MCB REPORT
August 17, 2007
KEEPING THE PROMISE OF THE
ADA
Governor Jennifer M. Granholm issued a special Tribute, July 26, in celebration of the 17th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which was enacted on July 26, 1990. "On this day, we celebrate the accomplishments and progress of the last 17 years," Granholm said. "This is also a time to rededicate ourselves to the promise of the Americans with Disabilities Act, by breaking down barriers to employment and opportunity, and recognizing that Michigan's strength is in all of our abilities."
The Governor also noted that while "in Michigan we have worked hard to achieve the ADA's core goals of equality of opportunity, full participation, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency, we still have a great deal to accomplish." She quoted President Franklin Roosevelt, who said, "No Country, however rich, can afford the waste of its human resources." (The complete text of the tribute is attached to this report.)
Also on July 26, Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Menomonee Falls) joined House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD), along with Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) and Arlen Specter (R-PA), to introduce the ADA Restoration Act of 2007, legislation which would restore the ADA's clear national mandate for the elimination of discrimination on the basis of disability.
The Americans with Disabilities Act, was signed into law on July 26, 1990, to break down the physical and societal barriers that kept people with disabilities from fully participating in the American Dream. As a result, citizens with disabilities have experienced increased opportunities, higher graduation rates, higher employment rates and lower rates of poverty.
Since then, however, a series of court decisions has chipped away at the protections of the ADA, leaving millions of citizens vulnerable to a narrow interpretation of the law and effectively eroding the promise of the ADA.
"The Supreme Court's interpretation has created a vicious circle for Americans with disabilities," said Sensenbrenner. "It has created a broad range of people who benefit from ‘mitigating measures' such as improvements in medicine, who still experience discrimination from employers, yet have been labeled ‘not disabled enough' to gain the protections of the ADA."
According to a report from the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB), the twin pieces of legislation are aimed at "restoring" the ADA's protections for all people with disabilities, protections which have been severely impaired by an array of Supreme Court cases which are at odds with the intent of the ADA. These cases, which include rulings with considerable direct impact on people who are blind or visually impaired, essentially hold that employees who are in fact discriminated against on the basis of disability may nevertheless not be deemed by the courts to be disabled enough to secure ADA protection for such discrimination.
If not reversed by the legislation being introduced, this trend in jurisprudence could leave people with low vision, for example, at risk for employment discrimination because of their vision loss but deny them a legal remedy if they happen to use low vision aids. In such a case, an employer could refuse to hire or retain a person with low vision on the basis of that disability alone, and the employee's case against such an employer could be dismissed or otherwise fail because judges applying the high court's rationale may interpret the employee's ability to read or perform other tasks with low vision aids or other assistive technology as proof that the employee doesn't really have a disability under the ADA. As a result of some of these damaging court decisions, one can currently be disabled enough to be discriminated against but not disabled enough to be protected by the ADA. If enacted, the new legislation would ensure that the ADA is interpreted as broadly as originally intended by Congress and would force courts to focus on whether a person has experienced discrimination "on the basis of disability," rather than require individuals to demonstrate that they fall within the scope of the law's protection.
There were many activities around the state in honor of the ADA anniversary to celebrate its achievements and to call for vigilance in order to secure the promise of the ADA, including events hosted by several local and national disability organizations. The National Coalition for Disability Rights Road to Freedom Bus Tour journeyed through Michigan August 12-14 for events in Lansing, Flint, and Marquette. The Road to Freedom bus will stop at more than 80 locations nationwide on its way to the Nation's Capital, from disability conferences to sporting events to malls and parades. Stunning photographs of the struggle for disability rights, which have been featured at the Smithsonian Institute, are the centerpiece of the traveling exhibit. The Freedom Bus exhibit also includes a narrative of the history of the disability rights movement and the struggle to win passage of the ADA.
PUBLIC FORUM ON DISABILITY ISSUES
The Michigan Civil Rights Commission conducted one of its regular meetings in Flint, June 25, featuring a public forum on disability issues, following its general commission meeting on the campus of Mott Community College in Flint. Linda Parker, Director of the Michigan Department of Civil Rights and Commissioner Mike Zelley facilitated the forum, and approximately 60 people were in attendance. There were opportunities for speakers and members of the general public to share concerns related to persons with disabilities and to participate in public comment or questions on disability or accommodation issues. Scheduled speakers included Michigan Senator John Gleason speaking on the new Michigan interpreter law he sponsored, MCB Director Patrick Cannon speaking on issues related to blindness and low vision, and others who spoke on topics including interpreter issues for people who are deaf or hard of hearing, voting accessibility, accessible streets and communities, employment, mental health issues, and fair housing.
