MCB REPORT

February 14, 2006

DIRECTOR HOLLISTER, DEPUTY SYKES LEAVE DLEG

David Hollister, Director of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth (DLEG) for three years, and Dennis Sykes, DLEG Deputy Director, left their posts on February 3 to take on new challenges in a new non-profit organization in Mid Michigan charged with helping this region successfully transition its economy. This organization's focus will be on bringing together Mid-Michigan's strategic assets (the higher education and K-12; auto and other manufacturing; agriculture; and the emerging life science and information technology sectors) to become a center for research, development, commercialization and production of biomass materials and the epicenter of leadership for the post-petroleum economy.

The Michigan Commission for the Blind (MCB) was transferred to the new Department of Labor and Economic Growth in 2003 and has reported to Dennis Sykes since that time. Under the leadership of Hollister and Sykes, the Commission has been exceedingly well supported and became part of an important trio of key disability organizations: Michigan Rehabilitation Services, the Commission on Disability Concerns and MCB.

Examples of progress made in DLEG on behalf of people with disabilities during the past three years include a DLEG policy requiring that all meetings and programs of the department be planned and conducted in a manner fully accessible to people with disabilities and a comprehensive video access policy requiring that all videos acquired, produced or used by DLEG include captioning and audio description. Mr. Hollister and Mr. Sykes consistently stated their commitment to the value of inclusion and demonstrated their commitment with supportive actions. They will be missed immensely!

NEW DLEG DIRECTOR APPOINTED BY GOVERNOR

Governor Jennifer M. Granholm announced February 1 the appointment of Paula D. Cunningham to succeed David Hollister as director of the Department of Labor and Economic Growth (DLEG). Following is information from the Governor's press release:

Cunningham holds a B.S. in Journalism and a M.S. in Labor/Industrial Relations from Michigan State University and has served as president of Lansing Community College since 2000. Ms. Cunningham's dedication to education and community has been recognized by several organizations, including the Lansing State Journal which voted her one of Lansing's Outstanding Women (1999); the Commission on Spanish Speaking Affairs which presented her with its Outstanding Citizen Award (1996); and the YMCA which named her Honorary Achiever of the Year (2000).

This appointment is expected to take place March 1, subject to Article V, Section 6 of the Michigan State Constitution of 1963. Cunningham stands confirmed unless disapproved by the Senate within 60 days.

DLEG INTERIM MANAGEMENT

Until Ms. Cunningham begins her new role as Director, Robert Swanson has been named Acting Director for the Department and Irma Zuckerberg has been named Acting Deputy Director, assuming duties previously held by Dennis Sykes.

JOBS TODAY AND TOMORROW

State and regional "Career Outlook Through 2012" brochures have just been released which reflect expected job trends and prospects in Michigan's economy through 2012 and contain information useful to individuals who are planning a career, changing careers, or providing career counseling. The publications were developed in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Labor by DLEG's Bureau of Labor Market Information and Strategic Initiatives, which is responsible for producing all of Michigan's official labor market information.

The information is available for the state of Michigan as a whole and for the 18 labor market regions of the state, and each MCB office has received copies of the statewide brochure and the appropriate regional brochure or brochures. These brochures are also available online in JAWS-compatible PDF files at this link http://www.michigan.gov/cis/0,1607,7-154-28077_28313_33130-134079--,00.html on the MCB website's Resources page and also under Employment & Training Services--Vocational Rehab, Resources.

Each brochure contains these five lists of data through 2012 for the labor market region covered: --The top 25 fastest-growing occupations in percent job growth --The top 25 occupations with the largest number of annual job openings --The top 25 high-growth occupations requiring at least a bachelor's degree, with the level of expected job growth and the average hourly wage --The top 25 high-growth occupations requiring an associate's degree, technical training, or work experience, with the level of expected job growth and the average hourly wage --The top 25 high-growth occupations requiring at least moderate on-the-job training, with the level of expected job growth and the average hourly wage

MINI-ADJUSTMENT WORKSHOPS IN GRAND RAPIDS, DETROIT

The Michigan Commission for the Blind conducted its first Mini-adjustment Program of the new year, January 8-13, in Grand Rapids, with 35 consumers participating. MCB clients attending the Mini-Adjustment Program workshops are introduced to a variety of skills of blindness, such as cane travel, Braille, managing time and money, adaptive kitchen skills and other skills to enhance independence. MCB will conduct five, week-long Mini-Adjustment Programs in 2006, with the next workshop scheduled for March 12-17 in Detroit. Additional workshops are planned for May 21-26 in Clare, August 20-25 in Lansing, and a special program is being planned for DeafBlind clients in the fall.

