COMMISSIONERS PRESENT
Mr. Earl Steenstra, Chairperson
Mr. Steve Handschu
Ms. Peeti Greene

COMMISSIONERS ABSENT
Dr. Velma Allen
Mr. Donald Bowman

MCB STAFF PRESENT
Mr. Patrick Cannon
Ms. Connie Kreiner
Mr. James Buscetta
Mr. Larry Best
Ms. Melody Lindsey
Mr. Bob Utrup
Mr. Bernard Kramer
Mr. Tony VanStaveren
Ms. Rosalind Byers-Lang
Ms. Judy Terwilliger

GUESTS
Ms. Sarah Bradbury
Ms. Beverly Bradbury
Ms. JoAnn Pilarski
Ms. Joyce LaCross
Mr. Alden Kirschner
Mr. John Metyko
Ms. Judie Metyko
Ms. Karlene Benac
Mr. Richard Benac
Ms. Terri DeJong
Ms. Margaret Kroll
Ms. Elbera Scheidler
Ms. Sue Fluri
Ms. Kitty Glomski
Ms. Dixie Owens

Chairperson Steenstra called the Committee of the Whole meeting to order at 9:15 a.m.

The first item for discussion was the issue of “multiple chemical sensitivity” or “environmental illness.” Mr. Cannon said that the U.S. ACCESS Board had recently received training on the subject. He noted that a new statement was on the meeting agendas requesting that individuals attending the meetings refrain from using heavily scented personal care products. The purpose of the statement is to raise awareness on the issue. Mr. Cannon asked for the Commission Board’s support and the item was added to the agenda for action.

Mr. Handschu had requested information on the number of college students receiving computers. Mr. Buscetta had provided statistics on the number of computers purchased for clients to date during this fiscal year. He joined the Commissioners at the table to discuss the issue and review the policy. He noted that the Michigan policy was one of the more liberal policies in the country.

Mr. Buscetta said that he also wanted to discuss computer training. He said that progress was being made in this area and that several new trainers had been contacted and more clients were receiving computer training. He also noted one company that was providing on-line assistance.

The item of “Board Organization Policy” was postponed for discussion until the May meeting when the full Board is present.

Mr. Handschu announced that Mrs. Abraham Nemeth, the wife of Dr. Abraham Nemeth had passed away. Dr. Nemeth was a previous Commissioner.

CALL TO ORDER, ROLL CALL, AND DETERMINATION OF QUORUM

Chairperson Steenstra called the regular meeting to order at 10:05 a.m. Roll call was taken and a quorum was present.

APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES

MS. GREENE MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MR. HANDSCHU, TO APPROVE THE FEBRUARY 22, 2000 MEETING MINUTES AS PRESENTED. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Ms. Sarah Bradbury commented that she has just recently started losing her vision and that she has been helped tremendously by the Commission staff, particularly Tony VanStaveren and Rosalind Byers-Lang. She further commented that she is in need of computer training.

Ms. Judie Metyko said that she has also just recently started to lose her sight and that the Northland Library and Tony VanStaveren have made the transition easier for her and she thanked the Commission for the assistance.

Ms. Terri DeJong said that she too was rapidly losing her sight and had been assisted by Kitty Glomski and the Northland Library and also Tony VanStaveren.

Ms. Joyce LaCross wanted to know if there was anything that consumers could do to get more funding to hire more staff to work with clients. She also suggested that Western Michigan students help with out-state orientation and mobility instruction.

Ms. Beverly Bradbury suggested an idea that would allow community college and high school students who were computer literate to assist in computer training for MCB consumers.

Ms. JoAnn Pilarski said that she will soon be ending her client status with MCB and wanted to thank the Commission for aiding in her transition to blindness. She also stated that, as a recent recipient of training from the Center, Centaurian, and Michael Ellis, she would be happy to provide input to the Technology Committee.

BOARD CORRESPONDENCE

It was noted that a response to the Chair’s correspondence to Governor Engler had been received from the Governor.

MULTIPLE CHEMICAL SENSITIVITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL ILLNESS

MR. HANDSCHU MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MS. GREENE, TO SUPPORT THE POSITION OF THE COMMISSION TO MAKE MEETINGS MORE ENVIRONMENTALLY ACCESSIBLE TO THOSE WITH CHEMICAL SENSITIVITY AND/OR ENVIRONMENTAL ILLNESS BY REQUESTING THOSE ATTENDING TO REFRAIN FROM USING HEAVILY SCENTED PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

COMMISSIONER APPOINTMENT TO THE ELECTED OPERATORS COMMITTEE

Chairperson Steenstra said that he was appointing Commissioner Bowman as a representative of the Commission Board to the Elected Operators Committee of the Business Enterprise Program. Mr. Bowman will join Mr. Steenstra as a representative.

