APPROVED

MICHIGAN COMMISSION FOR THE BLIND

FEBRUARY 23, 2007

LEADER DOGS FOR THE BLIND

ROCHESTER, MICHIGAN

MINUTES

COMMISSIONERS PRESENT

Ms. Jo Ann Pilarski, Chair

Ms. Sheila Ashcraft, Vice Chair

Ms. Velma Allen

Mr. Richard Grant

Ms. Geri Taeckens

COMMISSIONERS ABSENT

None

MICHIGAN COMMISSION FOR THE BLIND (MCB) STAFF PRESENT

Mr. Patrick Cannon

Ms. Tish Kingaby

Mr. Leamon Jones

Ms. Gwen McNeal

Ms. Susan Turney

Mr. James Hull      

Ms. Christine Boone

Mr. Joe Pelle

Mr. King Nelson

Ms. Joann Woodward

Ms. Connie Henshaw

Mr. Euan Singleton

Ms. Shawnese Laury-Johnson

Ms. Marcie Brink-Chaney

Ms. Betty Rush

Ms. Taletha Crawley-Asibey

Mr. Roger Yake

GUESTS/ATTENDEES

Mr. Michael Geno

Mr. Fred Wurtzel

Mr. Rod Haneline

Mr. Harold Abraham

Mr. Rob Essenberg

Mr. Douglas Miller

Ms. Mary Wurtzel

Mr. Eric Wallace

Ms. Ashley Butala

Ms. Breanne Butala

Mr. Kenne Butala

Ms. Nancy Butala

Ms. Michelle Wallace

Ms. Susan Shermetaro

Mr. Chuck Shermetaro

Ms. Shayna Smith

Mr. Aug Johnson

M. Cala Brock

Mr. Larry LaFerriere

Ms. Kim Walsh

Ms. Tasha Kelley

Mr. Jerald Such

Mr. Larry Ball

Mr. Joe Sontag

Mr. David Robinson

Mr. Vernon Griffin

Ms. Janine Frank

Mr. Curtis Whatley

Mr. Richard Simon

Mr. Tom Bernick

Ms. Cynthia Alderman

Ms. Rochelle Durham

Ms. Andrea Danner

Mr. Benjamin Wright

Ms. Elaine Roman

Ms. Karen Simmons

Ms. Lisa Roodbeen

Mr. Leonard Gross

Ms. Vera Brooks

Mr. Leroy Mitchell

Ms. Rosalind Lee

Ms. Patricia Woods

Ms. Brunhilde Merk-Adam

Mr. George Illingworth

Ms. Sue Illingworth

Mr. Al Crowley

Ms. Susan Reljic

Ms. Latonya Bowman

Ms. Mary Wilks

Mr. Ollie Lester

Ms. Sharmese Anderson

Mr. Zachary Anderson

Ms. Regina Alvarado

Mr. Marcus Simmons

Ms. Stennette Burroughs

Mr. Wayne LePloy

Ms. Janet Wisswell

Ms. Phyllis Magbanua

Mr. George Wurtzel

Ms. Laura Tomblin

Ms. Donna Posont

Mr. Mike Powell

Ms. Marsha Katona

Mr. Randy Segal

Mr. Mike Ellis

Mr. Larry Scott

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

The Committee of the Whole was opened by Chair Jo Ann Pilarski at 9:04 a.m. 

COMMISSIONER ACTIVITIES

Ms. Ashcraft reported attendance at an open house at the Oakland County Library for the Blind and Visually Impaired and the Technology Blizzard in Livonia, at which approximately 45 vendors and organizations, including the Michigan Commission for the Blind, were represented.

Mr. Grant reported attendance at the Business Enterprise Program (BEP) Elected Operators Committee (EOC) meeting held February 10-11, 2007.  Mr. Grant commended Mr. James Hull of the BEP on a very thorough presentation at that meeting.

Ms. Geri Taeckens reported attendance at the Ad Hoc Committee on Training Center Services, January 19 and said the final meeting for the committee is planned for March 26.  Ms. Taeckens also announced a career fair which serves about 800 students being held April 17-18 for the eastern Upper Peninsula.