NEW FEATURES ON MCB WEB SITE

There have been several changes in the MCB website during the last few months:

1. Staff phone list online. On the home page, the list of MCB office locations now includes a complete staff list, in alphabetical order and by office location.

2. New MCB Board Information online. Under MCB Board, Board Information, this section now includes the photo and biography of Commissioner Geraldine G. Taeckens. This section also has the document titled "Board Organization--Authority, Structure and Policies." The MCB Board page continues to include all commission meeting agendas, Commission meeting minutes, and MCB Reports as soon as these become available.

3. Direct link from Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS) website.  There's now a direct link from the MRS website (www.michigan.gov/mrs) to the MCB website. On the MRS home page, MCB is the first link under MRS Quicklinks on the right side of the page.

4. Career employment projections through 2012 online. In the general Resources section and under Employment & Training Services--Vocational Rehab, Resources, the Career Outlook Through 2012 brochures provide statewide and area information on high-growth occupations, occupations with large numbers of annual job openings, and the levels of education required for specific high-growth occupations.

5. Services menu tab removed. On the front-page menu, there's no longer a Services option, because all information from this general Services section has been moved into the specific program sections, including information on the Mini Adjustment Seminars now located on the MCB Training Center page.

6. Achievement award winner photos and stories online. On the home page, an article in the Spotlight section features the Achievement Honor Roll Award recipients, showcasing these MCB success stories. On the page titled "Employers-What MCB Has to Offer," an article spotlights the two achievement award winners who are Vocational Rehabilitation Program consumers. This article includes the MCB toll-free phone number and invites employers to contact MCB for business services including job placement and job retention.

7. Events Calendar updated through 2007. The Events Calendar includes all upcoming commission meetings through 2007, MCB committee meetings, MCB seminars and events, and selected events sponsored by partner organizations. This information is collected from MCB Activity Lists as well as from MCB staff and partner organizations. New items are posted when received. (Send calendar items to turneys@michigan.gov.)

8. MCB website traffic increasing. The number of people visiting the MCB website has increased since last year, as shown by the website's ranking in Google searches. Approximately one year ago, a Google search using the words "blind" and "Michigan" listed the MCB website within the first page or two of links. In January 2006, results for the same search listed the MCB website first of 5,040,000 web pages.

9. Revised Policy Manual to be posted in February. The revised Policy Manual is expected to be posted on the MCB website by the end of February.

TRAINING OFFERED TO AIRLINES ON BETTER ACCESS

The U.S. Department of Transportation announced, December 22, that it is offering airlines a training program that will make it easier for them to comply with laws protecting the rights of air travelers with disabilities. The new model training program highlights practices found by airlines to work best in meeting the needs of individuals with disabilities. The training program is designed to help airlines comply with the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), which prohibits discriminatory treatment of persons with disabilities in air transportation. While airlines are not required to implement the model training program, the Department encourages carriers to use it to complement their existing disabled access training programs.

The new model training program is part of DOT's effort to help the airlines provide accessible and non-discriminatory services to travelers with disabilities. The training program provides guidance for employees and contractors of air carriers that serve passengers with disabilities. The program suggests practices and procedures for airline personnel to follow to help disabled travelers with boarding, deplaning and making connections, as well as information on the airlines' responsibilities in such areas as service animals and assistive devices. The program consists of three components: a manual for participants, an outline for trainers, and a PowerPoint presentation, which carriers may use separately or together depending upon their individual needs.

The model training program builds on a technical assistance manual, completed in July 2005, on air carriers' responsibilities under the ACAA. DOT's outreach efforts to the carriers also have included regular forums, beginning in May 2001, on how to improve air travel for passenger with disabilities.

