APPROVED

MICHIGAN COMMISSION FOR THE BLIND
AUGUST 16, 2004
PINE MOUNTAIN RESORT
IRON MOUNTAIN, MICHIGAN

MINUTES

COMMISSIONERS PRESENT

Ms. Peeti Greene, Vice Chair

Mr. Robert Adler

Mr. J. J. Jackson

COMMISSIONERS ABSENT

Ms. Jo Ann Pilarski, Chairperson

Ms. Barbara Thomas

Michigan Commission for the Blind (MCB) STAFF PRESENT

Mr. Patrick Cannon

Ms. Tish Kingaby

Ms. Melody Lindsey

Mr. Bernie Kramer

Ms. Susan Anderson

Mr. Ed Haines

Ms. Jennifer Welch

Mr. Tom Ford

Ms. Corda Moss

GUESTS

Ms. Julie King-Mann

Mr. Robert Karvinen

Ms. Geri Taeckens

Ms. Laura Fletcher

Mr. Robert Fletcher

Mr. Jim Stearns

Ms. Rita Jacobs

Mr. Frank L’Huillier

Mr. William Park

Ms. Brenda Van Zalen

Mr. Max Kramer

Mr. Tim Taylor

Mr. Ken Hiatt

Ms. Jean Hiatt

Ms. Minnie Baciak

Ms. Judy Gordexy

Ms. Connie Bahzola

Ms. Naomi Flannigan

Mr. Nick Muraro

Ms. Carol Muraro

Ms. Nanette Dinsmoore

Ms. Brenda Morrison

Ms. Jeannette Miller

Mr. Willard Miller

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

The Committee of the Whole was opened by Vice Chairperson Peeti Greene at 9:07 a.m. (CST)

COMMISSIONER ACTIVITIES

Ms. Greene attended three events including the MCB Cultural Diversity Committee meeting held in Lansing, August 12; the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) convention in Atlanta, Georgia; and the National Association of Multicultural Rehabilitation Counselors annual convention in Chicago.  Ms. Greene said all three venues gave her the opportunity to learn and share knowledge in helping the blind community.

MCB VISION STATEMENT

            Director Patrick Cannon gave a brief outline of the Commission’s mission statement and Vision 2020 initiative, which identifies service goals for the future, and discussions held by MCB’s Planning and Quality (PAQ) team and others.  Mr. Cannon said that MCB had not officially adopted a vision statement, and at a recent PAQ team meeting, a recommendation was made to propose the following language:   ‘To make Michigan the best place for people who are blind to live, learn, work and raise a family.’  It is the hope and expectation of the PAQ team and others that there will be considerable discussion of a vision statement over the next few months and that the Commission will at some point formally adopt a vision statement that will be expressed as the agency’s shared vision.  The board discussed the vision statement and members present were in favor of it.  Mr. Cannon said this was the beginning of dialog and no formal action need be taken at this time.

            Mr. Cannon introduced Mr. Jim Stearns, former commissioner and chair of the board, who resides in the Iron Mountain area. 

REGULAR MEETING

CALL TO ORDER, ROLL CALL AND DETERMINATION OF QUORUM

            The regular meeting was called to order at 10:00 a.m.  Roll call was taken and a quorum was present.

MR. JACKSON MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MR. ADLER, TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES OF THE JUNE 25, 2004 MEETING, AS PRESENTED.  THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

PUBLIC COMMENT

No public comment was made.

BOARD CORRESPONDENCE

            There was no Board Correspondence.

DIRECTOR’S REPORT

Mr. Cannon greeted the audience and noted the excellent attendance for the Iron Mountain meeting.  Mr. Cannon referred the Board to the written MCB report previously distributed to the Commission along with upcoming activities and indicated he wished to draw attention to several noteworthy items.

Mr. Cannon reported that July 26 marked the 14^th anniversary of the enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and said celebration of this anniversary was significant as it is the civil rights law for the 54 million people with disabilities in America.

The MCB report also refers to the Harris study carried out in conjunction with the National Organization on Disabilities.  Mr. Cannon said this study addressed the progress made by people with disabilities since the ADA enactment and concluded that while this progress has been slow for the most part, it has been significant, especially on the employment front; people with disabilities now have greater access to places of public accommodation, employment, on the job accommodations, etc.  Prior to the ADA, Mr. Cannon said most employers could arbitrarily reject people with disabilities if they chose, without being in violation of discrimination laws.  Mr. Cannon said the U.S. Access Board released the recently modified ADA Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) to coincide with the anniversary.  One of the aspects of the ADAAG covers recreation, and increasingly, people with disabilities have greater access to recreational opportunities. 

