DELEG - December 2002 Commission Meeting Minutes

The Committee of the Whole was called to order by Chairperson Pilarski at 9:10 a.m. Mr. Jackson reported that the Cultural Diversity Fan project is continuing and that each member of the Cultural Diversity Committee has been asked to bring in a new member from a culture not currently represented. Mr. Jackson further advised that the Cultural Diversity Committee has rewritten the letter for potential committee members to show their employers and is requesting that Mr. Cannon sign the letter. Mr. Jackson also reported that he attended the state conventions of the Michigan Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired (MCBVI) and the National Federation of the Blind of Michigan (NFBM). One highlight of the MCBVI convention was the panel of political candidates and candidate representatives. At the NFBM convention, the Michigan Commission for the Blind (MCB) was represented by Mr. Cannon and Ms. Lindsey who provided an update to consumers on what is happening at MCB.

Ms. Thomas advised that she had intended to attend both conventions but said she was unable to attend the MCBVI convention, although she did attend the NFBM convention and was impressed with the great interaction between individuals there. Ms. Pilarski reported that she attended both consumer conventions and found the candidates forum at the MCBVI convention very interesting, as well as the children’s component of the NFBM convention. Mr. Jackson further stated that he also enjoyed the keynote speaker at the NFBM convention, Ms. Ramona Walhof, who is from Idaho, and Ron Gardner, an attorney who also spoke at the NFB convention. Mr. Adler reported that he missed both conventions, but did attend a budget information meeting with Mr. Best and the new FIA budget analyst and the new DMB budget analyst. Mr. Adler also congratulated Mr. Cannon on his appointment to governor-elect Granholm’s Transition Team.

Discussion was held regarding the evaluation process for the MCB Director. Mr. Jackson proposed that each commissioner forward their completed evaluation to the Lansing Central Office and that information would be shared with Ms. Pilarski, who could provide an analysis at our next meeting. Mr. Cannon suggested that one-on-one dialogue is very helpful to him and requested commissioner input on performance objectives for the coming year. Mr. Jackson echoed Mr. Adler’s congratulations to Mr. Cannon on his appointment to the transition team. Mr. Cannon suggested that commissioners forward their comments regarding performance objectives to the Central Office and the evaluation could be completed and new performance objectives approved at the January 21, 2003 meeting.

Ms. Pilarski stated that the Vision 2020 process and the Focus Design Teams are moving along, with much energy being expended. Ms. Thomas inquired if there is a time frame for the design teams to complete their work. Mr. Cannon gave a brief history of the process and steps already taken. Ms. Pilarski inquired if there is a deadline for completion of the director’s Performance Management Development Program (PMDP). Mr. Cannon indicated that the evaluation and PMDP have generally been completed in December or January. Mr. Cannon requested that commissioners provide their ideas for goals which are attainable and measurable. Following commissioner inquiries, Mr. Cannon provided information on the Image and Identity Focus Design Team, offering a brief overview of the MCB Communications Strategy 2000 and the MCB Marketing and Public Relations Team. He also reported that a general agency video is nearing completion with Ernie Harwell, the broadcast voice of the Detroit Tigers for 40 years, as video narrator. The final product should be available for distribution in January 2003. A possible performance objective was identified as reporting of Image and Identity Focus Design Team progress at least quarterly. This could be incorporated into the director’s regular report or as a separate report.

Mr. Jackson indicated that he has noticed that Mr. Cannon makes an effort to be present at various consumer meetings. Mr. Jackson asked about MCB’s career development and planning counseling services for clients. Mr. Cannon explained that the Commission’s mission and primary purpose is to assist blind persons to achieve employment and independence. This is done in a variety of ways, ranging from the Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) to Employment Readiness Workshops and Career Day Seminars. Mr. Adler stated that Commission goals should be tied to the director’s performance evaluation and that the primary focus should be how MCB can do more with less. Mr. Cannon noted that Mr. Best’s report will delve more deeply into the subject of the budget. Mr. Cannon stated that the Vocational Rehabilitation Program accepts consumers as young as 14, and the Youth Low Vision Program begins at the preschool level. The Committee of the Whole was adjourned at 10:05 a.m.

The regular meeting was called to order at 10:18 a.m. Roll call was taken and a quorum was present.

