MCB REPORT

October 7, 2004

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND ECONOMIC GROWTH UPDATE/MCB ALL STAFF MEETING

At the "State of DLEG" meeting held in Lansing on September 22nd, Mayor David Hollister, director of the Department of Labor and Economic Growth, provided a brief overview of some of the initiatives undertaken by the new department in the past year, as well as expressing his appreciation for the excellent participation by all DLEG employees in the department's Vision and Values initiative.  The State of DLEG meeting was attended by all bureau directors as well as ambassador representatives from each bureau. 

As a follow up to the “State of DLEG” meeting, Director Hollister asked each bureau of the department to conduct an all-staff meeting to ensure that all employees in the department are apprised of several DLEG initiatives and have an opportunity to hear how each bureau’s Action Plan aligns with the DLEG and Governor’s Action Plans for the State of Michigan.  MCB has scheduled a meeting of the MCB staff on Friday, October 8, from 9:30 until approximately 10:15, via telephone conference.  Mr. Jim Smiertka, the DLEG Organization Development Officer, will participate in that conference and assist in updating the MCB staff on the state of DLEG.  This conference will coincide with a meeting the MCB Planning and Quality (PAQ) team.

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY ACT REAUTHORIZATION SET FOR FINAL PASSAGE

Legislation to reauthorize the Assistive Technology Act passed the floor of the U. S. Senate under unanimous consent, September 30, and is now ready for final approval in the House of Representatives.  The bipartisan bill, entitled Improving Access to Assistive Technology for Individuals with Disabilities Act of 2004, is critically important for individuals with disabilities and their ability to attend school, maintain employment and live independently.  The bill includes a permanent continuation of the state grant program with no sunset provision.  It is expected that the measure will receive final Congressional approval by mid-October and be signed into law by the President.

BLIND CONSUMER ORGANIZATIONS HOLD FALL CONVENTIONS

Michigan’s two major blind consumer organizations have scheduled their annual fall conventions, providing blind consumers, advocates and service providers with an opportunity to focus on a variety of blindness issues facing persons who are blind in Michigan.  The weekend conferences also provide attendees the opportunity to learn, network, brainstorm and socialize.

The Michigan Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired (MCBVI), affiliated with the American Council of the Blind, held its convention, September 30 through October 3, Wyoming, Michigan, near Grand Rapids.  The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) of Michigan will hold its three-day convention in Midland, November 12-14.

NEW TRAINING CENTER CLASS WOWS STUDENTS

A new class started one year ago at the Michigan Commission for the Blind Training Center has already been declared a success by students and staff.  The name of the class is World of Work, but it’s fondly known by its acronym, “WOW.” 

According to Lynne Hall, an MCB occupational therapist, “The class provides students with the opportunity to explore many of the components involved in the working world, such as writing resumes, cover letters and thank-you notes; filling out a job application; going to interviews; and presenting themselves well.  Students also learn about their strengths, weaknesses and learning style.  Comments from past students indicate that this is a challenging, informative class, and staff are always looking for ways to make the class even better.”

The class meets four days a week for one hour over a four-week period. There have been a total of five classes completed. Class size ranges from three to five students.  Students are selected by the counselors to participate in the class, or they may be referred by their home counselor.  Students are encouraged to do most of their work using a computer. 

On the first day of class, students are given a floppy disk with a multitude of information including articles on topics related to work; examples of good resumes, cover letters, and thank-you notes; a list of questions typically asked in an interview, questions a person might ask of an interviewer, guidelines to students for presenting themselves well, and assignments.

There are required assignments for the WOW class.  The first week, each student is required to write a paper about his or her life, with emphasis on jobs held, favorite classes taken, and what direction he or she would like to take in the future.  This assignment was suggested by the first class, and all classes since have agreed it is a helpful way to organize thoughts and gain perspective.

During the first week, students use a checklist to rate themselves on skills and qualities.  At the end of the week, each student has found out several strengths and several weaknesses.  Their next assignment is to examine the strengths and find a story or past experience that showcases that strength.  This information can then be used in an interview.  They also must take a weakness and tell how they will take steps to change it.  Sherry Gordon usually comes to talk about job accommodations and how to talk about visual impairment in an interview.

During the second week, resumes and cover letters are discussed and created, usually using the Michigan Works! Web site, and filling out a job application is covered.

During the third week the emphasis is on interviewing.  Major do’s and don’ts are covered, and students are given sample interview questions to read before doing a mock interview.  Students are also asked to have one or two questions ready to ask the mock employer.  For two days, students do mock interviews in front of the class, and the class does a critique on each person.  Generally, interview skills are weak on the first day, but the second day shows amazing growth.  The role-playing seems to work well. Thank-you notes are discussed, and more than one student has sent a thank-you email in appreciation for the opportunity to do the interview experience.

In the fourth week, each student must choose a topic and do a five-minute oral presentation in front of a group.  All center students and staff are invited to attend.  “This is known as the most dreaded assignment,” said Lynne.  “To say the least, it’s quite a growing experience.” The rest of the final week is spent checking out the Michigan Works Talent Bank, talking about networking, doing mentoring activities, and evaluating the class.

