MICHIGAN COMMISSION FOR THE BLIND
DECEMBER 13, 2004
CAPITAL AREA MICHIGAN WORKS! OFFICE
LANSING, MICHIGAN

COMMISSIONERS PRESENT

Ms. Jo Ann Pilarski, Chair (Via Telephone Conference)

Mr. J. J. Jackson, Vice Chair                   Mr. Robert Adler

Ms. Sheila Ashcraft                   Mr. Richard Grant

COMMISSIONERS ABSENT

None

Michigan Commission for the Blind (MCB) STAFF PRESENT

Mr. Patrick Cannon                   Ms. Tish Kingaby

Ms. Melody Lindsey                   Mr. Leamon Jones

Ms. Gwen McNeal                   Ms. Karen Silky

Ms. Michelle Visscher                   Ms.Talitha Crawley

Ms. Connie Henshaw                   Mr. Fred Wurtzel

Mr. John McEntee                   Mr. David Robinson

Ms. Susan Turney                   Ms. Renee Biondo

Ms. Kim Kennedy                   Ms. Sherry Gordon

Ms. Lisa Marchione                   Mr. Euan Singleton

Mr. Bernie Kramer                   Mr. James Hull

GUESTS/ATTENDEES

Mr. Jim Bonnema                   Ms. Charis Austin

Mr. Rick Stevens                   Ms. Patricia Woods

Mr. Lawyer Woods                   Mr. Richard Meganck

Ms. Joycelyn Cross                   Mr. Duncan Wyeth

Ms. Christie Witte                   Mr. John Scott

Mr. Adam Parker                   Ms. Sunetta Burroughs

Mr. Victor Stoddard                   Mr. Larry Posont

Ms. Donna Posont                   Ms. Mary Guy           

Ms. Debi Guy                   Ms. Corrie Bair

Ms. Kathryn Wyeth                   Mr. Spencer Wolfe

Ms. Deborah Miela                   Ms. Lydia Schuck

Ms. Donna Rose                   Mr. Dick Hutchens

Mr. Ian Lauver                   Mr. Bill Milzarski

Ms. Sheila Justine Latham                   Ms. Doris Grant

Mr. Tom Carpenter

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

The Committee of the Whole was opened by Vice Chair J.J. Jackson at 9:15 a.m.   Due to poor travel conditions, Chair Jo Ann Pilarski participated via telephone conference throughout the entire meeting.

DIRECTOR’S EVALUATION

The competencies and objectives for the 2004 Director’s evaluation were read aloud and Ms. Pilarski announced the average commissioner rating for each criterion.  Ms. Pilarski reported an overall rating for the director of 4.1 on a scale of 1 to 5.  Ms. Sheila Ashcraft and Mr. Richard Grant abstained from this evaluation, due to the brevity of their service on the commission.  Mr. Cannon asked for more participation from commissioners if there were questions about carrying out the objectives.  Mr. Adler stated that in view of the high expectations set for 2004, he felt the rating of 4.1 equated to an exceedingly high rating, as opposed to higher ratings given for modest expectations.  Mr. Cannon said the high expectations were the goal of the entire staff. 

The Director’s 2005 Performance Plan was discussed by the board.  Communication to and solicitation of comments from staff was discussed as well as budgetary concerns in carrying out the proposed objectives.  Mr. Cannon said that while the Fiscal Year 2005 internal operating budget has not yet been finalized, he believed the objectives were achievable and specifically mentioned the addition of a communications and outreach coordinator to the staff, which he said would be a tremendous asset in reaching some of the communications goals.    Mr. Cannon said he would provide the FY2005 budget to the board when it became final.  No additional objectives or revisions to the director’s 2005 performance objectives were suggested.

COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS

Ms. Pilarski announced the official committee assignments for the Commissioners:  Mr. Grant - Image and Identity Team, Mr. Adler - Business Enterprise Program Elected Operators Committee, Mr. Jackson - Cultural Diversity Committee and Ms. Ashcraft - Service Delivery Focus Design Team.  Ms. Pilarski said she would remain on the Planning and Quality (PAQ) Team, and that commissioners would rotate attendance at the Consumer Involvement Council (CIC) meetings.  Ms. Ashcraft will attend the January 24, 2005 CIC meeting, schedule permitting.  Mr. Grant will attend the May 16 meeting in Kalamazoo and Ms. Pilarski will attend the September 24 meeting in St Ignace.  Commissioners serve as liaisons on these committees in order to update the board on current issues.

COMMISSIONER ACTIVITIES

Mr. Grant attended the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) of Michigan conference in Midland, where he observed discussions involving youth, Camp Tuhsmeheta and School for the Blind, and the resolutions presented in the general session.  Ms. Pilarski said the consumer organization report had been withdrawn from the agenda today and both groups were expected to present reports and resolutions at the February 2005 meeting.  Ms. Pilarski said that she would request their resolutions be sent to the Commission in the meantime.

Mr. Adler also attended the NFB of Michigan conference and commented on the Michigan State University Radio Talking Book presentation and the Newsline topic.

Ms. Ashcraft was unable to attend the NFB conference, however, she met with a consumer group from Beaumont Hospital and expects to attend a meeting to be held shortly by a local group called the Pontiac VIP. 

Ms. Pilarski attended the NFB of Michigan Conference and said the live audio streaming, whereby participants could listen to the conference in progress via the internet, particularly impressed her, as well as hearing Mr. Douglas Spade, the State Representative from Adrian who is blind and whose term concludes this December.  Ms. Ashcraft inquired whether any tapes of the conference were available.   The live-feed connection was not announced in advance as NFB was uncertain whether this would in fact take place. 

Ms. Pilarski was also invited to and attended the National Council of State Agencies for the Blind (NCSAB) Convention in Nashville in early November.  Topics included the Reauthorization of the Rehab Act; the competition offered to the BEP program by the National Industries for the Severely Handicapped (NISH) at Department of Defense installations; a growing concern of the detrimental result of blind children being raised in an entitlement approach but upon reaching adulthood, having to prove eligibility for programs; and a speedier closure of home-maker cases.  Ms. Pilarski said keynote speaker Joann Wilson, Commissioner, Rehabilitation Services Administration, conveyed how imperative it was for blind individuals and organizations to mobilize and work with their legislatures to present key issues of importance. Ms. Pilarski said the conference was an extremely valuable experience for her.

Mr. Jackson attended the Service Delivery Focus Design Team meeting October 26 and said that three-month rotating chairpersons are now being elected.  Ms. Lisa Marchione is the current chairperson.  Ms. Dee Robertson will continue to act as note taker.  Some issues included staff morale, pay equity, support staff position description, low vision survey, and the vendor assessment survey.  Ms. Ashcraft will attend the December 14 meeting of this group, as the new liaison to the board.

Mr. Jackson also attended the NFB convention as well as the Cultural Diversity Committee meeting November 16, at which Pat Cannon and the director of Michigan Rehabilitation Services, Ms. Jaye Balthazar, were present.

SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND

Mr. Jackson informed the board that Mr. Stevie Wonder had asked if he might be involved in any discussions regarding the Michigan School for the Blind (MSB).  Discussion was held and it was agreed that while Mr. Wonder’s participation would generate positive public relations for the Commission, it was premature to invite him until the board could define more clearly what it wants to accomplish.  Mr. Cannon said there had been no talks between Michigan Department of Education (MDE) and MCB to transfer MSB, but that talks were ongoing about how the two agencies could work better together.  Mr. Cannon said much consideration must be given to what MCB wants to achieve, such as whether MSB should be transferred, be resurrected, or reopened as a residential facility with 300 students, and whether MCB is willing to state it is not supportive of mainstreaming blind children into the K-12 school system, etc.  Mr. Adler said it would be beneficial to have Mr. Wonder bring attention to MCB generally and the services it provides, however, he was not sure how much support the organization has regarding reopening MSB.  Ms. Pilarski said that while she has heard great things about MSB, she had not received indications that there was a groundswell of support about re-opening MSB, that none of the parents’ groups had ever indicated this to her, and that for the Commission to act on its own was different than responding to a demand.  She also feels that progress with MDE on both Camp T and MSB may be jeopardized if the board takes any action regarding MSB.

