfully will be done as soon as the survey instrument can be finalized. Much input from a variety of sources has been garnered and along with some guidance from Professor Brenda Cavanaugh at Mississippi State University, the plan is to gather satisfaction information from VR and IL consumers regarding their experiences with MCB. The survey will be a phone survey and will be done by staff from the Commission on Disability Concerns.

  April 2008: Blindness Prevention and Services Month in Michigan

April 2008 was Blindness Prevention and Services Month in Michigan, proclaimed by Governor Jennifer M. Granholm for the second consecutive year.  The month is designated to spotlight the close collaboration between Michigan eye care professionals and the Michigan Commission for the Blind, who work together to ensure that MCB services are available to eye care patients at the time when vision loss first occurs. The month was highlighted by MCB Director Pat Cannon's April 4 visit to the Michigan College of Optometry at Ferris State University in Big Rapids and an April 23 performance in Lansing by Tom Sullivan, an actor, singer, entertainer, author and producer who is also blind.

On April 4, Pat Cannon gave his third annual presentation on blindness awareness and MCB services to a senior-level class at the Michigan College of Optometry at Ferris State University.  This year's presentation was to 33 future optometrists in Dr. Sarah Hinkley's class.  The presentation included a blindness awareness survey, stories from his own life experiences, a discussion of the stereotypes related to blindness, an overview of audio description and access, a video titled What Do You Do When You See a Blind Person, and the MCB video, followed by a time for questions and answers.  After the class, a student asked for MCB's assistance with a survey regarding the availability of technology for people who are blind or visually impaired.  Later that month, a number of MCB staff and consumers participated in the survey and provided useful information.

On April 23, about 120 people, including blind and visually impaired students from mid-Michigan, attended a free performance by Tom Sullivan at the Lansing Center.  Sullivan was interviewed a few days before his performance by Walt Sorg of AM Lansing, a morning radio program on WILS 1320 AM, talking about his performance as a part of Blindness Prevention and Services Month in Michigan.  Sullivan's performance was hosted jointly by the Michigan Commission for the Blind ( MCB), the Michigan Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons (MSEPS), Leader Dogs for the Blind, and the Detroit Institute of Ophthalmology.  Before the performance, visitors had the opportunity to visit information tables hosted by participating organizations as well as Opportunities Unlimited for the Blind, the National Federation of the Blind of Michigan, and Newsline for the Blind.  DLEG Director Keith Cooley, Leamon Jones, and Susan Turney were there representing the commission and the Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth (DLEG).  During his performance, Tom Sullivan spoke, sang, played piano, and showed excerpts of a movie based on his life.

Later that week, MCB received a letter from a special education teacher for the visually impaired who said, "I brought a student to see Tom Sullivan and even grabbed him for a moment to get a picture of the two of them together afterwards.  Thanks for letting me know about this. . . I think seeing Tom Sullivan had a positive influence on [my student].  It was very important for me to bring [him] there."

MCB Receives Leadership Awards

MCB has been presented with two leadership awards this spring: 

The Michigan Quality Council presented MCB with the Michigan Quality Leadership Navigator Award at Cleary University Johnson Center in Howell March 26.  Additional  information about this award is on the MCB website in the March MCB Report (under MCB Board) and the March 31 MCB press release (under Press Room). 

On April 23 in Pontiac, the Michigan Commission for the Blind received a 2007 Community Partnership Merit Finalist Award from Mutual of America.  MCB was honored for the Soft Skills Curriculum Training Project with New Horizons in Auburn Hills, done in collaboration with Michigan Rehabilitation Services.  The award certificate states that the award is presented "for being an outstanding example of leadership in the facilitation of partnerships between public, private and social sector organizations to build better communities for the future."  The project was designed to train people with disabilities in what are known as "soft skills" of employment, including getting to work on time, dressing appropriately, working well with others, communicating effectively, cooperating with supervisors, etc.  Special education students learn soft skills in a two-week Career Awareness Program, and a one-year Transition Program has also been developed and implemented in 13 of Michigan's high school special education programs.

Additional Communications and Outreach Activities

MCB was a co-sponsor of the semi-annual Job Expo, held March 18 at the Lansing Center.  At the expo, employers learned about MCB's business services, and interested job seekers learned about MCB's vocational rehabilitation program for themselves or eligible relatives or friends. 

The MCB general brochure, titled Welcome to the Michigan Commission for the Blind , has been reprinted due to popular demand.  In addition to the reprinted English version, this publication is available in print in Spanish and Arabic, and in alternative formats including Braille, audio, Microsoft Word file, and larger print. 

On April 16, Susan Turney, Roberta McCall, and Jon Armstrong staffed an information table at the Grandhaven Manor Health Fair in Lansing, and several eligible residents completed applications to receive MCB services.

Pat Cannon was interviewed on June 2 by Dave Jaconette of WKZO AM 590 in Kalamazoo regarding the accessibility deficiencies of the U.S. currency to people who are blind.  This topic has been in the news since May 20, when a federal appeals court ruled that the U.S. Treasury Department discriminates against people who are blind by producing currency that cannot be identified independently without vision.

