APPROVED 4/18/05

MICHIGAN COMMISSION FOR THE BLIND

FEBRUARY 25, 2005

BEST WESTERN SOUTHFIELD INN

SOUTHFIELD, MICHIGAN

MINUTES

COMMISSIONERS PRESENT

Ms. Jo Ann Pilarski, Chair    Mr. J. J. Jackson, Vice Chair               

Mr. Robert Adler                  Ms. Sheila Ashcraft                                                           

COMMISSIONERS ABSENT

Mr. Richard Grant                                                               

Michigan Commission for the Blind (MCB) STAFF PRESENT

Mr. Patrick Cannon                        Ms. Tish Kingaby

Ms. Melody Lindsey                        Mr. Leamon Jones

Ms. Gwen McNeal                        Ms. Susan Turney

Ms. Connie Henshaw                        Ms. Renee Biondo

Ms. Betty Rush                        Mr. Euan Singleton

Ms. Marcie Brink-Chaney                        Mr. James Hull

Mr. King T. Nelson                        Mr. Bob Arnold

Ms. Joann Woodward                        Ms. Elizabeth White

Mr. Bob Robertson                        Ms. Sherri Heibeck

GUESTS/ATTENDEES

Ms. Ann McKay-Bacon                        Ms. Pat Christian

Mr. John Whittaker                        Dr. Bernard Miller

Ms. Cathy McAdam                        Mr. Karen Arendall

Mr. Michael Geno                        Mr. Geer Wilcox

Mr. Fred Wurtzel (NFB)                        Mr. David Robinson (NFB)

Mr. Casey Dutmer                        Mr. George Wurtzel

Ms. Lila Cabbil                        Ms. Laura Frankel

Ms. Deborah Miela                        Mr. Curtis Walley

Mr. Victor Getter                        Mr. Michael Powell

Mr. Ray Roberson                        Ms. Donna Posont

Ms. Stennetta Buroughs                        Mr. Markus Simmons

Mr. Paul George                        Ms. Elizabeth Mohnke

Ms. Diana Mohnke                        Mr. Spenser Wolfe

Mr. John Zub                        Ms. L. Yousuf Saad

Ms. Aisha Yousuf                        Ms. Jennette Geno

Mr. Adam Emerson                        Ms. Marylee Alzner

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

The Committee of the Whole was opened by Chair Jo Ann Pilarski at 9:02 a.m.  

DLEG CODE OF CONDUCT AND CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICIES FOR BOARDS/COMMISSIONS

Director Patrick Cannon explained that these policies were issued by the Department of Labor and Economic Growth (DLEG), which as a new department, is completing its compilation of policies and procedures, and were shared with the Commissioners for their information.

MCB ACTION PLAN

            Mr. Cannon said this document represented the Quarterly Action Plan Progress Report supplied to DLEG in January, which reported the status of the MCB’s action plan steps for the quarter ended December 31, 2004.  Mr. Cannon reported that the Planning and Quality (PAQ) Team would be meeting February 28 to modify the Plan for 2005, to include any goals not concluded in 2004, to make any necessary amendment to the current plan and to add timelines and measures for all the goals. 

LONG RANGE PLAN FOR FUTURE COMMISSION MEETINGS

            Following a survey of MCB meeting sites for the previous 7-year period and to ensure equal coverage around the state, Ms. Tish Kingaby presented recommendations for sites in 2006 and 2007.  Sites and dates discussed for 2006 were Ann Arbor - February 24, MCBTC Kalamazoo - April 24, Lansing – June 23, Escanaba - August 21, Ludington - October 16, Lansing – December 11; and for 2007, the Detroit Regional Office at Cadillac Place, Detroit - February 23, MCBTC Kalamazoo – April 16, Lansing – June 22, Marquette -August 20, Gaylord - October 15, Lansing – December 10.  The board concurred and formal schedules will be presented for 2006 and 2007 meeting sites at the next meeting.

            Following Ms. Jo Ann Pilarski’s request for suggestions for issues or themes to be discussed at future meetings during 2005, topics for upcoming meetings will include technology and how it impacts the possibilities of employment for people who are blind, and healthcare and how it relates to blindness.  Ms. Pilarski encouraged other suggestions be submitted to her.  Discussion was held and it was proposed to have a technology theme at the April meeting at MCBTC.  Further it was proposed to plan for audio streaming this and future commission meetings.  Mr. Robert Adler said he could provide the name of an expert and information regarding set up of audio streaming and Ms. Pilarski said Mike Ellis had offered to provide this service free of charge.  A longer lunch hour may be planned to allow time for meeting attendees to check out some of the technology.  

