APPROVED

MICHIGAN COMMISSION FOR THE BLIND
OCTOBER 18, 2004
MONROE COUNTY COURTHOUSE
MONROE, MICHIGAN

MINUTES

COMMISSIONERS PRESENT

Ms. Jo Ann Pilarski, Chair

Mr. Robert Adler

Ms. Sheila Ashcraft

Mr. Richard Grant

Mr. J. J. Jackson

COMMISSIONERS ABSENT

None

Michigan Commission for the Blind (MCB) STAFF PRESENT

Mr. Patrick Cannon

Ms. Tish Kingaby

Ms. Melody Lindsey

Mr. Leamon Jones

Ms. Gwen McNeal

Ms. Roberta McCall

Ms. Joann Woodward

Ms. Betty Rush

Ms. Marcie Cheney

Mr. King T. Nelson

Ms. Shawnese Laury-Johnson

Mr. Joseph Pelle

GUESTS/ATTENDEES

Ms. Cindy Green

Ms. Linda Maier

Ms. Charmaine Wawrzyniec

Ms. Brenda Needham

Ms. Cindy Harden

Ms. Rose Dunholter

Dr. Cynthia Riedel

Mr. Mark Rawlings

Mr. Jack O’Reilly

Mr. Michael Leitch

Mr. Watley

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Laming

Mr. Charles Randazzo (& father)

Mr. Dave Siler

Ms. Margaret Moore

Mr. Charles Slat

Ms. Bonnie Bodine

Ms. Debra Rohr

Ms. Karen La Pointe

Mr. Chris Jones

Mr. and Mrs. Faron Markham

Ms. Georgianna Conte

Ms. Deloris Tatten

Sister Mary Faith Hughes

Sister Mary Frances Hogan

Sister Norma Groth

Ms. Nancy Colpaert

Mr. Larry Posont

Mr. Jon Armstrong

Ms. Janice Dye

Ms. Doris Grant

Ms. Marilee Alzner

Ms. Angela Raymond

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

The Committee of the Whole was opened by Chair Jo Ann Pilarski at 9:05 a.m.   Ms. Pilarski thanked Commissioners Peeti Greene and Barbara Thomas, whose terms expired September 30, 2004, for their dedicated service to the Commission and for their efforts on behalf of blind people in Michigan.

Ms. Pilarski welcomed two new commissioners, Mr. Richard Grant of Belding and Ms. Sheila Ashcraft of Pontiac, who gave brief introductory remarks about themselves.

COMMISSIONER ACTIVITIES

Mr. J. J. Jackson reported that the Services Delivery Focus Design Team held a meeting in Lansing, but due to ill health, he was unable to attend.  The next meeting is scheduled for October 26 in Lansing, and Mr. Jackson plans to attend.

Ms. Pilarski attended the Michigan Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired (MCBVI) convention in Wyoming, October 1-3.  Two resolutions were passed concerning MCB, one regarding standardization of computer distribution and the second regarding specific results from MCB’s Vision 2020 process.  Director Cannon will be invited to attend a future MCBVI board meeting to give an overview of Vision 2020 and report on outcomes of this process.

Ms. Pilarski attended the Planning and Quality (PAQ) team meeting, October 8, during which an all staff meeting was held via telephone conference and Mr. James Smiertka, the Organization Development Officer of the Department of Labor and Economic Growth (DLEG) gave an overview of the State of DLEG meeting held in September.  Ms. Pilarski said Mr. Smiertka projected a message of inclusion, that the Commission had status within DLEG and was recognized as a valued part of the department.  DLEG also acknowledged MCB’s Action Plan, developed by the PAQ team, which fit very well into the department’s Action Plan. The PAQ meeting also reviewed status of goals for 2004 and 2005.

Ms. Pilarski said that October was traditionally the time when commissioners chose a vice chairperson, and also considered assignments to the various MCB committees.  Ms. Pilarski said it was hoped each commissioner would be assigned to a different committee, as a participating member, in order for them to report back to the board and the director on various issues.  Ms. Pilarski described the committees and invited commissioners to express their interest in joining a team to her. 