Ms. Velma Allen had no activities to report.

Ms. Pilarski reported attendance via telephone at the Planning and Quality (PAQ) team meeting, at which the 2007 Action Plan was discussed and a presentation was made by Dr. Michael Leahy of Michigan State University School of Rehabilitation Counseling which covered various survey possibilities for data collection on behalf on MCB.

GOVERNOR'S DIRECTIVES

At the request of Chair Pilarski, Mr. Pat Cannon, Director, described the nine Executive Directives issued by the Governor to all state government departments, requiring that action be taken to reduce expenditures.  Mr. Cannon said that MCB would be reducing meetings for all its standing committees and teams, and, similar to the Michigan Rehabilitation Council and Statewide Independent Living Council which now meet on a quarterly basis, Mr. Cannon proposed that MCB meetings be reduced to five this year. Mr. Cannon said a greater amount would be saved by canceling the current October 15 meeting and moving the August date and site to August 27 in Gaylord.

ISSUES FROM LAST MEETING

Ms. Tish Kingaby reported two items: 1) a letter was sent under the Chair's signature dated December 18, 2006 to Deputy Director Sharon Bommarito at the Department of Labor and Economic Growth (DLEG), regarding the board's annual evaluation of the director's 2006 performance, and 2) correspondence from Mr. Larry Ball's attorney, reported in the previous meeting, was received in accessible format and forwarded to the Chair on December 14.  Following referral to the legal representative at the Attorney General's Office, a full copy of this correspondence and the MCB response was forwarded to the board in their information packet February 14.

Mr. Mike Ellis gave an update on the audio streaming and said improvements had been made to correct the technical problems encountered in the December meeting.  He reported that currently he was encountering problems with the high speed connection at the facility, and that each facility presented different challenges.  Mr. Ellis also reported work on acquiring an 800 number and new wireless equipment.  Brief email messages sent to mcbpubliccomments@comcast.net and received no later than 2:20 pm could be printed and considered for the public comment portion of the meeting.

CALL TO ORDER, ROLL CALL AND DETERMINATION OF QUORUM

The regular meeting was called to order by Chair Jo Ann Pilarski at 9:29 a.m.  Roll call was taken and a quorum was present.  The meeting was audio-streamed over the Internet.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

MR. GRANT MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MS. ALLEN, TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES OF THE DECEMBER 11, 2006MEETING, AS PRESENTED.  THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

DIRECTOR'S 2007 PERFORMANCE PLAN

MS. ASHCRAFT MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MS. TAECKENS, TO ACCEPT THE DIRECTOR'S 2007 PERFORMANCE PLAN, AS PRESENTED.  THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

MCB MEETINGS

MR. GRANT MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MS. ALLEN, TO CANCEL THE FALL MEETING OF THE BOARD CURRENTLY SCHEDULED IN MARQUETTEAND TO HOLD THE SUMMER MEETING AUGUST 27 IN GAYLORD, INORDER TO COMPLY WITH THE GOVERNOR'S EXECUTIVE DIRECTIVES TO REDUCE COSTS.  THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

BOARD CORRESPONDENCE

Two pieces of correspondence were received:  1) An undated resolution was received February 9, 2007, by Tish Kingaby, to the attention of Chair Pilarski from the Michigan Association of Blind Merchants (MABM).  The resolution was reviewed by the Elected Operators Committee on February 10, which declined to take action.  Resolution was forwarded for review to the legal representative at the Attorney General's office February 12.   2) Correspondence was received by Chair Pilarski via email, dated January 30, 2007 from Terry Eagle regarding various MCB and BEP issues, and forwarded to the board and director on February 14.   Chair Pilarski referred both matters to the director for follow-up and response.

TRIBUTE

Chair Pilarski announced that it was the anniversary of 30 years that director Pat Cannon had worked for the State of Michigan and on behalf of people with disabilities, and she commended him highly for his dedication and work.  A Certificate of Tribute from the Governor was read aloud and presented to Director Cannon, along with a second Special Tribute from state legislators Senator Gretchen M. Whitmer and Representative Mark Meadows. 

