December 2, 2008

LEAP BY BLIND MICHIGAN SKYDIVERS REJECTS STEREOTYPE

A group of students at the MCB Training Center decided to try something new in the way of activities-skydiving!  Six students signed up to experience skydiving for the first time, and three training center staff members joined them in the first-time adventure:  Director Christine Boone, Braille Instructor Betty Lujan-Roberts, and Domestic Services Aide Marla McClure.  All nine went to Hastings Airport October 29 and, after about 20 minutes of training, jumped from an airplane at 10,000 feet and floated to the ground, each strapped to a professional skydiver from Skydiving Incorporated. 

The skydivers ranged in age from 21 to 79, and had various reasons for skydiving, which included having fun, but also showing themselves and others that people who are blind can do adventurous things.  Robert Willis, age 79, said, "I want to dispel negative stereotypes about visual impairments, as well as inspire others with impairments to get out there in spite of their handicaps."  Jacob Warren of Lake Orion, who recently turned 21, said, "I knew the thought of me jumping would make my family nuts!" Chris Egner, 45, of Lake Orion, said, "I have to jump to prove to myself that I can do anything, even if I am blind and a double amputee.  There's nothing I can't do." Kristina Richard, 36, of Marquette, said, "Skydiving is a dream come true because after my stroke I wasn't sure I would ever walk again." 

Two MCB Training Center students assisted with publicity for the skydiving experience, to let people know about MCB and to challenge stereotypes about people who are blind.  Robert Willis, the senior skydiver of the group, is also a retired editor who worked for both Prentice Hall and McGraw-Hill.  He and Christine Movalson, a Michigan State University student pursuing a career in writing, collaborated with MCB Communications & Outreach Coordinator Susan Turney to prepare the news advisory and news release on the skydiving adventure.  The materials were sent out by the DLEG Media & PR office to media statewide, and on the day of the event, Kalamazoo's WWMT channel 3 and the Kalamazoo Gazette were on site to get the story.  The Associated Press picked up the story and sent it to media nationwide, and websites in Italy, China, and the United Kingdom carried it as well.

A longer article about the MCBTC skydivers, written by Christine Movalson, appears in the November 2008 edition of MCB Insight, which is on the Resources page of the MCB website under Information for MCB Staff.

MCB COUNSELOR RECEIVES NATIONAL AWARD

MCB Rehab Counselor Michelle Visscher of the Grand Rapids office has received the prestigious Margaret E. Fairbairn Award from the National Rehabilitation Association (NRA).  The annual award recognizes one individual's outstanding accomplishments and distinguished service in job placement for persons with disabilities, and is named in memory of one of the founding members of the NRA Job Placement Division.

Michelle Visscher has worked at the Michigan Commission for the Blind's Grand Rapids office for 12 years, with 10 of those years in her current position, serving people who are blind and visually impaired in Kent and Muskegon counties.

The national Margaret E. Fairbairn Award is typically presented at the NRA national conference.  Because Michelle had other responsibilities that prevented her from attending the national conference in St. Louis, arrangements were made for NRA President Ray Feroz to come from Pennsylvania to present the award on November 6 at the Michigan Rehabilitation Conference, held this year at the Grand Traverse Resort in Acme.  Michelle was unaware that she had been nominated for the award, and she was completely surprised when she was called forward to receive the plaque.  She was told that everyone stood up when her name was announced, and she said it was very moving and wonderful to be recognized by her peers.

In October 2007, she received the Job Placement Specialist of the Year Award from the Michigan Rehabilitation Counseling Association (MRCA) Job Placement Division (JPD), presented in Grand Rapids. 

COURT DECLARES THAT CURRENCY MUST BE ACCESSIBLE TO THE BLIND

The American Council of the Blind (ACB) reports that it was advised, October 3, that District Judge James Robertson has rendered his final order in the historic case in which the Council sought currency that is independently identifiable by people who are blind.  ACB brought suit against the United States Department of the Treasury in 2002.  This action was taken after many attempts over several years to get the Treasury Department to address the concerns of the blind community.