NATIONAL CAMPAIGN FOR ACCESSIBLE TECHNOLOGY
The recently-established Coalition of Organizations for Accessible Technology (COAT) is a consortium of over 100 national, regional and community-based organizations committed to promoting dramatically expanded access for people with disabilities to state-of-the-art telecommunications and video programming technologies and services. The principal objective of COAT is to affect positive policy change to ensure that people with disabilities, especially those with sensory disabilities such as vision and hearing loss, can be full beneficiaries of the telecommunications and video programming revolution.
The policy platform of COAT includes an array of objectives, with some of particular interest to people with vision loss and those who serve them:
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Accessible User Interfaces. All devices with the capacity to receive or display television or other video programming must be designed to allow non-visual and other alternative control of all device features.
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Video Description. The mandate on broadcasters and others to provide at least a minimal amount of description accompanying their television programming, a mandate overturned by a federal court of appeals ruling, must be restored, and the Federal Communications Commission must also promulgate regulations to guarantee appropriate descriptive access to emergency information.
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Equipment Availability. The existing Universal Service Fund should be tapped to provide equipment meeting the unique and profoundly undermet needs of people with deaf-blindness.
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Internet-Based Telecommunications. Every effort must be made to ensure that the current requirements of law mandating access to traditional telecommunications equipment and services (such as cell phones and standard office telephone systems) are strengthened and fully extended to newer telecommunications technologies that use the Internet, such as voice over Internet protocol (VOIP).
The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) has reported a need for greater participation by organizations of and for the blind and visually impaired and welcomes active participation of all who are interested. For more information, contact AFB at
mrichert@afb.net
or for additional details about the COAT policy agenda, visit
http://coataccess.civicspaceondemand.org/node/14
.
MINI-ADJUSTMENT PROGRAM IN
ANN ARBOR
Nearly 50 consumers are expected to participate in MCB's fourth Mini-Adjustment Workshop of the year, which will be held in Ann Arbor, August 19-24, at the Holiday Inn, located at 3600 Plymouth Road, near the University of Michigan campus. MCB clients attending the week-long 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.
An Employment Readiness Seminar for job-ready consumers will be held in conjunction with the Ann Arbor Mini program, on Thursday, August 23. MCB seminar participants will receive information regarding social security benefits and work incentives, as well as information about Americans with Disabilities Act and how it relates to employment of persons with disabilities. Plans are underway for four Mini-Adjustment Program workshops next year, tentatively being planned for Traverse City (March), Saginaw (May), Farmington Hills, (August) and Kalamazoo (end of October - early November).
CONSUMER SERVICES REPORT
During the summer months, the Consumer Services Division has been active in many areas. The staff has been working diligently with summer transition programs and a variety of other activities. The Consumer Services staff was responsive to the need of the Mini Adjustment program by providing nearly 50 referrals to the Ann Arbor mini program. This is the last mini program for fiscal year 2007. Shig Toda, a teacher from the field staff, will assist with the coordination of the Mini Adjustment program as the co-coordinator with Bonnie Betz. The staff understands the importance of providing timely services to individuals who are experiencing vision loss. The Mini Adjustment program is an excellent program to introduce the concepts of independent living skills.
Another way that the staff promotes MCB programs is through community events. A number of the staff participated in local events within their territories. In the Saginaw Office, the staff has developed outreach activities with a number of senior centers. At the center the staff person provided information regarding the Commission for the Blind programs as well as information on various eye diseases. They also demonstrated to the audience the use of low vision devices, specifically, hand held magnifiers. These activities provide an opportunity for the staff of these facilities to become familiar with MCB services; therefore developing a meaningful referral process to enable the constituents to receive independent living skills.
The State has a new initiative to assist citizens with their employment objective. The program is called No Worker Left Behind (NWLB). The governor's initiative is to assist citizens of the state of Michigan that are unemployed to obtain skills that will prepare them to meet the demands for jobs of the future; for example, health care, information technology, auto service technicians, accounting and bookkeeping, and mechanics. These jobs may vary depending on the area of the state. MCB is exploring the program to determine how its consumers can participate. Many of the training opportunities will be through community colleges where MCB currently provides supports for some of its consumers to be trained. The managers will participate in NWLB News Conference events scheduled in their areas. The staff will work collaboratively with the agencies to make sure that blind and visually impaired individuals are included.
