APPROVED

MICHIGAN COMMISSION FOR THE BLIND

OCTOBER 17, 2005

LIVING HOPE CENTER

ALPENA, MICHIGAN

MINUTES

COMMISSIONERS PRESENT

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

Ms. Sheila Ashcraft                              Mr. Richard Grant

COMMISSIONERS ABSENT

Mr. Robert Adler

MICHIGAN COMMISSION FOR THE BLIND (MCB) STAFF PRESENT

Mr. Patrick Cannon                                Ms. Tish Kingaby

Ms. Melody Lindsey                              Mr. Leamon Jones

Mr. Bernie Kramer                                 Ms. Cindy Caldwell

Ms. Janet Johnson                                Ms. Rose Dunlap-Gist

Mr. James Hull                                       Ms. Constance Zanger

GUESTS/ATTENDEES

Ms. Marci Alling                                      Ms. Judy Brovage

Ms. Lynda Leideker                               Ms. Janeile Cannon

Mr. John Victory                                      Ms. Doris Grant

Mr. Mike Ellis                                          Mr. Elden Kirschner

Mr. Matt Fernandez                                Ms. April Ahlgren

Mr. Robert Gaylor                                 

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

The Committee of the Whole was opened by Chair Jo Ann Pilarski at 9:03 a.m.  Ms. Pilarski announced the fourth consecutive audio streaming of the meeting.

COMMISSIONER ACTIVITIES

          Mr. Richard Grant reported he would be attending MCB’s Image and Identity team meeting scheduled for the following week.  Mr. Grant reported attendance at the Michigan Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired (MCBVI) Convention which was held in Wyoming, October 7-9, and said the presentation on emergency preparedness was very interesting.

          Ms. Sheila Ashcraft reported attendance at the MCBVI Convention, and said that she enjoyed keynote speaker Jeff Moyer’s speech on the Five A’s for Social Changes.  Ms. Ashcraft also attended meetings of the Service Delivery and Design Team in August and the Pontiac Visually Impaired Persons support group.

          Mr. J. J. Jackson said he attended a meeting of a newly formed group which plans to bring descriptive video devices to movie theatres in the Lansing area.  Mr. Jackson also attended MCB’s Cultural Diversity Committee which formed an ad hoc committee to develop approaches to reach out to three different population groups.

          Chair Jo Ann Pilarski said she hoped that both consumer organizations would have resolutions prepared from their fall conventions to present to the Board by the February 2006 meeting.  Ms. Pilarski also attended the MCBVI convention and said she was impressed by their organization and resolutions.  Ms. Pilarski attended the Planning and Quality (PAQ) team meeting, at which the appreciative inquiry model of dialogue was utilized, led by Mr. John Victory, with the topic of how MCB could develop an ideal system design and work through this system to achieve positive results based on the visions of MCB and the State of Michigan as the best place for blind people to live, learn, work and raise a family. Director Pat Cannon was asked to give the background of the vision development which began in 1999. Ms. Pilarski said that Michigan was fortunate to have a Governor who was committed to inclusion of people with disabilities in her administration and goals.

ELECTION OF VICE CHAIR

           Discussion was held regarding the election of the Vice Chairperson.

DIRECTOR EVALUATION

           Discussion was held regarding the procedures for the forthcoming annual evaluation of the director’s performance. Director Cannon will forward his self evaluation to the board by November 23, evaluations will be due from the board to the chair by December 5, so that she may compile them for report at the December 12 commission meeting.

ISSUES FROM PRIOR PUBLIC COMMENT

           Ms. Tish Kingaby reported the permanent addition of this item in the agenda, per Ms. Ashcraft’s request.  No specific follow-up on issues was reported beyond a letter responding to a question regarding the MCB website.