Mr. Jackson summarized that Mr. Wonder does support the revival of MSB functioning as a means of education for blind children, and if this became viable, he would like to lend his support; that the Board wholeheartedly appreciated Mr. Wonder’s offer and agreed he be invited to participate if appropriate; and that the board must consider what it wishes to achieve regarding Camp T and MSB.  Mr. Cannon said that the parents groups are represented on the CIC which is meeting January 24, and the topic could be raised then as to what interest there is in promoting more residential students, and also raise that question to both consumer groups, which are scheduled to be on the February 25 Commission meeting agenda.  Mr. Adler said it would be helpful to have some ideas of the pros and cons of reopening MSB.  Mr. Cannon suggested that Mr. Wonder be apprized of the Commission’s 2005 meeting schedule. 

REGULAR MEETING

CALL TO ORDER, ROLL CALL AND DETERMINATION OF QUORUM

          The regular meeting was called to order at 10:48 a.m.  Roll call was taken and a quorum was present.

MR. GRANT MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MS. ASHCRAFT, TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES OF THE OCTOBER 18, 2004 MEETING, AS PRESENTED.  THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

PUBLIC COMMENT

There was no public comment.

BOARD CORRESPONDENCE

          There was no Board Correspondence.

DIRECTOR’S REPORT

          Mr. Patrick Cannon referred the board to the written MCB report and highlighted several items.  Mr. Cannon reported the passage and enactment of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) which was signed by the President, December 3, 2004.  Most advocates were pleased with the reauthorization, although disappointed in some components.  The age of transition of youth in special education was changed from 14 to 16, however, Mr. Cannon said that with the Youth Low Vision Program in Michigan, MCB would continue to interact with youth younger than 16. 

Mr. Cannon said that during the fall, several MCB staff and commissioners attended the conventions of the Michigan Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired (MCBVI) and the NFB of Michigan, as well as the Michigan Rehabilitation Conference, at which MCB staff also presented.  In addition, Mr. Cannon attended the conferences of the Council of State Agencies for Vocational Rehabilitation and the National Council of State Agencies for the Blind in Nashville, along with Chair Jo Ann Pilarski and Mr. Leamon Jones. 

Mr. Cannon drew attention to the account of the Career Day in Detroit in the MCB Report, which he said was very well attended and drew a lot of attention.  Also, Mr. Cannon announced the schedule for the 2005 mini adjustment programs.

MR. ADLER MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MR. GRANT, TO ACCEPT THE DIRECTOR’S REPORT, AS PRESENTED.  THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

          Regarding the Director’s 2004 Performance Evaluation, Ms. Pilarski announced that the Commissioners had given an overall rating of 4.1, on a scale of one to five, for Mr. Cannon’s performance, which significantly exceeded the expectations of the very high level objectives.  Ms. Pilarski said she was proud to work with Mr. Cannon and the Commission was fortunate to have him as its director.

MR. ADLER MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MS. ASHCRAFT, TO ACCEPT THE COMMISSIONERS’ EVALUATION OF THE DIRECTOR’S 2004 PERFORMANCE EVALUATION, AS PRESENTED.  THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

MR. ADLER MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MS. ASHCRAFT, TO ACCEPT THE DIRECTOR’S 2005 PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES, AS PRESENTED.  THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

MCB TRAINING CENTER REPORT

Ms. Melody Lindsey, director of the MCB Training Center, reported on several activities.  Five new MCB employees had completed their new staff orientation and had indicated the beneficial effect of this training.  Ms. Lindsey said their suggestions for improvement would be taken under consideration, and that shortly, an article regarding this training would be included in the MCB newsletter.