Ms. Pilarski said it was hoped commissioners would attend the consumer organization conventions.  The National Federation of the Blind of Michigan is holding its state convention in Midland, November 12-14, and Ms. Pilarski encouraged commissioners to attend.

DIRECTOR EVALUATION PROCESS

            In response to a request by the board at the last director’s evaluation, Ms. Tish Kingaby sent out a letter to ten commissions and boards requesting information on their evaluation process.  To date, no response had been received.  Discussion was held and consensus was reached that the current process would be followed, that evaluation ratings could be submitted anonymously to a designated member of the board and the average results for each criterion conveyed to the director.  The commissioners were encouraged to approach Mr. Cannon directly with any specific issues.  The evaluation is completed on a calendar year basis, with criteria and rating forms sent to the board along with the director’s self evaluation.  The evaluation will be completed at the February meeting.

Mr. Jackson reported with deep regret the death of Mr. Terrance Payton, driver for Ms. Peeti Greene, the previous week.

REGULAR MEETING

CALL TO ORDER, ROLL CALL AND DETERMINATION OF QUORUM

            The regular meeting was called to order at 10:25 a.m.  Roll call was taken and a quorum was present.

MR. JACKSON MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MR. ADLER, TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES OF THE AUGUST 16, 2004 MEETING, AS PRESENTED.  THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

ELECTION OF VICE CHAIRPERSON

            Ms. Pilarski asked for nominations for a vice chairperson to the commission board.  Mr. Adler nominated Mr. Jackson.  Mr. Jackson accepted the nomination.

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

PUBLIC COMMENT

            Mr. Faron Markham introduced himself, his wife Kristine and his child Jonathan, 3, who is blind. Mr. Markham expressed his concern that there was no school for the blind in Michigan and that public education was not enough to support the needs of blind children.

BOARD CORRESPONDENCE

            There was no Board Correspondence.

DIRECTOR’S REPORT

Mr. Cannon greeted the audience and welcomed the two new commissioners to the board.  Mr. Cannon expressed his appreciation for the excellent service of Ms. Greene and Ms. Thomas.  Mr. Cannon referred the Board to the written MCB report previously distributed along with upcoming activities and indicated he wished to draw attention to several noteworthy items.

Mr. Cannon reported on the State of DLEG meeting, explaining that the Commission had been transferred, in stages, to the Department of Labor and Economic Growth during the past year.  In the spring of 2004, DLEG Director David Hollister had held a meeting with bureau and agency directors to discuss the Governor’s vision and values initiative and how DLEG aligned with that.  In September, Director Hollister convened a second meeting to discuss the progress and direction of the agencies, following their submission of action plans.  Because of MCB’s Vision 2020 initiative, MCB had already developed short- and long-range strategic plans, and were able to submit their action plan in May, which Mr. Cannon said was well received and complimented by DLEG.  Mayor Hollister reiterated the values of excellence, integrity, inclusion and teamwork, and that of the Governor’s stated seven roads to economic recovery, four fall squarely under DLEG’s responsibilities.  At the request of Director Hollister, Mr. Cannon said an all staff meeting was conducted October 8 to inform staff of how MCB’s action steps aligned with the department.

Mr. Cannon said that one of the objectives in MCB’s long range plan was to strengthen relationships with the Department of Education, particularly with regard to the School for the Blind and Camp Tuhsmeheta (Camp T) and services for youth who are blind in the K-12 school system.  Mr. Cannon reported that a meeting was held the previous week which included Ms. Melody Lindsey, MCB’s liaison for Camp T, and Ms. Jaquelyn Thompson, Director of Special Education Services at the Department of Education (DOE), to discuss more effective utilization of Camp T, the environmental education camp located in Greenville. The meeting was encouraging in that DOE expressed a clear intention to continue camping activities and to work closely with organizations such as Opportunities Unlimited for the Blind (OUB) in running the camp.  Mr. Cannon said it is proposed to form a working group of people from MCB, DOE, stakeholders, both consumer organizations, and OUB, to continue to plan Camp T’s operations.