UPDATE ON APRIL 2006 MEETING AGENDA

Ms. Pilarski requested that Mr. Grant reiterate his proposal for a theme for the April 2006 commission meeting regarding the Michigan Commission for the Blind Training Center (MCBTC).  Discussion followed regarding Mr. Grant’s proposals which included forming an ad hoc committee to plan the agenda, its purpose, its structure and a schedule for performance.  This would include verifying that MCBTC was in compliance with laws and regulations. Mr. Grant said his proposal might include a proposed policy to give weight to any recommendations made by the committee.  Discussion was held regarding whether the performance related to staff’s individual performance management plans or performance measures for MCBTC clients.  Mr. Cannon summarized the mechanics of the Department of Labor and Economic Growth’s (DLEG) performance management plans and said that while Mr. Grant’s proposal would not directly affect these plans, they could be helpful in future planning.   In addition, Mr. Cannon said he felt Mr. Grant’s proposal was aimed at determining the ultimate measure of the success of combined efforts of field staff and training center staff, and what it means to the client who is the recipient of services.  Mr. Grant and Mr. Cannon will meet again to clarify the formation and direction of the committee.

APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY IN DIALOGUE

           Ms. Pilarski said that dialog opportunities would be provided in commission meetings, realizing that Public Comment did not allow interaction.  The dialogue was facilitated by Mr. John Victory.

Mr. Elden Kirschner, Alpena, asked about the possibility of providing training on audible global positioning satellite (GPS) systems, such as the 5-day training provided by Leader Dogs for the Blind. Discussion was held on the practicality of GPS for which excellent mobility and computer skills were essential.  Ms. Lindsey said MCBTC was examining implementation of this training and Mr. Jones said it was possible that in the future, GPS equipment and training might become part of a client’s employment plan, although this was dependent upon funds as the equipment was currently extremely expensive.  Mr. Kirschner said it was important to keep people informed of new technology such as this. Ms. Ashcraft said, regarding GPS, she had learned it would take Leader Dogs for the Blind approximately twelve months to put all of their assistive technology into place at their facility and she did not know whether Leader dogs then intended to work with community partners on training. 

Ms. Janeile Cannon said that currently a common thread in philosophical and creative thinking stated that in bringing what was wanted from the future into the present, the first requirement was to make a decision to have it, and then decide what actions to take to demonstrate that reality.

Ms. Dunlap-Gist said that conflict areas within the agency arise from different urban and rural mindsets and delivery services to these populations. Mr. Victory said this is a dilemma for Workforce Boards also, especially concerning transportation needs across boundaries, and said consumer participation was an effective method to determine needs.   Mr. Cannon said that the Statewide Independent Living Council had facilitated such focus group discussions at consumer conventions held in 2003 and at the Commission meeting in Tawas City.   Transportation was identified as the ongoing primary concern as a barrier to success. 

Mr. Jackson said a seminar was held in Lansingthe previous week to educate people on how to approach their legislators and others on transportation issues.   Mr. Jackson will forward information on this seminar to the board.  Mr. Cannon advised people with disabilities to pursue seats on boards of local advisory committees or governing boards of transit authorities.  Ms. Pilarski said the transportation issue should be an urgent priority for many communities and groups.

REGULAR MEETING

CALL TO ORDER, ROLL CALL AND DETERMINATION OF QUORUM

          The regular meeting was called to order at 11:40 a.m.  Roll call was taken and a quorum was present.

          Discussion was held regarding two minor corrections which had been incorporated into the minutes. 

Mr. GRANT MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MR. JACKSON, TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES OF THE AUGUST 15, 2005 MEETING, AS AMENDED.  THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

PUBLIC COMMENT

          There was no public comment.

BOARD CORRESPONDENCE

          Ms. Kingaby recited the contents of a letter (attached) to the board dated September 12, 2005, from the President of Opportunities Unlimited for the Blind (OUB), regarding and apologizing for comments made by Mr. George Wurtzel, OUB’s Executive Director, at the August 15, 2005 commission meeting.