Mr. Cannon said plans for this meeting should be made very soon, in order to provide enough time for arrangements.  Press releases could be issued to consumer groups, the Services for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (SBPH) system, etc.   Other good resources for this meeting could include Ms. Sue Chinault and Ms. Margaret Wolfe of the SBPH, Mr. Paul Ponchilia of Western Michigan University, and Ms. Peggy Jackson of MCBTC re use of technology in health care.

            A second theme is suggested for the June meeting in Lansing concerning health care concerns, and could include such topics as diabetes and how it relates to blindness; consequences of neglecting health issues; effects of junk food and obesity in Michigan; education of hospital personnel and care givers about the care of invalid people who are blind; the path of MCTBC as an educational rather than a medical model facility; counseling of people becoming blind, etc.  Resources could include representatives from the Michigan Departments of Health and Education, the State of Michigan’s Surgeon General, Dr. Kimberly Dawn Wisdom, the Director of the State Medical Society, etc.

COMMISSIONER ACTIVITIES

Due to time constraints, the board agreed to defer the commissioner activity reports until a future time.

REGULAR MEETING

CALL TO ORDER, ROLL CALL AND DETERMINATION OF QUORUM

            The regular meeting was called to order at 10:15 a.m.  Roll call was taken and a quorum was present.

MR. ADLER MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MS. ASHCRAFT, TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES OF THE DECEMBER 12, 2004 MEETING, AS PRESENTED.  THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Mr. Robert Arnold, MCB Detroit office, said that in his capacity as president of the Board of Trustees of the Optometric Institute and Clinic of Detroit, many people with diabetes did not know the effects of the disease and it is the mission of their program, Michigan Eyes on Diabetes, to help people get diabetic eye exams. Mr. Arnold said the Commission could help get the word out about the work of this program.

Ms. Pat Christian said that educators would also like to be informed about the audio streaming of future Commission meetings.

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 that MCB had presented its quarterly action plan progress report to DLEG for the quarter ended December 31, 2004, and that the action plan had been developed from the Vision 2020 initiative which began nearly five years ago.  The objectives, measures and timelines for the 2005 action plan would be completed at the PAQ team meeting scheduled the following week.

Regarding reauthorization of the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) which includes the Rehabilitation Act, Mr. Cannon said the Senate committee gave approval to its version of this bill, SB 27.  Mr. Cannon said there were components which were of concern for many in the rehabilitation field, including block granting of rehabilitation funding.  One factor downgrades of the status of the Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration from a presidential appointee to an entity within a department.  Mr. Cannon said that the current commissioner, Ms. Joanne Wilson, had announced her resignation which many in the field regret as she had done an outstanding job advocating for people with disabilities. 

Mr. Cannon said that further meetings had been held among the representatives of the Michigan Department of Education, both consumer organizations, and Opportunities Unlimited for the Blind (OUB) on the subject of making more effective utilization of Camp Tuhsmeheta (Camp T) and that OUB’s Executive Director, Mr. George Wurtzel, would be reporting on Camp T later in the meeting.

Mr. Cannon said that in response to interest expressed by board members in a disability awareness training called Windmills, which he had presented to the staff of several State of Michigan departments and the Governor’s office, a training session was being arranged for the afternoon of Thursday, June 23, the day before the Commission meeting in Lansing.  Mr. Cannon said commissioners and staff would be invited to attend this session.

On Thursday evenings at the Training Center, Ms. Melody Lindsey facilitates a discussion group with the students which Mr. Cannon attends about every two months.  Mr. Cannon said that these discussions on topics of blindness produce very interesting dialogue and encouraged the commissioners to participate in a session.

Mr. Cannon said the mini adjustment programs continue to flourish in the state and that 33 clients had been introduced to the one-week skills of blindness training at the Grand Rapids program. Future programs are scheduled in Romulus, Escanaba, Jackson and Saginaw.

The Common Disability Agenda (CDA), which is developed by 19 participating organizations from the public and private sector and recommends actions to be addressed by policymakers in State government, was presented to Mr. Cannon at the Capitol Rotunda on February 2, in his capacity as the Governor’s Disability Policy Advisor.  Mr. Cannon said the original CDA presented in 2003 was helpful to the administration and was instrumental in advancing some important issues. Copies of the current CDA are available from the Statewide Independent Living Council in Lansing, Phone 517-371-4872.

