APPROVED

MICHIGAN COMMISSION FOR THE BLIND

JUNE 23, 2OO3

BEST WESTERN FRANKLIN SQUARE INN/

AMEURASIA RESTAURANT

HOUGHTON, MICHIGAN

MINUTES

COMMISSIONERS PRESENT

Ms. Jo Ann Pilarski, Chairperson

Ms. Peeti Greene, Vice Chairperson

Ms. Barbara Thomas

COMMISSIONERS ABSENT

Mr. Robert Adler

Mr. J. J. Jackson

MCB STAFF PRESENT

Mr. Patrick Cannon

Ms. Tish Kingaby

Ms. Melody Lindsey

Mr. Bernie Kramer

Mr. Michael Welch

Ms. Susan Anderson

GUESTS

Mr. Ken Therrian

Ms. Suzanne Therrian

Ms. Michelle Jeffery

Ms. Amy Rosemergy

Mr. Bill Rosemergy

Ms. Brenda Stidham

Mr. Craig Kurtz

Ms. Louise Archer

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

            The Committee of the Whole was called to order by Chairperson Pilarski at 9:20 a.m. 

COMMISSIONER ACTIVITIES

Ms. Peeti Greene reported attendance at the Cultural Diversity Committee meeting, June 5, 2003 at the MCB Training Center in Kalamazoo.  The main focus of the meeting was the proposed Michigan Department of Civil Rights cultural diversity workshop, coordinated by Mr. Bob Robertson in the MCB Central Office.  The committee recommended two people from the committee attend this training when it is scheduled, and also requested input or participation in the training format. Mr. Cannon said Mr. Robertson was in the process of investigating the content of materials for this cultural diversity workshop, and those of a different provider, to ensure that they were appropriate for the needs of the MCB counselors and teachers.  Ms. Greene said the committee wanted to address what it considered “turn-offs” when consumers of diverse culture approached the Commission for services, and to help outreach efforts to attract culturally diverse persons into the rehabilitation counseling and teaching field.  Ms. Greene suggested members of the Cultural Diversity Committee be invited to a future Commission meeting to present their current issues and various statistics.

Director Patrick Cannon reported that a Planning and Quality (PAQ) Team meeting was held Monday, June 9, 2003.  Mr. Cannon gave an outline of the history and intent of this team and said that with the help of staff, stakeholders and consumers, and formation of six focus design teams, a draft long-term strategic plan through 2007 had been developed for MCB.  Mr. Cannon said the emphasis of this plan was an over-arching framework, under which more specific short-term goals would be developed later this year.  The plan was widely distributed Friday, June 20, 2003, with a request for input and feedback.

The Committee of the Whole was adjourned at 9:45 a.m.

REGULAR MEETING

CALL TO ORDER, ROLL CALL AND DETERMINATION OF QUORUM

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

MS. THOMAS MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MS. GREENE, TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE MAY 19, 2003 MEETING, AS PRESENTED.  THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

PUBLIC COMMENT

            There was no public comment.

BOARD CORRESPONDENCE

            There was no Board Correspondence.

DIRECTOR’S REPORT

            Mr. Cannon called attention to his written MCB report previously distributed to the Commission, indicating that he wished to highlight a few items subsequent to his report on activities in Administrative Services and the Business Enterprise Program (BEP), on behalf of Mr. Larry Best and Mr. Fred Wurtzel.

            Regarding Administrative Services, Mr. Cannon reported that simultaneous federal and state audits, underway for several months and conducted in both Central Office and field offices, were now concluding. Mr. Cannon said that MCB valued these audits, which determine whether procedures are interpreted and adhered to consistent with guidelines, as tools to help improve services.

            Regarding personnel, Mr. Cannon said that attempts were ongoing to increase the number of full time employees at MCB, which currently stands at 91, following retirements.  The Commission’s count originally stood at 128 staff, and Mr. Cannon said an increase to 96-100 staff has been requested.  Mr. Cannon reported the selection process for the new Consumer Services Director position was almost complete, and it was hoped to make an announcement within the next ten days.  The next highest priority would be to hire a counselor/teacher for the Escanaba office.

            Regarding training, Mr. Cannon reported a very successful Americans with Disability Act (ADA) in-service training session on June 18, 2003.  This training, conducted by Ms. Robin Jones, Director, Great Lakes ADA Center, Chicago, was beneficial to the 30+ MCB staff who attended, as content included the changes to the ADA after thirteen years of enactment, pursuant to new interpretations by the U.S. Department of Justice and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and the effects of case law results.

            In July, a workshop called Building Trust Relationships will be offered to staff on job placement and job development, and a cultural diversity training is also being organized.