ELECTION OF VICE CHAIRPERSON

          Ms. Pilarski asked for nominations for a vice chairperson to the commission board. 

MR. GRANT MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MS. ASHCRAFT, TO ELECT MR. JACKSON AS VICE CHAIRPERSON. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

Mr. Kramer announced that Ms. Judy Baltz, who was well respected by colleagues, friends and staff of MCB, passed away. 

MR. GRANT MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MS. ASHCRAFT, TO SEND A LETTER OF APPRECIATION AND CONDOLENCE TO THE FAMILY OF MS. JUDY BALTZ. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

DIRECTOR’S REPORT

Mr. Patrick Cannon, State Director, said he was pleased to attend a commission meeting in Alpena, which was last visited in 2000, and commended the City for its Cool City award from the Governor’s office for its Heritage Riverwalk Project. 

Mr. Cannon called attention to the written MCB report distributed to the commissioners and said he wished to highlight some issues. 

Mr. Cannon said this year, Michigan’s previous observance of Investing in Ability Week has been expanded to the whole month of October to provide more time and opportunities to promote the investing in ability philosophy, and to align with the national observance which is now called National Disability Employment Awareness month.   Mr. Cannon called attention to a poster sponsored by MCB, Michigan Commission on Disability Concerns (MCDC) and Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS) distributed to the board which promotes abilities of people but which does not depict their disabilities. A proclamation from the Governor’s Office on Investing in Ability Month was also distributed to the board. Mr. Cannon said a public service announcement (PSA) had also been produced to promote employment of people with disabilities.

Mr. Cannon referred to a communication strategy formed in 2000, and reported that through the efforts of MCB’s Communications and Outreach Coordinator, a significant outreach to Michigan optometrists and ophthalmologists had been achieved.  A letter was sent to about 2000 eye care providers, informing them of the presence of MCB and the services the agency could provide in the event their patients became blind or visually impaired.  Approximately 1200 additional signature guides as well as MCB’s brochures had been requested and sent out.

Mr. Cannon reported that 18 MCB staff and commissioners attended the Michigan Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired (MCBVI) fall convention, October 6-9.  Mr. Cannon said the convention was very positive and well received.  On November 11-12-13, the state convention of the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) of Michigan takes place in Pontiac, and Mr. Cannon encouraged attendance by commissioners and staff of MCB. 

Mr. Cannon reported on the efforts by the Secretary of State to provide accessible voting for people who are blind and its Plan for Accessible Voting, which is consistent with the federal Help America Vote Act and subject to review by consumers through 27 October.  Direction is given in the MCB report on how to access the Plan and make comments. Mr. Cannon said he was pleased with the level of MCB’s inclusion by the Secretary of State’s Office in the preparation their Invitation To Bid which will be issued to vendors of accessible machines.  Mr. Cannon said he was optimistic that at the federal election next year, blind people would be able to vote independently and privately.

Mr. Cannon reported the final mini adjustment program of the year was currently taking place in Bay City with the next program scheduled for January 8-13 in Grand Rapids. 

Mr. Cannon reported that a meeting took place between officials of Opportunities Unlimited for the Blind (OUB) and MCB staff to discuss the report presented by OUB at the August commission meeting.  Issues and comments made at that meeting were discussed, and Mr. Cannon said he was pleased that the President of OUB had followed up with a letter apologizing for some of the comments.  The 2005 season at Camp Tuhsmeheta (Camp T) was discussed and MCB was able to identify additional camping weeks to support.  The plan for next year’s camping experience was discussed, as well as the possibility of providing work experience opportunities for MCB clients at Camp T, which MCB could also support financially.   Additionally, Mr. Cannon reported a meeting of the State Department of Education and the State Board of Education which included discussion regarding use of some of the proceeds from the trust fund for educational programs such as Camp T. 

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

TRAINING CENTER REPORT

Ms. Melody Lindsey, director of the MCB Training Center, said that a meeting was held by a team of volunteers to discuss referrals and reports which are exchanged between the field and training center staffs.    At its meeting, the team felt a separate referral form specific to the center should be used, rather than using a general services referral form.