Details on the model training program, as well as the text of the technical assistance manual, are available on the Internet at http://airconsumer.ost.dot.gov/training/index.htm.

ACCESS BOARD PLACES RIGHTS-OF-WAY GUIDELINES ON DOCKET

The U. S. Access Board has placed on its docket a draft of its guidelines for accessible public rights-of-way to facilitate its work preparing an impact analysis. This analysis must be completed before the Board can officially release the guidelines for public comment.

The guidelines cover pedestrian access to sidewalks and streets, including crosswalks, curb ramps, street furnishings, pedestrian signals, parking, and other components of public rights-of-way. In developing guidelines and regulations, federal agencies often must prepare an assessment of the cost and impacts before a proposed version can be made public for comment.

The Board's aim in this rulemaking is to ensure that access for persons with disabilities is provided wherever a pedestrian way is newly built or altered, and that the same degree of convenience, connection, and safety afforded the public generally is available to pedestrians with disabilities. The draft guidelines are based on recommendations from an advisory committee chartered by the Board in 1998 when Pat Cannon was Chairman of the Board.

The Public Rights-of-Way Access Advisory Committee included representatives from disability groups, public works departments, transportation and traffic engineering groups, civil engineers, government agencies, and others. The Board prepared draft guidelines based on the committee's recommendations and made them available for public comment in June 2002. Over 1,400 comments were received. The revised draft incorporates many recommendations from these comments.

After it completes its cost analysis, the Board will proceed to publish the guidelines in proposed form and make them available for comment. Further information, including the draft guidelines, are available on the Board's website at http://www.access-board.gov/news/row-draft.htm.

CONSUMER SERVICES REPORT

During the past few months, the Consumer Services staff has been involved in a variety of activities. These activities have resulted in more involvement with community partners. The results of the Michigan Commission for the Blind's (MCB) involvement with community partners are expanding opportunities to increase services for MCB consumers.

MCB met with the Flint Michigan Works! Customized Employment program to discuss ways to increase more involvement in their programs and to expand employment opportunities for consumers who are blind and visually impaired. The Michigan Works! staff was eager to learn about MCB and its services. Their staff will visit the MCB Training Center to become more acquainted with the technology that is available for persons that are blind and visually impaired. They will visit the Center on February 14, 2006 and will tour the Center with about ten of their staff. MCB staff will work collaboratively with the Michigan Works! Staff on blindness awareness. MCB will provide an in-service training for the staff on February 23, 2006.

The MCB Detroit office participated in a series of partnership meetings that focused on employment issues relating to persons with disabilities. Some of the partners that participated with the team include Michigan Works!, Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS), Goodwill Industries of Detroit, Jewish Vocational Services and many other community partners. The partnership team objectives were to identify barriers that are impacted upon the hiring of individuals with disabilities. A series of three meetings was held and the results of the findings will be shared at a meeting on February 21, 2006. The Detroit office will be one of the entities participating in the implementation of the outcome.

The Consumers Services staff continues to work with the Centers for Independent Living (CIL) within their area. The East Region staff is working to develop cash match agreements with the Ann Arbor and Jackson Centers to expand vocational and employment opportunities. These agreements will provide additional assistance for individuals to work on soft skills and other job related skills. The Detroit office is dialoguing with the Detroit/Wayne County, Macomb and Oakland County CILs to establish agreements with the intent to increase services to individuals with visual impairments and blindness. The objectives are to work collaboratively with the agencies to help the community to become more aware of individuals that are blind and visually impaired and to meet the employment objectives of these individuals.

A number of MCB staff participated in a retreat January 24 sponsored by the Statewide Independent Living Council. The retreat helped to foster productive discussions between the Centers for Independent Living, MCB and Michigan Rehabilitation Services. The overall objective was to provide a forum where issues relating to services and equity were discussed. It was viewed as a catalyst to begin developing relationships with the CILs on the part of MCB.

