APPROVED

MICHIGAN COMMISSION FOR THE BLIND

JUNE 25, 2004

VICTOR BUILDING, LANSING, MICHIGAN

MINUTES

COMMISSIONERS PRESENT

Ms. Jo Ann Pilarski, Chairperson

Ms. Peeti Greene, Vice Chair

Mr. Robert Adler

Mr. J. J. Jackson

Ms. Barbara Thomas

COMMISSIONERS ABSENT

None                                                                      

Michigan Commission for the Blind (MCB) STAFF PRESENT

Mr. Patrick Cannon

Ms. Tish Kingaby

Ms. Melody Lindsey

Mr. Leamon Jones

Ms. Constance Zanger

Mr. Bob Robertson

GUESTS

Ms. Margaret Wolfe

Ms. Sonia Matthews

Ms. Maria Peak

Ms. Greta Wu

Mr. Joe Sontag

Mr. Casey Dutmer

Ms. Mary Wurtzel

Mr. George Wurtzel

Mr. John Victory

Mr. Jeff Rezmovic

Mr. Dick Hutchens

Mr. Victor Getter

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

The Committee of the Whole was opened by Chairperson Pilarski at 9:12 a.m. 

COMMISSIONER ACTIVITIES

Mr. J.J. Jackson reported his participation in the Discovery Learning conducted by Doug Boone, which he said was excellent training in skills of blindness.  Ms. Jo Ann Pilarski also participated in this training and endorsed Mr. Jackson’s praise.  Ms. Pilarski said this experience also affected her opinion regarding the issue of sleepshades used for training purposes, and that she felt any sighted person who would be in a position of teaching the blind should wear the sleepshades to simulate the world that blind people experience.  Ms. Pilarski said preliminary work introducing the cane might make it less threatening to people coming to the Training Center.

Ms. Pilarski attended the Visions 2004 vendor fair in Ann Arbor, which she said was an excellent, well planned event demonstrating many fine products for use by people who are blind. 

Ms. Pilarski said that Melody Lindsey and Jim Baird from the Training Center represented the Commission at a 4-day science fair held at Alpena Schools, at which the National Aeronautics and Space Administration was the main attraction.

Mr. Robert Adler reported attendance in April at the Annual Business Enterprise Program Meeting and was particularly impressed with the demonstration of a technology van operated by Mike Ellis.

Mr. Adler also attended the May Consumer Involvement Council meeting at the Training Center, which he said was well attended.

Ms. Peeti Greene attended a vision fair at McFarland Library in Genesee County.

AUGUST COMMISSION MEETING

Commissioners discussed travel to Iron Mountain for the August Commission meeting.  Commissioners Adler, Greene and Thomas indicated they would fly up with commission staff in the state plane, leaving Sunday afternoon from Lansing and returning Monday following the commission meeting.  Commissioners Jackson and Pilarski will be driving to the meeting.

Mr. Adler congratulated Mr. Cannon upon his appointment by the Governor as the State Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinator, following her Executive Order 2004-31 creating such a designation.  Mr. Cannon said this did not affect his position as director of the Commission. The Executive Order states that the State ADA Coordinator position is supported by key agencies: Office of the State Employer, Department of Civil Rights, the Commission on Disability Concerns, Michigan Rehabilitation Services, and the Commission for the Blind.  Mr. Cannon said a major goal will be to implement state government’s responsibility to make all programs, services and activities accessible.  A training for all state department ADA coordinators was held June 8.

Discussion was held regarding the disability awareness training called Windmills, which Mr. Cannon has now conducted for the Governor and her Executive Office staff and four separate sessions for the management of the Department of Management and Budget. Sessions are planned for the Department Labor and Economic Growth (DLEG) personnel.