Consumer Services staff are working collaboratively to finalize program objectives with the area agencies on aging and the State's Office of Services to the Aging regarding employment services for seniors. One of the initiatives is to establish an employment program for seniors. This program will be piloted in the Southeast Michigan area with the objective of expanding statewide as the data supports the need. Another program being discussed with these agencies concerns technology and the availability of adaptive computer training for their consumers who are blind and visually impaired. MCB staff is in dialogue with the agencies regarding in-home services to this population through sharing ideas and providing in-service training to the staff. Further, as a result of these cooperative initiatives, more opportunities will be developed to produce group instruction of independent living skills and employment outcomes.
The summer transition programs, as well as the College Prep program, are coming to their completion. A number of high school students had an opportunity to participate in transition programs in several communities throughout the state. The Commission staff continues to work with the intermediate school districts (ISDs) and other partners to provide these transition opportunities. MCB's cooperation with the various school districts to provide transition programs throughout the school year is gaining more momentum. The summer programs have been a catalyst to demonstrate the need for visually impaired individuals to participate in transition activities that provide these students with skills and information about various occupations, as well as equipping them with skills to transition to higher education. MCB's goal is to increase its collaboration with the majority of the ISDs within the state for the purpose of initiating transition programs for blind and visually impaired students. A more complete report on the outcomes of the summer programs will be provided in the October Consumer Services report.
MCB continues to work with its community partners to improve program accessibility for blind and visually impaired individuals. MCB is working with Oakland County Community Mental Health (CMH) to increase supports to visually impaired and blind students within their Special Ed school program. The CMH provides auxiliary services to students and individuals upon completion of their school program. This collaboration is imperative, in that it provides opportunities for supported employment consumers to participate in community employment where follow along services are necessary in order for the consumer to be successful. A meeting is scheduled in early September to explore these options. MCB also met with New Horizons, another community partner to further collaborate on ways that Soft Skills programs can be implemented in the various school programs. Further, MCB participated with New Horizons as they are being recognized by the Mutual of America Foundation as being one of the finalists regarding their initiative in preparing consumers with skills that will enable them to obtain and maintain employment (soft skills). This agency is a part of the partnership forum that is working on identifying instruments and/or programs that will assess and/or train individuals regarding pre-employment work skills. MCB and MRS are collaborating with the Veterans Administration to develop a pilot program in Mid-Michigan and Lansing to work with returning veterans from the current war. This project will focus on ways to work together in providing services to disabled veterans.
The Consumer Services Division through its contract with SVRC was able to secure full-time counselor position in Grand Rapids Office for Pat Angerman, who formerly was working as a part-time teacher. The Saginaw Office secretary, Sueanne (Lewis) Meyers was part-time and is now full-time, thereby providing more support to the Saginaw field staff.
The Great Lakes Region V Council of State Agencies of Vocational Rehabilitation (CSAVR) meeting was scheduled for July 26-27, 2007 in St. Paul, Minnesota. This meeting was for agency and field service directors. A variety of topics were discussed with specific emphasis on the Minnesota Rehabilitation programs. The state has two separate vocational rehabilitation programs; general and blind agencies. Two areas of interest were discussed: 1) the staff are co-located within the Minnesota Workforce Centers throughout the state; and 2) they are in process of initiating a Transformational Leadership program. The Workforce Centers provide services to all Minnesotans that are seeking employment. The rehabilitation agencies, general and blind, are a component of the workforce centers to work with consumers that are in need of specialized services leading to employment. Transformation Leadership is a program that recognizes that leaders may emerge from any level within the organization. It encourages individuals to share ideas as well as to recognize their contribution to the agency's growth and development.
A proposed revision to the policy on purchase of hearing aids will be presented to the board for approval at its August 27, 2007 meeting. This policy revision eliminates the requirement for three bids to be obtained before providing hearing aids for consumers. This practice will speed the delivery of services, as well as provide improved follow-up services. The proposed policy has been reviewed by the Service Delivery Focus Design Team, the Planning and Quality Team and the Consumer Involvement Council.
TRAINING CENTER REPORT
The industrial arts class is one of the most important elements in the Training Center's arsenal of educational tools. This course does not transform every student into a wood worker, rather it serves as a tremendous confidence booster for those who participate. In May of this year, industrial arts instructor Will Droll needed to take a medical leave of absence. Unfortunately, Will's return to work has been delayed due to complications, and it is now anticipated that he will return some time before October first. In the past, Jim Baird was able to teach in the area of industrial arts in Will's absence. With Jim's recent retirement however, this flexibility has been lost.