In November, the MCB Training Center hosted a technology training seminar for the staff, arranged by the Technology Team and based on staff survey results.   This training helps staff understand different kinds of technology available which they may in turn offer to MCB clients, to help them achieve independence and obtain employment.

  Ms. Lindsey said that meetings are continuing between field staff and center staff to discuss issues of referrals to the training center and reports on consumers who leave the center.

Ms. Lindsey reported some architectural firms conducted a technology walk-through of the Training Center in November to study two issues: BEP training and technology capacity.  The selected firm will be presenting a plan on how to better utilize the space available now and to look at the possibility of expansion of the center.

Finally, Ms. Lindsey reported on a meeting with the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) on Camp Tuhsmeheta.  Ms. Lindsey said these meetings have been very positive, that MDE is open and eager to having Camp T continue to provide much needed services to children and adults who are blind.  MDE intends to offer a no cost lease agreement with Opportunities Unlimited for the Blind (OUB) through September 2005.  OUB will work with the parents groups to provide as many activities as possible, and to offer remaining availability to other groups with disabilities.   Also, on January 19, a meeting will be held with partners to help develop the programs at Camp T and explore a wide range of possibilities on the best utilization of the camp.  Ms. Lindsey said the parents groups and OUB had been persistent in letting their concerns be known to the State Board of Education.  OUB intends to broaden its board to include educators and parents groups and hopes to build programs that will use Camp T 35 weeks of the year, in addition to the six week summer camp.

Mr. Cannon said that the current Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between MDE and MCB will also be revisited and work will continue by MCB Liaisons Leamon Jones (MDE), Elizabeth White (School for the Blind), and Melody Lindsey (Camp T) to more effectively use the programs available.  Since attendance at MSB dwindled over the past several years, Mr. Cannon said that consideration will be placed on how best to use this facility, perhaps for some training by MCB or a mini adjustment program.

MR. GRANT MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MR. ADLER, TO ACCEPT THE MCB TRAINING CENTER REPORT, AS PRESENTED.  THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

Mr. Jackson introduced the new MCB Staff, Euan Singleton, Kimberly Kennedy, James Hull, Susan Turney and John McEntee.

CONSUMER SERVICES REPORT

Mr. Leamon Jones, Director of Consumer Services, reported on the outreach activities to increase visibility and attract attention to the services of MCB.  MCB staff are working with Detroit Public Schools to arrange a career day and with Houghton Hancock and Lansing Schools to encourage students who are vision impaired to become engaged in vocational opportunities.

In the Independent Living Program, Mr. Jones reported staff have been working with the Area on Aging organization to develop some opportunities for seniors, and to develop cash match opportunities.  Other outreach activities for seniors include technology training and coaching.

Mr. Jones said another activity that was gaining strength was mentoring, including developing internships at Ford Motor Company.

As a consequence of attending the Council of State Agencies for Vocational Rehabilitation conference, Mr. Jones learned that a National Employment Network is being planned, along with a regional network out of the Rehabilitation Services Administration Region V office in Chicago.  Mr. Jones said it would be important to keep track of these developments, working closely with Michigan Rehabilitation Services, to allow MCB to fully benefit from such resources.

MS. ASHCRAFT MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MR. GRANT, TO ACCEPT THE CONSUMER SERVICES REPORT, AS PRESENTED.  THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

MCB Achievement Awards

Mr. Jones announced several awards honoring individuals, employers and community partners who were successful in their goals.

Mr. Bernie Kramer, MCB, accepted an award on behalf of Linda Ackerman, who was unable to attend, for the 2004 Consumer Achievement Honor Roll Award, and read a thank you letter from Ms. Ackerman.