Commissioners inquired about representation of DLEG at commission meetings.  Mr. Cannon said he met regularly with Mr. Dennis Sykes, the deputy director to whom he reports, and has a close working relationship with him so that DLEG is kept very much up to date with Commission activities.  Mr. Cannon suggested Mr. Sykes and/or Mr. David Hollister, Director, DLEG, be invited to the commission meetings held in Lansing.

Mr. Jackson enquired whether the Board had any plans to visit Camp Tuhsmeheta, especially since one week is dedicated to the MCB’s summer youth camp, July 11-16.  Ms. Pilarski suggested contacting Mr. George Wurtzel if commissioners wished to make an informal visit.

REGULAR MEETING

CALL TO ORDER, ROLL CALL AND DETERMINATION OF QUORUM

            The regular meeting was called to order at 10:04 a.m.  Roll call was taken and a quorum was present.

MS. THOMAS MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MS. GREENE, TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES OF THE APRIL 19, 2004 MEETING, AS PRESENTED.  THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

PUBLIC COMMENT

No public comment was made.

Mr. Adler pointed out that the meeting had been changed from its regular Monday meeting day to a Friday in response to consumer requests, but that presently, there appeared to far fewer attendees than usual.

BOARD CORRESPONDENCE

            There was no Board Correspondence.

DIRECTOR’S REPORT

Mr. Cannon referred the Board to the written MCB report previously distributed to the Commission.

Mr. Cannon reported that, sadly, Mr. Lawrence Best, who received tributes for his dedicated service to the Commission at the February commission meeting just prior to his retirement, had passed away May 6.  Mr. Cannon expressed the deep sorrow felt by all at MCB.

Mr. Cannon said he and Ms. Elizabeth White attended the National Council of State Agencies for the Blind (NCSAB) annual spring conference.  Topics included ongoing attempts to reauthorize the Workforce Investment Act, issues related to older blind services, and others.  One topic in particular regarded accreditation for training centers given by various entities such as the Council for the Accreditation for Rehab Facilities (CARF). Because many state-run training centers are not similarly accredited, it was suggested that residential training centers for state agencies work together to set some standards and performance measure outcomes so that performances may be rated on a more uniform basis.  This will be a topic at the Rehabilitation Services Administration conference in Nashville this October.

Mr. Cannon reported that Congress is also working on the reauthorization of the Tech Act, originally called the Technology Related Assistance Act for Individuals with Disabilities.  In Michigan, this act is implemented and funded through federal grants with the Michigan Disability Rights Coalition and Mr. Cannon suggested inviting this group to a future meeting.

The Youth Leadership Forum was held at Michigan State University the week of June 21. Mr. Cannon explained that 30 high school students were invited to participate in this program which provides them with an opportunity to learn about public service and gives them a hands-on approach to the ways youth can prepare to be leaders in their local communities.  It was hoped to present a report on this event featuring some blind students who participated in this program, however, due to calendar conflicts, this report is now proposed for the October or December commission meeting.

Mr. Cannon reported that effective July 1, administrative functions of accounting, personal, and human resources would be transferred from Family Independence Agency to DLEG.

Mr. Cannon introduced Mr. Jeff Rezmovic, a University of Michigan student interning at the Governor’s office during the summer.  Mr. Rezmovic will be working with Mr. Cannon on some disability rights proposals, specifically on the ADA and accessible events.

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

CONSUMER SERVICES REPORT

Mr. Leamon Jones, Director of Consumer Services, reported continuing transition activities with youth, helping them to identify resources as early as possible which is instrumental in their success.  The MI Connections (high school high tech) program in Grand Rapids will be offered to students this summer, and a similar program is being developed for Flint.

Mr. Jones said a program developed with Detroit Public Schools will provide employment opportunities for 14 students this summer.  Students are also participating in job readiness programs at Michigan Works! offices, resulting in preparation for employment and their understanding of the world of work.

Mr. Jones reported the 25^th anniversary event of the Commission held at the Cadillac Building was very successful, and well attended by city officials, community partners, etc.