Regarding the budget, Mr. Cannon said that Michigan continues to be in very tough economic times and further cuts are required.   These budget cuts have affected MCB in the areas of travel and contractual services, supplies and materials.  Mr. Cannon detailed MCB’s current internal operating budget, and reported that expenditures were on target through January of this year.

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

CONSUMER SERVICES REPORT

Mr. Leamon Jones, Director of Consumer Services, reported on the activities of the Consumer Services Division.  Mr. Jones said that in an effort to enhance timely vocational rehabilitation and independent living services to clients, some territories have been realigned. Also, a strong emphasis is being placed on mentoring programs this year, and one program has already been held in the Western Region.  Mr. Jones encouraged calls from people requiring mentoring or inquiring about becoming a mentor.

Mr. Jones said the division would continue to hold job readiness seminars during the mini adjustment programs, as this assists clients in gaining knowledge of what is expected during a job application and interview process.

Other activities include a job career program held at a vocational school in the Detroit Public School system, and a career day at the Macomb Intermediate School District scheduled for April 8.  In addition, the MI Connections project, a collaborative project introducing high school students to technology, has taken place in Kent County and the Upper Peninsula, and is planned for Detroit.

Mr. Jones said staff continue to work at Michigan Works locations and have co-located in a new office in Detroit to help consumers who are blind in learning how to utilize the employment system.  Staff also work on customized employment, a collaboration with Michigan Works, Michigan Rehabilitation Services, Goodwill and the school districts.

Mr. Jones said programs currently under review are the Independent Living program, where more meaningful data will be collected to increase efficiency and quality of services, and the Youth Low Vision program, where a task force is being formed to assess the policies and procedures.  The task force will comprise low vision providers, teacher consultants, parent groups and staff.

Mr. Jones said that, as a result of the Standards and Indicators provided by the federal government, a focus of the division this year would be to increase service opportunities to Native Americans, Latinos/Hispanics and African Americans which are underrepresented populations.  Commissioners made several suggestions for contact including casinos operated by tribal entities, the Cultural Diversity Committee, and the City of Pontiac Department of Latino Affairs. 

Mr. Cannon said that in regard to the Youth Low Vision program, the 2006 budget continues to hold at its current funding level, however, language is being proposed in the legislature that the YLV funding would be the payer of last resort, indicating that the families’ optical insurance, etc., would be exhausted first.

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

EASTERN REGION REPORT

Ms. Gwen McNeal, Supervisor of the Eastern Region, reported the staff continue to be active in the community to raise awareness and to provide quality and comprehensive services.  Activities include participation with Detroit Public School’s transition council in sponsoring a career day, at which over 75 participants attended, and in their May 12 Choices Fair at which a greater effort will be made to include visually impaired students.

Ms. McNeal said staff are working with the Oakland County Transition, particularly the Community Collaborative Transition Initiative.  At Wayne State University, they are helping write a reauthorization grant for rehabilitation counseling training and participating on the Wayne State University Disability Advisory Board, which was founded in part due to MCB’s protest that there was no representation for the blind.

Staff are also involved in a City of Detroit initiative called Building a Better Future for All Detroiters, a task force consisting of agencies attempting to establish best practices in assisting people with disabilities overcome barriers in finding employment.  Staff are advocating against Detroit’s proposed cuts in transportation which will affect night bus service and negatively impact employment opportunities for MCB clients.

Ms. McNeal said staff participated in a Technology Blizzard in Livonia and staffed a booth at that February 11 event.  On the job training opportunities are being identified in cooperation with Michigan Rehabilitation Services and joint cash match possibilities are being explored.

MR. JACKSON MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MR. ADLER, TO WRITE A LETTER TO THE DETROIT DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION STATING THE MCB OPPOSITION TO PROPOSED BUS SERVICE CUTS.  THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

MR. JACKSON MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MR. ADLER, TO ACCEPT THE EASTERN REGION REPORT, AS PRESENTED.  THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

COMMUNITY PARTNER REPORTS

macomb schools

Ms. Ann McKay-Bacon, Teacher Consultant, updated the board on the progress of the cash-match activities and distributed a report. This program’s goal is enhancing transition opportunities for legally blind students across Macomb County such as experiences in independent living skills, vocational skill development, world of work, etc.  In 2004, approximately 18 students participated and 25 are enrolled for this year.  Other activities for the students include career days, introduction to technology, one-day attendance at a community college, summer experience program, apartment living, utilizing transportation, mentoring, learning Michigan Works procedures, etc. 