ACB asserts that people who are blind have no means of independently distinguishing between a one-dollar bill and a hundred-dollar bill.  Since more than 180 other countries around the world have made such identification possible by their citizens, and since cash plays such a central role in American life today, it was felt that legal action to address the issue was imperative.  According to ACB, Judge Robertson specifically ruled:

1.  IT IS ORDERED AND ADJUDGED that  the defendant has violated Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act by failing  to provide meaningful access to United States currency for blind and other  visually impaired persons.

2.  IT IS FURTHER ORDERED AND DECREED that defendant take such steps as may be required to provide meaningful access to United States currency for blind and other visually impaired persons, which steps shall be completed, in connection with each denomination of currency, not later than the date when a redesign of that denomination is next approved by the Secretary of the Treasury after the entry of this order and judgment.

3.  This Order and Judgment does not apply to the one-dollar ($1) note, and does not require the defendant to make any changes to the one-dollar ($1) note.  This Order and Judgment does not apply to changing the Series year or the signatures of the Secretary of the Treasury or the Treasurer of the United States on each note, nor to changing the machine-readable features on the notes that are not visible to the naked eye.  Notwithstanding in the paragraph above, given that the defendant is currently engaged in implementing a redesign of the $100 note ("the NextGen $100"), the defendant need not comply with paragraph 2 above in connection with the NextGen $100 note until the date when another redesign of such denomination is next approved by the Secretary of the Treasury after the redesign that is currently in progress.

4.  The defendant shall file periodic status reports describing the steps taken to implement this Order and Judgment.  The first such status report shall be filed no later than March 16, 2009, and each succeeding report shall be filed every six months thereafter, until the defendant has fully complied with this Order and Judgment.

ACB President Mitch Pomerantz said, "This has been a very long time in coming, but it is certainly worth the wait.  The decision has monumental ramifications for people all across this country who are blind or visually impaired."

CSAVR & NCSAB HOLD FALL CONFERENCES

The Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation (CSAVR) and the National Council of State Agencies for the Blind (NCSAB) held their Fall Conferences in San Diego, California, November 16-21, attracting over 300 participants.  The two organizations hold adjacent conferences twice each year to provide opportunities for administrators, professionals and partners to learn about new trends and issues affecting rehabilitation services for VR agencies and their clients.

The theme of the NCSAB Conference, November 19-21, was "Categorical Services - Securing Our Future through Advocacy, Education and Collaboration."  Many presentations on this theme centered on the challenges faced by separate agencies for the blind by those who seek mergers or consolidations with general rehab agencies.  There were also presentations by officials from the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) on a variety of topics, as well as presentations by several blind agencies who were successful in warding off attempts to merge them with general rehab agencies as well as presentations by agencies who failed to halt mergers but found ways to retain their identity and still deliver quality services under the umbrella organization. There was also an interesting presentation by the Nebraska Commission for the Blind on their "employment lifestyle training", a field approach to rehabilitation teaching.  The Massachusetts Commission for the Blind, the other MCB, the Iowa Department for the Blind and the Hawaii Commission for the Blind participated in a panel presentation on innovative transition services and mentoring programs. 

The final portion of the NCSAB Conference was the popular "Brag and Steal" session, providing participants an opportunity to share some of their great practices, as well as to learn from others.  This session demonstrated that many rehab agencies throughout the country are implementing creative and effective initiatives which lead to improved services and outcomes for blind clients.

MINI -ADJUSTMENT PROGRAM IN BATTLE CREEK

Over 25 Commission clients attended the final Mini-Adjustment Program Workshop of 2008, which was held in Battle Creek, November 16-21, at the Holiday Inn, located at 12812 Harper Village Drive in Battle Creek. 

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.  Participants were also treated to a special presentation by Commissioner Margaret Wolfe who talked about a wide range of resources and supports available to those losing their vision.  Plans are being finalized to conduct four Mini-Adjustment Workshops next year, with the first session of 2009 set for Detroit in March, Escanaba in May, Clare in August and Grand Rapids in November.