Ms. Peggy Jackson, Supportive Services Supervisor, took classes to become certified as a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) trainer and Ms. Lindsey reported Ms. Jackson has started giving instruction to staff and may provide this training to students.

Ms. Lindsey said that on November 21-22, technology training would be provided for MCB staff, including instruction on what is required of students wishing to attend college so staff are aware of the issues and can better prepare clients, GPS training, and e-books.

At the Michigan Rehabilitation Conference, November 8-10, Ms. Lindsey said she and Ms. Jennipher Wiebold from Western Michigan University would be doing a presentation on the immersion into blindness program conducted at the center the last two summers.

Ms. Lindsey said she had been approached by a construction firm to reinforce to workers the need for them to wear goggles.  Ms. Lindsey has agreed to do this presentation, however, she said her emphasis will on demonstrating positive attributes of blindness.

As an ex officio trustee, Ms. Lindsey attended the American Printing House for the Blind (APH) annual meeting in Louisville.  APH has a federal program that provides funding for materials for blind students.  Last year, MCBTC received a $70,000 quota for materials, such as Braillers, bookports, etc.  The meeting included induction of four individuals into a Hall of Fame established for people who work in the field of blindness including Dr. Abraham Nemeth, founder of the Nemeth Code which helps blind people do mathematical and scientific equations. Dr. Elton Moore was keynote speaker and he spoke about the importance of legislation affecting people who are blind, in keeping good statistical information, and helping students find jobs on their own rather than rely on counselors.

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

Recessed for lunch at 12:30 p.m. 

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           The meeting was reconvened at 1:18 p.m. 

COMMUNITY PARTNER REPORTS

AUSABLE VALLEY COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH (CMH)

          Ms. Cindy Caldwell, MCB DeafBlind Specialist, thanked the commission for its encouragement and support of her disaster relief work in Louisiana, following the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina. 

Ms. Caldwell introduced Ms. Lynda Leideker, Supported Employment Coordinator for the AuSable CMH office in Oscoda.  Ms. Caldwell described their long working relationship helping deafblind clients.

Ms. Lydeker reported on her work with MCB and described the success in helping blind and deafblind clients obtain employment in such diverse areas as massage therapy, a recycling business, and horse grooming.

A special program carried out by AuSable CMH involves consumer operated homes.  Ms. Lydeker described the program which began approximately five years before, whereby consumers, usually three in number, who are collecting social security and may or may not have additional income sources, are matched for personalities and helped into buying or renting a home together.  Their combined incomes allow them a degree of independence in paying bills and buying groceries, and interacting within the community.  Currently ten homes are being operated between West Branch and Oscoda, and each is set up with one room for a staff person to maintain an office and a bedroom, so that a staff person is on call in the home at all times.  The residents experience a family atmosphere and have the security of knowing they will not be shipped around from one group home to another.  The community also benefits since the residents are paying taxes, and the program is very successful.

INLAND LAKES LOW VISION SUPPORT GROUP

          Ms. Judy Brovage was introduced by Gaylord staff person, Ms. Rose Dunlap-Gist.  Ms. Brovage is the leader of the Inland Lakes Low Vision Support Group.

          Ms. Brovage said the group based in Indian River was formed about ten years before and thanked the Commission for the counselors who have provided support for this since its inception.  The group provides guidance to consumers about their vision problems, access to low vision providers and equipment, learning how to cope with blindness, teaching cooking skills, etc.  Ms. Brovage said the group is very close knit and is now working on outreach to community groups, developing brochures for doctors’ offices, and spreading information regarding its existence and services.  Recent activities include a White Cane Awareness Day at a supermarket in Indian River.

MiCONNECTIONS

          Mr. Bernie Kramer, MCB’s West Regional Supervisor, introduced Ms. Marci Alling, the MiConnections State Coordinator, with whom he has made many presentations over much of the state.