DIRECTOR’S REPORT

Mr. Cannon said that he was pleased to be in Alpena and was very happy that so many of the Alpena support group were attending the meeting.

He said that the Braille literacy legislation (S.B. 658) had not been scheduled for a hearing by the House of Representatives Education Committee as yet. He had spoken with staff of the Chair of the House Education Committee and had been told that it is expected to be on the Committee agenda before the summer recess.

Mr. Cannon also reported that a new Marketing and Public Relations Committee had been formed at MCB which will look at ways to implement the communications strategy which had been shared with the Commission Board and staff earlier. The first priority will be a new general agency brochure.

Mr. Cannon said that he had recently been involved in providing training to Detroit’s new Comerica Park employees to assure accessibility by all persons with disabilities. He said that over 600 employees had received the training and that the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Detroit Tigers, John McHale, had been present at all the trainings.

Further, Mr. Cannon reported that he and Mr. Kramer had recently met with a Battle Creek support group and that he had also participated in the annual workshop at the State Capitol for legislators and their staffs to talk about disability issues and resources that are available to legislators and their staff to help respond to inquiries from their constituents on disability issues.

Mr. Handschu asked those present to write to Rep. Jason Allen, the Chair of the House Education Committee, to urge that the hearing on the Braille Literacy bill be held as soon as possible.

MR. HANDSCHU MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MS. GREENE, TO ACCEPT THE DIRECTOR’S REPORT AS PRESENTED. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES REPORT

Mr. Best said that he and Mr. Cannon had met with FIA Director Douglas Howard regarding the match issue. Mr. Best felt that Mr. Howard had a very clear understanding of the issue and was going to be discussing the matter with the Department of Management and Budget.

Mr. Best said they had also discussed with Director Howard the new “525” building being built in Lansing. They apprised him of the problems that had arisen with regard to the BEP food service in the new building. He said that Mr. Howard would also be talking about this issue with the Department of Management and Budget.

Mr. Handschu once again expressed his concern with the agency’s placement in the Family Independence Agency and urged the Commission Board, the consumer groups and individuals to make this issue known to the Governor. This item will be discussed at the next Commission meeting when all Commissioners are present.

Finally, Mr. Best said that registers had been received for three new limited term positions—the Training Center Director’s secretarial position, the trades instructor at the Training Center and an additional counselor for the Detroit office.

MS. GREENE MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MR. HANDSCHU, TO APPROVE THE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES REPORT AS PRESENTED. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

MCBTC TRAINING CENTER REPORT

Ms. Lindsey reported that for the second quarter, the Training Center had a weekly average consumer occupancy rate of 25.5. There were 119 referrals scheduled to date; 62 referrals for the second quarter; 72 consumers completed training to date; 21 consumers concluding prior to training being completed; 26 consumers in training at the end of the quarter; 21 Independent Living referrals scheduled to date; 94 Vocational Rehabilitation referrals scheduled to date; and 4 Deaf/Blind referrals scheduled to date. She also reported on the number of VR and IL consumers participating in each of the mini-adjustment programs that have been held.

Ms. Lindsey announced that the Training Center would become smoke-free on May 1. She also reported that the Training Center Brochure had been printed in Arabic and Spanish.

Finally, Ms. Lindsey said that the report on the Training Center by Mr. James Omvig had been received and that there were 27 recommendations. She said she would be distributing the report to the Center staff soon. She indicated that she is very excited about the possibilities, opportunities and challenges for the Center. This will be an item for discussion at the June 19 Commission meeting at the Training Center.

MS. GREENE MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MR. HANDSCHU, TO ACCEPT THE MCBTC TRAINING CENTER REPORT AS PRESENTED. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

CONSUMER SERVICES REPORT

Mr. Buscetta said that the State Plan had been submitted in a timely manner and he reported on progress that has been made on a couple of items that are in the Plan. First, he said that an agreement with the U.S. Department of Agriculture would be very appropriate for the northern areas of Michigan to provide assistance with home repairs and community projects. Also, he said that three Memorandums of Understanding (MOU’s) had been signed which will tie MCB in with the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) offices and, hopefully, make those offices more sensitive to the issues of MCB clients. Computer access to job listings is a part of the MOU. There are 27 WIA offices in the state and it is planned to have a signed MOU in place with each of them by the end of the fiscal year.