In conjunction with the Battle Creek workshop, the Commission also conducted an Employment Readiness Seminar, November 20, for 7 clients who have advanced to the job-readiness stage of their rehabilitation program.  Consumers attending the seminars learn about various approaches to job searching, Michigan Works!, the Talent Bank, interview preparation and resume development.  They also take part in mock interviews and hear from local employers on their workforce needs.  Additionally, consumers 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

This quarter has been very exciting for the agency and especially for the Consumer Services Division.  The division participated in several celebrations for the agency's 30th anniversary.  These activities provided an opportunity for MCB's partners and stakeholders to share MCB's achievements and accomplishments.  The celebrations emphasized the importance of collaboration, integration and implementation of services to persons who are blind and visually impaired.  In some areas,  MCB's partners were able to network with individuals employed in a variety of occupations as well as to observe various types of technology that are used to assist persons who are blind in performing their job duties.  The Flint office received proclamations from Congressman Dale Kildee and from a representative from Flint's mayor's office.  Each of these proclamations recognized the importance of the rehabilitation services that are provided in the area.  The Detroit office received a proclamation from state representative, Fred Durhal.  The proclamations acknowledge the work of the staff in providing opportunities from blind and visually impaired to achieve independence and employment.  The Grand Rapids office celebration provided an opportunity for the building attendants to become familiar with the Commission and all of its services. They also sponsored a transition evening where students, parents and VI teachers met to discuss transition activities that will enable blind students to be more integrated into the transition activities.  This program was supported by Raymond James, a local business owner, who provided refreshments for the evening. There were also celebrations in Gaylord and Marquette in conjunction with health fairs and Centers for Independent Living programs.  These activities enabled the Commission to highlight the various services that are provided to assist its consumers in achieving their outcomes.

The Consumer Services staff participated in Diversity training this quarter.  Presenters from the Technical Assistance and Continual Education facilitated the three day training which focused on working with diversity in the 21st Century.  A large number of staff and some members of the Cultural Diversity Committee as well as Commissioners participated in the training sessions.  In general, the feedback was positive and the staff felt it was beneficial in that they received information which will allow them to understand the diversity demands of the 21st Century.

Some of the East Region staff participated in a number of community informational events such as "Enhancing Careers While Managing Disability", The Waterford Annual Health Fair, the Poverty Summit at Cobo Hall and various senior centers.  At each of these events and facilities, the staff was instrumental in providing information to participants regarding MCB's programs that are designed to assist blind consumers.  Also, again this fall, MCB participated in the Michigan Optometric Association Fall Seminar where information was shared with students, professors, as well as practitioners regarding MCB's services to persons with low vision.

Project Search is a program that provides employment opportunities for transition students from high school into careers with business and health service industries.  There are a number of sites within the state that are exploring this program initiative.  MCB is working with the Grand Rapids Project Search program through Hope Network and the Kent School districts.  This site has identified the consumers and community partners that are involved in the first program in Michigan.  In several other areas, Project Search is in its infancy stage of development.  MCB is expected to participate in Oakland County, Detroit, and Bay City Project Search.  This collaboration is between private employers, schools and rehabilitation agencies.  The emphasis is to provide competitive employment for supported employment candidates.  The Consumer Services staff will continue to participate in these locations to ensure that its consumers will be included.

The Michigan Commission for the Blind and the Michigan Rehabilitation Services held its third Joint Leadership meeting on October 28 & 29, 2008.  MCB included its senior level counselors in the meeting to provide an opportunity for leadership training for staff.  At the joint meeting, several topics were discussed in regards to employment and employment options through various programs.  Andy Levin, DLEG's Deputy Director, provided an update on the No Worker Left Behind initiative.  He indicated that the community colleges are taking the lead in training opportunities for individuals to gain or regain skills that will enable them to be employable.  He outlined the top job categories with the largest expected growth for the next four to five years.  This information was valuable in that the staff will be able to counsel consumers in regards to these emerging occupations.   Mike Flanagan, Superintendent of Public Instruction presented on the new high school curriculums for all students including persons with disabilities.  He shared with the audience the expectations that are set by this initiative.  The Apprenticeship Program presentation provided information regarding non-traditional apprenticeship opportunities.  An example of a non-traditional apprenticeship occupation was presented by CVS Pharmacy spokesperson, Lena Barkley, Manager of Workforce Initiatives.  She provided information regarding the various apprentice type jobs within the CVS companies.  This presentation was informative and helpful to learn about these job opportunities.  The staff will make contact with the appropriate personnel to initiate dialogue to begin the development of a relationship with CVS to explore apprenticeship opportunities for MCB's consumers.