OPTOMETRIC INSTITUTE AND CLINIC (OIC) OF DETROIT

Dr. Bernard Miller, Director, and Mr. John Whittaker, Instructor, reported that their Computer Training Group works with the MCB Detroit office to provide computer and typing skills teaching for jobs in jeopardy and other computer required jobs, sometimes at the consumer’s home.  Dr. Miller said they have applied for a grant for a public awareness campaign to advise the public throughout the state of the availability of low vision care and rehabilitation care through a program called VIPER – Visually Impaired Program Enhancing Rehabilitation – which they intend to go forward with even if the grant is not received.  Fees are kept low with the help of United Way and other sponsors.

Dr. Miller said a new technology is becoming available which can make a voice program very accessible to a majority of people with vision problems.   Mr. Whittaker said the technology is called Freedom Box and is a network subscription similar to America Online, which costs approximately $99 a year and provides consumers with voice-enabled access to the Internet with software which is provided free.  A screen reader is also supplied that has many of the functions of Jaws or Window-Eyes, although not as powerful.  Mr. Whittaker said OIC is also close to providing a computer package which would cost around $1,000.  Freedom Box is designed for the blind, run for the blind and programmed by the blind with tech support also provided.  A demonstration of the product during the lunch break will be available.

Community COLLABORATIVE TRANSITION INITIATIVE

Ms. Pat Christian, Coordinator, gave a background on the founding of the program which began about 5 years ago and provides transition opportunities for high school students who must be able to work a possible 20 hours a week, require support for the rest of the lives and would benefit from rehabilitation or vocational counseling. This initiative is a collaborative effort, combining the efforts of multiple agencies, including MCB.  Benefits have included identifying barriers, creating a system to avoid duplication of effort, preventing students falling through the cracks, problem solving, etc.  Results have been extremely beneficial for the students.

DiverseAbility COMPANY

Ms. Cathy McAdam, Consultant, reported this organization’s mission is to integrate diverse individuals, creating corporate success and employee growth with a three-prong approach working with corporations, college students with disabilities and mentoring.  Additionally, Ms. McAdam does work with technology with her own company, DiverseAbility Company, which began with career development workshops funded by Ford Motor Company and Dow for college students with disabilities.  This was followed by work on a year-long program with the Association of People with Disabilities and with other small businesses.  In October, matching funds were received from Michigan Rehabilitation Services to be able to do one-on-one work with students for internships and job development skills. 

VISUALLY HANDICAPPED SERVICES

Ms. Karen Arendall, Manager, explained the services of Visually Handicapped Services, including training individuals in their own community in basic skills of blindness, planning independent trips and mobility, Braille, technology with Jaws, use of technology in taking diabetic readings, etc.  About 120 people a year are served, utilizing 5000 teaching hours.  Ms. Arendall said a new contract needs to be signed with MCB to continue services.  Discussion groups are held and Ms. Arendall invited Mr. Cannon to address her staff, which includes two blind individuals, with the question posed at the last MCBTC student night discussion, “Is it okay to be blind?”

Recessed for lunch at 12:20 p.m.

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            The meeting was reconvened at 1:25 p.m. 

MCB TRAINING CENTER REPORT

Ms. Melody Lindsey, director of the MCB Training Center, reported that the Quest for Success week will be held again at Camp T the week of July 17, and will focus on personal management, cooking, employment and social awareness.  It is the goal to have approximately 30 students, between the ages of 14-18.

            A committee is working on updating the policies and procedures at the Training Center and Ms. Lindsey said that input had been gathered from the Consumer Involvement Council.  The proposed policies will be presented to the PAQ team the following week and it is hoped to put these policies before the board at the June meeting.  Ms. Lindsey described some of the proposed policy changes and said it will be necessary to bring these before the board because, at the suggestion of the committee and the Attorney General’s office, policies carry more weight than the current guidelines.  Policies also must be approved by the Attorney General.

