November 30, 2007

CSAVR AND NCSAB CONFERENCES

"Closing the Deal - Making the Employment Connection," was the theme of the annual fall conference of the National Council of State Agencies for the Blind (NCSAB), held in San Antonio, Texas, along with the conference of the Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation (CSAVR).  The adjacent conferences, held October 28-November 2, were attended by nearly 400 individuals working in public rehabilitation, including MCB Director, Pat Cannon and MCB Training Center Director, Christine Boone.

The conferences included Updates from the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA).  Bill Knudsen, Acting Assistant Secretary for the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) addressed the CSAVR and spoke about building stronger partnerships between educational and adult vocational rehabilitation programs.  His remarks were well received, as this is exactly what the public rehabilitation community has attempted to accomplish for years.

Dr. Edward Anthony, the Deputy RSA Commissioner, addressed both the CSAVR and the NCSAB conferences.  He explained the support system that has been created in Washington D.C., to replace the regional RSA offices that were located in Philadelphia, Chicago, Dallas, Denver and San Francisco.  These offices were closed on October 1, 2006.  Dr. Anthony brought assurances that RSA is determined to meet the needs of public rehabilitation agencies across the nation.

Carl Suter is the Chief Executive Officer of CSAVR, running the office in Washington D.C., coordinating efforts to provide educational testimony and other input to Congress and generally doing everything possible to sustain the public rehabilitation program.  He gave his semi-annual report to both the CSAVR and NCSAB meetings.

Break-out sessions focused on best practices from agencies across the country, with employment being the dominant theme.

On Tuesday morning, Christine traveled to Austin with a small contingent of blindness rehabilitation leaders.  The group toured the Criss Cole Rehabilitation Center, which is part of the Texas Division of Blind Services.  Criss Cole is one of the largest comprehensive blindness training centers in existence, with an average population of between 60 and 75 students, and a staff in excess of 100.  Approximately 10 years ago, the Center changed its entire approach, in an effort to cut back its alarming recidivism rate.  Average per student training times have lengthened, and the blindfold is used uniformly during the day by all students.  The Center reports that its returning student rate has dropped from 55 percent to one percent since the new program was implemented.

Both Pat and Christine believe that the opportunity of attending these two meetings is the most valuable opportunity available to them.  Sessions are extremely informative, but of even greater merit are the innumerable chances to network with fellow administrators and staff from throughout the country.  At the NCSAB business meeting, Pat Cannon was elected to serve as NCSAB's President-Elect in 2008 and President in 2009.

PRESIDENT NAMES TRACY JUSTESEN TO HEAD OSERS

President George W. Bush said, November 15, that he will nominate Tracy Ralph Justesen from Utah to be an Assistant Secretary of the Education Department, with a focus on special education and rehabilitative programs.  Justesen will head the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS).  As the OSERS chief, Justesen will oversee the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA), which funds and governs public rehabilitation programs, such as the Michigan Commission for the Blind.

Currently, Justesen is Deputy Director of the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research at the Education Department and has served as attorney-adviser in the Department of Justice's Disability Rights Section. He has a bachelor's from Southern Utah University, a master's from Utah State, a law degree from Drake University and a master of laws degree from George Washington University. Tracy is the brother of Troy Justesen who also serves as an Assistant Secretary in the Department of Education for Vocational and Adult Education.

MCB WEBSITE HIGHLIGHTS

MCB Website Highlight-Technology Related to Blindness and Visual Impairment

Note:  This is the first of a series of articles highlighting an item of interest on the MCB website (www.michigan.gov/mcb).