Ms. Connie Henshaw introduced Ms. Joycelyn Cross who was presented a 2004 Consumer Achievement Honor Roll Award.

Ms. Karen Silky introduced Ms. Mary Guy who was presented a 2004 Consumer Achievement Honor Roll Award.

Ms. Renee Biondo introduced Mr. Richard Meganck of Sun-Tel Services, Inc., Rochester Hills who was presented an Employer Achievement Honor Roll Award.

Ms. Taletha Crawley introduced Ms. Patricia Woods who was presented a 2004 Consumer Achievement Honor Roll Award.

Ms. Michelle Visscher introduced the honorees receiving the Community Partner Achievement Award, Ms. Charis Austin, Mr. Rick Stevens and Mr. Jim Bonnema of the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired.

Mr. Fred Wurtzel accepted an award on behalf of Ms. Garnet Prentice, who was unable to attend, for the Operator of the Year Award under the Business Enterprise Program.

Mr. Jones congratulated all the recipients for their dedication and hard work. 

Recessed for lunch at 12:10 p.m.

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          Commissioner Adler reconvened the meeting at 1:10 p.m.

MICHGAN YOUTH LEADERSHIP FORUM

          Mr. Duncan Wyeth, Director of the Michigan Commission on Disability Concerns (MCDC), introduced Bill Milzarski, a new employee at MCDC whose duties include the Youth Leadership Forum (YLF).  Mr. Wyeth said the YLF is a collaboration among a number of state agencies and private sector companies, including General Motors, and MCB has been a partner since its inception in 1999.

Mr. Milzarski said there are approximately 248,000 students identified as special education students, of which about 30-35 are selected to the YLF each year.  Students with disabilities are given an opportunity to attend a five-day event, learning leadership, citizenship and social skills and are selected for their leadership and community activity participation.  Mr. Milzarski said that of the attendees for 2004, two were visually impaired.  Mr. Wyeth said that Representative Doug Spade provided a considerable amount of time showing the group how he functions as a state representative who is blind. 

Mr. Milzarski said mass mailings and online registration is underway for the 2005 event, and at the present time sixty applications have been received.  Mr. Wyeth encouraged participation by students with visual impairments and announced that the deadline for application had been extended to December 31, 2004.  MCDC is also looking for adult mentors and Mr. Wyeth encouraged MCB to ask for volunteers.

Mr. Cannon said YLF was an excellent program and it was very rewarding to watch the young people who attended grow in self confidence during the course of the five days.   Mr. Cannon further suggested in recognition of the graduates of the YLF, that the board consider amending the bylaws by expanding the current 11-member Consumer Involvement Council to include a twelfth seat for a youth in the high school to early university age group. Discussion was held and the board supported the proposal.

MR. ADLER MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MR. GRANT, TO AMEND THE BYLAWS TO EXPAND THE CONSUMER INVOLVEMENT COUNCIL BOARD TO INCLUDE A REPRESENTATIVE FOR YOUTH.  THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY ACT IMPLEMENTATION

          Ms. Kathryn Wyeth and Ms. Corrie Bair, Operations Directors at the Michigan Disability Rights Coalition (MDRC) gave a history of the Assistive Technology Act for Individuals with Disabilities (AT Act) which was originally passed in 1988.

Ms. Wyeth and Ms. Bair described several projects MDRC has conducted since this program came under their purview in 1997, including market evaluation on hearing aids and wheelchairs, transition, working with centers for independent living, the Common Disability Agenda, and providing training and technical assistance for local groups.  An Assistive Technology newsletter is available for those interested.

Currently, due to the economy, the funding is now at a 50 percent level of its original amount.  The original act was due to sunset in 1998, with a three year extension which ends this year.  In the future, the AT Act of 2004 will expend the majority of its funds on four areas: the Assistive Technology loan program for equipment; device demonstration programs, device re-utilization, alternate financing such as low cost financial loans.  Funding is continued to the Protection and Advocacy Programs and there is no sunset on the funding.  Ms. Bair said an advisory group which might meet perhaps twice a year, with an email exchange, would welcome representation from MCB.  Mr. Cannon indicated that one of MCB’s Technology Team would probably be an asset to this advisory group.