Other activities include: meetings of the Independent Living Program staff to discuss ideas of determining eligibility and focusing on collaboration with Area Offices on Aging; and plans for a mentoring day to showcase the importance of guidance by other vision impaired students. 

Mr. Jones reported that three counselor/teacher positions are being filled for Escanaba, Lansing and Gaylord, with interviews scheduled within a week. 

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

COMMUNITY PARTNERS REPORT

Peckham Vocational Industries – Ms. Greta Wu, Client Services Director, provided handouts and gave a history of the company, in business since 1976, and an update on current activities.  Peckham is a blend of human service agency and a business, developing vocational opportunities and job placement for people with disabilities. 

Under their corporate umbrella, Ms. Wu said they house a foundation which supports various programs, short term independent living housing for people with disabilities and affirmative businesses such as production apparel for the military, automotive, call center operations, document imaging, custodial, distribution and logistics and rehabilitation services. They have strong pride in their standards, processes and empowerment, with wide diversity in jobs and clients.  The majority of their clients are referred through Capital Area Michigan Works!, Michigan Rehabilitation Services, Commission for the Blind, Community Mental Health, Family Independence Agency, Refugee Services, court systems, local school distributions, centers for independent living, and private insurance agencies.  Ms. Wu said that Peckham has also developed community links with an art program, showcasing clients’ artistic talents in exhibits, a children’s summer camp and other enrichment activities, and cultivating sensitivity issues with high school students.

Ms. Wu gave a breakdown of the diversity at Peckham by primary disability, of which about 2 percent are visually impaired, and by ethnicity.  Over 26 languages are spoken by clients at Peckham.  For fiscal year ended September 3, 2003, services were provided to 2,871 individuals, with 663 placed into competitive employment. About 82 percent are paid at or above minimum wage, with an average of $7.17 per hour and are eligible for full benefits.  Over 150 consumers have been hired as staff at Peckham.

Regarding clients who are visually impaired and referred by MCB or FIA, Ms. Wu said there were currently twelve consumers involved in various programs.  Peckham issues Braille checks to workers who use Braille.  Ms. Wu encouraged MCB to visit and work closely with Peckham, to provide more clients and to develop more challenges for them improve the vocational opportunities for people with visual disabilities.

Eaton Intermediate School District  - Ms. Maria Peak, Transition Coordinator, described the services provided by her office to youth with disabilities aged primarily 16-26.  A variety of programs is offered but their primary focus is employment.  They have a long relationship with Peckham and with MCB.  During the past school year, Ms. Peak worked closely with MCB counselor, Ms. Lisa Kamkondo, regarding six students, three of whom were employment ready.  In meetings with Peckham, discussion was held regarding possible summer employment for these students.

            Ms. Peak said that their organization has a diverse clinical team, comprising herself, Ms. Kamkondo, a placement specialist from Peckham, a visually impaired consultant and an orientation/mobility staff person, so that as a student is placed and needs assistance, these services are available during the school year. 

Ms. Peak said transportation is a huge barrier for them, especially when crossing county lines is involved, and another challenge is learning to work with parents.  There are seven students currently in the program and starting in the fall, they will begin a 5-10 year plan so that they can determine which students at the elementary and junior high level will require their services.

VISIONS 2004 VENDOR FAIR REPORT

Ms. Margaret Wolfe, Coordinator at the Washtenaw County Library for the Blind and Physically Disabled (LBPD), gave a history of the vendor fair, which was first held in 2000 at their location in Ann Arbor.  Discussion was held regarding expanding the program, and MCB was invited and became a cosponsor of the Visions program. The planning committee formed in 2003, had representation from MCB, LBPD and agencies in Ann Arbor, including Center for Independent Living, University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center, Assistive Media, Washtenaw Community College, Ann Arbor District Library, and two LBPD consumers.  Thanks to the representative from Washtenaw Community College, the Morris Lawrence Building was provided free of charge, and is an excellent venue for this event.  Ms. Michelle Reuter, a Northwest Airlines purser, volunteered to recruit and train sighted assistants for the event, and this year, with the help of Ms. Sonia Matthews from LBPD, and Ms. Lisa Marchione and Ms. Roberta McCall from MCB, training was provided for over 80 sighted assistants.  Publicity included a taped cassette invitation by Mr. Cannon, paid for by the Kellogg Eye Center, which were distributed along with two large print mailings to approximately 10,000 people in southeast Michigan.  