MR. JACKSON MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MS. THOMAS, TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE OCTOBER 21, 2002 MEETING. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

Mr. Doug Stites, Chief Executive Officer of Capital Area Michigan Works! provided an overview of assistance available through their agency and the Michigan Works system, which has service centers statewide. Mr. Stites reviewed the range of partners who are available on-site at the Lansing Service Center. The goal of Michigan Works! is to assist people in employment endeavors.

Mr. Stites also stated that reauthorization of the Workforce Investment Act is scheduled to take place during the next year.

Mr. Cannon called attention to his written report, indicating that he wished to highlight a few sections of the report. A Longitudinal Study contracted by the Rehabilitation Services Administration, the purpose of which was to evaluate the effectiveness of public rehabilitation programs. The preliminary report emphasizes the importance of clients completing their public rehabilitation program. Of those who complete their program, 69% become employed, and three out of four are placed in competitive employment situations. Mr. Cannon noted that because of practices employed by MCB, virtually all of the Commission’s clients who are placed in employment are placed in competitive employment situations. Mr. Cannon further noted that almost everyone who participated in this study indicated that if they could choose where they get rehabilitation services, they would choose a public rehabilitation agency. He said that that is particularly interesting in light of the ticket to work and the work incentives improvement act which is currently being implemented in this state and around the country.

Mr. Cannon further reported that MCB was pleased to receive recognition from two sources in regard to the Commission’s Vision 2020 Initiative. During the past month, MCB received the Michigan Quality Council Leadership Lighthouse Award and the Capital Quality Initiative Quality Recognition Award.

Mr. Cannon referred to an article in the written MCB Report about the Iowa Department for the Blind Training Center and a person who uses a guide dog who was turned away from computer training there.

Mr. Cannon noted that the first Mini Adjustment Program for next year will be in Sterling Heights, January 19 through 24, and that 53 clients are registered to participate in that program. Other workshops are scheduled to take place in Cadillac, Lansing, Kalamazoo, and Escanaba.

Finally, Mr. Cannon reported that the Federal Communications Commission made a ruling that the four major television networks must provide video description for prime time shows for 25 hours per month. A court order halted the ruling, which was lobbied against by the movie industry and a blind consumer group.

MR. ADLER MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MR. JACKSON, TO ACCEPT THE DIRECTOR’S REPORT AS PRESENTED. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

Mr. Buscetta reported that the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) is taking action to alleviate the crisis in hiring appropriate qualified rehabilitation staff. Mr. Buscetta reviewed the reasons for the crisis and possible solutions. At issue is the RSA requirement that public rehabilitation agencies hire only counselors who are eligible for certification as a "Certified Rehabilitation Counselor". This requirement, referred to in the rehab act as the Comprehensive System for Personnel Development (CSPD), is affecting agencies throughout the country. MCB, like every other agency, has some counselors who have not met this higher standard and, as such, have had to take additional classes to meet the CSPD standard. Although these higher standards are intended to increase the quality of counseling services, it also presents hiring challenges. MCB is in the process of filling several counselor vacancies and is optimistic that these positions will be filled with qualified individuals by the end of February.

MS. THOMAS MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MR. JACKSON, TO ACCEPT THE CONSUMER SERVICES REPORT AS PRESENTED. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

Ms. Cindy Caldwell and Ms. Dee Robertson provided a brief history of the deaf blind unit and the partners with whom they work. The deaf blind unit partners with the Helen Keller National Center; DB Central at Central Michigan University, which is a federally funded program whose mandate is to work with youth and children from birth up to age 26; and with the Commission on Disability Concerns Division on Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

Ms. Caldwell reviewed the Deaf Blind Intervenor Program. Ms. Robertson reported on the Deaf Blind Workshop which has been instrumental in the creation of a consumer-driven statewide peer support group called Self Help for Independence in Michigan to Equalize Deaf Blind (SHIM=DB). This group held its first board election this past summer and every member of the board with the exception of the secretary is deaf blind. Ms. Robertson reported that the next Deaf Blind Workshop is scheduled for September 9 - 11, 2003, and invited Commissioners to attend.

Mr. Buscetta announced the first MCB Achievement award to be presented by Ms. Holly Mahony-Bierlein.

Ms. Mahony-Bierlein introduced Ms. Judy Fournier and presented the award to her. Ms. Fournier is a sixty-year-old woman who moved from an adult foster care setting and has successfully resided independently for the past nine months. Ms. Fournier is also in the process of completing her General Education Diploma.