The Training Center has been extremely fortunate to have a substitute instructor who is extremely competent as a wood worker and teacher. Dave Bowden has been filling in for Will for the past few months. Because of this unanticipated need, Dave has exhausted his projected annual contractual hours as of August 9, 2007. Jim Baird has agreed to take a few days off from his retirement, to teach industrial arts while remedial action is taken. The Training Center presently has a special request before the Administrative Board which would allow Dave to exceed his projected contractual hours and remain in his temporary post until Will's return. The Board meets on August 21.
Commissioners may recall that the Training Center is built around a central courtyard, which is visible from several vantage-points inside the building. In past years, the courtyard has boasted a fountain and abundant greenery. In the summer of 2007, the training center building surrounds a hollow square, containing only the remains of former shrubs, and forming a rather dreary scene from inside. Recently, director Christine Boone contacted the Master Gardener program at Michigan State University, to ask if they might be interested in having a bit of ground to use as part of their horticultural and agricultural programs. Rehabilitation Services Coordinator Bruce Schultz then met with an MSU program representative, provided her with a tour of the courtyard, and discussed the possibilities. MSU is extremely interested in beautifying this spot of land. They are currently searching for a project coordinator who will work with training center staff to coordinate the details. The most excellent aspect of this venture is that training center students will participate in the work, learning about and experiencing gardening and its many aspects. In addition to the MSU work, Bruce Schultz has selected a corner of the space which he and the students will design and plant, beginning this fall.
Jody Ouding from River Street Flowerland conducted a container gardening seminar for Training Center students on August 2nd. This experience was 100 per cent hands-on. Jody brought several dozen varieties of herbs, and a potting soil specially designed for growing herbs. Mary Zemlick's classroom was filled with the amazing aromas of lemon verbena and lavender, mint and oregano. Some of the participants had never learned to identify a plant by touch or by smell, while others had not tried their hands at gardening since losing their sight. Barb Wile took some of the offerings to the kitchen and brewed a batch of iced tea. The afternoon was a huge success and will likely be back by popular demand.
Recently, rehabilitation instructors Shelley Masion and Bob Savage approached director Boone, inquiring into whether the Center's low vision program might be re-activated. Several years ago, the Center had a low vision program, which exposed students to various types of magnifiers and devices, but in recent years, this program has faded away. As a result, Center staff has noted that students generally return from visits to the low vision clinic with a long list of recommended low vision aids. When these instruments are purchased however, most of them become dust collectors because clients find that they have very little practical use for them.
Shelley and Bob have conducted an exhaustive inventory of the center's stores, listed any useful low vision devices still in stock, and investigated local, inexpensive sources for purchasing many items that were formerly ordered from catalogues. The Training Center will now work with students to identify potentially useful assistive devices, before the visit to the low vision clinic. Students will be able to borrow and use this equipment, to see if it is truly beneficial in their lives. It is anticipated that students will go into their low vision evaluations well informed about the purpose of low vision aids, and that expenditures in this area will decrease significantly. More importantly, MCB clients will receive low vision aids which they are actually able to use regularly to assist them in their daily lives.
When a late spring wind destroyed the training center flagpole, the staff turned that lemon into lemonade. It became permissible to purchase a new pole and flag, because a state facility must appropriately fly the stars and stripes daily. Retiring staff member Christopher Rasmussen suggested that the new flagpole be dedicated to blinded veterans.
The Center's sign along Oakland Drive was not eye catching, and staff have long wanted to increase the visibility of the facility in a positive way. Facility manager Dan Grover, and his able assistant, Randy Dykstra, ordered a flag pole and set to work in front of the building. The new flag pole arrived and was set in concrete. An area nursery, Forget Me Not Landscaping and Design, donated several excellent plantings and the design for their layout. Handley's Tree Service donated mulch to finish the picture. Staff composed a plaque, and Administrative Assistant Corda Moss coordinated the dedication ceremony.
On July 16, 2007, Congressman Fred Upton honored the Center by presenting the United States flag, which had flown over the Capitol in Washington D.C. State Representative and former Kalamazoo Mayor Robert Jones delivered a brief but fitting tribute to the contribution of all veterans to the freedoms citizens enjoy as Americans. Scott Randolph, President of the Blind Veterans Association Michigan Region, expressed his immense appreciation for the dedication of the flag to his organization and remarked that, were they given the chance to fight for their Country again, knowing that blindness would result, almost every blind veteran would gladly accept the challenge. Those in attendance were humbled by these words, and honored to stand beside those who have helped to preserve freedom.
Once again this year, staff from the Training Center and the field worked together to develop and conduct the Quest for Success program at Camp Tuhsmeheta. Thirteen students participated in this week-long experience that combines learning and fun. During the day, campers attended classes in personal management, travel skills, cooking and computer skills. All classes were taught by MCB staff. At 4pm, Camp staff took over and the students enjoyed swimming, campfires, dancing and other fun activities.