The skills of blindness include knowledge of an ever-increasing technology component-talking computers, GPS navigation, E-books, and more.  To help keep MCB staff, consumers, and the general public up to date on the latest technology related to blindness, MCB Technology Specialist Roger Yake has compiled an extensive list of more than 120 technology-related websites.  This list is located on the Resources page of the MCB website at the link titled Technology Related to Blindness and Visual Impairment.  The list includes websites featuring free tutorials, free and low-cost software to download, and online stores selling hardware, software, and adaptive equipment.  At the top of the page, a list of bookmarked category headings makes it possible to click on a category and automatically jump to that section of the list.  These are all of the categories included:

1. Information on Adaptive Software and Equipment

2. Free Assistive Technology for the Blind

a. Free Magnification Software    

b. Free Screen Readers for Microsoft Windows

c. Free Screen Readers for Linux Operating System

d. Free Antivirus Software

e. Free Internet and E-Mail

f. Free E-Books and Daisy Software

g. Free Tutorials and Training

h. Other Free Software and Related Resources

3. Free Services and Products

4. Low-Cost Software

5. Online Sales of Adaptive Equipment and Software for the Blind

In the next MCB Website Highlight, watch for information on a site of special interest to seniors.

HADLEY OFFERS NEW COURSE ON GUIDE DOG INFORMATION

The Hadley School for the Blind announced, November 6, a new course being offered for blind persons considering the use of a guide dog.  The story-based distance education course "Guide Dogs" is designed to provide important information about guide dogs and their handlers, featuring insights into the decision-making process about the guide dog lifestyle.

"Guide Dogs" includes five lessons and supplemental information.  Using fictional characters, the course discusses the guide dog lifestyle, dispelling some common misconceptions, and describing the successful guide dog and its training. The course also offers information about applying to guide dog schools, examines the relationship between the handler and the dog and explores daily life with a guide dog.  The course is not intended as a training course for guide dog use, but is intended to assist those who are contemplating the acquisition of a guide dog and who want to explore the pros and cons of guide dog use.  Persons with questions about this course may call Hadley Student Services at 800-526-9909.

MICHIGAN REHAB CONFERENCE

The 2007 Michigan Rehabilitation Conference was held in Grand Rapids on October 24-26, which a number of MCB staff attended.  Several of the staff members presented at the conference, covering such topics as:  Disability Awareness Resource Team (DART) and the Disability Awareness Resource Network (DARN) - interagency collaboration; Oh! That Noisy Road; and Employment Outlook for Blind and VI Consumers Local & Nationwide. This conference provides staff with opportunities to gain information and new approaches to the rehabilitation process.

Two staff members of the Michigan Commission for the Blind (MCB) received awards at the 2007 Michigan Rehabilitation Conference in Grand Rapids on October 25.  MCB Director Patrick Cannon and MCB Rehabilitation Counselor Michelle Visscher were honored in two separate ceremonies:

Patrick Cannon received a Michigan Rehabilitation Conference Excellence Award, presented by the Michigan Rehabilitation Association and the Michigan Association of Rehabilitation Organizations (MARO).  He was presented with the award at the October 25 evening banquet at the Amway Grand Plaza.  He is being honored for his many years of service on behalf of people with disabilities, including his service as director of MCB since 1997, bringing a new level of collaboration to the agency through the agency's Vision 2020 initiative; director of the Michigan Commission on Disability Concerns for 10 years, where he was instrumental in gaining passage of the 1990 amendments to the Michigan Handicappers' Civil Rights Act and advocating for enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act; State ADA Coordinator and Disability Policy Advisor to Governor Jennifer M. Granholm; a member and chair of the U.S. Access Board, appointed by President Bill Clinton, working on issues of architectural and transportation access; and for being a role model for individuals who are blind and possess other disabilities, and being a tireless advocate for full inclusion and full citizenship for individuals with disabilities.  Patrick Cannon said, "It is a particular honor to be recognized by my colleagues in the disability and rehab community.  I find immense satisfaction in effectively serving our customers and helping them to achieve independence and employment.  This is meaningful and satisfying work, particularly so due to the outstanding MCB staff."

Michelle Visscher, a Rehabilitation Counselor at the commission's Grand Rapids office, received the 2007 Michigan Rehabilitation Counseling Association (MRCA) Job Placement Division (JPD) Placement Specialist of the Year Award at the MRC/JPD luncheon on October 25 at DeVos Place.  This award is presented annually to the person who excels in assisting persons with disabilities in obtaining employment, staying employed, and advancing in their employment.  Michelle Visscher has excelled in all of these in her work with MCB, serving people who are blind and visually impaired in Kent and Muskegon counties.  Michelle said, "It's wonderful to be recognized by my supervisor, colleagues, clients, and vendors that I work with every day.  This work is a team effort, so I share this honor with everyone at the Michigan Commission for the Blind."

