MCB REPORT

February 13, 2007

NEW DLEG DIRECTOR NAMED

On January 18, Bob Swanson, Director of the Department of Labor and Economic Growth (DLEG), announced his retirement, effective March 2, following 34 years in public service including 25 years with the State. Governor Granholm simultaneously announced the appointment of a new director, Keith W. Cooley, chief executive officer of Focus: HOPE. Mr. Swanson said the following regarding the new director: "I know Keith personally from his work at Focus: HOPE and agree he is a terrific fit to lead the Department of Labor & Economic Growth. I'm sure you are aware of Focus: HOPE, which is a highly respected civil and human rights organization founded in 1968."

Mr. Cooley is new to state government and has a B.S. degree in engineering physics and M.S. in nuclear engineering from the University of Michigan and a distinguished 25-year career working for General Motors. Mr. Cooley brings a wealth of experience in diversifying the workplace, establishing education and training programs and workplace management programs. Governor Granholm said in her announcement, "Keith Cooley is an outstanding leader with an innovative spirit and is strongly committed to serving the people of Michigan. With his passion for connecting Michigan workers with higher education and good jobs, Keith will be instrumental in ensuring that we have a 21st century workforce to attract new jobs and employers. He shares MCB's commitment to see that every Michigan citizen has the tools they need to attain those jobs of the future."

ANDY LEVIN NAMED NEW DLEG DEPUTY DIRECTOR

Prior to Director Swanson's notification of his retirement, he and Governor Granholm announced on January 11 a reorganization among his staff, and the appointment of a new Deputy Director for DLEG, Mr. Andy Levin.

Under the reorganization, Deputy Director Sharon Bommarito will return to her former position as Deputy Director overseeing the Unemployment Insurance Agency, Wage & Hour, Worker's Compensation and other labor-related agencies. Mr. Levin will be responsible for overseeing workforce development, career education and other key programs, which will include oversight of the Michigan Commission for the Blind and a number of DLEG areas, including Workforce Programs, Career Education, Labor Market Information & Strategic Initiatives, Michigan Rehabilitation Services, and the Michigan Commission on Disability Concerns.

Levin will bring a wealth of experience in workplace and labor-management programs and policy to DLEG. At the national AFL-CIO, the U.S. Department of Labor, and the Presidential Commission on the Future of Worker-Management Relations, Levin helped create programs and lead innovative policy campaigns to improve economic security for working families and create business-labor partnerships. "Andy will be effective at DLEG in overseeing programs key to the Governor's economic transformation initiatives including creating a 21st Century workforce, providing accelerated worker training, and matching workers with jobs through the MI Opportunity Partnership," Swanson said.

Andy Levin is the son of U.S. Representative Sander Levin and the nephew of U.S. Senator Carl Levin. A Berkley native, he currently lives in Bloomfield Township with his wife, Mary Freeman, and their four young children. He earned a Bachelor's degree from Williams College, a Masters degree in Asian Languages and Cultures from the University of Michigan's Rackham Graduate School and a Law degree from Harvard University.

GOVERNOR'S STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS &

EXECUTIVE DIRECTIVES AND 2008 BUDGET ISSUED

Prior to her State of the State address, the Governor issued nine Executive Directives on January 24, followed by the presentation of the 2008 Executive Budget, February 8. The Governor also stated Michigan was facing its most challenging fiscal crisis in recent memory due to the convergence of a weakened economy, the lack of business tax revenue, and spending pressures the state can't avoid.

Governor Granholm said the state is facing a $3 billion deficit, approximately one-third of the discretionary spending the state has available, and, after four years of cutting state spending where she has cut nearly $3 billion to resolve $4 billion in deficits, the state faces difficult choices to resolve the fiscal crisis.

The Governor's State of the State address February 6 gave a tough, honest assessment of the state of Michigan's economy, and laid out a plan to ensure that Michigan can grow and compete. The governor talked about the challenges Michigan is facing and the need now more than ever to come together to diversify the economy and continue to invest in Michigan's people.