          Ms. Alling said that MCB is a key partner in the project, which is in its third year of a five year grant.  MiConnections is Michigan’s name for the federal High School High Tech initiative, a competitive grant project funded by the Office of Disability and Employment Policy in the U.S. Department of Labor.  Ms. Alling said the full amount of funding for year three would be cut 10 percent, along with all federal programs as funds were needed to offset Hurricane Katrina damages, and that she hoped years four and five would in fact be funded.

          High School High Tech is a systems change initiative, and it is expected that Michigan will sustain the project beyond its grant period.  Ms. Alling praised Mr. Kramer’s enthusiasm and assistance in expanding this project throughout the state which is designed to improve outcomes for high school aged children with disabilities, improve graduation rates, and improve employment rates by preparing the children for careers involving technology. 

Ms. Alling said that Demonstrator projects are run at the local level by different agencies, organizations, employers, etc.  At the state level, three organizations, MCB, MRS, and the Office of Special Education, Michigan Department of Education have provided funding, and receive support from entities such as Michigan Works! Association, Statewide Independent Living Council, etc.  Part of the project requires tracking students through a two-year period to ensure that the program is having the desired effect, which must be reported at both the federal and state levels.

CONSUMER SERVICES REPORT

Mr. Leamon Jones, Director of Consumer Services, referred to activities of the staff reported in the MCB Report.  Mr. Jones reported meeting with Mr. David Adams of the Regional Rehabilitation Continuing Education Program (RCEP) which has been very supportive of training for MCB staff, including the Resilience Training for counselors which was very well received.  Similar training is being developed for managers which will be provided to MCB and MRS.  RCEP is not currently affected by the closing of the regional Rehabilitation Services Administration offices and has received its current fiscal year funding.  An opportunity for staff to participate in joint training with the Minnesota agency is being developed, which Mr. Jones said will be very helpful in exchange of ideas and practices between the two agencies.

Mr. Jones said that emphasis will be placed on using community partners and employers in the employment readiness seminars.  As another way to improve opportunities for home based employment, an ad hoc committee was formed to develop guidelines for what specific actions need to be taken by a consumer interested in operating their own business, including resources. 

Many mentoring activities included job shadowing at Ford Motor Company, and plans are under way to include White Cane Day activities for next year.

YOUTH LOW VISION POLICY

Mr. Jones referred the board to the Youth Low Vision policy which was being brought to the Commission for approval again because the draft which was formally adopted at the August Commission meeting was not the intended final version.   The substantive difference between the two versions is a reference to a visual field measurement of 20 degrees, and not 45 degrees. 

Mr. Cannon said that the Consumer Involvement Council (CIC) also wished to convey two of its recommendations regarding the policy.  One concerned the recourse a parent had if they were displeased with the services they received under the Youth Low Vision Program.  Mr. Jones said they would have the same process as with any other MCB program, and this process is described in a cover letter to the parents.  The second CIC recommendation concerned referrals which Mr. Jones said would come from teacher consultants, or sometimes via MCB to the teacher consultant if the student is missed in the special education needs of children with disabilities.  Mr. Cannon reaffirmed that language of the policy could be added or amended at any time.

MR. JACKSON MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MS. ASHCRAFT, TO ACCEPT THE REVISED YOUTH LOW VISION POLICY, AS PRESENTED.  THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

Ms. Ashcraft requested whether there was breakdown information available on the 718 individuals reported as having achieved their vocational objectives for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2005, such as a summary showing how many individuals completed study at the training center, or attained college attendance, full- or part-time employment, etc.  Mr. Cannon said this information was probably not completely compiled at this time, but could be included in the next MCB Report. 

Mr. Grant asked about future projections, possible backlog of referrals and the resultant likelihood of additional stress on MCB.  Mr. Jones said an increase in referrals is anticipated, as a result of such actions as the outreach to the optometrists and ophthalmologists, and that there would definitely be additional stress which he hoped could be alleviated by additional positions.