The Quest for Success program, jointly sponsored by the Commission for the Blind and Opportunities Unlimited for the Blind (OUB), serves students between the ages of 16 and 21. For many young people, the camp offers them their first exposure to instruction in the alternative skills of blindness and it has been noted that a great many high school aged clients come to the Training Center completely lacking even the most basic alternative life skills. Following an experience like Quest, these students begin to remedy this void, thereby leading to greater success when students come to the Center.
On Thursday, August 2, Training Center staff and students attended a presentation entitled Library in Your Pocket. This program was sponsored by Western Michigan University, and presented by two vocational rehabilitation counselors from the State of Utah who were on the Western campus, completing the on-site portion of their distance education Masters program. In conjunction with their campus work, Ray Martin and Everette
Baccon needed to earn practicum hours, which they did here at the Center. Center staff soon learned that these two rehabilitation professionals had extensive knowledge in the area of access technology. The Thursday afternoon presentation explained the up-coming transition of the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS) to the new digitally formatted books. Beginning in federal fiscal year 2008, which starts this October, NLS will begin shipping digital players to patrons. The old 4-track cassette players will be retired, and subscribers will be able to order digital books from the library. Ray and Everette also shared some of their extensive knowledge relating to other aspects of access technology.
The Training Center benefited still more from the experience of these two gentlemen. Ray and Everette actually used some of their practicum time providing instruction to staff in the operation of the BrailleNote and PacMate. As a result, Betty Lujan-Roberts is beginning to provide instruction in the use of the BrailleNote and Wendy Van Elk will shortly begin teaching the PacMate.
Implementation of Ad hoc Committee Recommendations:
The Training Center has received the recommendations of the Ad Hoc Committee on Training Center Services and has set to work on implementation. Three of the eleven goals were identified as priorities by the Committee. Consequently they offered a logical place to begin.
Goal 1: Expanded Facilities
A. Off campus development. While initial contacts were made in this area, the TC director requested that she be given a year to work on improving existing programs before beginning this new venture. The MCB director concurred with this request.
B. BEP development; increased capacity: In June of 2007, the BEP program graduated the first training class to have hands-on kitchen experience during their training program. Each class member spent at least one day in the kitchen, observing the preparation and serving of at least two meals and assisting as appropriate. Participants in this class also received access to the training kitchen on weekends. This enabled them to practice preparing meals for themselves and their classmates. This practice will be expanded and formalized during the next class, so that trainees will be allowed to invite center students to a Saturday or Sunday brunch, providing an opportunity to serve a larger group of individuals.
C. On campus development: The front of the building located at 1541 Oakland drive has received a major enhancement in visibility during the past month. After the wind destroyed the flag pole, a new one was procured. As this was done, the decision was made to dedicate the new flag and pole to blind veterans. This lead to the donation of garden plantings and mulch, installation of lighting, and installation of a commemorative plaque, printed on weather-proof material, in both print and Braille, with a legend dedicating the flag and pole to blind veterans. All of this resulted in a significant improvement in the appearance and visibility of the Training Center from the street. Inside the center, new signs have been designed and ordered, labeling each office and teaching room in print and Braille. Due to printer error, most of the signs have not yet been installed, but new signs should be arriving within the month and will be installed posthaste.
In addition, a new security system, installed approximately two years ago but never activated, was renovated and turned on. Two new surveillance cameras were installed, allowing the receptionist at the front desk, and those working in Supportive Services, to see persons seeking access to the center after hours. Proximity cards were issued to all staff and students; and exterior door keys returned. Exterior door locks were also changed, there being no way to determine how many keys might be out in the community.
Goal 3 - Continuous learning for staff, consumers, partners and community
Provocative Vision: Promote Continuous Learning to Achieve Universal Understanding of Blindness and Blind People
During the last quarter four MCB staff members presented a session at the Michigan Association for the Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (MAER) on the TC's College Assessment program. The presentation was extremely well received and resulted in a boost in the number of students coming to the TC for college assessments this summer.
Director Boone and Administrative Assistant Corda Moss presented an in-service to all of the interns and many of the physicians at the Kellogg Eye Center in early June. Two physicians have already contacted the director, asking her to assist in helping Commission clients to take their lives further, so that their blindness will not limit them.
Due to the budgetary hardship at the State level, the Technology conference will not take place during Thanksgiving week this year. This will give the TC an opportunity to provide special training to staff. An in-service on DeafBlindness and specialized training on access technology will take place during that time.