JWOD RENAMED ABILITY ONE

According to a report from the National Council of State Agencies for the Blind (NCSAB), the former Javits-Wagner-O'Day Program, which creates paid work for people who have severe disabilities, is now called AbilityOne. The name change will be a gradual one over the next 18 months.

The former JWOD Program, named for the 1971 act that created it, works

with federal agencies to help them buy goods and services produced by nonprofit vendors that employ severely disabled individuals. The Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled, which administers the program, announced the name change in the Federal Register.

The move to adopt AbilityOne as the program name stems from two main goals: 1) to better communicate the program's mission, and 2) to respond to a routine update to the enacting legislation that will eliminate the Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act as a separate law and incorporate it, unchanged, into the U.S. Code. In the November 27, 2006 Federal Register, officials noted that the committee has long recognized that the program's stakeholders, including federal customers, advocates for people with disabilities, the business community, elected officials and program workers, have sometimes been confused about aspects of the JWOD Program.

The committee, which is a federal agency, works with two national organizations -- National Industries for the Blind and NISH to help state agencies and nonprofits participate by using at least 75 percent direct labor by disabled individuals to produce goods and services that are then sold to the federal government.

Note: NISH formerly stood for National Industries for the Severely Handicapped, but now the agency goes by NISH exclusively.

Committee spokesman Bob Hartt said the new name, AbilityOne, will be rolled out over a transition period of at least 18 months to allow stakeholders to make the connection between JWOD and AbilityOne and allow program officials to use up printed materials with the old name. He said the long rollout also will allow other affiliated groups, including the awkwardly named committee and NISH, to decide whether to change their own names.

Hartt said the committee is looking at ways to more effectively monitor the nonprofit vendors, such as by investigating sudden changes in workload or the types of work they do, and is developing guidance on how participants should report the percentage of their workers who are disabled.

Federal agencies are required to buy some products and services through AbilityOne, and participants receive preference in federal contracting rules that allow agencies to buy from them without going through the full competitive process.

MANY WAYS OF SEEING

The Washtenaw County Library for the Blind and Physically Disabled hosted a class, February 12, for University of Michigan students called Many Ways of Seeing - Teaching Art to the Blind and Visually Impaired. U-M Professor Sadashi Inuzuka (who is visually impaired himself), believes that it is beneficial for the students to be introduced to all disabilities including sight loss. This course is being taught in collaboration with the library.

While students gain a technical knowledge of ceramics, they also learn alternate modes of perception and the skills to work with people who have limited vision. The objective of this course is that in working together students and clients will gain confidence and find creative outlet through the sculptural potential of clay. Pat Cannon and Tish Kingaby met with the students to talk about the services of the Michigan Commission for the Blind and a variety of blindness awareness issues. As part of the awareness presentation, students participated in the Commission's Blindness Awareness Survey, an interactive quiz addressing myths and facts about blindness.

MINI-ADJUSTMENT WORKSHOP IN STERLING HEIGHTS

MCB's first Mini-Adjustment Workshop of 2007 was held at the Sterling Heights Best Western Hotel and Conference Center, February 4-9, serving 27 consumers. 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 three additional, week-long Mini-Adjustment Programs in 2007, with the next event slated for March 18-23 in Big Rapids. Plans are currently being finalized for additional workshops in Escanaba and Ann Arbor, to be held in May and August respectively. One additional workshop may also be held in the fall.

CONSUMER SERVICES REPORT

The Consumer Services staff is providing services to consumers in an efficient and timely manner even though in some offices they are not fully staffed. The staff is demonstrating their commitment to putting the rehabilitation needs of the consumers first. This is evident in the regions where the need arose for staff to assist when vacancies occur and the demand for services has not diminished. Thanks to the staff for their cooperation. Another wonderful example of the staff willingness to go the extra step for consumers needs is to find ways to provide more services with diminishing resources. Mary Ippel, an administrative support staff in the Grand Rapids office shared with staff ways to obtain discounts from vendors that are frequently used by the staff, resulting in savings to the agency when ordering goods for MCBconsumers. Thanks, Mary.