MINI-ADJUSTMENT PROGRAM SET FOR TRAVERSE CITY

Plans are being finalized for four Mini-Adjustment Program workshops next year, with the first one set for Traverse City, March 2-7, at the Traverse City Holiday Inn.  Additional 2008 workshops will be held in Saginaw (May), Farmington Hills (August) and Kalamazoo (end of October - early November).  MCB clients attending the week-long Mini-Adjustment Program workshops will be 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.

In conjunction with each workshop, the Commission will also conduct an Employment Readiness Seminar for clients who have advanced to the job-readiness stage of their rehabilitation program.  Consumers attending the seminars will learn about various approaches to job searching, Michigan Works!, the Talent Bank, interview preparation and resume development.  They will also take part in mock interviews and hear from local employers on their workforce needs.  Additionally, consumers will receive information about social security benefits and work incentives, as well as information about the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and how it relates to employment of persons with disabilities.

CONSUMER SERVICES REPORT

During this period of time, the Consumer Services staff initiated strategies to minimize any negative effects of the budget on service delivery to consumers.  The staff is demonstrating the importance of partnering to provide and expand vocational training and employment opportunities for consumers.  Through their partnering with Goodwill, Centers for Independent Living (CILs), Mid-Michigan Industries, community colleges (short-term training programs) and employers, they are developing innovative opportunities that will enable the consumers to receive preparation and skills for the demands of today's labor market.  Their employment activities are reflected in their work with Michigan Works!, the National Business Network and Ajilon.  Ajilon is a pilot call center that will provide some employment opportunities in the Detroit area.

The Business Leadership Network of Michigan was provided information and brochures regarding MCB's business services for employers.  This contact also created an opportunity for MCB to discuss with them the possibility of establishing opportunities for job shadowing and mentoring. The Governor's No Worker Left Behind (NWLB) initiative is being examined by the staff to determine how it can play a part in assisting MCB's consumers with the skills needed to meet the requirements for ‘Jobs Today Jobs Tomorrow.'  Many of the training opportunities will take place at community colleges where MCB already has a working relationship.  The staff continues to work with the Michigan Works! offices and the navigators to make sure that MCB consumers will benefit from the NWLB. 

The Consumer Services managers are continuing to develop cash match agreements and expanding transition opportunities in the intermediate school districts (ISDs).  In at least two areas, discussion is on-going with the staff in the ISDs to develop a new agreement and to expand on an existing cash match agreement.  Specifically, Oakland County ISD is in discussion with MCB to evaluate how MCB and the ISDs can identify statistical support to develop a transition program for visually impaired and blind students in the county.  A statistical analysis of the student count will identify gaps in service provision.  A cash match agreement with MCB and the ISDs emphasizing transition activities will help to ensure that more students will receive services, thereby eliminating service gaps.  Oakland is one of the largest intermediate school districts with several students who can benefit from a transition program that includes blind and visually impaired students.  In another area, discussion is on-going in Kent County to include the school district's financial support of transition activities throughout the year by the development of a cash match agreement. Summer in the City and Successful Teens Exploring Positive Skills (STEPS) statistics verify the value of a transition program. Kent ISD is encouraged to participate in the cash match agreement that outlines specific objectives for transition activities.

The Office of Services to the Aging (OSA) and Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) directors are continuing to dialogue with MCB to develop vocational, technical and job placement assistance for persons with disabilities.  One MCB manager is continuing to contact a number of AAAs to discuss ways MCB can partner with them to improve training locally.  As a result of the discussions, MCB is expected to develop agreements with AAAs in Area 1B, which covers six counties in Southeast Michigan.  Throughout the state, the managers are working with CILs and ISDs to develop cash match agreements that will increase transition opportunities as well as provide vocational training options within the communities.  The objective of the Commission for the Blind is to expand transition opportunities for blind and visually impaired consumers statewide and the staff is working diligently to meet this objective with increased number of agreements.