The Michigan Rehabilitation Conference was held in Traverse City this fall where several staff attended and received information on various topics that will enable them to work more effectively with their consumers.  One of the highlights of the conference was that a staff member of MCB, Michelle Visscher, received the national award of the Job Development Program Division. 

The Consumer Services Division continues to work with its partners to explore areas to increase services to persons with severe disabilities.  The collaboration with the Michigan Department of Community Health ( CMH) and the Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS) to improve relationships with community mental health will result in additional referrals for persons with multiple disabilities.  The agreement will provide directions and guiding principles to assist in developing employment outcomes for this population.  MCB anticipates that this agreement will enable the counselors to develop employment programs that will assist supported employment consumers with the needed support to enable them to maintain their employment.  The agreement also provides provisions for increased referrals from CMH as well as to evaluate the progress of the individuals that are referred in relation to goals and objectives outlined in the agreement.  It is anticipated that the agreement will be finalized during the second quarter of FY 2009.

The Consumer Services Division along with the personnel liaison and manager was successful in filling a counselor vacancy in the Lansing Regional Office.  The counselor started on November 17, 2008.  We invite all to welcome Dan Furton to the agency.  He will be covering Washtenaw, Hillsdale, Jackson and Lenawee Counties.

Each year MCB has the honor of recognizing many consumers, community partners and employers.  This year MCB will recognize five consumers, three community partners and two employers.  The consumers that were selected have demonstrated courage and commitment to learning and 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.  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

STAFFING: 

Rehabilitation Teacher:  Interviews are underway as of this writing, to fill the rehabilitation teaching position that was formerly covered by Wendy VanElk.  Wendy's exciting new work is outlined later in this report.  The applicant pool for this RT position is the largest in recent history, at ten. 

Technology Specialist:  Efforts continue to obtain approval to fill this position, which has been classified once again as a Rehabilitation Consultant 13.  It is anticipated that approval will be forthcoming shortly, and that rehabilitation instructors will be eligible to apply for the post, as they are most likely to have the requisite experience for the job. 

CAREER PLANNING CURRICULUM: 

Upon the retirement of Lynne Hall, in December, 2006, Wendy VanElk began teaching the Center's WOW (World of Work) class.  This fall, the TC is pleased to announce the expansion of its Career Building curriculum.  Wendy will now be dedicating all of her time to the development, instruction and advancement of this entire segment of Center programming.  Students will first enroll in Jobs class, where they will explore every type of career that is doable by a person who is blind.  This list is limitless of course, as the TC staff acknowledges only one career area that is currently unavailable to this population, that of driving motorized vehicles.  Next, students will move into the WOW class, which continues to focus on the development of resumes, and culminates in each student delivering a public presentation on a topic of their choice.  Following WOW, students will move to the work experience portion of this curriculum.  Various work opportunities are being developed across the City of Kalamazoo, ranging from volunteer opportunities, to internships and paid positions.  With the help of Shannon McVoy, the first paid job has been established in the Department of Blindness & Low Vision Studies at Western Michigan University, and a TC student now works as a receptionist in the Department for 8 hours each week.  The TC staff anticipates that it will be tremendously helpful for MCB customers to leave the Training Center with a job on their resume that they have actually performed successfully as people who are blind. 

SPECIAL ACTIVITY:

On September 29, 2008, six students went sky diving at the Hastings Airfield, while several of their colleagues and instructors cheered them down from the skies. 

The Training Center received excellent press coverage on this activity, thanks to the excellent work of Susan Turney, and of two Center students.  On the day after the event, a front page story appeared in the Kalamazoo Gazette, featuring photos and comments from several students. 

BRAILLE INSTRUCTION: 

Several weeks ago, Training Center staff began surveying all of its students upon the completion of their center-based Braille instruction.  Through these surveys, the staff hopes to discover the effectiveness of the new teaching approach to this subject area, which involved removing the distinction between Grade 1 and Grade 2 Braille.  Because Grade 1 is simply the Braille alphabet, numbers and punctuation, it is natural for all students to learn these basics first in any progression-based instruction.  Contracted Braille naturally follows, as a kind of short-hand in Braille.  Providing instruction in Grade 1 only, lacks practicality, because Braille materials are only printed in contracted, or Grade 2 Braille.  Now that students are learning the entire code (encompassing both grade levels), they complete Braille class with the ability to check out a book from the Center's library, or the Michigan Library for the Blind, and read that book successfully. 