Mr. Cannon reported on the mini adjustment programs, where approximately 35 clients attend a week-long orientation to learn the skills of blindness, such as cane travel, adaptive kitchen skills, Braille, time and money handling.  The final program for the year takes place August 29 – September 3 in Grayling, and the 2005 schedule will be finalized in the next few weeks.   This program is unique to Michigan and other states are now studying this module to consider replicating it in their state.

Mr. Cannon reported the two consumer organizations will hold their state conventions in the fall.  The Michigan Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired will hold their convention the first week in October in Wyoming and the National Federation of the Blind of Michigan’s state convention is November 12-14 in Midland.  Mr. Cannon encouraged attendance by commissioners and staff at these conventions which promotes good relationships with consumers and the consumer organizations.

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

CONSUMER SERVICES REPORT

Ms. Greene introduced Mr. Bernie Kramer, Manager of the Western Region, Consumers Services Division, and asked that the gathering take a moment of silence in honor of Michael Welch, a rehabilitation teacher/counselor in the Upper Peninsula, who had passed away in February.  Mr. Kramer also reflected on Mr. Welch’s excellent character, dedication and accomplishments.

Mr. Kramer referred the board to specific details covered in the MCB report by Mr. Leamon Jones, Consumers Services Division Director.  In addition, Mr. Kramer reported on the Michigan Connections project, a development of the federal high school high tech program recently introduced into Michigan.  Mr. Kramer said this was a collaborative effort with other agencies and school systems in Michigan, with a kick-off program which began recently in the Grand Rapids area.  Sixteen youth with disabilities, of which four were blind, are participating.   Flint and Lansing sites are being considered for the next series.  Mr. Kramer said the Upper Peninsula would benefit from this program and hoped it could be initiated very soon in that area.  Mr. Kramer thanked the board and director for their support of this program, which was introduced into Michigan primarily through the efforts of MCB staff member Shannon Berkin.  MCB has been advocating bringing this project to Michigan for several years and was a lead agency in this collaborative effort.

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

REGIONAL REPORT

Mr. Kramer introduced the Escanaba staff, Mr. Ed Haines, Ms. Jennifer Welch, Ms. Sue Anderson and Mr. Tom Ford.     Mr. Haines said he and Ms. Welch were new members to the staff and it was the goal of the Escanaba office to rebuild the services and reestablish a high level of competency and professionalism.   Mr. Haines said the MCB staff has been very helpful and encouraging, and the Escanaba office is very optimistic about their future objectives and about their team, which they feel is a very cohesive unit.  Mr. Haines handles the vocational rehabilitation (VR) caseload, a small independent living (IL) caseload and the youth low vision (YLV) caseload in the Upper Peninsula.  Ms. Welch handles VR, IL and YLV for the western part of Upper Peninsula.  Mr. Ford handles IL in seven central counties in the Upper Peninsula.  Ms. Anderson is the secretary in the Escanaba office, working there 25 years, and also serves as the administrative assistant for the MCB Consumer Involvement Council.  Ms. Welch thanked the board and Mr. Kramer for their comments regarding her husband and their tribute on behalf of his service to blind people in the Upper Peninsula.

Ms. Greene commended the staff for their work over such a large geographical area, which involves case loads of approximately 100 VR, 20 YLV and 150 IL.  Mr. Cannon explained the change in delivering services for YLV, originally run by one staff person in Central Office, and now handled by field counselors and teachers working directly with the schools.  The expectation was that this would result in improvements in establishing connections with youth throughout the state who are visually impaired, and especially in transition services for youth in the school systems.  Mr. Cannon said this has been very successful.

COMMUNITY PARTNER/CLIENT REPORTS

Goodwill of Northern Wisconsin and Upper Michigan – Ms. Julie King-Mann, Director, reported that Goodwill has been working with MCB for several years on pre-development, job placement and supportive employment services, and in setting up technology and assistive equipment needs for people with disabilities.  There are work center facilities in Menominee and Carney and offices and stores throughout the Upper Peninsula.  Although the collaboration between their office and MCB is only a few years old, Ms. King-Mann said they were still learning and hoped to keep improving conditions for people with disabilities.

Mr. Robert Karvinen – Owner of Squint-less Products, reported on his business as a supplier of low vision aids, working out of his home in Munising.  Mr. Karvinen, previously a client of MCB, commended the work of the MCB Escanaba staff.   Squint-less Products demonstrates and provides TV magnifiers, software, Pac-mates, global positioning satellite systems, etc., and works with Harold Abraham as a supplier of products listed on the internet.