Mr. Buscetta said that he had attended the Employment Readiness Seminar held in conjunction with the Mini-Adjustment Program in Battle Creek and said that he felt it was very successful. Having the seminars held at each of the Mini-Adjustment Programs will be a regular practice. He also said that Career Days will be held in various sites around the state. They have previously been held in Detroit. They will be held in conjunction with the School for the Blind and MCB staff will take a leadership role in developing them.

MS. GREENE MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MR. HANDSCHU, TO ACCEPT THE CONSUMER SERVICES DIVISION REPORT AS PRESENTED. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

REGIONAL REPORT

Mr. Kramer introduced Mr. Tony VanStaveren and asked that Ms. Kitty Glomski from the Northland Library join them at the table. He said that the strength of the staff that cover Northern Michigan is that they very effectively network with the communities. As an example, he mentioned the Alpena Support Group and the working relationship with the Northland Library. He said that some MOU’s had been completed in Northern Michigan and still others were in process.

Mr. VanStaveren said that he was involved in the Vision 2020 team and said that it was very interesting, but also very difficult work. He reported that he had been working with the Michigan Works office in Traverse City to make their computers accessible to MCB consumers for job searches. Mr. VanStaveren told about many of the activities with which he is involved in Northern Michigan.

Ms. Glomski told about a conference which she and Tony, Rosalind Byers-Lang and Rose Dunlap-Gist had coordinated which was held the previous October and where Mr. Cannon had been the keynote speaker. She said that many good things were still occurring as a result of the conference. She said that there were actually two support groups in Alpena; one which meets in the evenings for people who work and one that meets during the day. She introduced members of the groups who were in the audience. She asked Eldon Kirschner of the support group to speak about the project they are undertaking in the community to make traveling and mobility on the city streets more accessible. She asked Sue Fluri to speak about what the support group has meant for her.

Ms. Glomski thanked Patrick Cannon for his guidance, Tony VanStaveren, Rosalind Byers-Lang, Bob Utrup and Bernie Kramer for all the assistance they have provided.

MR. HANDSCHU MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MR. STEENSTRA, TO ACCEPT THE REGIONAL REPORT AS PRESENTED. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

INDEPENDENT LIVING REPORT

Mr. Utrup began by reporting that he had recently attended the Project Director’s meeting in Washington, D.C. to co-present the Ray Melhoff Award. He also reported that the IL program had received formula grant monies along with discretionary grant monies which was allowing some expansion in the program. Consequently, a staff person had been added to the Grand Rapids office by the name of Melissa Moore. She is being contracted through SVRC Industries in Saginaw. In addition to rehabilitation teaching, Melissa has expertise in diabetic care. A secretary will be added to the Saginaw office, also through SVRC Industries.

Mr. Utrup said that he and Fred Wurtzel, President of the National Federation of the Blind/Michigan, had made a presentation to the Senior Leadership Conference in Flint which was very well received. Plans are also underway to team with the Michigan Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired (MCBVI) for the same purpose.

Finally, Mr. Utrup noted that, because of the addition of Ms. Moore in Grand Rapids, territories for the IL staff had changed slightly. He introduced Ms. Rosalyn Byers-Lang. Ms. Byers-Lang said that she has found that outreach in the region has expanded. She said that they are working with more and more agencies in a teamwork approach and, as a result, referrals are increasing. Consumers are also playing more of a role in the process. She said that the Mini-Adjustment Programs produce leaders among the consumers which is making the job very exciting.

MS. GREENE MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MR. STEENSTRA, TO ACCEPT THE REPORT AS PRESENTED. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Mr. John Metyko said that he was glad to hear that MCBTC was contemplating a class for the families of consumers and stressed the importance of such a class.

Ms. Sue Fluri said that she was at the Training Center in 1997 and expressed her appreciation, especially for the instructors.

Ms. Margaret Kroll expressed what a wonderful service the Northland Library for the Blind provides.

Ms. JoAnne Pilarski commended her employer, Alpena Public Schools, for the support they are providing to her as she loses her sight.

Ms. Kitty Glomski suggested that the Commission produce a statewide newsletter which would keep everyone informed of MCB activities and also help to form a coalition of support for the agency.

Ms. Sarah Bradbury thanked the Commission and said that the Commission provides a lifeline to consumers.

Ms. Terri DeJong thanked the Commission and especially her teachers at the Training Center.

ADJOURNMENT

MR. HANDSCHU MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MR. STEENSTRA, TO ADJOURN THE MEETING. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.