            Ms. Lindsey reported that an architectural company was going to conduct a tour of the facility to suggest feasibility for enhancements at the center for technology services, the Business Enterprise Program facilities, and dormitory improvements.

lmc diversified consulting

As the final Community Partner Report, Ms. Lila Cabbil, Consultant, reported that she has been working as an individual contractor with MCB to provide services to youth in employment and career development.  These include opportunities for students from Detroit schools in competitive work experience, improving attitude toward work, dormitory life, etc.  Collaborative work with Michigan Works is also very productive and Ms. Cabbil said they provided an orientation for Michigan Works staff, including accommodation needs.

Ms. Cabbil said that students must be accountable for following work hours and rules, arranging transportation, etc. for four working days a week, and on Fridays, her staff hold weekly employment seminars, at which mentors and role models who are visually impaired attend.  An emphasis is placed on helping the students do self assessments to improve their image and confidence and to raise their goals in life. 

Ms. Cabbil said that a trend which is becoming apparent is that many parents are too overprotective which interferes with the progress the students can make.  Parents resist students using kitchen equipment, arranging their own transportation, being held to high expectations or behavior, or handling money such as establishing their own bank accounts or dining and figuring tips.

IMAGE AND IDENTITY TEAM REPORT

Representatives from MCB’s Image and Identity Team, one of several focus design teams founded as a result of the Vision 2020 initiative, reported to the board on various aspects of its work.  Mr. Bob Robertson reported on the recent accomplishments of the team, which include development of a speakers bureau, coordinating the 25^th anniversary celebrations of the commission, one of which was attended by the Governor, and the development of brochures.  Current activities include telephone listings as an individual agency in business white pages or yellow pages in as many areas as possible.  Updating brochures is a priority as the old brochures are identified with FIA and supplies are low.  Mr. Robertson said MCB is participating in a chili cook-off in Lansing this summer in order to raise awareness of MCB and volunteers are welcome!

Ms. Sherri Heibeck reported on the MCB web page, on which a tremendous amount of progress had been made in the past few weeks.  MCB’s web page structure is required to comply with all State of Michigan government sites with standard set up and presentation.  MCB has requested and been given a designation of www.michigan.gov/mcb, which will be a permanent, free site for the Commission.  The old address, MCB1.org, can still be accessed but is susceptible to purchase by another company if MCB fails to keep up payment on the web name. 

Ms. Heibeck reported that the MCB web team has a representative from each program/area who is responsible for content.  Ms. Susan Turney, MCB’s new communications and outreach coordinator has been working diligently on transferring relevant data from the outdated site to the new site, and adding and editing up-to-date material.  Ms. Heibeck said the language and presentation of the website have been changed to be more user friendly, to get away from MCB jargon and allow consumers more comprehensive access to information, including the alt tag, a feature which describes graphics inserted on the web page.  It is hoped to add brochures as they become available, in text or pdf format, as well as success stories, employment/employer page information, etc.  Ms. Heibeck said there were still some quirks to iron out and encouraged attendees to access the new website and send any suggestions to her attention or to Ms. Turney.  Ms. Heibeck and Ms. Turney were complimented for their hard work and for the vast improvement in the website. 

Ms. Turney reported on communications plans for MCB, including a comprehensive strategy for internal and external communications.  Important components of these strategies are two new policies from DLEG regarding Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance: an Accessible Video Policy that all future videos will be both captioned and described; and an Accessible Meetings Policy to ensure accessibility of both sites and formats.  MCB plans to produce a video by December about the Training Center. 

Ms. Turney said the communications approach is to reach both consumers and organizations.  Presently, media releases for the Commission meetings are sent out two weeks in advance to local weekly and daily papers, radio and television and also to every daily paper statewide in order that other communities are aware that these meetings take place around the state. It is hoped to produce a suite of brochures for each program, so that they may become part of a larger consumer information packet with uniform colors, style, etc.  As with the website, the language in the brochures will be aimed at its audience and not contain jargon.  Ms. Turney also ensures that the display booths and content are up to date and repaired.  A special project Ms. Turney will be working on is to improve communication with the Michigan optometric and ophthalmologist organizations.

Mr. Cannon mentioned two new very helpful communication tools, the new MCB newsletter, MCB Insight, and the biweekly updates, are also edited by Ms. Turney.

Mr. Robertson concluded the report with a short piece from a 15-minute video featuring several MCB staff, which was created in collaboration with the Rehabilitation Continuing Education Program (RCEP), to entice students into the rehabilitation program.   Copies of these will be distributed to each of the MCB offices.