The Consumer Services staff is in the progress of refining some of the summer transition programs. Each program will anticipate expanding their activities to include more students and to extend their activities throughout the year. The Detroit Summer Youth program in conjunction with the Detroit Public Schools is working with Career Works to increase available slots for students to participate in a variety of paid work experiences. The Summer in the City program is working with the Kent Intermediate School District and the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ABVI) to expand its program to a two-week experience this year. The Consumer Services Division is working to involve more school districts in transition activities during the summer that lead to expanded employment, skill development and pre-employment skill assessments during the school year. One example of expanded involvement of school districts with MCB community partners is an on-line mentoring program in the Upper Peninsula that will involve the Superior Alliance for Independent Living in Marquette and the local school districts.

Plans are underway regarding the 2007 College Prep program. This year's program will begin June 28th and will conclude August 18, 2007. This program is done in conjunction with Western Michigan University during the summer semester. The program provides an opportunity for juniors and seniors to gain valuable experience as it relates to college life and the preparation for career development. Staff are encouraged to make appropriate referrals to this program.

The Consumer Services Statewide staff meeting was held January 24-26, 2007 in Grayling, Michigan. This meeting provided staff an opportunity to share best practices and to network with their co-workers. Several individuals from various agencies attended the meeting presenting on topics such as the federal Work Incentive Program Assistance (WIPA), Social Security, Area Agency on Aging, self employment, the best disability benefits, partnering with American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), personnel updates, information on nutrition and its effects on macular degeneration, as well as many other topics. The Business Enterprise Program and staff from the Training Center attended this meeting to provide updates regarding their programs. The administrative support staff break-out sessions included discussion on best practices and a question and answer session with Julia Burdgick on System 7. Some of the presenters, such as AARP and Area Agency on Aging, were also invited to join the Futuristic Ad Hoc Committee.

The West and East Regions continue to develop cash match opportunities with community partners and present at various agencies to increase awareness of the Michigan Commission for the Blind's programs and services. The assistant from the East Region was a guest speaker at the Midland Lioness Club and presented information on leisure time activities, talking book services and MCB's services. This collaborative effort provides MCB community partners with information regarding the agency. The East Region manager met with a transition specialist from the Detroit Public Schools to develop a cash match agreement with the entire district focusing on a coordinator to work between the school and the Commission in the implementation of the pre-employment activities including the summer work experience. The coordinator/instructor will be responsible for involving all high school students in transition activities. The West Region is discussing potential cash matches with other school districts.

During the mini adjustment program held at the Best Western in Sterling Heights the week of February 4-9, the Employment Readiness Seminar was conducted which is a regular component of the mini adjustment program. At this seminar, twelve job ready consumers participated. The individuals were provided information regarding the WIPA program, social security and Michigan Works! They also had an opportunity to participate in mock interviews as well as be interviewed by employers from the local community. The employers represented education, service industries, health and allied services.

The Technology Blizzard was held in Livonia at Dickinson Center, February 9. It was sponsored by Wayne County Regional Educational Service Agency (RESA), Detroit Public Schools, Livonia Public Schools, Lincoln Park Public Schools and Greater Detroit Agency for the Blind. This is a technology event which emphasizes the latest technology for blind and visually impaired students. The Technology Blizzard also provided information regarding technology that can assist individuals with technology needs for employment. The MCB Detroit office participated in the event by providing information regarding MCB's programs and services.

The West Region's contract employees in the Grand Rapids office, Patricia Angerman and Marcia Beare, will be introduced to the Commission Board at the April 2007 meeting in Kalamazoo. The Gaylord office conducted interviews for a contract rehabilitation teacher (the position formerly held by Rose Dunlap-Gist) and are moving forward with the hiring process. The Detroit office has been approved to hire a rehabilitation counselor to fill the vacancy of Renee Vredevoogd's position and the Flint office will conduct interviews for a vacant secretary's position.