While fewer than 10% of blind school children today are taught to read and write Braille, and more than 50% of blind adults are unemployed or underemployed, we now know that 90% of employed blind adults read Braille, and 80% of them use it every day on the job. 

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS:

On November 17, Bob Savage and Dave Greenwald represented the Training center, when they presented a workshop on Orientation & Mobility for persons who are deaf-blind, at the NCOMA (North Central Orientation & Mobility Association).  The event, which was held at the Leader Dog facilities in Rochester, Michigan, was well attended.  Thanks and congratulations to Bob and Dave on this presentation.

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES REPORT

MCB ended 2008 fiscally sound. There are several restricted components to MCB's funds.  There are appropriated funds, fund authority and of course expenditures.  Last year MCB was appropriated $22,302,507 in overall funding, $4,543,820 in state funding and $17,758,237 in federal funding.  However, the state only designated that MCB could spend $14,352,700 of federal funds in 2008 (federal authority).  Some of MCB expenditures can be placed in other agency or department's authority (DIT and DLEG Executive Office). The bottom line is that MCB could not expend more than the $14,352,700 of federal dollars in 2008.  Because of that spending limit MCB had $2,335,694 in federal funding to be carried forward to 2009.  Those funds have already been matched with state funds. This provides a good foundation for the 2009 budget.  However, the challenge that MCB faces in 2009 is to get the federal authority increased so all federal appropriated dollars can be spent to assist state residents that are blind with employment and achieving greater independence.  MCB will again ask for a supplemental appropriation to allow a higher federal authority limit.  Spending priorities this year will be to not only provide continuing quality services but to work toward upgrading the MCBTC facility to provide enhanced technological training and ensure that the Center is a safe environment for all who work and stay there.  It is anticipated that MCB will invoke upon a three year project to add space, add technology equipment, upgrade dormitories, add a backup generator and upgrade the HVAC system at MCBTC.  Funding for these projects will include federal funding, state funding, a private grant and a proposed request for Capital Outlay funding. MCB has great visions for enhanced and improved services on the horizon.

Another ongoing budgetary issue is matching funds.  MCB was successful in FY2008 in fully matching all federal allocated funds.  This was due, in part, to Cash and Certified Match Agreements.  Regional Managers and Assistant Managers spend many hours planning, developing and working with outside entities to secure these agreements.  There is often a misconception regarding the funding for these agreements.  Every dollar of eligible matching funds that MCB receives, three dollars and sixty nine cents of Vocational Rehabilitation federal funds can be captured.   Often partners in MCB's cash match agreements expect or anticipate that their matching funds will result in their organization receiving all of the captured federal funds, when in fact, MCB enters into cash match agreements for two purposes.  First, cash match agreements are designed to provide new and unique services to clients.  The second reason is to assist with matching funds so that all federal funds can be captured allowing MCB to assist clients with the services and commodities they need for successful outcomes.  The cash match agreements originate in local areas and funding is restricted to that geographic location.  These agreements have been very beneficial in providing resources but are very time intensive for staff.

MCB is also moving toward increasing the agency head count.  MCB's goal is to increase staff back to the 108 positions that were allocated prior to staffing cutbacks.  The current head count for MCB is 97, moving to the goal of 108 will be a big task.  MCB has requested two additional positions for 2010.

A new work group has been busy working on finding purchasing and financial efficiencies within MCB.  The group, Fiscal Responsible Organizational Group (FROG), is looking to find better, more efficient and cost effective ways to purchase client equipment and services. FROG has been analyzing expenditures to determine problem areas and address those issues.  

MCB again hosted a staff Technology Training Seminar at MCBTC during Thanksgiving week.  This years training was more specialized than past trainings.  There were three classes: e-books, screen readers and magnification, and System 7 enhancements.  Each class was limited to 10 persons who received day long hands on training.  Because of the limited size of the classes, it is anticipated that another session will be scheduled in the spring.  Appreciation goes to Dave Bowden, Fred Wurtzel and Scott Norris for their efforts in designing and facilitating the classes.