Ms. Bair explained that in Michigan there are two funding sources for loans: the existing AT Loan fund which is available for assistive technology, and the new Telework Loan fund to set up telework businesses and equipment, which includes any office equipment.  Information on both these loans is available from MDRC.  Mr. Cannon thanked Ms. Wyeth and Ms. Bair for their informative presentation.

BUSINESS ENTERPRISE PROGRAM (BEP) REPORT

Mr. Fred Wurtzel, Manager, of the BEP program reported that efforts by staff are ongoing to monitor customers’ satisfaction and to improve feedback systems.  Traditional consultants are being utilized, as well as an image consultant to provide another perspective.

Mr. Wurtzel said that Constitution Hall in Lansing has recently been purchased by the State of Michigan and this should allow BEP to pursue vending and catering operations in that building.  Also, at the McNamara Building in Detroit, operators are being transitioned through a new approach of a team partnering program under which a private company will partner with a Randolph Shepard operator to help operate and share in the profits of the business.  At some point in the partnership, the Randolph Shepard operator takes over full control of the operation.  An invitation to bid is being prepared and it is hoped to complete the process by February 1.  Ms. Carol Duff, the operator selected for the McNamara Building, John McEntee the MCB trainer, and the selected partner will be traveling to Connecticut and Texas for training at the Pizza Hut and Subway franchise offices.

Regarding the Cadillac Building in Detroit, Mr. Wurtzel said plans are underway to develop a facility on the first floor and it is hoped to be operational by the summer.

Mr. Wurtzel reported that four individuals have completed BEP training and are now operating their own stands, and a fifth person should conclude his training shortly.  A new BEP training class is being developed by John McEntee to begin in late March.

Regarding an experiment being conducted for Braille marking on vending machines, Mr. Cannon asked if this concept could be incorporated into the new BEP training session and whether the Victor Building or State Plate could be selected as a pilot location which the Commissioners could visit at the June meeting in Lansing.  Mr. Wurtzel said he would follow up on both these possibilities.

ELECTED OPERATORS COMMITTEE (EOC) REPORT

Mr. Tom Carpenter, representing the Chair of the EOC, Mr. Joe Sontag, advised the board of three motions passed by the EOC, two of which were informational.  A third motion, regarding inclusion of trainees’ on the job experience (OJE) scores in the overall scoring process along with the final exam score and ServSafe scores, was presented for action by the board.

MR. ADLER MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MS. ASHCRAFT, TO APPROVE THE INCLUSION OF BEP TRAINEES’ ON THE JOB EXPERIENCE SCORES IN THEIR FINAL OVERALL SCORE, AS PRESENTED.  THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

Discussion was also held regarding an additional motion, which will presented to the board at a future meeting.  Mr. Carpenter concluded by saying that the direction being taken to improve the caliber and training of BEP operators was very encouraging for the future of the program.

PUBLIC COMMENT

          There was no public comment.

          MR. ADLER MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MS. ASHCRAFT, THAT THE COMMISSION STAFF HAVE A WONDERFUL HOLIDAY AND TO CONTINUE NEXT YEAR WITH THE FINE WORK THEY HAVE DONE THIS YEAR.  THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

ADJOURNMENT

MR. GRANT MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MS. ASHCRAFT, TO ADJOURN THE MEETING.  THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

          The meeting was adjourned at 2:41 p.m.  The next meeting will be on Friday, February 25, 2005 at the Best Western Southfield Inn, 26111 Telegraph Road, Southfield.  The Committee of the Whole meeting will begin at 9:00 a.m. and the regular meeting will start at 10:00 a.m.

                                               
Jo Ann Pilarski, Chairperson

                                               
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