CONSUMER DIALOGUE

Chair Pilarski opened the consumer dialogue session which allows interaction between attending members of the public and the board and assists in building trust and relationships.  The topic was "How can we be creative in helping people get the necessary technology training when funds are limited" and many comments were made which are included in a Consumer Dialogue compilation to be kept and submitted to the Chair.

An additional comment was made during this period by Mr. Douglas Miller who praised MCB and its services and staff as well as the Lions, and said that as a newly blind person, he would not have survived without this wonderful help.

NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND OF MICHIGAN REPORT

Mr. Fred Wurtzel, President of National Federation of the Blind of Michigan (NFB-M) said that resolutions would be read, however, they were not available in Braille and would not be distributed.  Mr. Wurtzel said he appreciated the time given to consumer organizations at the meetings.  He said one item NFB-M wished to raise was the communication between board and consumers, as his organization felt that the board was appointed to listen to consumers and to be the link between the consumers and the service delivery system. Mr. Wurtzel said there ought to be free flow of information between consumers and individual commissioners, and he hoped that access would be encouraged.  Mr. Wurtzel said that the federal government provides funding to provide services to assist blind people because there is a fundamental difference between sighted and blind people when it comes to obtaining jobs.  In listening to consumers, Mr. Wurtzel said his organization felt the commission was missing the point of its purpose, which was to change what it means to be blind and to change society's view of and role of blind people.  The commission needs to improve ease of access to hear directly what blind people have to say about services.

Mr. Mike Powell, First Vice President, summarized resolutions from the state convention held November 10-12, 2006 which directly involve MCB.  Resolution 06-01 commended the hiring of Christine Boone as director of the MCB Training Center. Resolution 06-02 commended MCB for demonstrating willingness to work with blind people in developing and providing summer youth programs.  Resolution 06-03 dealt with adaptive equipment needs, and the belief that equipment should be purchased in anticipation of a vocational goal to better prepare the client to work and to help project confidence and capability, which would reflect well on the Commission and its reputation.  Resolution 06-04 dealt with employment and the need for MCB to devote more resources to develop job prospects, such as hiring a job placement specialist.  Resolution 06-06 dealt with the suggestion that MCB partner with NFB-M to develop a definition of informed choice, such as a client's wish to attend an out of state training center.  Mr. Powell said in his own case, it had been two years since he began requesting to attend an out of state center, and that people who were less secure about their blindness and who did not persist in their requests, would probably not achieve their goals. 

Resolution 06-05 was a non-MCB issue which dealt with transportation needs around the state.

Mr. Wurtzel raised the issue of MCB's hiring and said that while MCB had been hiring staff with rehabilitation experience, they often did not have a blindness background.  NFB-M felt that if counselors were hired who did not have blindness backgrounds, MCB should develop a longer orientation or curriculum for these field staff which would include an extended period of time under sleepshades and attendance at consumer conventions to meet more blind people and understand issues.  Also, there is a concern that hiring general agency field staff might signal acceptance of a merger of MCB with the general agency at some point in the future.

MICHIGAN COUNCIL OF THE BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED REPORT

Mr. Michael Geno, President of the Michigan Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired (MCBVI), gave a brief overview of the organization, its members, goals and practices. 

Mr. Geno awarded a pin to Mr. Cannon, in recognition of his long state service and personal commitment to improving lives of blind people.

Mr. Geno said that technology training was an important issue. One objective MCBVI had recently achieved was to establish a website: www.michivision.org, a name chosen to convey the vision and insight that could be shared with people experiencing sight loss.  Many contacts through their toll-free number (888-956-2284) this year have resulted in peer counseling and members are being trained in providing referral services.  Technology becomes more prevalent in everyday appliances, such as the stove, microwave, televisions, etc. and more training is needed to provide supports and help clients with their individual challenges and to overcome intimidation caused by the new technology.  Mr. Geno urged the Commission to capture training on recordings, whether for an individual or a group, and make it available to download from a website for use by others.  Mr. Geno also urged the Commission to continue audio streaming the meetings, because the transportation barrier is both physical and economical. 