            Regarding BEP, Mr. Cannon reported that six new individuals began training in June to become concession stand operators.  This training comprises nine weeks in the training center classrooms followed by eight weeks of on the job training.  It is anticipated these operators should be placed in facilities fairly quickly upon completion of their training.

            Mr. Cannon called attention to current federal legislative action described in the MCB Report.  The reauthorization of the Workforce Investment Act, H.R. 1261, passed the House and is now in the Senate.  The proposed revisions concern many in the disability community as they include the authority for governors to take rehabilitation dollars and redirect it to the one stop centers, as well as the change of the Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration from a presidential appointee to a director’s position within the Department of Education.  Mr. Cannon informed the Board that Governor Jennifer Granholm had indicated to Michigan’s congressional delegation her non-support of the redirection of rehabilitation dollars to the one stop centers.

            On the state level, Mr. Cannon reported the good news that legislation allowing Medicaid Buy-In had passed both houses.  This will allow consumers receiving social security insurance or social security disability income benefits, who wish to work, the opportunity to seek employment without losing their Medicaid benefits.  This legislation, which allows participants to pay for Medicaid coverage on a sliding scale beginning as low as $50 per month and increases their earnings ceiling from $2,000 to $75,000, will encourage people to become gainfully employed and not force them to choose between working or keeping their Medicaid benefits. It is also a vital component if the Ticket To Work program is to be successful.  The Governor, who staunchly supported this legislation, will sign this bill at what is hoped will be a public signing which advocates for the legislation may attend.

            Mr. Cannon reported attendance at two events where Mayor David Hollister was the featured speaker. Mayor Hollister will be director of a new department called Labor and Economic Growth under an anticipated Executive Order which will combine Consumer and Industry Services, Career Development, and some components of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.  On May 28-29, the Employing People with Disabilities and Assistive Technology Conference was held at the Lansing Center and Mayor Hollister made the opening remarks in which he indicated it made good business sense to hire people with disabilities, and that they are often more productive than their non-disabled counterparts.  Mayor Hollister was also the keynote speaker at the Michigan Association of Rehabilitation Organizations conference June 4-6 in Traverse City where he talked about employment and business trends and the necessity for collaboration. 

Chair Pilarski suggested that a letter of appreciation be written to Mayor Hollister or that he might be invited to a Commission meeting.  Mr. Cannon said he would initiate an invitation to Mayor Hollister to attend the December meeting at the Michigan Works! office in Lansing.

            Mr. Cannon also reported some amendments to the rules issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation, broadening the definition of service animals to include monkeys, pigs and horses that are allowed, on a case by case basis, to assist people with disabilities in air travel.  Mr. Cannon said there was concern among the blind community that this might cause a backlash against acceptance of guide dogs.

            Mr. Cannon announced a mini adjustment program was scheduled in Kalamazoo for July 13, and the last program for the year will be held in Iron Mountain in early October.  In May, the program held in Lansing attracted approximately 40 participants.

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

CONSUMER SERVICES REPORT

            Mr. Bernie Kramer, Western Region Supervisor, introduced Mr. Mike Welch, of the MCB Escanaba office and Mr. Ken Therrian, of Pa Pa’s Family Kitchen, Hubbell.  Mr. Therrian said he experienced a stroke in 1999, and was very appreciative of the Michigan Commission for the Blind’s efforts in aiding his rehabilitation and providing tools and help along each stage of his recovery.  Mr. Therrian said thanks to the support of his family and staff of MCB, he had turned his life around and become a successful businessman, specializing in wild berry jellies and preserves of the Upper Peninsula (U.P.), particularly thimbleberry, found only in Michigan and Maine.  Ms. Brenda Stidham of WLUC-TV, Channel 6-Marquette, attended the meeting and subsequently interviewed Mr. Therrian.

            Mr. Kramer introduced Ms. Amy Rosemergy, director of the Superior Alliance for Independent Living (SAIL), Marquette.   Ms. Rosemergy explained the role of SAIL in promoting the services in the U.P. of the centers for independent living (CIL), which are non-residential centers established within various communities that provide advocacy and training services for people with disabilities.  SAIL has an 800 number and a staff of seven people which covers the whole U.P. and works in collaboration with MCB on many issues.  Among SAIL’s activities are an Action day, held every other year at which MCB conducts one of the workshops; an upcoming ADA anniversary celebration event planned for July 25 with MCB; and participation in a mini adjustment training in Watersmeet, a Blindness Awareness Day in Manistique earlier this spring, and workshops in Marquette.  There is a support group in Marquette for visually impaired persons (VIP) and staff from SAIL attend the monthly meetings which feature speakers from organizations such as the Social Services Administration and Magnification, a store in Marquette which deals in large print and Braille.