Mr. Cannon said MCBVI held its convention in Wyoming, October 1-3, and about 15 members of the Commission attended.  Mr. Cannon encouraged attendance, especially by the new commissioners at the NFB of Michigan convention in Midland.

Mr. Cannon called attention to articles in the MCB Report on the World of Work (WOW), a good insight into the effectiveness of this new program at the Training Center which helps clients prepare to enter the workforce, and to the DeafBlind Transition Workshop held at Michigan State University.  Mr. Cannon said the first issue of a new internal newsletter had been published for members of MCB and that some of the articles would be included in MCB Reports for wider distribution.

The final mini adjustment workshop for the year was held in Grayling and was attended by 32 clients.  Mr. Cannon said the 2005 schedule had been planned and included workshops in Grand Rapids, Romulus, Escanaba, Jackson and Saginaw.  Mr. Cannon encouraged the new commissioners to try and attend 1-2 days of this weeklong program.

Mr. Cannon described a tape of a program called Consumers Corner, produced by DLEG’s Media Services Office, which focused on the three rehabilitation agencies housed within DLEG: Michigan Rehabilitation Services, Michigan Commission on Disability Concerns and the Michigan Commission for the Blind.  Mr. Cannon said this tape could be made available to the board.

MR. JACKSON 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, welcomed the board and attendees to Monroe County.  

Mr. Jones said that a meeting had been held between field staff and training center staff to review and resolve several issues to improve services to the clients.  These meetings are ongoing to keep communication between the two staffs as current as possible.

Mr. Jones reported that following completion of the Rehabilitation Services Agency (RSA) 107 review, a study conducted by RSA personnel with MCB supervisors to determine how well standards are met, several areas of focus will need special attention in the future. These include employment outcomes and underserved and unserved populations, particularly Latinos and Native Americans, upon which the RSA has placed special emphasis.  Latinos are the largest growing minority in the United States. Mr. Jones said the numbers of case closures compared closely to those for the previous fiscal year, despite staff shortages experienced during that period.

Mr. Jones said that MCB was examining ways in which to improve the Independent Living program and that regarding the Youth Low Vision program, a task force would be established to include stakeholders and low vision providers to work on suggestions for improving the Youth Low Vision program.

Mr. Jones said outreach programs and training for staff are ongoing, including cash-match training to help staff raise funds to expand services and developing professional skills to help clients achieve employment.  Special emphasis is placed on employment opportunities and training for clients, especially the World of Work program and a job readiness seminar held one day during the mini adjustment programs.

Discussion was held regarding the remarks made by Mr. Markham during public comment on services available to young children who are blind.  Mr. Jones said that MCB services were available as soon as children entered the K-12 school system, either through the Youth Low Vision program or by assisting in locating other resources.  Mr. Adler, on a personal comment, said he had heard repeatedly during his tenure on the commission, that the discontinuation of the Michigan School for the Blind (MSB), following the unintended consequences of social movement and the theory of mainstreaming, had not benefitted people who were blind and advocated a long term goal of providing such services again.  Mr. Jackson said Stevie Wonder, an MSB graduate, would support this.

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

REGIONAL REPORT

Ms. Gwen McNeal, Eastern Region Supervisor,reported the staff for this region, covering Detroit and the Southeast Michigan area, Flint, Saginaw and part of Lansing, had been very active during the year serving on various internal and external committees.

Ms. McNeal said many cash-match agreements have been developed with educational entities, and with funds raised through New Horizons, MCB is hiring a case aide to work with Macomb Intermediate School District students in placement, job shadowing and other transition activities.  Memoranda of Understanding are being developed with public colleges and universities to better serve college students and MCB is a major presence on the Disability Advisory Board at Wayne State University.

Efforts continue to enhance low vision services to seniors, and the contract with Visually Handicapped Services continues to provide diagnostic and personal adjustment service for any legally blind person in the Metropolitan Detroit area.