WORKSHOP AIDS YOUTH WITH DEAFBLINDNESS

MCB's DeafBlind Unit and DB Central recently collaborated, using partial funding from the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA), to conduct a two day workshop at the Kellogg Center on the campus of Michigan State University.  The workshop, entitled "Understanding and Building Support for an Effective Transition to Post-School Life for Youth with Deafblindness," was offered on July 28 and 29.  The main presenter was Dr. Jerry Petroff from the College of New Jersey, where he completed his doctoral thesis on the issue of transition services.  He is also the state coordinator for the New Jersey DB Project, which services youth and students with deafblindness.

The presentation focused on the development of knowledge, skills and practices that promote a seamless transition from school to adult life for youth with deafblindness.  A comprehensive review of the current features of successful transition was augmented with the specific quality indicators reflecting assessment, planning, curriculum and instructional strategies, coordination/provision of support beyond the school, employment/postsecondary education, community involvement, recreation and social relationships/networks of influence.

The workshop was well attended with participants including family members, special education teacher/consultants, paraprofessionals, adult service providers, administrators, CIL program managers, CMH case managers, transition coordinators, and others.

FIVE MINI ADJUSTMENT PROGRAMS SLATED FOR 2005

The Michigan Commission for the Blind held its final Mini-adjustment Program for the year in Grayling, August 29 through September 3, at the Holiday Inn Grayling, serving 33 MCB clients.  Workshop participants 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.  MCB will conduct five Mini-Adjustment Programs in 2005, currently being planned for Grand Rapids, Romulus, Escanaba, Jackson and Saginaw.

CONSUMER SERVICES REPORT

The Consumer Services staff have been quite active during the last two months.  A number of the staff participated in the Field and Training Center meeting, which continues to promote and increase communication regarding services delivery for consumers.  The meeting provides an excellent opportunity for dialogue to occur between the field and center staff that results in resolutions of issues pertaining to a number of topics.

The Region V Rehabilitation Services Administration 107 Review was completed the week of August 23^rd and final results are pending.  The supervisors participated in the review of case records, which provides valuable information regarding case management as it relates to the federal review standards.  The 107 Standards and Indicators focus on several areas regarding rehabilitation services.  The agency continues to meet the majority of the standards and indicators, however, there is room for improvement.  Two areas in which more emphasis will be placed for Fiscal Year 2005 are increased employment outcomes and outreach to minority populations, specifically, Latino and Native Americans.  Plans are in place to increase outreach activities as they relate to minorities and, in particular, the two target groups.  Efforts are ongoing to provide opportunities for the vocational rehabilitation staff to participate in job placement activities.

The Youth Low Vision program continues to be a valuable program that provides head borne aids for youths in school.  This program has been a part of the Commission for the Blind for twenty years.  This program was decentralized in the fall of 2002 and has shown great potential for the transition of students.  It encourages the staff to work closely with visually impaired (VI) instructors in the development of transition plans for the youths from school to work.  It has also been a catalyst in providing opportunities to develop cash match agreements, which are designed to increase students’ participation in vocational opportunities.  As MCB continues to improve all programs, a task force will be developed to review the Youth Low Vision policies and procedures.  MCB will call on a variety of stakeholders and staff to assist in this activity.

Staff have participated in a variety of outreach activities, including the Disability Expo in Novi, the Back to School Carnival with Upshaw Institute, and the Consumer Involvement Council meeting in Detroit.  Also, a booth was set up at Michigan State University with information regarding services provided by the Commission for incoming students.  There are two upcoming events in the Detroit area: (1) the Lincoln Park and Livonia Schools Career Day and (2) the Detroit Public Schools Career Day. Each of these career days will provide opportunities for students to become aware of a variety of vocational opportunities, as well as to dialogue with blind and visually impaired employed individuals.

The MI Connections program, in conjunction with the Kent County Vocational Tech Center, provides opportunities for students in the Grand Rapids area to become involved in vocational exploration which emphasize transition from school to work.

The Michigan Commission for the Blind conducted interviews the first week of October to fill two counseling positions in Detroit and Lansing.  The Intent to Bid has been completed for the contractual staff.  MCB looks forward to beginning a new contract that covers many of its Independent Living and some Vocational Rehabilitation staff.  MCB also welcomes back Ms. Janis Benstead after her leave.

Along with the Mini-Adjustment programs scheduled for FY 2005, staff will continue to provide Job Readiness Seminars (JRS), which have been very well met at the most recent minis.

TRAINING CENTER REPORT

On September 10, MCB Field and Training Center staff met to discuss ideas and strategies for improving services to MCB consumers.  Presentations were made regarding the World of Work (WOW) program, the Quest for Success program held at Camp T, follow-up training after a client leaves the Training Center, home employment opportunities, updating the list of skills taught at the Center, the Contributor Honor Roll System, etc.  By far the most popular topic of the day was MCB “Facts and Fiction,” which provided an opportunity to clarify a variety of issues facing staff and client services.  Several recommendations came out of the meeting and will be shared with all MCB staff.  At this time another Field and Center staff meeting has not been scheduled.  