Regarding the service delivery system, MCBVI feels MCB should revisit its approach so that emphasis is not just on rehabilitation or employment services.  Also, Mr. Geno said the consumers and consumer organizations need to become more involved in programming and services.

Mr. Geno said he appreciated the approach by Chair Pilarski to encourage consumer dialogue and applauded her efforts.

Regarding their resolutions, Mr. Geno summarized those that related to MCB and said some of the issues were complex and misunderstood. MCBVI believes in diversity of information dispersal and access opportunities, but when support is given to one way to access information, other methodologies were being left out.  In this case, MCBVI felt radio information services deserved advocacy for those users who find it very accessible. Mr. Geno said their first resolution dealt with the need to revisit equable funding for various services.

Mr. Geno said their next resolution involved the differences in philosophy between the national consumer organizations, and that while funding for NFB's Newsline for the Blind was an issue for MCBVI, they do recognize it as an important service.  MCBVI felt strongly that House Bill 5354 which established funding for Newsline was a serious threat, as the law does not give taxpayers assurances that funds associated with Newsline are accounted for, or that they are not used by NFB for other purposes.  Mr. Geno urged the Commission to address the need to account for NFB Newsline funding, and for the bill to be amended.  MCBVI also feels a public audit of the NFB Newsline program should be carried out.   

Mr. Geno said that he had done his best to express why MCBVI feels these are serious issues; however, the organization wishes to move forward in collaborative efforts.  He also expressed appreciation for those who have wished him the best with his health issues.

Recessed for lunch at 11:30 a.m.

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The meeting was reconvened at 1:01 p.m. 

LEADER DOGS FOR THE BLIND REPORT

Mr. Bill Hanson, President of Leader Dogs for the Blind (Leader Dogs), welcomed the group to their facility, and said he felt a close connection to the Commission as he served as a commissioner on the MCB board for four years.  Mr. Hanson said Leader Dogs was a very forward-looking organization, which still maintained traditional services and training. He wished the group a good meeting.

Mr. Rod Haneline, Chief Operating Officer at Leader Dogs, described services developed in the last few years and the organization's philosophy of anticipation rather than adaptation.  Their core services are still providing Leader Dogs and training, but in looking at the changing demographics of their clients and their needs, they have developed their own training programs including the Accelerated Mobility Program (AMP) where students are immersed into mobility training condensed into a one week period, and the global positioning Trekker training which provides direction to blind and visually impaired people, guiding them around streets and providing information such as nearby restaurants.  Leader Dogs has developed a curriculum which has a national reputation and draws trainers from other states to participate in the training.  Clients must buy the trekker unit at the regular retail price, but they are provided with free week's training as part of the package to ensure that clients learn how to use the units. Trekker Tracks is for students who come in with their teachers for a week.

Mr. Haneline said their next goal is to begin teaching basic technology and that a technology specialist had already been hired.  Mr. Harold Abraham manages the technology aspects at Leader Dogs, and is working with Chrysler to establish jobs for blind persons in the Chrysler Corporation financial offices.  Mr. Haneline said that Oakland County is home to Automation Alley, a consortium of 900 companies, whose mission is to bring high tech and jobs to Southeast Michigan.  Leader Dogs is forming a close relationship with this consortium to develop career prospects, by educating the employers about employment of blind and visually impaired people. 

Other programs include: Walk a Mile in My Shoes, which talks about diversity and how to accept differences among people; and Work Counts, which teaches technology and job skills.  Mr. Haneline said the traditional age for students to start training has been 18, and that a committee is being developed to look at starting training with 16-year old students.  A new pilot program is being developed with a 14-year old who will have dog guide training only when a parent is present until she is 16, when they will review how successful this is in a high school setting.

Mr. Haneline said that Leader Dogs was the only guide dog school in the United States which has dedicated resources to training persons who are DeafBlind. He concluded with their statistics of people served from the last fiscal year: field staff visited 171 applicants, traveling over 108,000 miles, with 316 students graduated and phone support for 507 individuals.  Leader Dogs had a direct impact on the lives of 355 people and their goal this year is to reach 408 people.