Plans for celebrating MCB's 30^th anniversary are under way, including individual celebrations at field offices and a statewide celebration at the MCB Training Center. 

BUSINESS ENTERPRISE PROGRAM REPORT

OPERATOR ACTIVITIES

Annual Workshop

The Elected Committee hosted the annual 2008 workshop on April 11 - 13 at the Holiday Inn West in Lansing.  The workshop theme was "Your Future and the Future of BEP".  While operator attendance was very good, attendees had the pleasure of welcoming Commissioner Geri Taeckens to the workshop.  The program and the operators appreciate Commissioner Taeckens taking time from her busy personal life to learn more about the program.  Always one of the highlights of the workshop is the selection of the operator of the year.  This year, because there are many outstanding operators, 4 regional operators were selected by their peers.  Deborah Bell was selected as the operator of the year in Region 1 (southeast Michigan).  Bill Younce was selected as operator of the year in Region 2 (northeast Lower Peninsula and Upper Peninsula).  Richard Heisser was selected as operator of the year in Region 3 (central Michigan).  And, Mike Goudeseune was selected as operator of the year in Region 4 (west Michigan).  These outstanding blind entrepreneurs were honored at the workshop banquet, and will be recognized again at the June Commission Board meeting.

Customer Satisfaction Survey

Shortly, the BEP program will conduct its customer satisfaction survey.  This year, the survey will be conducted by telephone.  In an effort to ensure operator anonymity, the survey will be conducted by the Michigan Commission on Disability Concerns on behalf of the Business Enterprise Program.   It is expected results can be presented to the Commission Board in a future BEP report.

NEWLY ESTABLISHED BEP FACILITIES

Joint Reserve Training Center

Operation of the new Michigan National Guard Joint Reserve Training Center commenced on May 1, 2008.  Rutherford Beard has assumed responsibility for this new facility.  Although the Training Center itself will house only about 300 employees, it is part of a complex of buildings which will house an additional 500 to 600 employees.  The operator will be serving breakfast and lunch to both military and civilian personnel.  And, the program hopes to capture catering business for meeting and training sessions conducted in the complex.  The operator faced a challenge early on in his operation of the facility, the Adjutant General hosted Pride Day.  On that day, employees took time out from their traditional work to devote some time to improving the physical facility and grounds.  Employees picked up trash, planted flowers, etc.  The Adjutant General provided pizza for the Pride Day participants.  B E P staff "gently" pointed out that the licensee would have been happy to provide the pizzas.  At that point while it was impossible for the licensee to provide the pizzas, he did bake several hundred cookies for the event.  He also took a step above and beyond the expectation, and popped popcorn and distributed it at no charge to the Pride Day workers.  Clipped to the popcorn bags were various coupons such as 10% off a breakfast, 15% off a lunch. 

U S P S Metroplex

The new Pontiac area Metroplex postal facility is partially on-line as of this writing.  Rob Essenberg assumed responsibility for this facility on May 24^th.  The Postal Service has commenced moving in small groups of employees and expects to have 940 employees on site by July 14^th.  The licensee is operating the vending and catering some lunches for employees in training.   Upon receipt of approval by the local health department, cafeteria operation will commence. 

MCB LIST SERVE OFFERS DIALOGUE OPPORTUNITIES

The MCB Vision 2020 listserv is an e-mail distribution list for MCB information as well as other topics related to blindness.  Anyone can join the list free of charge to receive and send e-mail messages on these topics.  MCB press releases and commission meeting agendas are sent to all members of the list, and all members can send blindness-related news stories, information, and topics for discussion.

Subscribing to and unsubscribing from the list are both simple processes, and the instructions are printed below and on the MCB website's Resources page.

To subscribe, send an e-mail message with LISTSERV@LISTSERV.MICHIGAN.GOV in the address (or To:) field,  SUB MCB2020-L in the subject field, and SUBSCRIBE MCB2020-L <your name> in the message area of the e-mail (for example, SUBSCRIBE MCB2020-L John Doe).

To send an e-mail message to everyone on the subscriber list, put MCB2020-L@LISTSERV.MICHIGAN.GOV in the address (To:) field of your e-mail.  Then complete and send the e-mail.  Within a few seconds, you'll receive an email asking you to click on a link to confirm that you sent an e-mail message to the listserv.  Your e-mail message will then go to the list moderator, who will read it and send it to all members of the list.  The confirmation and review steps are to ensure that list members do not receive spam through the listserv.

To unsubscribe from the list, send an e-mail message with LISTSERV@LISTSERV.MICHIGAN.GOV in the address (To:) field and UNSUB MCB2020-L in the message area.

Members of the listserv receive a monthly email with the listserv's Purpose Statement and Participant Guidelines, which are also posted on the MCB website's Resources page under " MCB Vision 2020 Listserv-Subscribe Here ."