TRAINING CENTER REPORT

During the past two months, the Training Center has added some new faces to the team. Randy Dyckstra has been hired as maintenance mechanic. Randy started his Center training on January 29th and successfully completed that phase on February 9th. Randy brings with him a wealth of experience and a level of creativity that will benefit the Training Center in ways that reach far beyond his duties as a maintenance mechanic.

Also on January 29th Faith Meadows began her official employment with the MCB as a rehabilitation counselor. Faith has been a marvelous addition to the staff here ever since she returned under contract last fall. Faith's experience, energy and excellent blindness skills make her a wonderful role model for Training Center students, as well as a fine counselor.

On February 12, 2007, Regina Wesley is returning to work with MCB as the Center's second rehabilitation counselor. Regina is new to the Training Center but the addition of her experience and talent is sure to be an asset.

The Center extends its sincere thanks and appreciation to Bruce Schultz, who has spent the past 5 months working as a rehabilitation counselor while continuing his duties as a rehabilitation services coordinator in supportive services. Bruce took this assignment at the request of management, yet he has performed his counseling duties with a level of dedication, professionalism and skill that could not have been exceeded had it been his life-long employment goal. Bruce will now resume his full-time schedule in supportive services, and it is hoped to explore options for expanding his role to better utilize his level of expertise.

On the flip-side of MCBTC staffing, it is with regret that Jim Baird has announced his intention to retire from State employment at the end of May, 2007. Jim has been instrumental in the success of the training center on so many levels, that his leaving will be sadly felt in almost every teaching area. Jim has provided instruction to training center students in Orientation & Mobility, personal management, communications, cooking, Braille and crafts. In addition, Jim frequently travels throughout Michigan assisting customers who find themselves in job jeopardy situations. His skill with tools and machinery has enabled Jim to fashion alternative methods for MCB customers performing a wide range of jobs in professions from manufacturing to customer service, and from entry level to executive. He will be deeply missed, but it is hoped that he cannot stay away for long.

Not long ago, a sign committee was established here at the training center. Ably chaired by Shelley Masion, this committee has taken to their task with competency, efficiency and creativity. New signage for the exterior of the building has already been ordered and will be installed shortly. These signs will clearly identify the center to the public, direct visitors to the proper entrances to use during regular business hours, evenings and weekends; and denote accessible parking spaces. The inside of the building will receive new signage also. The committee has created sign titles for each classroom, and designed appropriate informational signs for installation at strategic locations around the building. All interior signage will be presented in large print and Braille and will comply with ADA guidelines for posting. Finally, staff names will now appear outside their respective offices. Staff are confident that visitors will appreciate these changes and it is anticipated that the sign committee will have entirely completed its charge by June, 2007.

The technology component of the training center is advancing with excellent speed. The class that was once called "Keyboarding" has changed its name to "Basic Computer Skills (BCS)", to more accurately reflect the purpose of the class. All of the BCS instructors are receiving updated training in computer applications and access technology, in order to enhance their already excellent teaching skills, and an advanced computer class is being taught by Marlene Seiler through a contract with Good Will. Marlene has graciously offered to provide this instruction to BCS teaching staff. All of these efforts will modernize the center's computer curriculum and create an integrated training program between the basic and advanced computer classes. Commendations to Barb Wile, Bonnie Betz, Karen Harrington and Shelley Masion for their enthusiasm and hard work in advancing their own skills in order to enhance center programs.

Roger Yake and Marlene Seiler have recently returned from a Nation-wide access technology conference in Florida. This conference provided them with a wealth of information about the latest developments in this rapidly changing area.

Fourteen training center students had the opportunity to attend a Technology Blizzard in Livonia Michigan, which was held on February 9th. Having the chance to see and touch access technology in its newest form will be of tremendous benefit to these students as they begin to plan to enter or rejoin the workforce.