The East and West Regions continue to forge dialogue with the Intermediate School Districts (ISD) in their areas to enhance greater participation in transition programs. Groundwork is being laid for the establishment of cash match agreements with Oakland County ISD. The focus will be on the integration of the blind and visually impaired students into transition programs that will allow for participation in job shadowing, mentoring and work experiences. MCB will be exploring the possibilities to establish agreements with some of the ISDs in the West Region and discussion is being initiated with Kent and Ottawa ISDs. A meeting has been established with the Detroit Public Schools to explore and/or develop programs that will increase participation in transition activities for blind and visually impaired students. The students have participated in the CHOICE Fair, as well as Career Day programs. These programs have exposed the blind and visually impaired students to career information and community resources that can be instrumental in the transition from school to work. Collaboration with the Michigan Works! and Centers for Independent Living will be utilized to increase opportunities for the students to experience job shadowing, mentoring and work experiences.

Nationally, the 15th Annual Independent Living Program Managers meeting will be held in Washington D.C. in March where discussions will take place on how to meet the challenge of increased demands for services, program monitoring, program standards and outcome measures. In addition, the Josephine L. Taylor conference will be held in early March in Atlanta, Georgia. The focus will be on low vision services and the creation of policies and services that promote improved health and well being through the Independent Living Program. The results of these two conferences will provide future direction of the Independent Living Program. An All Teachers meeting is scheduled for February to discuss ways to meet the demands for services, increase timeliness, and to consolidate teacher services.

Job Placement training was provided to new staff in January by Bill Santos from Building Trust Relationships, Inc. The counselors felt that the training was very valuable. They are looking forward to the second phase of the training. This phase involves "coaching," where the instructor will accompany each counselor to a job site to discuss MCB services and to ascertain ways the Commission can be of assistance to the employer in obtaining and maintaining their workforce.

MCB and the Michigan School for the Blind (MSB) are collaborating on ways to improve services to youths and the ISDs. MSB has developed a technology committee that possibly can be of assistance to MCB in the evaluation of college assessments. MCB and MSB will be sharing information as it relates to new technology. Further, MCB and MSB jointly provided a Transition Conference in Lansing on February 10, 2006 with a focus on transition issues from birth to school and from school to work. Dr. Karen Wolffe and Dr. Sandra Lewis presented at this conference.

The Consumer Services Division continues to have dialogue with the various partners regarding summer youth programs. The Quest for Success date has been established for the one-week program, July 23-28. MCB is in discussion concerning the Summer in the City and the Detroit Urban program to finalize their program dates, content and criteria. Additionally, MCB staff will be working with the Business Enterprise Program (BEP) to provide summer internships for students between the ages of 15 -21. The summer programs are designed to provide youths with mentoring and to participate in employment opportunities.

Bernie Kramer, MCB West Regional Supervisor, received military orders to serve on active duty with the U.S. Army for one year, at Fort Knox, Kentucky. Consumer Services Director Leamon Jones will be working closely with the West Region staff to ensure continuity of services during Bernie's absence.

MCB TRAINING CENTER REPORT

After many hours of deliberation and review, the MCBTC policy review team finished its work in November. The proposed policies were considered by the Planning and Quality team on January 9 and the Consumer Involvement Council on January 23. Both teams recommended that the proposed policies be implemented for a period of time and that the MCBTC Director report at that time the status of the new policies. This would be in keeping with the Plan, Do, Study, Act (PDSA) concept which the Commission uses in many of its policy updates. After incorporating minor changes suggested by these teams, the policies are ready for review by the MCB Board at its February 24 meeting.

An intern from Western Michigan University, Ava Carouth, is doing her rehabilitation teaching internship at the Training Center this semester. Shelley Masion is coordinating Ava's internship experience.

In the month of January, Jim Baird and John Boes celebrated their thirtieth anniversary working at MCBTC. Both have demonstrated their commitment to providing quality services for the blind of the State of Michigan. When asked about working another thirty years, they both seemed hesitant about making that promise!

In January, Laura Schmelzer participated in an immersion into blindness training opportunity at the Iowa Department for the Blind. For a period of three weeks, Laura participated in skills of blindness training using sleepshades. By going to Iowa, Laura was able to observe another program and how it deals with the business of training blind consumers to be productive members of their communities.