Evaluations from the 52 vendors, indicated a high degree of satisfaction and the opportunity to work one on one demonstrating their products.  Snack food, drinks, and entertainment were provided.  An additional attraction included the presence of the C-SPAN bus, a prize awarded to Mr. David Erdody, president of Assistive Media and a planning committee member.  Interviews of Mr. Cannon and Ms. Wolfe were conducted by C-SPAN, Ann Arbor local cable television, local community websites and the newspaper.

For the 2006 event, Ms. Wolfe said they planned to ask if the Morris Lawrence Building would consider waiving their food policy and allow MCB’s Business Enterprise Program to cater the event.  The event will probably be held in May again.

Other activities conducted by LBPD include producing a resource guide, available in large print and now being printed in Braille; a very successful book club, which has grown from 3 people in 1997 to 30-40 people currently attending each session; Braille classes taught by Ms. McCall from MCB; and a new program called “I Have a Story” in which ten consumers are recording their personal histories on tape.

Mr. Cannon remarked that Ms. Wolfe was the recipient of the New York Times Librarian of the Year award in 2003.

MCB TRAINING CENTER REPORT

Ms. Melody Lindsey, director of the MCB Training Center, reported that following the award of a grant to Western Michigan University (WMU), a new program would begin with students from WMU attending MCBTC for two-week immersion training, with the goal of impacting their attitudes of blindness.  The WMU students will be wearing sleepshades for the entire program and will interact on a non-hierarchical basis with the MCBTC students. 

Ms. Lindsey attended the last segment of the National Rehabilitation Leadership Institute in San Diego.   This session dealt with methods to bring about effective change in organizations. Ms. Lindsey said it was a very good wrap-up session and encouraged participation by other MCB supervisors. 

Ms. Lindsey reported completion June 25 of the DeafBlind Mini program in Lansing, which is geared for individuals who have been deaf all their life, and are now losing their vision.  The summer youth program, “Quest for Success,” is scheduled at Camp Tuhsmeheta for July 11-16 with 15 students referred.

At the training center, Ms. Lindsey said plans are being developed under which students will be encouraged to fix their own breakfasts on weekends and lunch on Saturdays or go out to eat, which will both foster their independence and alleviate extra hours worked by MCB kitchen staff.  Renovations are being made to a small area in the dining room where students can prepare meals and clean up afterward.

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

Recessed for lunch at 11:55 a.m.

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            Chairperson Pilarski reconvened the meeting at 1:03 p.m.

BUSINESS ENTERPRISE PROGRAM REPORT

Administrative Law Judge Decision

Ms. Constance Zanger, Administrative Assistant for the Business Enterprise Program (BEP), gave an overview of the grievance process, under which operators with complaints against the program  could advance to a hearing by an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) who has the authority to make a recommendation on complaints based on facts of law.  It is not a court of equity, but a recommended decision on whether MCB followed the rules.  The final ALJ decision is then rejected or accepted by the Commission Board. 

In written comments, MCB staff did not support the recommendation of the ALJ that the plaintiff, Ms. Debra Weston, be forgiven penalty points assigned by the BEP even though the recommendation affirmed that procedures had been followed.  Discussion was held among the Board.  Although the Board was sympathetic to the plaintiff and the detrimental effect of the penalty points, there was consensus that the BEP staff had reached a proper decision.