Goal 7 - Expanded programs and improved services for all blind.
Provocative Vision: Leave No Consumer Behind
A. Youth
B. Seniors
C. Consumers with multiple disabilities.
(Electronic Braille note takers to be included.)
The training center is developing an enhanced program for persons who are deaf-blind. While the Center presently serves this population, services are not tailored for the special needs of deaf-blind individuals. A committee has been created, including training center staff and the MCB deaf-blind unit. This team has met twice and has solicited input from two very competent deaf-blind clients. The Center's current occupational therapist (OT), Mary Zemlick, is a certified American sign language interpreter, has a Master's degree in orientation and mobility and considerable knowledge regarding services for deaf persons. Plans are being made to reclassify Mary as a rehabilitation instructor in order that she can contribute her broad range of knowledge and expertise to Training Center programming.
Christine Boone has given the BrailleNote, which was formerly used by the center director, to the Braille instructors for use in teaching students. Plans are also continuing to purchase a second BrailleNote and a PacMate for similar use.
A new summer youth program has been proposed and discussed among the Center staff. This program would begin next summer, and would broaden the opportunities for young people to develop and polish their alternative skills of blindness. A work group will soon be formed to pursue this endeavor.
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES REPORT
The budget through July 31st is in overall good shape. The total funds expended and encumbered are $15,242,582 which is right on target for the projected budget. So far this fiscal year MCB has received $356,105 for Social Security reimbursement claims.
The Business Enterprise Program's new Internet based system is now up and running. This new system was developed with the same framework as the System 7 client tracking system. This aids with training and maintenance of the systems. BEP staff has been working through the typical bugs associated with switching over to a new system but overall the transition went smoothly.
MCB's computer system will be moving to the Michigan 1 Adopt environment in September. This new environment is the Department of Information Technology's initiative to standardize all State of Michigan employee computers. The premise of this move is to use an installation server to house all programs that need to be loaded on staff computers. The computers would then be built or rebuilt using standardized software and packages. This aids in initializing or resolving problems with machines by quickly getting them up and running by loading the pre-tested standardized software. All of MCB's accessible programs (JAWS, Magic,
Zoomtext
) are tested and included as part of the approved software options.
Interviews were conducted in early August for the Promotional Agent position in Grand Rapids and a decision should be made in the very near future to fill that vacancy. MCB also has several requests to fill positions still pending including a Secretary in Kalamazoo Regional, a Domestic Services Aide at the Center, a Departmental Manager at the Center, and a Rehab Teacher at the Center.
Due to the continuing moratorium on training, MCB is still limited in what is allowed. The Michigan Rehabilitation Conference is scheduled for October 24-26 in Grand Rapids, however, it is unknown whether staff may be sent to this program. Until the 2008 budget gets figured out, things are pretty much on hold.
A meeting is scheduled for this week to meet with the staff from Project Excellence at Michigan State University to discuss possible partnerships over the next year. One item under consideration is to do a new Needs Assessment and/or Satisfaction Survey. Due to recent budget concerns these types of activities have been stopped but federal regulations require periodic studies so MCB may still be allowed to utilize these services.
The 2007 version of the Employee Values Survey will be going out the last week in August. This annual survey is conducted by the Office of Great Workforce Development. In addition to the standard questions being asked to everyone in state government, DLEG employees also have the opportunity to answer several questions designed to provide information and feedback specific to DLEG.
In another statewide survey regarding an initiative of the Governor's Office called 1 Great and Super 8, all DLEG bureaus and agencies were asked to participate by submitting a single suggestion to the department to improve state government. MCB submitted a suggestion, originally offered by Amber Pike and Beth White, to streamline and change the purchasing process (especially when dealing with DMB) which has been chosen as one of the final four by DLEG's Employee Growth and Development Team. These four suggestions will next be reviewed by the Deputy Directors and Director Cooley, and one finalist will be sent to the Office of Great Workforce and the Governor's Office. That decision will be made by late August.
State government is moving to comply with the Governor's executive orders to consolidate all departments' Human Resources, Accounting and Internal Audit functions, however, no specific details are yet known on how this will affect the Department and MCB.
MCB will have two new brochures available in September. The new Business Services brochure for employers outlines the services provided by MCB to help businesses keep their experienced staff on the job after vision loss as well as hire new qualified workers who are blind or visually impaired. The new Independent Living Program brochure gives an overview of MCB's services for adults age 55 and over who are blind or visually impaired who want to remain independent in their homes and communities. Both brochures also mention that additional services are available from the Michigan Commission for the Blind.