Staff activities include career days, improving accessibility at schools and colleges, service on advisory boards, encouraging student clients to attend workshops provided at colleges and universities, sponsoring job experience summer programs and in-services at staff meetings educate staff on such subjects as diabetes management, technology and social security issues.   Ms. McNeal said the American Council of the Blind is working with MCB to develop telemarketing jobs. 

Ms. McNeal introduced Eastern Region staff that were present and in particular Ms. Joann Woodward, who was honored with the MCB/Michigan Rehabilitation Services Small Business Award for her contribution to advocacy for small business opportunities. 

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

COMMUNITY PARTNER REPORTS

Low Vision Coalition of Monroe – Ms. Cindy Green, Community Librarian and Ms. Charmaine Wawrzyniec, Reference Assistant at the Ellis Reference and Information Center, Monroe County Library, described the Low Vision Coalition of Monroe.  Ms. Green said this was a cooperative effort among service providers, volunteers and government agencies that share information on new and improved ways to provide services for the low vision community.  Services include independent living services for older blind in the home, provided by Roberta McCall and Betty Rush of MCB.  Ms. Green said a key problem was identified as to how to spread the word in the community about their services.  Last April, they held a first annual low vision event at the Ellis Center which had a great turnout.  A report listing contact people within the Low Vision Coalition will also be published to help people identify resources.

Ms. Wawrzyniec described services provided by the Monroe County Library system including certification by branch librarians for eligibility for services by the Library of Michigan Services for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, to receive books on tape, Braille materials, etc.  Assistive technology is available throughout the Monroe County Library system, including closed circuit TVs, Jaws, Zoomtext, Kurzweil and Duxbury.

Monroe County Opportunity Program (MCOP) – Ms. Brenda Needham explained that this was community action agency providing services to the low income and elderly population, including a commodity food program, home and personal care programs, home chore program, housing rehab and purchase programs, and assistance with utilities.  Another program which has grown is their transportation system, helping those with handicaps with their travel arrangements.  MCOP collaborates with many other agencies in fulfilling these programs and seeks private funding to help carry them out. 

Monroe ARC – Ms. Joann Woodward, MCB, reported on behalf of Ms. Cindy Harden, director of Monroe ARC, who was unable to attend.  ARC is an advocacy group working on behalf of people with disabilities.  Ms. Woodward said Ms. Harden had worked with her to remove barriers to individuals and maintain services to clients, and has helped with shelter care and housing in collaboration with the Salvation Army.

Michigan Works! One Stop Center-Monroe – Ms. Rose Dunholter, Coordinator, thanked the Commission for the opportunity to speak at the meeting, and said the community was blessed with caring partnerships and resources.  The Monroe Michigan Works! One Stop Center is one of seven in the Southeast Michigan Community Alliance.  Services at the Monroe center include assisting people find employment, training, welfare reform programs, and a program for veterans.  Their center has an extensive collection of assistive technology to help people who are blind and many forms are being converted to alternative formats. They work closely with other agencies and provide offices for interim staff.  During their fiscal year, which ended July 1, 2004, they served 22,080 people and had 1,209 facilitated services for employers.  The Monroe One Stop Oversight Committee, established in 1999, comprises not only agencies that partner under the Workforce Investment Act, but also other key agencies and private sector companies.  This committee meets quarterly to streamline services through the One Stop and is a very effective, amicable group.  Ms. Dunholter praised the collaboration among the community partners, and their close relationship with MCB. 