The two consumer conventions, the National Federation of the Blind of Michigan and the Michigan Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired, were held in Pontiac in October and in Kalamazoo in November, respectively, which afforded MCB staff an opportunity to meet with convention attendees and become aware of issues that are of concern to each organization.

The Consumer Services Division is reflecting on the past fiscal year activities and services provided to blind and visually impaired consumers in the state of Michigan indicates a continual growth and provision of services.  During the past year, services were provided to more than 3,500 consumers.  There were 450 youth low vision and transition consumers who received low vision services and low vision devices along with transition activities which consist of daily living skills, prevocational assessments, job shadowing, work experience, and mentoring through MCB's agreements with the intermediate school districts and other agencies.  Many of these individuals participated in transition programs throughout the state.  The Commission provided eight transition summer programs for high school students with some 88 participants benefiting from these programs. The summer programs are:  Bear Lake Camp, Detroit Summer Youth program, Fishtales, Quest for Success, Summer in the City, Summer Employment Excursion (SEE), Macomb Summer Camp and the Business Enterprise Program, which provided youths with the opportunity to participate in a summer internship. The Independent Living program provided services to 1,150 consumers during the past fiscal year.  These individuals were provided with instructions that enabled them to maintain themselves within their home and community.  The Consumer Services teachers provided homemaker services to 101 consumers which enabled them to become successfully employed as homemakers.  These individuals met the core criteria for homemakers that include: kitchen skills, travel skills, home management, and communication skills.   The Vocational Rehabilitation program successfully provided 184 consumers with the opportunity to become gainfully employed in a variety of occupations. 

Each year MCB has the honor of recognizing many consumers, community partners and employers.  This year MCB will recognize six consumers, three community partners and three employers.  The consumers that were selected have demonstrated determination and commitment to learning, effectively utilizing the skills of blindness to enhance their independence and successfully achieving their goals.  The community partners are being honored for their commitment and dedication in working with MCB and consumers and the employers that MCB is honoring exemplify the qualities and commitment to providing employment opportunities for persons with blindness and visual impairment.

MCB TRAINING CENTER REPORT

In the October MCB report, it was noted that "Three job openings are currently posted for the training center."  Interviews were held for these positions on Thursday, November 15, and the jobs have now been awarded to the most qualified candidates. 

Bruce Schultz will continue working in the Supportive Services Department, as he has for many years.  During these years however, Bruce's talents have been greatly underutilized.  He will now provide instruction to students during evenings and occasional weekends, to reinforce lessons taught during the day and supplement them with additional learning opportunities.  Bruce's teaching will encompass most of the skills taught at the TC, but will focus particular emphasis in the area of travel skills.  Students cannot ever have too much instruction in orientation & mobility.  Bruce will work in partnership with the TC's current O&M instructors, and it is anticipated that the team's expertise will enable Center students to reach further in this important skill area.  

Mary Zemlick has provided occupational therapy services to TC students for many years.  After coming to the MCB, Mary attended school in the evenings, earning her Masters degree in orientation & mobility.  In addition, Mary holds the highest available certification as a sign language interpreter for persons who are deaf and blind.  For the past several years, Mary has wanted to utilize her recently acquired skills to expand and enhance the services that the TC is able to offer to Michigan's blind residents.  It will be no surprise to those who know her, that Mary Zemlick is the selected candidate for the newly established rehabilitation instructor position, working with individuals who are deaf-blind.  As advertised, this position was only available to current state employees and required the successful applicant to possess expertise in American Sign Language (ASL), with preference also given to an individual who is qualified to orientation & mobility.  This latter skill is of particular importance because instruction in travel skills does not lend itself to the use of a third-party interpreter.  The TC will benefit tremendously from Mary's expertise. 

The only position for which candidates could apply if they were not already state employees, was that created by the retirement of Jim Baird in May of 2007.  This position also required expertise in the area of industrial arts instruction to persons who are blind.  This special requirement was necessitated by the fact that the TC no longer has any instructional staff who are able to fill in for IA instructor Will Droll, in his absence. 