Information Technology staff continues to work to enhance the current BEP system to include an operator point report. The report has been completed and has been forwarded to System 7 developers to be included in the report section of systems queries.  It is anticipated that once this report is incorporated in System 7 further enhancements will be made to provide this report to operators as an on demand request within the Operator Telephony System.

HR INFO

The Rehabilitation Counselor position in the Lansing Regional Office has been filled and Daniel Furton started on Monday, November 17. Daniel is a graduate of MSU's rehabilitation counseling program and will cover the area of Jackson, Washtenaw and Hillsdale counties.

The Rehabilitation Teacher position at the Training Center is almost ready to be filled. Interviews for that position were scheduled for November 13 and 14. A candidate will be selected very soon and start as soon as possible. The other vacancy at the Training Center, a Trades Instructor, was posted and nearly 20 persons applied for the job. Those application packets are currently being reviewed by the Office of Human Resources (OHR) and Civil Service to determine eligibility for the position. Those interviews will be scheduled as soon as word is received from OHR.

The Rehabilitation Counselor position in the deaf-blind program has been submitted to OHR for approval and once that is granted the position will be posted on the Department of Civil Service website.

TRAINING INFORMATION

The program planned by the MCB Diversity Team took place on October 20-22 in Lansing. Approximately 75 staff, Commissioners, and consumers attended one of the sessions. The facilitators were Carl Flowers and Linda Hedenblad from the Region V TACE Center at Southern Illinois University. The title of the program was "Communicating Across Cultures: Working with Changing Populations in the 21st Century."

A joint meeting of MCB, MRS, and MCDC staff was held on October 28-29 in Lansing. Guest speakers included DLEG Deputy Director Andy Levin and Superintendent of Public Instruction Michael Flanagan. Topics of interest included the No Worker Left Behind Program, the Merit Curriculum, the Career Readiness Certificate, and Work Keys. There was also a presentation from a number of resources on the possibility of apprenticeships for consumers.

Over 20 MCB staff attended the annual Michigan Rehabilitation Conference on November 5-7 at the Grand Traverse Resort. This is the premier rehabilitation conference in the state with typically well-over 600 attendees, presenters, and exhibitors. Patrick Cannon facilitated a "cracker barrel" session called "Blindness - What It Is and What It Is Not" as one of the over 100 breakout sessions scheduled over the three days.

An upcoming training program scheduled for January, 2009 is an "orientation session" with the VA and MRS to familiarize the staff from all three agencies as to what the other organizations can and cannot do. Two separate sessions are planned - one in Lansing and one in Ann Arbor. MCB managers and senior counselors are currently scheduled to participate and share information about MCB services and programs.

Other training programs currently being discussed and planned are an orientation to the MPRI program and an all-staff session focusing on working with ex-offenders. While these two programs are related they are separate topics. Staff will be given more information about these as they become available.

PROGRAM EVALUATION INFORMATION

The satisfaction survey of consumers in the VR and IL programs with successfully closed cases has been completed. This was a telephone interview survey done for MCB by the staff at the Michigan Commission on Disability Concerns. The results are currently being tabulated and a final report should be completed in early December.

A case review looking at more than 50 open and closed cases in the Detroit office is nearly complete. The final report for that review should be done by early December. Upon completion of that review one will be done in the Flint office.

UPDATE ON MCB COMMUNICATIONS AND OUTREACH

At the September 16 Image and Identity Team meeting, plans were discussed for the upcoming MCB 30th anniversary outreach events and potential new publications on transition and related topics.  The next meeting will be December 9 in Lansing, and the meeting will include some discussion on suggestions for the MCB website.

October was Investing in Abilities Month, by proclamation of Governor Jennifer M. Granholm, and the DLEG-produced Job Show for October was a program on that theme featuring employers of MCB and MRS consumers.  The program was aired on more than 80 cable TV stations statewide throughout October and early November.

At the Lansing Center, MCB was a sponsor of the Capital Area Michigan Works! Job Expo on September 30, and hosted a booth at the event.  MCB also hosted a booth at the Michigan Optometric Association's Fall Seminar October 15-16, also at the Lansing Center.