MR. JACKSON MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MS. GREENE, TO ACCEPT THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE STAFF AND REJECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE DECISION, AS PRESENTED.  THE MOTION CARRIED WITH ONE COMMISSIONER ABSTAINING.

Ms. Zanger gave an update on BEP activities.  On April 23-25, the annual BEP workshop was held at which there was very good attendance.  The highlights included election of Elected Operators Committee members using equipment which was entirely accessible by the operators.

A new training class for prospective operators began June 7 at the MCB training center, which will conclude August 13, followed by on-the-job experience working at vending stands.  Ms. Zanger said the whole BEP staff was involved in the training, due to the retirement of the trainer, Ms. Carol Curneal.  Instructor’s notes are being taken to be used as standard lessons for subsequent classes.  BEP staff working with the EOC and MCBTC staff developed a revised vendor assessment to identify vocational rehabilitation consumers who have the necessary skills.  Ms. Zanger said a modified job description has been developed to fill the trainer position, which will include vending machine repair and maintenance.  

Regarding the proposed BEP rules, Ms. Zanger said these have been approved, effective October 1, 2004 and have been submitted to the Secretary of the State, Office of the Great Seal.

MR. JACKSON MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MS. THOMAS, TO ACCEPT THE BUSINESS ENTERPRISEPROGRAM REPORT, AS PRESENTED.  THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

Elected Operators Committee Report

Mr. Joe Sontag, Chair of the EOC, reported that the operators made and approved five motions at their April meeting, itemized in the handout provided to the Board in the meeting packet.  Of the five motions, the third, detailing nine items affecting policy changes in the point system for operators, required action by the Board. 

Mr. Sontag said the first two motions concerned operators’ consideration of ways to help MCB raise money for the BEP program, including formation of an ad hoc committee for this purpose.  A vote resulted in no increase in set-aside fees.  The fourth motion concerned operators being notified and having a vote on all proposed changes to the point system. The fifth motion was the adoption of the EOC bylaws.

Discussion was also held regarding the suggestion to reduce the number of EOC meetings, however, Mr. Sontag reported the operators felt strongly that the quarterly meetings should continue for the time being.

Mr. Sontag said concern had also been raised very recently about some of the students currently undergoing BEP operator training.  Ms. Zanger said some of the students were overwhelmed by the volume of paperwork and the often novel necessity of sitting in a class fulltime with additional homework required. In addition, although students had originally requested large print, in some cases their vision had since changed.  Ms. Zanger said the situation is further complicated by the fact that the newly revised National Restaurant Association standard for the serve safe exam is only presently available in large print and disc.   Mr. Cannon said efforts were always underway to improve MCB’s assessments, methods and procedures and thanked Mr. Sontag for raising this concern.

Regarding the motion on the operator selection points system, Mr. Sontag said among the nine listed items, the operators requested change in the seniority points award from one to two points.  Mr. Sontag said it was felt there was resistance by MCB to the proposed changes.  Ms. Zanger said there were concerns that the proposed changes reflected a direction back to a seniority-driven system.  Mr. Cannon said that the Board had agreed to study proposed changes to the system, but that to provide promotional opportunities based only on longevity was not sufficient and customer service was an extremely high priority.  Mr. Cannon said the current system offered not only an opportunity but a responsibility to help shape and change public attitude toward both the vending program and to blindness and blind people.  Mr. Cannon said the system had only been in effect for little over a year, and that there would be instances where it was discovered some parts of the system would not work and would require reconsideration.  He said the Board is always open to considering ways to improve the system.

Following discussion, there was consensus by the Board that points 5 and 6 effected too drastic a change to the points system, and that points 8 and 9 were too subjective and required further explanation and guidelines.