Kurzweil Educational Systems, in collaboration with the National Federation of the Blind, is in the process of beta testing a new hand-held scanner for the blind. The MCB Training Center will participate as a beta test site. Ms. Lindsey will receive training in the beta testing process and in how to use the hand-held scanner. She will then work with staff so that students will have the opportunity to try out this newest innovation in technology for the blind.

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES REPORT

At this time MCB's budget is running a little high. Costs and projections through January 2006 show that MCB has expended thirty six percent of the budget thirty three percent of the way through the year. This is fairly normal as many costs are encumbered early in the year to help ensure planned projects and expenditures are fully funded at the beginning of the year. Work continues on securing additional match money for this fiscal year, with prospects including funds from DMB for the renovation of the Cass Cafeteria and some unassigned vending in the Department of Natural Resources Buildings. Staff has been very helpful in identifying potential resources and follow up occurs on each and every possibility. At this point in time it appears that MCB should be able to meet its match requirements for the additional federal funds generated from our increased federal funding split from MRS. However, increased staffing costs due to additional positions and wage increases will take a big bite out of those funds.

MCB has requested 2007 Federal Earmark Funds to assist with the upgrade of the Training Center. MCB requested $343,000 to assist with the renovation of the building for technology training and BEP employment related training. DLEG has forwarded the request on to the Governor's office. The Governor will determine what requests will be sent on to the Federal Government.

The developer for System6 and System7, the client data tracking and reporting system, visited the Lansing office to do additional training for System7. During this visit they presented the BEP version of their web based system which was very well received by BEP staff. The developer expects to have the system functional by November 2006.

In training activities, eight staff, two as presenters, are signed up to participate in the Michigan Transition Services Association conference March 15-17 in Frankenmuth. This is a statewide conference for educators and others involved in student transition services.

MCB is determining those staff interested in attending the Michigan Chapter of the Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (MAER) annual spring conference in Livonia scheduled for April, which is considered by many to be the best conference in the state specifically designed for teachers who work with the blind and visually impaired. At least one MCB staff person will make a presentation at this program.

MCB continues to work with DLEG Human Resources and Civil Service to establish a tech specialist at the Training Center. This has been a very long process but it is hoped to be finalized soon. The process of filling the secretary vacancy at the Training Center is underway in order to fill that position as soon as possible.

Managers have completed the MI-360 Evaluation process. This began last fall with each manager attending an orientation to learn more about the process and why it was being done. That was followed up by managers sending out invitations to direct reports, other staff, peers, community partners, etc., asking them to provide feedback to that manager by completing an online survey. Following the survey period, each manager attended a meeting to receive their feedback report. The final step is to encourage managers to use the information obtained for professional development purposes. It is not a "gotcha" program and should not be looked as one by managers or staff. The Office of Great Workplace Development has provided suggestions and guidelines to managers who wish to share their feedback with others.

BUSINESS ENTERPRISE PROGRAM REPORT

BEP focus is on the future. There is increased interest in catering from BEP facilities on a nearly daily basis. With lessons in continuous improvement, BEP moves ahead with full expectation of success and quality customer service.

Some opportunities are being tackled. A new vending route in Grand Rapids is moving toward completion, creating a new job in BEP to replace the facility formerly in the Grand Rapids State Office Building. Another facility in Grand Rapids will create another new job. BEP is actively working to build a food operation in the new 1 Division building. In addition to various state offices this building houses the federal bankruptcy court, which attracts a lot of walk-in visitors daily and will contribute to a good employment opportunity.

In Lansing, several opportunities are shaping up nicely, including the Constitution Hall project which will be finished in late march or early April. The Department of Community Health has a new office building known as the Capitol View Building. BEP has a new and exciting facility there along with a vending machine business associated in the One Michigan Avenue Building. The newly remodeled Treasury building facility will reopen in March to serve Treasury and Secretary of State employees.

BEP is still seeking qualified blind people who would like a career as a small business operator in food service. There are openings presently waiting. BEP is the single largest employer of blind people in our state. Operators in the program average approximately $37,000 in earnings with many who make significantly more than the average. A career in BEP is fun, exciting and a real challenge to anyone who is interested in being an entrepreneur. Contact the BEP at (517) 373-3459 or toll free at (800) 292-4200. Our website is michigan.gov/mcb or email wurtzelf@michigan.gov.