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

WEST REGION AND GAYLORD OFFICE REPORT

          Mr. Bernie Kramer thanked the community partners and described the various MCB staff serving the area and the excellent work they do.  Introduced by Mr. Kramer, two staff from the Gaylord office, Ms. Janet Johnson and Ms. Rose Dunlap-Gist, described some of their experiences with clients, training and work with community partners.  Ms. Dunlap-Gist read a letter from a client, Mr. James Fekete, thanking the agency for their help.  Discussion was held regarding the expected growth in the baby boom population requiring services within the next ten years, and transportation was again identified as a major concern.  Mr. Cannon said that population growth was factored in federal funding formulas for older blind services.

BUSINESS ENTERPRISE PROGRAM REPORT

Ms. Constance Zanger, Administrative Assistant for the Business Enterprise Program (BEP), reported on several activities, including: new operators; the vending stand training assessment which measures the abilities of potential students interested in becoming vendors   and which has recently been amended to include endurance and career exploration components; conditions and parameters of forthcoming audits of the operators will be set at an upcoming meeting with auditors; and due to retirement of the current operator and reduced population in the Grand Rapids State Office Building, a vending route is being established.

MR. JACKSON MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MR. GRANT, TO ACCEPT THE BUSINESS ENTERPRISE PROGRAM REPORT, AS PRESENTED.  THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

Ms. Zanger referred the board to the information provided in the packet regarding the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) decision in regard to Operator Michael Keathley, and requested that the board approve the recommendation of the BEP to adopt the second option of the ALJ to revoke the license of Operator Michael Keathley.

MR. JACKSON MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MS. ASHCRAFT, TO SUPPORT THE BUSINESS ENTERPRISE PROGRAM STAFF RECOMMENDATION TO ACCEPT THE ALTERNATIVE OPINION OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE DECISION AND REVOKE THE LICENSE OF MICHAEL KEATHLEY.  THE MOTION CARRIED, WITH COMMISSIONER GRANT ABSTAINING.

PUBLIC COMMENT

           Mr. Michael Ellis said a technology show would take place at the Detroit Marriott of Pontiac, on Friday November 11, just prior to the state convention of the NFB of Michigan at that location.

ADJOURNMENT

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

The meeting was adjourned at 3:42 p.m.  The next meeting will be on Monday, December 12, 2005 at the Kellogg Center in East Lansing.  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

ADDENDUM

Opportunities Unlimited for the Blind

200 S. Lafayette, Greenville, MI48838

Date:               September 12, 2005

To:                   Michigan Commission for the Blind board members

From:              Robert Essenberg, President

Subject:          Comments made by George Wurtzel at the August 15, 2005 Commission for the Blind board meeting

On behalf of the board of directors of Opportunities Unlimited for the Blind, I would like to apologize for some of the comments made by our Executive Director George Wurtzel at the subject meeting. During the course of his talk to your board, he made a reference to a comment that was made at another meeting about bankrupting O.U.B., and drew a link between that comment and the reduction in money O.U.B. received from the Commission. The way he said it would have led you to believe that the comment came from Pat Cannon or Melody Lindsey. The comment was not made by either of those two people, nor do I think it was George's intention to make it seem like it was. The O.U.B. board once again apologizes for any embarrassment this may have caused Pat or Melody.

The other area I would like to apologize for is George’s reference to the lack of representation at camp from any of the state agencies. Although I agree with his assessment, the Commission board meeting was not an appropriate place to address this issue.

I have since met with Pat and other representatives of the Commission, and believe we have started to form a good working relationship. It is my desire to continue to work closely with the state agencies, and form a strong base that will help O.U.B. to continue to provide quality programming to the blind youth in this state. 

Sincerely,

Robert Essenberg

President, Opportunities Unlimited for the Blind