Monroe Community College – Dr. Cynthia Riedel, the Learning Lab Coordinator, described their community college which has about 4,100 students of whom only six are visually impaired. Monroe Community College offers a learning assistance lab for students with disabilities and academic assistance to all students.  A disability workshop is offered to all students as well as Project REACT (Realistic Expectation of Attending College in Transition) which takes eight students from each of the three largest high schools in Monroe County to spend a day learning the reality of college, attending a college class, taking notes, learning college study skills, etc.  Dr. Riedel said one of their graduates was a blind student with an Accounting degree who is now employed and who provides a good example of how accommodations can be made to assist blind students with their degrees.  In her experience, Dr. Riedel also said that those with vision difficulties are the most likely of any group with handicaps to self-accommodate, and they do not tend to employ an entitlement philosophy.  Dr. Riedel said their liaison with MCB is essential to their success, and that attendance at today’s meeting had given her feedback for many projects.

Recessed for lunch at 12:00 p.m.

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            Chairperson Pilarski reconvened the meeting at 1:07 p.m.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Ms. Angela Raymond, mother of an MCB client, thanked MCB for their help in assisting her daughter with college.  She says her daughter graduated from college, completed a special program in Arkansas, and now lives independently in Florida with a guide dog and has a full time job with the Internal Revenue Service.  Ms. Raymond praised the Commission for its work and hoped more funding would be provided.  Ms. Raymond strongly emphasized the need for parental advocacy on a child’s behalf and to ensure that the child became independent.

Monroe Center for Independent Living (CIL) – Ms. Linda Maier, Director, described her experience with the Multiple Sclerosis Society and how it prepared her for employment with the Monroe Center CIL.  Ms. Maier said they advocate on behalf of all people with disabilities and provide educational programs and counseling on health care, support systems, peer training, employment, equipment, assistive technology, etc.  The CIL has assisted the Monroe County Library and local malls become accessible.  Ms. Maier said it was important to learn they help people improve their lives and appreciated the positive effects of being involved with other agencies.  MCB presented a micro-mini one-day adjustment program which was well attended.  Their CIL works with VISTA and Americorps volunteers and Ms. Maier introduced Mr. Mark Rawlings, a VISTA volunteer who is Instructor of their Digital Divide for the Disabled.  Mr. Rawlings says he is learning Jaws so that he can help instruct students who wish to learn this program.

MCB TRAINING CENTER REPORT

Ms. Melody Lindsey, director of the MCB Training Center, reported that six staff from MCB participated in the RSA National Training Centers for the Blind Conference in Nashville.  Joanne Wilson, Commissioner of the RSA addressed the conference and said how important it was to provide hope and expectations and a positive philosophy about blindness.  Ms. Lindsey and Mr. Cannon participated on a panel during the conference which focused on setting standards for training centers that are not accredited and addressed the feasibility of forming a peer group to set standards and measurable outcomes for training centers.  Mr. Cannon said talks began with other states and training centers on this subject following a question posed during MCB’s transfer to DLEG as to whether the MCBTC was accredited.  Training centers can learn through shared practices and peer reviews and Mr. Cannon said that despite their pride in the MCBTC, it was always beneficial to look for ways in which to improve services.  This subject will also be on the agenda at the fall conference of the National Council of State Agencies for the Blind in November.

Ms. Lindsey said that Mr. James Baird assisted a school in northern Michigan in demonstrating how a blind student could participate successfully in a shop class.  A group from the school is now planning a visit to the training center to study the workshop there.

In November, Ms. Lindsey said a technology training in-service would be held for the MCB staff which will include the Outlook email system, as MCB is being switched from GroupWise.  This training program was developed by the MCB Technology Team.

Following the September 10 field and center staff meeting, Ms. Lindsay said that she and some center staff would be attending regional field staff meetings to continue to address some agenda items that were not covered in the original meeting.

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

Southeast Michigan Community Alliance (SEMCA)

Mr. Jack O’Reilly, Director, said the Alliance comprises the One Stop system which serves all of Wayne County, except for Detroit, and all of Monroe County, and provides programs in their seven offices which include job match, specialized programs for laid off individuals, and those moving from welfare to self sufficiency, etc. 