UPDATE ON CAMP TUHSMEHETA

Mr. George Wurtzel, Executive Director of Opportunities Unlimited for the Blind (OUB), reported that an agreement had been signed between OUB and the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) to run Camp T for the current year, and a request has been made to prepare an agreement for the year after that.  In addition, an extremely valuable dialogue was held January 19 among representatives of the MDE, DLEG, OUB, both consumer organizations, both parents groups, and MCB staff, to discuss the future use of Camp T. 

Mr. Wurtzel said OUB will focus this year’s programs on skills of blindness, to encourage students and parents to be on committees, and will include camps on MCB’s Quest for Success Week, family week, science and nature, music, and a most special event, a prom night for the students which most of them have never experienced.

Mr. Wurtzel said OUB also plans to devote a section of their website to post activities of organizations of the blind.  Mr. Wurtzel emphasized that participation in legislative events, school board meetings, etc. really has an impact and produces good results for people who are blind.

MICHIGAN COUNCIL OF THE BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED (MCBVI) REPORT

Mr. Michael Geno, the new President of MCBVI said that most of the board members are also new.  The organization refers to itself as the new Michigan Council of the Blind, although this is not a formal name change, and their mission states that MCBVI unites people to promote cultural, social and personal growth as well as understanding toward progress, dignity and equality in issues related to blindness and visual impairment.  Mr. Geno said that a toll free number has been established, 888 956 2284, and literature was available for anyone wishing to take information home, along with a survey.  Mr. Geno explained the membership benefits and costs.

Mr. Geno said the organization has grant and scholarship programs to help with scholarships, equipment, employment, etc.  The 32^nd annual convention will be held October 6-9 in Wyoming, with phone-in registration, and Mr. Geno encouraged anyone to attend.    Quarterly board meetings are also held and the next is scheduled for Saturday, April 16.  Two items will be included at that meeting from resolutions passed at the last convention, one concerning MCB’s Vision 2020 progress which Mr. Cannon will address. 

Mr. Geno said it was a focus of MCBVI to become as involved as possible in input into MCB’s programs, and that he has encouraged Mr. Casey Dutmer, the MCBVI representative to and chair of the Consumer Involvement Council (CIC), to prepare language to help the CIC in terms of its mission and purpose.  Additionally, another resolution relative to the purchase of equipment will be forwarded to the CIC.  Mr. Geno said that he has also asked Mr. Dutmer to propose language to allow the CIC ownership of its bylaws process in order to allow consumers to feel its needs are being addressed and responded to.  Mr. Geno said MCBVI is currently involved in strategy planning and goal setting, based on information from consumers and MCB, and would welcome input at this time from the board. 

Mr. Geno said he was appreciative of dialogue with Mr. Cannon, who has been very informative, and with Chair Pilarski.  Mr. Geno also hoped that interactions with the National Federation of the Blind of Michigan would be improved, and welcomed communication from them and collaboration on issues such as transportation and voting.

Mr. Cannon said he looked forward to a strengthened relationship with both consumer organizations, as they could all complement each other’s activities.

NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND (NFB) OF MICHIGAN REPORT

Mr. Fred Wurtzel, President of NFB, Michigan, reported ten people from their organization had attended their Washington Seminar, to work with legislative staff in educating them on three issues concerning blindness: social security and disability benefits; access to college materials, similar to Michigan’s Braille Literacy Bill; and encroachment on Randolph Shepard Act’s rights. 

Mr. Wurtzel said he was glad to hear from Mr. Geno about future collaboration.  Mr. Wurtzel said that based on reports from NFB’s representatives on the CIC, understanding is still unclear on what CIC does and what a consumer driven organization is, and that several of their resolutions from their 2004 convention addressed some of these concerns.  Mr. Wurtzel said it was NFB’s expectations that MCB would accept these resolutions to bring about the best results, whether or not they were addressed specifically to MCB.

Mr. David Robinson, chair of NFB’s Resolution Committee, introduced committee members who described the nine resolutions, which were also distributed in written and Braille format.   The resolutions involving MCB included NFB’s opposition to means testing for any services and a call upon the director to implement positive steps to use resources in better ways; a call upon the board and director to develop minimum skill goals for persons receiving computer based devices; and a call upon MCB to pay for readers as a routine rehabilitative service.

Discussion was held on the resolutions.  Ms. Pilarski and Mr. Cannon said that while they were happy to review these resolutions in more detail, many of these issues might better be presented in collaboration with MCBVI, to explore and determine whether these are the requests of the majority of the population of blind people in Michigan and not one segment of it, as it appeared that some issues, such as speaking pedestrian crossings, were acceptable to others.  

