Note:  If you heard the live audio streaming of the April 18 commission meeting, we welcome your comments at turneys@michigan.gov.

Michigan Commission for the Blind, April 18, 2005, Michigan Commission for the Blind Training Center, 1541 Oakland Drive, Kalamazoo, MI.  The meeting site is accessible. Individuals attending the meeting are requested to refrain from using heavily scented personal care products, in order to enhance accessibility for everyone. People with disabilities requiring additional services (such as materials in alternative format) in order to participate in the meeting should call Tish Kingaby at (517) 335-4265 by April 12.

I.  Committee of the Whole -- 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

Audio Streaming and Other Technology for the Blind -- Mr. Michael Ellis, MEE, Inc.

Reports on Commissioner Activities

II.  Call to Order, Roll Call, and Determination of Quorum -- Ms. Jo Ann Pilarski, Chairperson

III. Approval of February 25, 2005, Meeting Minutes -- MCB Board

IV.  Approval of Commission Meeting Schedules for 2006 and 2007

V.  PUBLIC COMMENT

VI.  Board Correspondence

VII.  Technology Presentations

The Latest Developments in Low Vision Technology -- Ms. Nancy Simmons, Low Vision Solutions.

NIDRR Project Report:  Wayfinding on the Street, at Intersections and in Buildings -- Dr. Paul Ponchillia, Chair, Department of Blindness and Low Vision Studies, Western Michigan University.

MoPix Access to Motion Pictures for Individuals Who Are Blind and Deaf -- Mr. Joe Sibley, Member, MCB Consumer Involvement Council, and Ms. Michelle Visscher, MCB Teacher/Counselor.

Bringing Technology to Food Service:  Wireless Connections at Rest Stops and Other Developments -- Mr. Joe Pelle, Promotional Agent, and Ms. Lucy Edmonds, Secretary, MCB Business Enterprise Program.

LUNCH & TECHNOLOGY DEMONSTRATIONS (11:30-1:30)

(Guide available at handout table)

Technology Bus, including Freedom Box, Mr. Michael Ellis

 

Low Vision Solutions Products, Ms. Nancy Simmons

 

GPS Wayfinding, Dr. Paul Ponchillia

 

Using Technology to Create Braille from eBooks, Mr. Fred Wurtzel and Mr. Joe Pelle

 VIII.  Director's Report -- Mr. Patrick Cannon, State Director

Service Recognition Award

IX.  Consumer Services Report -- Mr.  Leamon Jones, Consumer Services Director

X.  MCB Training Center Report - Ms. Melody Lindsey, Training Center Director

Designing the Technology Center at MCBTC – Ms. Sherri Heibeck

 

Future Trends and Challenges in Technology – Mr. Roger Yake

 

Using Technology in the Workplace and in School – Mr. Paul Ecklund, Disability Resource Center

XI. Business Enterprise Program Report – Mr. Fred Wurtzel, Manager

Elected Operator Committee Report– Mr. Joe Sontag, Chair

XII.  PUBLIC COMMENT

XIII. Adjournment