Ms. Geri Taeckens is a Special Education teacher and Social worker who works with the Eastern Upper Peninsula Intermediate School District and lives in Sault Ste Marie. Ms. Taeckens thanked the Commission for their support and assistance, especially through undergraduate school, a special education degree and a Master’s degree.  Ms. Taeckens has been fully employed since 1982, and has again recently become a client of MCB to learn some keyboarding skills and the Jawbones program.  Ms. Taeckens said there was a great deal of need for services in the U.P. and MCB has been effective in meeting the needs of U.P. residents.

Ms. Taeckens works with school children and has a private practice in which she has an educational focus.  She teaches special and general education students about disabilities as a culture, that it’s okay to be different, whether it be freckles or being blind, and that students should know historical facts about people with disabilities.  Ms. Taeckens said it was important to fight against discrimination and to stand up for one’s rights.  Ms. Taeckens also writes songs and has written a book called “Out of the Mud Grows a Lily and a Frog,” which she hopes will be published soon.  Ms. Taeckens praised her husband for his help and support.

Ms. Taeckens brought several handouts which were distributed, including a brochure on “Accessibilities,” her private business, and information on an upcoming conference on self determination for students with disabilities, at which she encouraged attendance. Ms. Taeckens said it was crucial that people with disabilities become as visible as possible, and that she believes disability is an issue of timing, that with a little more time allowance to accomplish things, a lot of disability barriers would be removed.  Mr. Cannon said Ms. Taeckens has been a leader in a Sault Ste Marie support group for many years and that because of her leadership, many public awareness events took place.  Ms. Taeckens said she looks forward to the MCB Commission meeting in August 2005 which will be held in Sault Ste Marie.

Ms. Laura Fletcher – Mr. Kramer introduced Ms. Laura Fletcher and her companions.  Ms. Fletcher was to have received an award in December, but due to poor weather, she was unable to travel to Lansing for the meeting.  Mr. Adler read the award and presented a plaque to Ms. Fletcher for the 2003 Achievement Honor Roll Award, in recognition of her success as a Business Enterprise Program vendor.  Ms. Fletcher was very appreciative of the award and support given her by her family, friends and the Commission.

MCB TRAINING CENTER REPORT

Ms. Melody Lindsey, director of the MCB Training Center, reported completion of the successful specialized program called “Quest for Success” for youth who are blind held at Camp Tuhsmeheta in July.  Several MCB staff and volunteers worked with nine participants, three of whom were from the U.P.  Training was provided in personal management, organizational skills, cooking, social awareness and the world of work.

On September 10, Ms. Lindsay said the third meeting between field and center staff will be held at the MCB Training Center (MCBTC).  These meetings are being held to discuss different issues regarding the students and to try and improve services for them.  During the April meeting, several MCBTC students spent the day utilizing their problem-solving and skills of blindness, traveling downtown, shopping and running errands.

Regarding technology, Ms. Lindsay said MCBTC will be establishing a position for a technology instructor who will be working with center and field staff to enhance the technology capability for consumers throughout Michigan.  In addition, the staff had indicated a need for Jaws training and a workshop was held with Harold Abraham, who worked with staff and with MCBTC and Business Enterprise Program students.

On October 4-6, the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) is sponsoring a National Conference for Training Centers for the Blind in Nashville.  MCB submitted a presentation for this conference which was selected by RSA and Ms. Lindsey said she and Mr. Cannon would be participants on a panel for a roundtable discussion regarding establishing and setting standards for training centers for the blind.

In July, several MCBTC students participated in a waterskiing clinic held in Detroit sponsored by the Lions Club.

Ms. Lindsey reported the beginning of the immersion into blindness program by students from Western Michigan University. The students, who are interested in blind rehabilitation but have taken no VR classes, take two weeks of classes under sleep shades with MCBTC students, in order to enhance a positive attitude about blindness.  The program has been very well received. Two sets of two students have participated, and more students from Michigan State University and Wayne State University will be scheduled for January.

Ms. Lindsay reported that in February the Michigan Department of Management and Budget (DMB) performed an audit on how to enhance security measures at the MCBTC.  This was requested by MCB as several staff observed the difference in security at other state buildings. In July, DMB staff met with center staff to discuss their observations. They were very complimentary of the center, and several suggestions are now being implemented, including full coverage at the front desk to monitor who enters the building, changing the schedule for locking doors, replacement of an outdated security camera, etc.  Mr. Cannon said the training center was considered a low-risk facility and DMB did not recommend a need for full-time security personnel.

Mr. Cannon said that, following the Nashville conference for training centers for the blind, dialog may begin on some proposed training center standards and performance measures for MCBTC, which may be presented to the board for their review. 

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

PUBLIC COMMENT

No public comment was made.

ADJOURNMENT

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

            The meeting was adjourned at 11:30 a.m.  The next meeting will be on Monday, October 18, 2004 at the Monroe County Courthouse, Commissioners Chambers, in Monroe, 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

                                                           
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