Mr. Wurtzel said that resolutions are in various stages of distribution to the appropriate entities involved.  Mr. Cannon requested that the resolutions be sent electronically to Ms. Kingaby so that she could forward them to the board.

CONSUMERS INVOLVEMENT COUNCIL REPORT

Mr. Geer Wilcox, the former Chair, Mr. Casey Dutmer, the new chair, and Ms. Elizabeth White, MCB liaison to the CIC reported on the status of the CIC.

Mr. Wilcox reviewed the 2004 activities of the CIC and its three main areas of interest which concerned dialogue on the Michigan Training Center and what constituted a quality center, varying implementation of policy around the state, and how assessments were done for technology equipment for students, and its varying implementation around the state.  No formal resolutions were prepared for any of these issues.  Other activities included review of proposed Training Center policies, a vendor assessment form, discussion on the ADA and encouragement to state and other agencies to adhere to the ADA, and the report card which was completed in the fall of 2003, but was not summarized and presented until this month.  Mr. Cannon asked about a Transition Forum report which was mentioned in the report card of 2003 but which he did not receive. Mr. Wilcox said he would contact a CIC member who was involved to see if that information could be forwarded to Mr. Cannon.

Mr. Dutmer reported eight new members on the Council including Mark Eagle who was appointed vice chairperson.   Mr. Dutmer said the CIC has doubts about its role in the current administration, although a conference call had been held among Mr. Dutmer, Mr. Geno, Mr. Eagle, Ms. White and Mr. Cannon to discuss this and a mailing had been sent to members with a full CIC information packet.  Mr. Dutmer said when he reported to the CIC his understanding that the role of the CIC was to respond to Commission policy issues or policy development within the parameters of the bylaws, the CIC expressed it should have a larger role.

Mr. Dutmer read several motions which were passed at the CIC January meeting.  None of the motions had been forwarded to the board for review in the packet, and while the board was willing to listen to them, they declined to give a formal response until they were able to study them.  The language and tone of some of the motions were discussed as extremely inappropriate, especially with enforcement of issues involving other entities, and motions directing the director, which only the MCB Board is charged to do.  Mr. Geno said that MCBVI did not endorse the language in the motions.  Ms. Pilarski said that with eight new members out of twelve, she was not sure how they could vote on so many motions, without being fully informed on the issues or understanding the protocol to be followed.  Ms. Pilarski said that she would like copies of the January meeting minutes when they were approved and also copies of the reworded motions when they are completed.

Mr. Dutmer said the CIC had not been advised of the addition of a twelfth member, nor had they been given an opportunity to vote on this issue.  Mr. Cannon clarified that he did discuss this with Mr. Wilcox, who was chair at the time and who was extremely supportive of adding the twelfth member.  Mr. Wilcox concurred. 

Mr. Dutmer said the CIC wished to propose a process by which the CIC bylaws could be amended.  Mr. Dutmer said they would also present some motions which paralleled the previously announced NFB resolutions.  Mr. Cannon said that the particular motion concerning the conditions under which technology related equipment could be purchased for a client, would be a perfect example of what the CIC could consider and propose as future MCB policy. 

Discussion was held about the CIC, about the confusion felt by members of the CIC as to its purpose, its validity with many other focus groups and committees having consumer representation, and whether it was viewed that the CIC was a vehicle to receive client complaints about MCB services.  Mr. Cannon that there are remedial methods for addressing individual issues. 

It was suggested that further discussion be held on this with the whole CIC before any action be taken because it was apparent that the language of the motions had caused some considerable tension. 

            Commissioner Adler commented that he noted that very few clients took the opportunity to provide input or voice opinions at the Public Comment segment of the commission meetings.

PUBLIC COMMENT

            Mr. Michael Geno commented that having 30+ blind people go through a buffet is a challenge and an alternative might be considered.

            Mr. Fred Wurtzel commended the board for inviting the consumer organizations to the board meeting.

ADJOURNMENT

MR. ADLER MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MS. PILARSKI, TO ADJOURN THE MEETING.  THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

            The meeting was adjourned at 5:10 p.m.  The next meeting will be on Monday, April 18, 2005 at the Michigan Commission for the Blind Training Center in Kalamazoo.  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

                                                           
Date