MCB completed a series of outreach events across the state to publicize the agency's services and success stories:

August 8:  The Detroit MCB office hosted a celebration in the Cadillac Building from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for employers, community partners, and state employees with offices in Cadillac Place.  Guests had an opportunity to hear from employers of former MCB consumers as well as the successfully employed consumers themselves about the benefits of hiring people with disabilities.  The event was greatly enhanced by the generous donation of refreshments, printing, and imprinted items with MCB contact information courtesy of Tom Schneider and the Coalition of Public Safety Employees Health Trust (COPS Health Trust) at a value of more than $5,600.  Tom Schneider is the husband of Detroit MCB Counselor Tami Hough.

September 16:  The MCB Escanaba office hosted a booth at the Action Day 2008 Conference at Northern Michigan University in Marquette to provide information about MCB services to individuals and organizations in the disability community.  The conference was co-sponsored by Michigan Protection & Advocacy Service (MPAS) and Superior Alliance for Independent Living (SAIL).  This was the only UP-wide conference to date providing opportunities for education, networking, political activism, and personal growth geared specifically toward the disability community, and there were good opportunities for staff to network with organizations and discuss MCB services with individuals.

September 24:  The Lansing MCB offices invited community partners to the State Capitol to hear presentations by successful consumers and other guest speakers.  Many individuals representing partner organizations commented on how moving it was to hear directly from consumers about their success stories.  In addition to the program at the Rotunda, there was an MCB literature table on the ground-floor level of the Capitol Rotunda during the week of September 22-26.

October 1:  The MCB Training Center in Kalamazoo hosted an Anniversary Celebration Open House from 1:00-5:00 p.m. The celebration was open to the public, and the cafeteria was full to capacity during the main presentations.  Activities included tours of the training center, presentations by former students who are now business owners, displays featuring all aspects of MCB services, Braille demonstrations, and more.

October 22:   The MCB Gaylord office hosted a booth at the Gaylord Health Expo 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Gaylord Eagles Club.  The event went well, and approximately a dozen individuals expressed an interest in MCB services for themselves or family members.  Staff also made some good contacts with area businesses who were not aware of MCB.  Many of them said they were aware of individuals who could benefit from MCB's services.

October 30:  The Flint MCB office invited longtime and new community partners to a celebration at the Flint office featuring successful consumers and their stories.  This was an opportunity to encourage collaboration for the benefit of consumers.  The local Flint television station, ABC TV 12, was on site to cover the event.

October 30:  The Grand Rapids office hosted an open house for other state employees in the state office building, to increase awareness of MCB and its programs among other state departments and agencies.  The event was very well-attended, and many people made comments about the importance of communication across state government, and what a good idea the event was.

In addition to a great deal of press coverage on the MCB Training Center skydivers, there was also an article in The Holland Sentinel on the 50th anniversary of the Visually Impaired Persons Support Group in Holland coordinated by Nancy Lapekas.

MCB WEBSITE HIGHLIGHT-ORGANIZATIONS

On the Resources page of the MCB website, there are links to Michigan and national organizations that people who are blind and visually impaired and others may find of interest. 

To find these lists from the MCB website's home page at www.michigan.gov/mcb, click on the Resources tab.  After the Resources page opens, scroll down past the Publications section to the Organizations section.

The first link is titled Michigan and Local Organizations & Services, and includes links to websites of consumer organizations such as the Michigan Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired and the National Federation of the Blind of Michigan, as well as organizations for parents of blind children, radio reading services, library services, recreational opportunities, services for seniors, and professional blind rehabilitation organizations.

Below the Michigan link is a corresponding link to a list of National Organizations, including the American Council of the Blind, American Printing House for the Blind, Leader Dogs for the Blind, the National Federation of the Blind, and more.

For suggestions of additional organizations to include in these lists, contact MCB Communications and Outreach Coordinator Susan Turney at turneys@michigan.gov.

BUSINESS ENTERPRISE PROGRAM REPORT

OPERATOR ACTIVITIES

Customer Satisfaction Survey

The BEP customer satisfaction survey has been completed, survey results have been tallied and the results have been summarized and evaluated.  A copy of the report is attached for the Commissioners' reference.  In an effort to ensure operator anonymity, the survey was conducted by the Michigan Commission on Disability Concerns on behalf of the Program.   The program thanks both Doug Spade and Mike Clement for conscientiously contacting every operator and carefully recording their responses.  Due to Mr. Spade's and Mr. Clements's diligent efforts and commitment to confidential responses, BEP had a 100% response rate! 