Mr. O’Reilly explained the evolution of Michigan Works! from the old labor exchange and unemployment offices to the current one stop system which was developed to encompass 138 separate work programs and put as many of them as possible under one roof.  Centers usually contains a resource room which have talent banks, resume writing and job assistance.  The centers also try to develop training to meet current demands in career trends.  Michigan Works has many partners who share office space, expertise and costs.  These partners include Michigan Rehabilitation Services and MCB, and Mr. O’Reilly said a large effort was made two years previously to improve accommodation for people with disabilities and they try to remove barriers to employment, from training to transportation issues. Mr. O’Reilly said that when people are placed, follow up is conducted by job developers at 30-day, 90-day and six month intervals. 

Mr. O’Reilly said Michigan is a leading force in an emerging 211 network which is being developed for people to get non-emergency referrals to or information about a variety of services.

CAMP TUHSMEHETA UPDATE

Mr. Larry Posont, Opportunities Unlimited for the Blind (OUB), reported that their organization ran Camp Tuhsmeheta (Camp T) this summer and it was a great success.  Mr. Posont said that under the Department of Education (DOE), Camp T was idle during the summer of 2003 and at that time OUB decided to take action to assure a camp for 2004 and that the camp should not be discontinued or sold as a result of inactivity.  DOE issued a no cost lease to OUB which served 72 campers over the summer, including 42 brand new campers, and had 108 people attend a family week.  OUB served the camp with a staff of which 50% were blind.

  Since that time, meetings have been held with Jacquelyn Thompson and Tom Watkins, DOE, and the relationship with them is much strengthened.  Mr. Posont said that neither DOE nor School for the Blind is much interested in running the camp, but that they have expressed support for the camp.   An agreement for OUB to run the camp in 2005 is almost complete.  Mr. Posont said OUB wants to pursue the possibility of OUB or MCB taking over the running of the camp, but must have the trust fund or other funding to go with it.  Mr. Posont said that Mr. Watkins also indicated to him that other education issues for blind children would be addressed in the future. 

            Mr. Posont thanked the Commission for their support and in providing staff to help run the camp.  He believes that if Camp T succeeds, the children will grow to be better blind adults who are confident in themselves, especially after an experience where they can mix on a level playing field with other blind students.  Mr. Posont hopes to double the number of campers next year.  Mr. Posont also commented on the positive press given them by the Greenville newspaper.  The board congratulated OUB on their successful camp.  Ms. Pilarski expressed pride in MCB’s participation and invited Mr. Posont to bring a camper and/or camper parent to a future meeting to discuss the experience.

PUBLIC COMMENT

            Mr. Robert Laming said he stayed 2-3 weeks at the MCB training center and said that a lot could be learned there.

Mrs. Kristine Markham thanked the Commission for the meeting which she and her husband attended on behalf of their blind child, and said it was inspirational to hear of all the support.

            Ms. Marcie Cheney, MCB, said there was an Internet group formed by MSB alumni and staff, and said there was a strong support to keep Camp T.

            Sister Norma Groth said she spent six weeks at the MCBTC and that it was the best thing she did.  A support group of sisters with low vision has been formed and this meeting had been very informative for her.

            Mr. Larry Posont, OUB, said that Camp T could be anything the community wished it to be and it was the hope of OUB that blind children could help build a house or structure on the property to give them confidence in their abilities.

            Sister Mary Frances Holden said she had joined her sister group and applauded all she had heard at the meeting today.

            Sister Mary Faith Hughes said she was grateful to all for their efforts.

            Ms. Roberta McCall, MCB, thanked the Commission for visiting Monroe, which she praised for their community outreach and effort.

            Ms. Janice Dye said her son Jared, 23, attends Monroe Community College and thanked the Commission for their help with his textbooks and transportation.  She said he is becoming very independent and has held a job, although he has transportation problems as they live in rural Ida.

            Ms. Joann Woodward, MCB, reiterated the transportation problems experienced in rural areas but said that Monroe County was extremely proactive in solving problems.

ADJOURNMENT

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

            The meeting was adjourned at 2:50 p.m.  The next meeting will be on Monday, December 13, 2004 at the Michigan Works! Office, 2110 S. Cedar Street, Lansing, Michigan.  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