            Mr. Kramer said MCB is creating a closer relationship with CILs in the Upper Peninsula including participation by MCB Escanaba office staff on the SAIL board, invitation of CIL representatives to participate in MCB staff meetings, and contact with the Statewide Independent Living Council and Michigan Disability Rights Coalition.

Central and Western U.P. Report

Mr. Kramer referred the board to the written report for the Consumer Services Division, and gave an update on issues specific to the U.P.  Mr. Kramer introduced Ms. Sue Anderson of the Escanaba office. 

Mr. Welch reported on the pilot project of Independent Living and Vocational Rehabilitation Services begun in October 2002 in twelve Western U.P. counties, and credited Ms. Anderson of the Escanaba office in the transition of this pilot project to an established and successful program.  Mr. Welch said both independent living and vocational rehabilitation needs were being met, although geography was always an issue. 

Mr. Welch said the MCB office was co-located with the Michigan Works! offices in Marquette.

Regarding closures, Mr. Welch said these included Mr. Ken Therrian, an Internet music salesman, a gift shop owner, an attorney, a school principal, a day care assistant, at least one supportive employment closure, about 25-30 homemaker closures and many independent living closures. 

Mr. Welch said the Youth Low Vision program’s move to the field has been very successful in the U.P. as it gives staff better access to the schools and intermediate school districts and allows face to face contact with the students. 

            Mr. Welch said the 25^th anniversary celebration of MCB was being planned through the VIP group and SAIL in Marquette.   Mr. Cannon said the MCB’S Image and Identity Team had identified October 1^st, the enactment date of PA 260 which created the Commission, as the 25^th anniversary and that all MCB offices would be planning celebrations during the following months.  Also, in October, the State of Michigan observes the “Investing in Ability Week,” and there is a national observance to promote employment of people with disabilities with a theme, “America works best when all Americans work,” which would tie in nicely to the celebrations.

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

Recessed for lunch at 11:30 a.m.

            -------------------------------------------------------------------

            Chairperson Pilarski reconvened the meeting at 12:40 p.m.

MCB TRAINING CENTER REPORT

Ms. Melody Lindsey described the skills of blindness training and services provided at the Training Center and explained that clients could stay anywhere from 2 weeks to several months, depending upon their needs.  Ms. Lindsey emphasized that an important component of the training was working on attitude and on Thursday evenings, she met with the students to discuss issues of blindness and to challenge their thinking about their blindness.

Ms. Lindsey said that, in addition to the activities in the written report, she had participated in the National Rehabilitation Leadership Institute June 9-13 in Washington, D.C.  This first week of a four-week series of training sessions held over a two-year period, dealt with policy analysis and the legislative process.   Ms. Lindsey said the participants sat in on a taping of the TV show “Crossfire.”

At the Center, Ms. Lindsey said that students were being taught self-reliance regarding medical problems and emergencies, including direct calls to 911.  Currently, if a student is unwell, the Center staff  contact the on-call nursing staff.  Ms. Lindsey said a written policy was being developed covering these procedures and the nursing staff has demonstrated excellent teaching skills.  Ms. Lindsey explained that the Center was following a national trend to offer health education rather than serve as a health care facility, so students can be taught to make such decisions for themselves, just as they would have to in their homes.

Ms. Lindsey said a program had been developed involving the local school district and the Training Center that allows school children to spend a day at the center to expose them to skills of blindness.

As a follow up to a Conference for Training Centers for the Blind she attended in Albuquerque last November, Ms. Lindsey said a collection of the presentations was being developed and if any of the board members were interested she would obtain it for them.  Ms. Lindsey had also contributed an article to the April Braille Monitor regarding the conference.

At the end of June, Ms. Lindsey said she would be attending the National Federation of the Blind convention in Louisville, Kentucky.  One of the activities Ms. Lindsey is responsible for is the Braille Carnival which she has run for several years for kids 5-14.

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

            Mr. Cannon said that the Michigan Youth Leadership Forum was being currently being held at Michigan State University and would conclude on Thursday June 26.  MCB participates in this annual program which is coordinated by the Michigan Commission on Disability Concerns.  Mr. Cannon reported that Mr. Duncan Wyeth had been selected as the director for this commission, succeeding Mr. Gerry Mutty, who retired.

PUBLIC COMMENT

            There was no public comment.

ADJOURNMENT

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

            The meeting was adjourned at 1:03 p.m.  The next meeting will be on Monday, September 22, 2003 at the Holiday Inn, East Tawas.  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