In addition to the outreach activities mentioned in the Consumer Services section of this report, MCB participated in a community resource fair July 26 at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing with approximately 75 of the hospital's physicians and other medical staff participating.
MCB
is planning to participate in the Capital Area Michigan Works Fall Job Expo September 25 and the fall Michigan Optometric Association conference October 10-11 in
Lansing
.
This year the third annual "mailing" to eye care professionals to provide information about MCB and offer brochures for their patients will be done as an email distribution in cooperation with the Michigan Optometric Association and the Michigan Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons. A number of referrals have come to MCB in response to these mailings in previous years.
MCB is seeking additional members for the Image and Identity Team, which 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. Upcoming meetings are scheduled for September 25 and December 6. For more information, please contact Susan Turney, MCB Communications & Outreach Coordinator, at 517-241-8631.
Business
Enterprise
PROGRAM Report
The April 2007 report announced the commencement of the spring 2007 BEP Manager Training and the June 2007 report announced the graduation of seven students from the classroom portion of the training class. As of this writing, all seven energetic and highly motivated students successfully completed the on-the-job experience portion of the training and have commenced bidding on seven available facilities. By the Commission meeting, it is hoped that all seven will have been placed in jobs. At the present time, MCB appears to have seven students enrolled in the fall 2007 BEP Manager training class. If that it is the case, and if all seven complete the training, MCB will have trained 14 students in calendar year 2007. This success is due in no small part to John McEntee's efforts above and beyond the call of duty.
BEP staff have forwarded to the Elected Operators Committee (EOC) the Internal Audit and Monitoring Division's cover letter, the Internal Audit Report and the program's corrective action plan for the reportable conditions for consideration at their September 2007 meeting. While staff began implementing some corrective action steps prior to general release of the final audit report, work will continue on implementation of the remaining corrective actions in response to the reportable conditions.
In the June report, MCB reported Sheila Stelmach, a potential operator in the BEP, had been awarded the Alpena CRTC facility and signed a contract with the base as Alpena Food Service to provide essential food service needs to deploying troops. It was understood the deployments would be on a part time, limited basis and the number of deploying troops would fluctuate throughout the year. As of mid-August, 18 units have utilized the services of the BEP licensee, comprising 90 per cent of the expected deployments for the year and bringing the busiest season of this operation to a close. Throughout the year, the operator has managed the facility well, considering the complex nature of the facility and the very stressful conditions put upon her to successfully serve every soldier coming to the base for training. Ms. Stelmach also received the highest scores from each of the deployed units on sanitation, food service, cleanliness, and operations.
Operation of this new facility has not been without glitches. With the strong efforts of the base Contracting Officers and the constant attention of the BEP promotional agent, James Hull, operations have moved forward in a very successful manner. Major issues requiring resolution included: constructing a mutually agreeable flexible pricing module, and arranging for sufficient cash flow for the business. Despite bumps in the road, it is believed this endeavor was a success. With limited changes, MCB intends to bid on the next contract at the conclusion of the current one year contract. It is hoped to win a five year contract with the next bid.
When the State of Michigan assumed the Cadillac Place building in Detroit and moved state offices into the building, a coffee shop business known as Blends was operating in the building. Recently, Blends went out of business and the Business Enterprise Program was able to acquire the decorated and partially furnished space (and an adjoining storage space), and purchase the remaining equipment at a greatly discounted price. In exchange for this new space, BEP relinquished other, larger space which would have required substantial renovation and equipping. It is MCB's intention to re-open the space as a coffee shop operated by the Business Enterprise Program, and use the kitchen facility for both the coffee shop and as a catering preparation kitchen. MCB is partnering with an experienced food service facility designer and a food service consultant to properly launch this new initiative. It is expected the new coffee shop will be open for business early in the new fiscal year. Thanks to promotional agent, Joe Pelle, for bringing this new opportunity.
Work on the agreement for vending services in Michigan's post offices continues. Stephen Leavey, MCB's liaison in Washington, reported that the survey of Michigan's postmaster to determine the status of current vending contracts in Michigan has been completed and results have been tallied. A draft agreement is anticipated for review in the next few weeks.
The Business Enterprise Program has been utilizing the current operator selection system approved by the Commission Board in 2004 to identify operators for available facilities. Having nearly three years of experience with the current system, the Elected Operators Committee felt it was time to fine tune the system. The Promotions and Seniority Subcommittee, via teleconference and in conjunction with BEP staff, has devised a revised system for presentation to the full EOC Committee at its September 2007 meeting.