Braille note takers have been a very popular means of gathering and accessing information for individuals who are blind, for many years and it is intended these tools will soon be part of the Braille curriculum at the MCBTC. All of the Braille teaching staff are beginning the process of learning about these PDA-like machines, and each individual instructor will receive training in the operation of either the Braille Note or PackMate. Commendations to Betty Lujan-Roberts, Wendy VanElk, and Shelley Masion for taking on the challenge of mastering these high-tech tools, thereby greatly enhancing the curriculum.

Another Business Enterprise Program (BEP) math class began on February 5, 2007, with five future operators. The next BEP training program will commence in April, with the addition of some actual class time in the cafeteria. MCBTC dietary staff; Diane Barber, Kathy Wine and Karen Simmons will be receiving some preparatory training enabling them to learn about the particulars of the Business Enterprise Program. The excitement of this new element of BEP training is enhanced by the enthusiasm with which Diane, Kathy and Karen are approaching this new professional challenge, making them a more integral part of the training center's team.

The restrooms at the training center are receiving new hardware, automatic flush valves and accessible paper-towel holders. While this might not sound terribly exciting, these additions will bring the facility fully into compliance with the guidelines of the Americans with Disabilities Act and, more importantly, increase the ease with which students and visitors with physical disabilities may access all of the services and facilities within the center.

Resource teacher Marge Spencer left on February 11th to spend six weeks at the Helen Keller National Center in New York. As a person who is deaf-blind, Marge will benefit tremendously from some reasonable accommodations enabling her to perform the essential functions of her job. While at HKNC, Marge will complete a rigorous training program that will include instruction in various forms of access technology, skill development and communications methods. The staff at HKNC has said that Marge has set a very ambitious program for herself, but Marge is committed to returning to the center by early April ready to maximize her contribution to MCBTC's talent pool.

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES REPORT

MCB received the Spending Restrictions imposed by Executive Directive's 2007-1 through 2007-9 signed by the Governor on 1/24/07. The essence of these directives includes restrictions and/or reductions with: purchases of commodities, service contracts, temporary workers, travel, meetings, state car usage, telecommunications, energy use, memberships, and building occupancy. This directive applies to all funding sources, including 100% federal.

MCB has also been asked to provide an Expenditure Reduction Plan, outlining how MCB will reduce total planned expenditures by at least 5%. ($253,000). The reduction plan includes staffing costs saved due to vacancies not being filled; combining conferences; reducing equipment, travel, meetings and office supplies.

The budget through January 31st is running a little high. The total funds expended and encumbered are $6,580,432 which is thirty-four percent of the continuum budget thirty percent of the way through the fiscal year. This is somewhat normal as all of the reader/driver expenditures and any other Purchase Orders have the expense for the entire year already encumbered in the budget.

The Michigan Transition Services Association (MTSA) is having their annual conference on March 5-7 in Frankenmuth. MCB staff Sherry Gordon, Dave Greenwald, and Mary Zemlick will be presenting. Other staff, Ray Kirklin and Shannon McVoy, will also be attendance.

The Michigan Association for Education and Rehabilitation for the Blind and Visually Impaired (MAER) Spring Conference is scheduled for April 26-27 in Livonia. More information will be sent to staff in the near future.

The DLEG Office of Human Resources is offering training for managers to obtain basic knowledge in a number of areas including workplace safety, corrective/disciplinary actions, performance management, alcohol and drug reasonable suspicion, and contract administration. All managers are encouraged to take this program. Four different dates are scheduled in 2007.

Meetings continue with Dr. Michael Leahy and his staff from Michigan State University to begin the process of developing a number of research projects to evaluate different areas in order to improve MCB services to consumers across the state. This group has been working with Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS) for about seven years. Not only will they be doing research on specific issues, they will assist MCB in developing systems to continually gather data to evaluate the agency's effectiveness. All staff will be updated on these projects over the coming months.