With great pleasure, the TC tendered an offer of employment to Mr. David Bowden.  Dave will begin full time employment with the Center on Monday, December 3, 2007.  David Bowden has been a substitute instructor at the center for the past five years.  During that time, his skills have been far from those of a mere substitute.  Most recently, Dave taught wood working full time for the TC from May of 2007 through September, while Will Droll was on leave.  His services were indispensable here, as without Dave's expertise, some students would have entirely missed exposure to this key instructional area.  Dave Bowden brings with him much more than experience in industrial arts.  His skill as an access technology instructor is extraordinary and it is in this increasingly crucial skill that Dave's talent will be utilized on a daily basis.  During the past five years, Dave has become an integral part of the staff of the Center and employees are looking forward to his becoming an official member of the family. 

Several months ago, the center requested permission to post the position of Departmental Manager 14, with a special qualification to enable individuals with experience in blindness rehabilitation to apply.  At present, only those with a background in business and management, as determined by the Civil Service Commission, are eligible to apply for Departmental manager positions.  The Center requested a Departmental manager because the position desired will not supervise a vocational rehabilitation counseling or rehabilitation teaching staff.  Instead, Supportive Services and Dietary divisions within the TC would come under the direction of the manager, who would also serve as an assistant director.  It now appears that the request will not be granted and that, if the TC wishes to be able to interview anyone with experience in vocational rehabilitation, the position will need to be posted as a rehabilitation manager's job. 

Approval has been given for the Center to increase its petty cash to $2,000.  This will enable the Center to provide each student with a weekly spending allowance of $30.00.  Students will then be expected to cover all of the expenses relating to Center-related activities, including cab rides, bus trips and the Saturday evening meal.  This move furthers the Center's continuing initiative to place more responsibility into the hands of students in order to better prepare them for life after training. 

The TC recently received a phone call from Sherry King-Caise, who is just completing her certification as a Yoga instructor.  As a part of her formal training, Sherry is required to provide eight hours of donated Yoga instruction to a local organization.  The MCB Training Center has been the fortunate beneficiary of Sherry's donation, and a number of TC staff, as well as one BEP trainee, have joined the students participating in this twice-weekly evening activity.  As Sherry's Yoga class becomes more popular with each passing week, students are considering purchasing Yoga classes after her donated hours come to an end. 

Implementation of Recommendations from the Ad Hoc Committee on Training Center Services

Goal 1: Expanded Facilities

A. Off campus development. On hold.

B. BEP development; increased capacity:  The members of the October 2007 BEP training class will graduate on Friday, December 5 and immediately begin the next phase of preparation, that of an OJE (on the job experience) working with a current BEP operator.  For the first time, all arrangements for the trainees' OJEs were made by the Center's BEP liaison counselor.  Congratulations and thanks go to Regina Wesley for handling this new task with her usual efficiency and skill. 

C. On campus development:  After numerous delays, the final shipment of signs was recently delivered to the TC and it is anticipated that all new signage will be in place by the time of this year's Open House which will take place on December 19^th. 

Goal 3 - Continuous learning for staff, consumers, partners and community

Provocative Vision:  Promote Continuous Learning to Achieve Universal Understanding of Blindness and Blind People

On Monday, November 19, MCB staff enjoyed two outstanding staff training seminars, entirely organized and facilitated by MCBTC staff members. 

On Monday morning, Marge Spencer, working with Mary Zemlick, and joined by Cindy Caldwell and Dee Robertson of the DeafBlind unit, presented an excellent seminar, designed to increase the staff's knowledge of issues concerning persons who are deaf-blind.  This training also satisfied a mandate given by the DLEG Equal Opportunity Office to provide "sensitivity training" to Center staff.  The training began with an exercise designed to give participants a first-hand experience without hearing or sight.  While such a brief experience cannot truly demonstrate any disability, the time was interesting, and did help many participants to understand the importance of physical touch, when working with this population.  Laura Thomas, Regional Representative from the Helen Keller National Center, presented a look into deaf culture and this overview contained information that was new to many attendees.  Jill Gaus, a woman who is deaf-blind and who has been instrumental in bringing deaf-blind persons together in Michigan, enlightened staff further concerning the real problems of deaf-blindness and the many erroneous perceptions that exist, even among rehabilitation professionals.  