Chair Pilarski thanked Mr. Haneline and the Leader Dogs for the Blind staff for their hospitality in hosting the Commission meeting and for their fine services.

MCB DIRECTOR'S REPORT

Mr. Cannon referred the Board to the written MCB Report previously submitted to the Board and posted on the MCB website, and highlighted some of the many articles on blindness issues and activities.

Mr. Cannon said 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. 

Mr. Cannon reported his participation for a second year in a class, held February 12, for University of Michigan art students called Many Ways of Seeing - Teaching Art to the Blind and Visually Impaired, hosted by Washtenaw County Library for the Blind and Physically Disabled.  Visually impaired Professor Sadashi Inuzuka believes that it is beneficial for the students to be introduced to all disabilities including sight loss. 

The Commission's first Mini-Adjustment Program of the year took place in Sterling Heights, February 4-9, and Mr. Cannon reported 27 participants attended this introduction to skills of blindness, learning a variety of skills such as cane travel, Braille, time and money management, alternative computer techniques, etc. 

In budget news, Mr. Cannon said the President's budget proposal has revealed concerns affecting the Rehabilitation Act, in that no cost of living adjustment is included.  On a state level, the Michigan economy is still suffering and because the Single Business Tax was eliminated with no viable replacement, there is a gap of $2 billion in state revenue, in addition to an almost $1 billion deficit for state spending generally. Mr. Cannon said the Governor had issued her budget and State of the State address, with her suggestions to regain the lost revenue, which if not approved by late March, will result in deeper cuts in services as each month passes.  In addition, the Governor issued nine executive directives to reduce expenditures in state government and the areas affected by these directives were reviewed briefly.  Mr. Cannon said steps had already been taken to reduce MCB meetings, including the Commission meetings which had been reduced to five this year.

Mr. Cannon said the Governor had also announced the appointment of a new director for DLEG, Mr. Keith Cooley, previously director of Focus: Hope, Detroit.  Additionally, the Commission will be reporting to a new DLEG Deputy Director, Mr. Andy Levin. 

Mr. Cannon said MCB has been meeting with Leader Dogs for the Blind about their new initiatives, and will be working collaboratively with them as they provide these services.

MS. TAECKENS MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MR. GRANT, TO ACCEPT THE DIRECTOR'S REPORT, AS PRESENTED.  THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

MCB CONSUMER SERVICES REPORT

Mr. Leamon Jones, Director of the Consumer Services Division, referred the board to the written MCB report.  Mr. Jones said that as the State is experiencing deep budget problems, collaboration with community partners became even more vital in order to continue to provide services.  Mr. Jones also applauded staff who have taken the initiative to reduce expenditures, such as recent negotiations with vendors which resulted in discounts. 

Mr. Jones said programs are being developed to provide summer youth programs and to increase opportunities to youth throughout the state.  A Consumer Services staff meeting was held in January which covered topics including MCB's preparation for services to an increasing population of older blind.  Various community partners such as Offices of Services to the Aging and the American Association of Retired Persons attended these sessions.  Other topics included employment, entrepreneur and small business opportunities. The meeting was very helpful to refresh staff on the many resources available to them. 

Mr. Jones said in many instances there have been personnel shortages and staff have stepped up as needed to continue services as timely as possible.  Referrals are increasing, which often happens as state revenues decrease.  Mr. Jones said all efforts are being made to explore resources, which includes working with Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS).  Additionally, to improve efficiency, Rehabilitation Teachers (previously responsible for clients up to age 55) and Independent Living Teachers (previously responsible for those 55 and older) have merged their duties in order to provide teaching services to all clients, with teachers having smaller territories, thus eliminating the time, cost and duplication of additional travel over the same territory by two different teachers.

Mr. Cannon said work with MRS involves the exploration of ways to share human and fiscal resources, as well as experience and expertise, in order for each agency to serve its respective clients better and more efficiently, but this should not be interpreted as any move to merge with the general rehabilitation agency.  While there are many similarities for both agencies in provision of services, maintenance of client records and data reporting to the federal government, there are specific differences, such as services to the older blind program and the residential training center, which provide skills of blindness instruction.  Mr. Cannon also referenced a concern expressed earlier in the meeting as to MCB's hiring of staff from the general rehabilitation agency and said that, in all instances, MCB hires the best qualified person available for the job.