MR. JACKSON MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MR. ADLER, TO ACCEPT THE ELECTED OPERATORS COMMITTEE (EOC) MOTION ON PROPOSED OPERATOR SELECTION POINT SYSTEM POLICY CHANGES AS IDENTIFIED AS NUMBERS 1, 2, 3, 4 AND 7, AND TO REFER BACK TO THE EOC THE REMAINING FOUR ITEMS IDENTIFIED AS NUMBERS 5, 6, 8 AND 9 FOR FURTHER CLARIFICATION OR PRESENTATION.  THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

MR. ADLER MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MS. GREENE, TO ACCEPT THE ELECTED OPERATORS COMMITTEE REPORT, AS PRESENTED.  THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

National Federation of the Blind (NFB) of Michigan

Ms. Mary Wurtzel reported that although the State of Michigan is undergoing both staff loss and budgetary constraints, it is encouraging that the new staff and volunteers are stepping up to assume the burden.  Ms. Wurtzel thanked MCB and the director for the opportunity to visit the Training Center.

Ms. Wurtzel reported that NFB’s Newsline has recently added the Lansing State Journal to its list of newspapers, and that NFB hopes MCB can assist in their effort to fund this valuable service.  Additional concerns of the NFB are the need for enforcement of the Braille literacy bill, especially as students are still not receiving their books on time, and their opposition to a means test for students.

Ms. Wurtzel said a large delegation will be attending the National Federation of the Blind convention.

Ms. Wurtzel read a resolution NFB had passed in November 2003 requesting the transfer of Camp Tuhsmeheta and responsibility for prompt and efficient delivery of text books to blind children, from the Department of Education to the Commission for the Blind.  Ms. Wurtzel encouraged the Board to help this happen, as there is extreme concern among consumers that, as with the School for the Blind, the camp will be discontinued as a program for blind children.  Ms. Wurtzel was urged to send the resolution to the Governor’s office, appropriate legislators, and all involved state departments.

Michigan Council for the Blind and Visually Impaired (MCBVI)

Mr. Casey Dutmer said their state convention is planned for September 30 – October 3 at the Howard Johnsons in Wyoming, and that Mr. Cannon had been invited as a presenter.  Agenda items include information on guide dogs and a breakout session on the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

MCBVI has been involved in the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) activities, and Mr. Dutmer has been working with the Secretary of State’s office and DS&S Elections, manufacturer of the AutoMark voting machine demonstrated at the April BEP workshop.  Changes suggested to the Automark manufacturer were adopted, including Braille keyboards and speed options for the voice reader.  Attempts are being made to install accessible machines for the 2004 elections.

Mr. Dutmer concluded by encouraging renewed and stronger participation by consumers which he felt was at a crisis point. 

PUBLIC COMMENT

Mr. Casey Dutmer congratulated the Board on supporting the staff recommendations regarding the Administrative Law Judge decision and the selection policy.  He also expressed his opinion regarding the BEP operator training program and urged the Board to work with consumers on issues raised by resolution or dialog and to develop standards that can be implemented equally across the state.

Mr. George Wurtzel thanked the Board for being supportive of Opportunities Unlimited for the Blind’s (OUB) efforts to put on a quality camping program at Camp Tuhsmeheta, and thanked MCB in helping them arrange a cash match agreement to raise funds.  OUB would be grateful to receive constructive criticism on improving the programs at the camp, and despite inexperience by most staff, all have undergone training and tried to exceed the stringent standards imposed by the Department of Education.  About 48 percent of the staff are legally blind.  Mr. Wurtzel invited and encouraged all present to visit the camp.

Ms. Mary Wurtzel again asked the Board to support the NFB resolution. 

ADJOURNMENT

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

            The meeting was adjourned at 3:12 p.m.  The next meeting will be on Monday, August 16, 2004 at the Pine Mountain Resort in Iron Mountain, Michigan.  The Committee of the Whole meeting will begin at 9:00 a.m. (Central Time Zone) and the regular meeting will start at 10:00 a.m. (Central Time Zone).

                                                           
Peeti Greene,   Vice Chairperson

                                                           
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