In general, the program is satisfied with the survey results.  In most cases, about three quarters of responding operators judged BEP's performance to be at least satisfactory.  BEP recognizes premier customer service is not stagnant.  It is a process of plan-do-study-act.  The steps identified in the plan of action document will be implemented and studied, and appropriate actions will be taken in response to the study. 

B E P staff recommends the 2009 survey again be conducted by confidential telephone interview with a goal of securing a response from every licensed operator.  The Elected Operators Committee may wish to develop and adopt a new survey instruction for 2009.  Program staff stands ready to serve as a resource to the Committee, if desired.

BEP Manager Training.  

The fall 2008 BEP manager class commenced on October 6th.  Four students are enrolled.  Already they have all completed their ServSafe study and received their certification.  They are busy learning program rules, good business practices, vending machine maintenance and recordkeeping and reporting.  The Training Center has been kind enough to permit BEP students to work in the kitchen alongside Center staff.  And, the students have established a small store they operate within the Training Center, offering premium coffee, fresh made popcorn, freshly baked cookies and occasional lunch entrees.  The students are an energetic and enthusiastic group who looks forward to bidding on available facilities in March.

Policy Implementation and Rule Change

In December 2007, the Commission Board approved the Elected Operator Committee's motion to extend the time an operator must remain in a facility from 6 months to 1 year.  Previously, the E O C chair rejected the Commission's action with the intent of presenting a new motion.  As that hasn't happened yet, the Commission is moving forward with amending the rules to reflect the Commission Board's decision.

BEP FACILITY ACTIVITIES

U S P S Metroplex

The new Pontiac area Metroplex postal facility continues to expand its services to the facility employees.  Since assuming responsibility for this facility in late May, service has expanded from simply operating the vending and catering and now includes operation of the grill 24/7.   Health department approval for operation of the convenience store has been secured. 

Reserve Forces Service Center

The Reserve Forces Service Center (RFSC) in Lansing continues to operate, but is experiencing challenges of a new business.   The promotional agent and the operator have been working together on a promotional program in an effort to grow the business and bring the operation into profitability.

New Construction Still in Development and Process

The Kent County Office of Human Services (KCHS) is building a new facility in Grand Rapids.  The expected move date from the current facility to the new facility is October 2010.  BEP continues to work with the Department of Management and Budget (DMB) to design and construct a food service facility in the Grand Rapids One Division Building.  Projected move in date is autumn of 2009.  Staff is working with DMB to design and construct a new café in the Lewis Cass Cafeteria.  It is expected the design phase will be completed shortly.  BEP is also working with DMB and the Michigan State Police (MSP) to design and construct a snackbar in the new MSP Headquarters (HQ) in downtown Lansing. 

BEP OPPORTUNITY

St Clair Shores Library

The St Clair Shores Library is soliciting proposals to operate a coffee shop in their facility.  B E P staff has procured the bid package and is preparing a proposal for consideration.

WORKING WITH THE EOC

25 Years of Highway Vending

B E P and the Highway Vending SubCommittee hosted a celebration of both 25 years of highway vending and the Commission's 30th anniversary.  The celebration took place at the Clare Welcome Center on October 27th.  Welcome Center visitors heard remarks from Director Cannon, Travel Michigan Welcome Center Manager Ron Marabate, B E P Manager Constance Zanger and Highway vending Subcommittee Chair Shane Jackson.  BEP's pioneering highway vendor Gary Parobek was present.  While he is a modest man and chose not to speak, the occasion did not pass without BEP recognizing his significant contributions to the program.  Visitors were also treated to complimentary donuts, premium Michigan roasted coffee and bottled water, compliments of highway vending operators Dale Layer and Bill Lozier. 

Computers for Students and Operators

B E P staff has worked with the Vocational Rehabilitation program to develop a proposal to provide all new BEP Manager students, effective January 1, 2009 with a laptop computer, and to provide BEP licensees, under certain circumstances, with a computer.  The proposal was presented to the Committee at their most recent meeting for review and consideration.

The Business Enterprise Program continues to work closely with the Elected Operators Committee.  Some of the issues under discussion or identified for future discussion are the operator annual evaluation, cafeteria building and maintenance competency, a revision of the product inventory policy, and revisions to the profit percentage exception request process.