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

EAST REGION REPORT

Ms. Gwen McNeal, Manager of the East Region, welcomed attendees and asked her staff to introduce themselves and describe their programs and territory.  Ms. McNeal particularly commended counselor Mr. King Nelson, who had the most closures (21) statewide for successful employment of clients.

Ms. McNeal said that in spite of working short staffed, the East Region had provided full and varied services to clients, as well as many other duties including representation and presentations at meetings; participation in the Cultural Diversity Committee meeting in Detroit; provision of transition and summer youth programs and services information at various intermediate school district meetings; holding an employment readiness seminar in conjunction with the Mini adjustment program; attending technology fairs; and working on cash match programs.

MS. TAECKENS MOVED, SUPPORTED MR. GRANT, TO ACCEPT THE EAST REGION REPORT, AS PRESENTED.  THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

BUSINESS ENTERPRISE PROGRAM-ELECTED OPERATORS COMMITTEE REPORT

Mr. James Hull, Promotional Agent for the Business Enterprise Program (BEP), introduced the new Chair of the Elected Operators Committee (EOC), Mr. Rob Essenberg, and said the EOC had also elected a new Vice chair, Mr. Kevin Tomczak.

Mr. Hull gave a recap on two specific projects BEP had been working on, concerning the United States Postal Service (USPS) facilities and the Michigan Air National Guard Combat Readiness Training Center (CRTC) in Alpena.  An agreement has been developed with the USPS in Washington, which would allow MCB to retain a set-aside fee on vending facilities in USPS locations which are exempted from the Randolph Sheppard Act due to size.  In addition, BEP had been working with the EOC to develop a policy on management of these USPS facilities.

Regarding the facility in Alpena, Mr. Hull said CRTC sent an invitation to MCB to provide cafeteria services at their facility, expressing a desire to give preference to BEP to award this bid under the Randolph Sheppard Act.  BEP staff are very encouraged as military sites in many other state use NISH (National Institute for the Severely Handicapped), a program which falls under the JWOD Act.  In order to accomplish this within a very short time-frame, BEP and EOC staff held several meetings and the EOC have motions which require approval by the board in order to move forward with the bid.

Mr. Hull also announced the annual BEP Workshop, April 27-29 in Lansing, with an awards banquet on April 28.  Topics at the workshop include a proposal currently being considered at the federal level that the Randolph Sheppard program be expanded to include individuals with all disabilities. Additionally, a new training class for eight students will begin at the Training Center in April, with the goal of employment and faciltities for these trainees by the end of the summer.  Mr. Hull said that Consumer Services staff and BEP staff are working to develop a summer internship program for youth.

Mr. Essenberg requested action on the EOC motions, identified as numbers two through six, previously presented to the board.

MR. GRANT MOVED, SUPPORTED MS. TAECKENS, TO APPROVE THE EOC MOTION TO SUSPEND THE NORMALAWARD PROCESS AND AWARD THE BID BY INTERVIEW PROCESS, FOR THE MICHIGANAIRNATIONALGUARDCOMBATREADINESSTRAININGCENTER(CRTC) FACILITY IN ALPENA ONLY, AS PRESENTED UNDER EOC MOTION NUMBER TWO.  THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

MR. GRANT MOVED, SUPPORTED MS. ASHCRAFT, TO APPROVE THE EOC MOTION TO SUSPEND THE NORMAL TWO WEEK PERIOD FOR CAFETERIAS BEING PLACED ON THE BID LINE BEFORE ALL OPERATORS ARE ELIGIBLE TO BID, FOR THE CRTC FACILITY IN ALPENA ONLY, AS PRESENTED UNDER EOC MOTION NUMBER THREE.  THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

MR. GRANT MOVED, SUPPORTED MS. ASHCRAFT, TO APPROVE THE EOC MOTION TO REQUIRE AN OPERATOR ACCEPTING THE CRTC FACILITY AWARD BE PREPARED TO VACATE THEIR FACILITY IMMEDIATELY, AND TO ACCEPT THE PRE ESTABLISHED DOING BUSINESS AS, AS PRESENTED UNDER EOC MOTION NUMBER FOUR.  THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