In the afternoon, Dave Greenwald's training program on service delivery to older individuals who are blind, brought new information to Center staff on issues particular to older individuals.  While the presentation from the Kalamazoo Office on Aging was quite informative, much of this day's most valuable material was presented by MCB field staff who have worked with blind senior citizens for many years. 

There was an incredibly beneficial element to this training brought about by the manner in which Dave planned the workshop, enabling Center staff and Field staff to come together in a forum that was specifically designed to facilitate open dialogue.  The MCB is fortunate to employ many outstanding professionals, each bringing his or her own particular area of expertise to the agency.  While this meeting could not include the entire staff, it was exhilarating to those who were able to join in the conversation, and clearly demonstrated the tremendous need for such opportunities.  Many thanks to Leamon Jones for enabling Consumer Services staff to participate in the Senior Blind in-service training program, both by teleconference and in person. 

Goal 7 - Expanded programs and improved services for all blind.

Provocative Vision: Leave No Consumer Behind

C. Consumers with multiple disabilities:  See Goal 3 above. 

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES REPORT

This time of year, Fiscal Year 2007 books are being closed, Fiscal Year 2008 budgets are being set up and Fiscal Year 2009 requests for budget and capital outlay are being developed.  MCB has eight federal reports that are also due during this period.  The constraints placed on spending in FY07 resulted in a large carry forward of already matched funds for FY08.  That will be a bonus for FY08 if the current year appropriated federal grant can be fully matched and spending restrictions allow funds to be spent.  That appears to be the fiscal challenge for 2008.

MCB is in the process of upgrading the Telephony hardware for the BEP monthly reporting operator system.  The current hardware was purchased more than five year ago which has been problematic for upgrading the equipment and software.  MCB's entire fleet of computers will need to be assessed this year.  Most of them were purchased more than four years ago and staff is experiencing problems with aging equipment.  The replacements will be done in stages.  Laptops will probably need to be replaced first as that is where the majority of repairs are needed.

Another piece of equipment with which MCB is experiencing obsolescence issues is the Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system at the Training Center.  This equipment has been on MCB's capitol outlay request for at least eight years without being funded.  The Department of Management and Budget (DMB), in an attempt to assist with aging facilities, is piloting a new project that aids with energy conservation and the financial aspects of replacing the equipment.  MCB and DLEG staff met with a DMB representative to determine if Performance Contracting could be viable solution for the Training Center. The premise behind the project is that DLEG/MCB would enter into an agreement with a private Energy Service Company (ESCO).  The ESCO will identify and evaluate energy-saving opportunities and then recommend a package of improvements to be paid for through savings.  The ESCO will guarantee that savings meet or exceed annual payments to cover all project costs - usually over a contract term of 7 to 10 years.  If savings don't materialize, the ESCO pays the difference.  To ensure savings, the ESCO offers staff training and long-term maintenance services.  The cost of the project would be financed by a bank and MCB would pay back the money with the dollars from the energy savings.  After that period of time any savings would become MCB's.  This project starts with an energy saving assessment.  Once the assessment is completed MCB can determine how or if to proceed with the project.  If at that time the energy savings do not seem viable MCB would be charged just for the assessment and could use that assessment as a plan to complete energy saving upgrades as money permits.  In addition, the assessment could be used for capital outlay documentation.  The one area that could result in a large energy saving is replacing the HVAC at the Training Center.  In essence MCB would pay for the much needed HVAC with the energy savings.  This is currently being implemented at two Correctional Facilities and showing great promise.  MCB will be proceeding with the assessment after the first of the year and once the information is reviewed a determination will be made whether or not to proceed with the project.

Regarding vacancies, a new secretary for the Kalamazoo Regional Office has been selected and will start on Monday, December 3. Marla Neubaum, a former contractual secretary in the Detroit Office, has accepted the position. She was actually selected as the preferred candidate from interviews held just prior to the hiring moratorium about 6-7 months ago.