MCB's Technology Team is planning another stellar technology training opportunity during the Thanksgiving week at MCBTC in Kalamazoo.  After analyzing the responses to a survey sent to all Commission staff, the Technology Team decided to conduct this workshop to cover the following topics: 

·        Integrating Technology Skills 101:  Using the Internet incorporating screen readers

·        Integrating Technology Skills 102:  Scanners, E-Books and using the Internet to locate information about blindness and MCB employee resources

·        Outlook including e-mail

·        System Six:  Review and Possible Upgrades

·        Freedom Scientific Notetakers

·        PulseData Notetakers

On October 4-6, the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) held a national conference for training centers for the blind.  The conference took place in Nashville, and Pat Cannon, Melody Lindsey, and other Training Center staff had the opportunity to share ideas and discuss challenges to providing quality training services with individuals who work at other training centers.  The title for the conference was:  "The Challenges of Change:  Strategies for Successful Outcomes in Residential Training Centers for the Blind."  Pat Cannon and Melody Lindsey led a panel Monday night that focused on setting standards and measuring outcomes of residential training center programs.

Roger Yake and Melody Lindsey were invited to the Eastern regional staff meeting to talk about referrals to the Center and reports that come from the Center.  In discussing reports it was interesting to hear that some Field staff like standardized reports, while others prefer more information in a narrative format.  Roger indicated that it would be helpful if the Field staff would send IEP's and low vision reports for the high school students who come to the Training Center during the summer.  The meeting facilitated a positive exchange of suggestions and explanations that will improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the referral and reporting systems.

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES REPORT

Regarding the budget, it has been interesting and difficult to provide budget information this fiscal year, combining information from the first three quarters of the fiscal year budget from FIA’s accounting reports and the last quarter from DLEG’s accounting reports.  Initial study indicates that MCB is sound financially for FY 2004.  It should be much easier to monitor the budget in the coming fiscal year once the reports are in and all future information will be coming from one source. 

The transfer of accounting functions from FIA to DLEG has been a challenging endeavor also.  DLEG requirements are that MCB staff complete the direct entry into the State’s MAIN accounting system for all financial transactions.  This has required a complete change in procedures and processes for MCB administrative support staff.  Staff are now required to setup contracts, purchase orders and requisitions that were previously done by FIA staff.  With the onset of the new fiscal year, staff have been working diligently to ensure that everything is in place in order to continue to pay for services in the new fiscal year.  The new department is more stringent in their requirements and is requesting contracts be in place for all services.  The end result of that request, although it requires a lot of up front work for MCB employees, will be better a tracking mechanism on how money is spent and will provide excellent documentation for future audits.

The Federal Government is also pushing to ensure that all federal reports are filed in a timely fashion.  The MCB Director of Consumer Services required that all fiscal year closures were completed by September 30^th so that system audit checks could be run to ensure that all system client information is accurate, complete and reports can meet the federal time restraints.

MCB has secured $612,477 in Social Security Reimbursement claims this fiscal year.  This amount is up almost $100,000 from FY 2003.

Regarding personnel activities, an ADA in-service with Ms. Robin Jones of the Great Lakes ADA and Accessible Information Technology Center in Chicago is set for October 12th. MCB staff, as well as Michigan Rehabilitation Services staff, will attend this session which will provide an overview of basic ADA principles and specific information on how the law applies to employment situations, reasonable accommodation requests, and program accessibility. This will be a general overview for those with limited experience with the ADA but there will also be discussions on particular issues that may be of interest to everyone.

Business Enterprise Program

The Business Enterprise Program (BEP) has successfully filled 2 vacant positions.  Due to the pool of very highly qualified persons, the final selections were very difficult and satisfaction is taken in the fact that both new hires are blind people. 

The position of Promotional Agent was filled with the selection of James Hull of Davison, MI.  After staff orientation and training, Mr. Hull will be assigned to represent BEP in the Eastern Region which extends from Oakland and Macomb counties in the South to the Straits of Mackinac in the North, east of U.S. 127 and I-75.  Mr. Hull has a background in retail sales and customer service and will be a positive and welcome addition to the staff.

BEP has also filled the vacant position of trainer following the retirement of Carol Curneal.  Mr. John McEntee of Lawton, Michigan has an extensive background in the BEP, and has owned and operated a convenience store and other small businesses.  His energy and enthusiasm will be a real benefit to the BEP in providing employment for blind persons.

In other news, the Commission was able to create a partnership with the Department of Management and Budget (DMB) to construct a BEP facility in the Constitution Hall Building.  DMB has provided state matching funds which were used to match Title 1 Rehabilitation funds to create the facility which is expected to provide high quality employment for blind people.  Sherri Heibeck is to be commended for her energetic and creative assistance in completing work that Larry Best worked very hard to create, but was unable to see come to fruition.

BEP is participating in a project to bring wireless internet (WI-FI) access to 2 welcome centers and a rest area along Michigan's Interstate highways.  WI-FI will be available at New Buffalo, Coldwater and Davisburg.  Kudos to Joe Pelle for his work on this project and in developing partnerships with Coca-Cola, the Michigan Broadband Authority and the Commission to promote this new leading edge technology.