MR. GRANT MOVED, SUPPORTED MS. TAECKENS, TO APPROVE THE EOC MOTION TO REQUIRE AN OPERATOR ACCEPTING THE CRTC FACILITY AWARD TO REMAIN THERE FOR A PERIOD OF ONE YEAR, AS PRESENTED UNDER EOC MOTION NUMBER FIVE.  THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

Ms. Pilarski commended the hard work done by the BEP and EOC to ensure that the bid could be prepared for the CRTC facility within the time frame.

MR. GRANT MOVED, SUPPORTED MS. TAECKENS, TO APPROVE THE EOC MOTION TO ACCEPT THE UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE SATELLITE VENDING SITE POLICY DATED FEBRUARY 9, 2007, AS PRESENTED UNDER EOC MOTION NUMBER SIX-ATTACHMENT NUMBER TWO.  THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

MR. GRANT MOVED, SUPPORTED MS. ASHCRAFT, TO ACCEPT THE BUSINESS ENTERPRISEPROGRAM AND ELECTED OPERATORS COMMITTEE REPORTS, AS PRESENTED.  THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

PUBLIC COMMENT

One email was received during the morning reporting a technical problem, which had since been fixed.

Mr. Larry Ball, representing the National Association of Blind Merchants of Michigan, announced an NFB Business, Leadership, And Superior Training (BLAST) conference March 7-10 in Denver, and read a resolution (not distributed or received by MCB) that the Department of Labor and Economic Growth return any portion of an excessive charge for an audit of the BEP which cost MCB more than $250,000, and which consequently affects the funding for services to blind individuals.

Ms. Tasha Kelly, Michigan Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC), said SILC was developing four objectives for the three year State Plan for Independent Living, and invited public comment on the document at the May 11 SILC Council Meeting. Also work is beginning on the Common Disability Agenda and input is invited on that document.

Mr. Jerald Such, former MCB employee, said it is important that blind staff be hired by MCB to serve as role models, and encouraged MCB to adopt a policy that at least 50 percent of the staff be blind.

Mr. George Illingworth said he was concerned that students in school districts were not receiving Braille and that blind students in public schools should be taught what to expect.  He said he was pleased to note some attendees were still using a slate and stylus. He said it had been a wonderful meeting.

Mr. George Wurtzel, Opportunities Unlimited for the Blind (OUB), said that his organization was sincere about employing blind people and noted that out of 29 employees hired last summer for Camp Tuhsmeheta, 19 were blind.  Mr. Wurtzel said they were looking for counselors and campers for this summer and described programs, with  information available on the handout table.  Mr. Wurtzel also said that the Department of Education did away with the term "Michigan School for the Blind," effective January 2007. Mr. Wurtzel thanked MCB for support of its programs.

Ms. Patricia Woods, a former client, said there are very few programs for people who are retired to learn how to use a computer and that transportation to get to a computer is a problem. As a former teacher, Ms. Woods also wished to find work with young people.

Mr. Fred Wurtzel, president, National Federation of the Blind of Michigan (NFB-M), thanked everyone for their concern at his taking ill at the previous commission meeting.  Regarding Mr. Cannon's comments on concerns about merging with the general rehab agency, Mr. Wurtzel said he was sure Mr. Cannon was sincere that this would not happen, however, his worries were for 10-20 years down the road.  Also, regarding MCB's hiring practices, he said he would like to see recruitment of schools that specialize in training people to work with blind individuals and that 50 percent blind staff at MCB would be a good goal.  Mr. Wurtzel took exception to an award at the December meeting to a Center for Independent Living, who he said could not help an individual.

ADJOURNMENT

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

The meeting was adjourned at 3:00 p.m.  The next meeting will be held on Monday, April 16, 2007 at the Michigan Commission for the Blind Training Center, Kalamazoo.  The meeting will begin at 9:00 a.m.

Jo Ann Pilarski, Chairperson

Date