APPROVED

MICHIGAN COMMISSION FOR THE BLIND

OCTOBER 21, 2002

THOMAS EDISON INN

PORT HURON, MI

MINUTES

COMMISSIONERS PRESENT

Ms. Jo Ann Pilarski, Chairperson

Ms. Peeti Greene, Vice Chairperson

Ms. Barbara Thomas

Mr. Robert Adler

Mr. J. J. Jackson

COMMISSIONERS ABSENT

None

MCB STAFF PRESENT

Mr. Patrick Cannon

Mr. James Buscetta

Ms. Melody Lindsey

Mr. Larry Best

Mr. Leamon Jones

Ms. Elizabeth White

GUESTS

Ms. Valerie Yarger

Mr. John Victory

Mr. James Salsido

Ms. Colleen Liebler

Ms. Lisa Marshall

Ms. Sharon Reigle

Ms. Ruth George

Mr. Bill Gehringer

Ms. Gretchen Garimella

FIA STAFF PRESENT

Ms. Jocelyn Vanda

Mr. Joe Kulpa

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

The Committee of the Whole was called to order at 9:11 a.m. Ms. Greene reported that the Cultural Diversity Fan project is receiving great responses from African American churches. Mr. Jackson reported that he attended the Consumer Involvement Council (CIC) meeting that took place in Grand Rapids, Michigan and also the Mini Adjustment workshop that was held in Southgate, Michigan.

Chairperson Pilarski made note that it was time to vote for vice chair. Ms. Thomas nominated Ms. Greene and Ms. Greene accepted the nomination.

Ms. Pilarski also made note that is was time to review committee assignments for Commissioners. Commissioners were strongly encouraged to participate in a Commission for the Blind committee.

REGULAR MEETING

CALL TO ORDER, ROLL CALL AND DETERMINATION OF QUORUM

The regular meeting was called to order at 10:17 a.m. Roll call was taken and a quorum was present.

PUBLIC COMMENT

There was no Public Comment.

BOARD CORRESPONDENCE

There was no Board Correspondence.

DIRECTOR’S REPORT

Mr. Cannon reported that the Michigan Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired (MCBVI) and the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) of Michigan state conventions will be held in the next few weeks. These two events are viewed as the most important gatherings of blind persons in Michigan each year.

There were over 40 MCB clients who participated in the Mini-Adjustment Program held in Southgate, October 6-11, which was the final mini adjustment workshop for 2002.

The U.S. Access Board held it’s meeting in Portland, Oregon on October 8 on guidelines it is developing on accessible public rights of way. The guidelines cover pedestrian access to sidewalks and streets, including cross walks, curb ramps, street furnishings, parking, and other components of public rights of way.

CONSUMER SERVICES REPORT

Mr. Buscetta reported that letters explaining Ticket to Work have now been sent to all clients. A copy of the letter is posted on the agency web site. A second letter will be mailed just prior to each phase of the roll out.

Mr. Buscetta also reported that he has been participating in some planning through a group organized by Lylas Mogk, M.D. This group is targeting seniors, especially those with Macular Degeneration. The objective is to increase the services available to seniors with Macular Degeneration by increasing services available through hospitals using grant money and funds from the Area Agencies on Aging. The concept is to increase the overall ability for communities to provide services. It is anticipated that all parties involved will have additional funding to meet the need and strategies to meet these needs will be developed.

The Michigan Rehabilitation conference will be held in Traverse City on November 6, 7 and 8. This conference will provide a larger perspective on vocational rehabilitation and independent living activity in the state.

REGIONAL REPORT

Ms. Elizabeth White introduced Mr. James Salsido, an Independent Living client who has accomplished various independent living skills and was able to utilize those skills in college last fall.

Commissioner Jackson questioned Mr. Salsido regarding which skill he values most useful and Mr. Salsido answered cooking.

Regional Community Partnership Report

Ms. Ruth George and Mr. Bill Gehringer from the Blue Water Center for Independent Living (BWCIL) provided an overview of assistance available through their agency to people with disabilities who wish to enhance their skills to live independently, such as using public transportation, managing personal budgets, or improving daily habits. The BWCIL maintains information files on available services and resources for people with disabilities. The center also has a roster of persons with disabilities who can counsel others with similar disabilities to explore their options and learn to live independently.

The meeting was recessed for lunch at 11:45 a.m.

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The meeting was called back to order at 1:00 p.m.

FAMILY INDEPENDENCE AGENCY UPDATE

Ms. Jocelyn Vanda gave an update on progress being made with the Family Independence Agency (FIA). She talked about how the agency is in the process of merging county offices.

Ms. Vanda also introduced Mr. Joe Kulpa, an FIA colleague. Ms. Vanda is providing mentoring services for Mr. Kulpa as part of FIA’s Professional Mentoring Program.

MCB TRAINING CENTER REPORT

Ms. Lindsey reported that the college assessment team has finished their preliminary work in putting together a new college assessment tool. This proposal will be presented at the CIC meeting, to MCB staff, and to college personnel who work with students who have disabilities. After input is received from these various groups, the college assessment team will reconvene to make appropriate changes.

The parking lot, driveway and sidewalk project at the training center has been completed and there are now additional spaces for when the center hosts meetings or other events.

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES REPORT

Mr. Best reported that fiscal year 2002 is over and the commission did not overspend its budget. The Commission should know by the end of October how last year ended, including carry forward balances for use in the new year. The federal government failed to finish the appropriations bill for the Rehabilitation Act, and may not do so until January or February of 2003. However, the Commission should be able to estimate federal funds available and put in place an operating budget a couple of months earlier than in previous years.

Mr. Best also reported that the Business Enterprise Program (BEP) began its second training program of the year for potential operators. Mr. Best also made note that the BEP staff participated in the Ritz Carlton customer service training in Dearborn. BEP will incorporate the customer service training concept into its business plan when the BEP staff meet on October 24, 2002.

PUBLIC COMMENT

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting was adjourned at 2:17 p.m. The next meeting will be on Monday, December 16, 2002 at the Capitol Area Michigan Works! Office, Lansing, Michigan. The Committee of the Whole meeting will begin at 9:00 a.m. and the regular meeting will start at 10:00 a.m.

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JoAnn Pilarski, Chairperson

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