The current BEP Operator Annual Evaluation has been in use for several years. Since implementation of the current evaluation, the program has seen many changes in the BEP facilities. BEP staff felt a need to update the evaluation to more accurately reflect facility operation. Consequently, staff reviewed the current evaluation, developed a recommended replacement, and presented it to the Elected Operators Committee for consideration. The Committee referred the matter jointly to the Promotions and Seniority and Locations and Repair subcommittees. While these subcommittees have met several times via teleconference to review the staff recommended evaluation, their work is not yet complete.
As with the Annual Operator Evaluation, the current BEP Manager Trainee On the Job Experience (OJE) evaluation has been in service for many years. BEP staff has commenced working with the EOC Training Subcommittee to develop an OJE Evaluation that more accurately reflects the training provided and the nature of the BEP facilities.
The Commission for the Blind has been asked to vacate by 15 August 2007, the space occupied at the Lincoln Hall of Justice/Juvenile Court. The Commission has operated a non mandated BEP facility at the Lincoln Hall of Justice/Juvenile Court since 1968. As is happening with many of the facilities, the nature of business conducted in the building has changed and the building population has diminished in the past few years. Just last year, Wayne County entered into a county-wide contract for vending machine services, with the result that MCB lost the vending machine operations in that building. While it was known the county would probably close the snack bar by the end of the current calendar year, MCB was advised just a few days ago it must relinquish its current snack bar space by August 15, 2007, to the Third Circuit Court for video arraignments. As the location is non-mandated, the Third Circuit Court is not obligated to adhere to federal or state rules or regulations in this matter and MCB was forced to relinquish the space.
Promotional Agent, Joe Pelle, promptly contacted Wayne County staff regarding the notice to vacate. As the Commission's representative, he worked diligently with the facility manager to find an alternate location for a snack bar to continue operations until the end of the calendar year. As the result of his efforts, facility management offered an alternate small space down the hall from the snack bar. Unfortunately, the space offered was not adequate, and in consultation with the Elected Operators Committee, the space was declined and the operator was removed from the facility.
State of Michigan
[state seal]
Executive Office
Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor
Certificate of Tribute
On behalf of the citizens of Michigan, I, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm, do hereby offer this document in honor of the 17th Anniversary of the
Americans with Disabilities Act
Whereas, The enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), on July 26, 1990, signaled a revolution in our nation's public policies toward people with disabilities; and,
Whereas, Michigan, and our country as a whole, is now a better place for people with disabilities to live, learn, work, and raise a family; and,
Whereas, In the last 17 years, we have worked hard to eliminate harmful stereotypes and have grown to understand disability as a natural part of the human experience; and,
Whereas, Our state and nation are taking steps to ensure that people with disabilities are fully integrated into our communities and workplaces and we have come to appreciate that people with disabilities are a key element and an untapped resource in sustaining our nation's economic growth; and,
Whereas, In Michigan we have worked hard to achieve the ADA's core goals of equality of opportunity, full participation, independent living and economic self-sufficiency; and,
Whereas, The promise of the ADA is to protect people with disabilities against discrimination for purposes of employment, services of state and local government, places of public accommodation, transportation and telecommunications and while many among our nation's more than 50 million people with disabilities, including nearly 2 million in Michigan, have benefited from these protections, we still have a great deal to accomplish; and,
Whereas, Because the barriers still facing people with disabilities today took generations to create, and breaking them down will require continued vigilance and our constant, coordinated and farsighted effort; and,
Whereas, We must continue to work aggressively to increase the employment rates of people with disabilities by assailing a range of work disincentives, including barriers to education, health care, technology, housing and transportation; and,
Whereas, We must provide real choices for people with disabilities to live and work in their communities with necessary services and supports, and we must be vigilant in protecting the rights we have secured; and,
Whereas, The first 17 years of the ADA's existence have provided us with a solid foundation for meeting these challenges and the many achievements that we celebrate today; and,
Whereas, Hundreds of communities and organizations throughout our state and nation are hosting events as part of this national celebration to encourage individuals, organizations and government entities to reaffirm their commitment to the principles of the ADA, including the National Coalition for Disability Rights Road to Freedom Bus Tour, which will be in Michigan August 12-14, 2007, for events in Lansing, Flint, and Marquette; and,
Whereas, Promoting disability rights not only improves the lives of Americans with disabilities, it improves all of our lives, and as President Franklin Roosevelt asserted 73 years ago: "No Country, however rich, can afford the waste of its human resources"; and now therefore be it,
Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby offer this Certificate of Tribute to honor the 17th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
[signed]
Jennifer M. Granholm
Governor
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