Susan Turney attended the board meeting of the Sault Ste. Marie tribe of Chippewa Indians held at the Nokomis Center in Okemos on Sunday, January 28. She spoke with Tribal Chairman Aaron Payment and gave him a brief overview of MCB services, offering to provide an article by Director Pat Cannon for the tribal newspaper, Win Awenwen Nisitotung. Mr. Payment agreed, and said they would appreciate receiving an article from Director Cannon.

The MCB Image and Identity Team is seeking additional members. This group focuses on ways to increase awareness of the Michigan Commission for the Blind and its programs and services, such as through collaboration with other organizations, publications, the MCB website, media, community events, and more. The committee is open to anyone who would like to participate, including MCB staff, consumers, community partners, and others interested in these topics. The next meeting will be Tuesday, March 13, at Capital Area Michigan Works! in Lansing. For more information, please contact Susan Turney at 517-241-8631 or turneys@michigan.gov.

During the month of January, the staff participated in Performance Reviews. The reviews provided an opportunity for the managers and staff to have meaningful dialogue regarding the reviews, as well as goal setting. The staff and managers discussed the progress of the objectives for the past year. This process provides an excellent opportunity for managers to provide feedback as well as to receive feedback from the staff.

Finally, the annual MCB Night at the Lansing Lugnuts game is scheduled for Thursday, June 21. All staff, commissioners, family, retirees, friends and neighbors are invited to participate. The cost for a box seat behind home plate is $9. It's a guaranteed way to have lots of fun!

BUSINESS ENTERPRISE PROGRAM REPORT

This has been a very busy quarter for the Business Enterprise Program. The staff has been working on several projects and issues. The latest project involves work with the Michigan Air National Guard Combat Readiness Training Center (CRTC) in Alpena to provide a proposal for military dining. This project has been spearheaded by James Hull, the Promotional Agent in that area. It was gratifying that the Air National Guard contacted MCB and said they had determined that BEP had first right of refusal of the food service in that facility. This is a facility that is to be managed by an operator for a full service cafeteria, five days a week as troop deployments allow. This is an Essential Service contract and the operator must provide three meals a day for all deployed troops. The number of people to be served is between 1 and 1400 depending on the deployment at the base. The outcome of this complex opportunity will be determined by the bid proposal and BEP's ability to provide a qualified operator in a short amount of time.

MCB has received the results of the investigation of sales tax reporting practices from the Department of Treasury by concessions operated under the supervision of the Commission for the Blind. Previous Department of Treasury studies, updated in July of 2001 for the 2000 law change relative to carbonated beverages sold through vending machines, determined 33% of sales to be taxable. Also, at that time the cafeteria sales were 100% taxable. The current study was broken down into six categories to determine a percentage rate for each type of facility. The study was primarily based on purchases for a one-month period for selected operators. The study resulted in the following taxable sales reporting percentages by type of facility: Cafeteria -100% taxable; Catering-100% taxable; Snack Bar - 47% taxable; Highway Vending -28% taxable; Vending Routes - 28% taxable; Cafeteria-Snack Combined - 82% taxable if separate registers are not maintained for the cafeteria and the snack bar. This new method of reporting sales tax will begin with the operators' March, 2007 Sales Tax Returns. A detailed accounting of actual sales made is the only acceptable alternative to the percentages above.

MCB is also still working with retirement regarding operator retirement. There has been controversy as to whether past operator retirement was based on net income or net profit (the difference of the operators 10% set-aside fee payment). Documentation has been requested from the Retirement Office on past retirees to verify figures used to base retirement benefits. The results of that information will determine how to proceed with this issue.

A new Elected Operator Chairperson, Robert Essenberg has been elected. Staff have already been partnering with Rob on the issues mentioned above. His expertise and great ideas have already provided enormous benefits in resolving issues within BEP. As a result of Rob assuming the EOC Chairperson position, Kevin Tomzack has been appointed to the Vice Chairperson position.