A rehabilitation counselor position is open in Detroit and is currently posted on the Civil Service website. Finally, with the retirement of Tish Kingaby, administrative assistant to the director, this position has been posted on the website and it is anticipated that interviews will be done in early December.

An upcoming edition of the TV program "Street Beat" on CBS Detroit will include a six-minute interview with Detroit MCB Counselor Shawnese Laury-Johnson giving an overview of MCB's services.  This program will feature several organizations providing services for people with disabilities and is scheduled for broadcast on Saturday, December 1, on WWJ-TV at 11:30 a.m., and on Sunday, December 2, on WKBT-TV at 11 a.m.  (Please check local listings for channel numbers.)

Print copies of the new MCB Business Services brochure have been delivered from the printer and distributed to all MCB offices.  This brochure provides information and statistics on the benefits of hiring people with disabilities, the low average cost of workplace accommodations when needed, and the array of services available to employers who hire MCB consumers.

The complete text of the MCB Business Services brochure will appear in the next newsletter of the Michigan Minority Business Development Council (MMBDC).  MMBDC is a privately funded, non-profit organization comprising major corporations and public entities in education, industry, finance, professional services, construction, consumer products and health care-organizations.

The new MCB Independent Living brochure is on the Resources page of the MCB website at www.michigan.gov/mcb.  Print copies are expected from the printer in December.

Information has been sent to the Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services (ACCESS) in Dearborn, inviting interested individuals to contact MCB via phone or email for copies of MCB's Welcome to the Michigan Commission for the Blind brochure in Arabic and/or English.  Several dozen copies in each language have been sent in response to requests.

Contents of the MCB Consumer Information Packets have been revised in collaboration with the Consumer Involvement Council to add a contact list for MCB and other organizations, and to omit items that are now out of print.  The packets now include these brochures and fliers:  Welcome to the Michigan Commission for the Blind, What is the NFB (National Federation of the Blind), Michigan Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired (MCBVI), Talking Books (from the Library of Michigan), American Printing House for the Blind products catalog, Mailing Free Matter for the Blind and Visually Handicapped Persons (from the USPS), and the contact list for MCB local and central offices plus other organizations.  The MCB Consumer Information Packets are available in large print, Braille, and audio tape formats.

BUSINESS ENTERPRISE PROGRAM REPORT

Commission staff met with Stephen Leavey, MCB's liaison in Washington, to discuss the details of the contract between the U S Postal Service and the Commission for the Blind to provide food service in all of Michigan's post offices where the building population meets a minimum population standard.  BEP is in the final phase of defining the agreement or contract, and expect the new service to begin in the new calendar year.

As previously reported, due to disintegrating drainage pipes, the Lewis Cass cafeteria was unexpectedly closed for emergency repairs that would prevent structural damage to the building.  While the cafeteria is closed, DMB will also do other remediation and upgrades on this floor of the building.  BEP has established a short term temporary snack bar operation on the 1^st floor to sustain some food service in the building and preserve some income for the operator.  In the near future, BEP will enhance this short term operation and BEP has commenced work with a food service designer to re-open a brand new café (as opposed to cafeteria) in that space.  The new café is expected to open in late 2008.

The Michigan National Guard is in the final stages of construction of a new Joint Reserve Training Center, and the Business Enterprise Program has been offered the opportunity to provide food service in this non mandated facility.  It is located on north M L K Drive in Lansing at the site of the former Department of Community Health.  Although the Training Center itself will house only about 300 employees, it is part of a complex of buildings which will be housing an additional 500-600 employees.  The operator will be serving breakfast and lunch to both military and civilian personnel.  And as the facility is a military reserve training center, there may be opportunity in the future to cater meals for weekend training.   This new facility is expected to open in late winter or very early spring 2008.

The Business Enterprise Program has continued to work closely with the Elected Operators Committee.  Depending on Board action at the December meeting, BEP will be working with various subcommittees to develop possible changes in the promulgated rules as well as further changes in the as yet unapproved BEP Operations Manual.   BEP looks forward to continuing to work with this very interested and active Committee and its Subcommittees!