Ms. Dee Robertson presented the MCB Achievement Award to Ms. Jill Gaus, who is the newly elected president of SHIM=DB. She has realized her goal of becoming a grant writer, specializing in writing grants for groups of persons with disabilities or groups serving persons with disabilities. Ms. Gaus is also an adjunct professor at Lansing Community College in the Sign Language Interpreting Program and the Emergency Medical Technician Program. She travels statewide to provide information on appropriate services for persons who are deaf blind, deaf, hard of hearing and blind to emergency personnel, fire departments, hospitals, and others. She is also a paid consultant for DB Central.

Ms. Debbie Wilson presented another MCB Achievement Award to Mr. Jack Mercer, who works as an administrative receptionist for Goodwill Industries in Flint. Mr. Mercer was placed at Goodwill Industries to get some on-the-job training. After just four weeks, Goodwill offered Mr. Mercer a full time job.

Ms. Naomi Larman received the final award, which was presented by Ms. Tina Hoy. Ms. Larman learned about the Commission for the Blind and referred herself, requesting to attend a mini adjustment program. She then decided to attend the MCB Training Center to develop her independent living skills. She is now living independently and completing her own housework.

Mr. Cannon reported that staff is proposing that the June 2003 Commission Meeting be held in Houghton-Hancock on June 23, 2003, and the September 2003 Commission Meeting be held in Tawas City on September 22, 2003.

MR. JACKSON MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MS. THOMAS, THAT THE PROPOSED CHANGES TO THE COMMISSION MEETING SCHEDULE BE ADOPTED. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

Ms. Lindsey reported that the National Conference for Training Centers for the Blind was held in Albuquerque, New Mexico on November 12 - 14, 2002. There were approximately 225 people representing 42 states in attendance. Ms. Lindsey said that Ms. Bonnie Betz did an excellent job on her presentation of the mini adjustment program. Ms. Betz showed a video that is a work in progress regarding the mini adjustment program. Many people had questions and wanted to know how they could adapt it for their states. The states that were particularly interested in the program were those who do not have a residential training center for the blind and need to look at creative ways of providing services. People from several states have indicated an interest in attending and participating in one of the Commission’s mini adjustment programs to learn how they can develop a similar program in their state.

Ms. Lindsey said that the keynote speaker for the conference was RSA Commissioner Joanne Wilson. In her keynote address, Ms. Wilson stated that controversial topics would come up during the conference, and encouraged those present to discuss these issues. Ms. Lindsey stated that topics discussed at the conference included a panel discussion on orientation and mobility issues, informed choice, providing services for seniors, providing services for minors, recidivism, length of time needed to complete a rehabilitation program, and Braille teaching strategies.

Mr. Roger Yake reported that there was also some discussion of training programs to train blind instructors and certification programs. Mr. Yake further stated that there are two certified totally blind mobility instructors already.

Ms. Lindsey said that a total of six training center staff attended the conference. Mr. Cannon noted that the stipend from RSA helped make this possible.

Ms. Lindsey indicated that each participant of the conference received a book by Mr. James Omvig entitled

Freedom for the Blind: The Secret is Empowerment. Ms. Lindsey stated that at one state rehabilitation center, new employees are required to read this book, and an article written by Mr. Dave Greenwald regarding sighted versus blind mobility instructors.

Ms. Lindsey indicated that an inservice was held during Thanksgiving week at the MCB Training Center. Discussion items included: the Albuquerque conference, a staff discussion about intervenor training and how it can be made more effective (Ms. Robertson and Ms. Caldwell participated in this process), and goals for the coming year were discussed. One goal which was identified is working with field staff to deal with the issue of the length of time people spend at the training center.

Ms. Lindsey stated that the interviews for rehabilitation services coordinator have been completed and she said there were several excellent candidates and that the position should be filled as soon as January. Mr. Cannon said that a task force for new staff orientation has completed recommendations, which will include new staff spending two weeks or more at the training center.

MR. JACKSON MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MR. ADLER, TO ACCEPT THE TRAINING CENTER REPORT AS PRESENTED. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

Ms. Charis Austin, Chairperson of the Consumer Involvement Council (CIC), noted that her term as Chairperson of the CIC ends at the end of the year, but she has agreed to attend the next CIC meeting, January 6, 2003 to help get a new Chairperson appointed. Ms. Austin acknowledged Mr. Geer Wilcox, Vice Chair, who was present. Ms. Austin gave an overview of the makeup of the CIC.

Ms. Austin indicated that the Structure and Placement Design Team has created a position paper and requested that the Commissioners endorse the 10 principles.

MR. JACKSON MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MR. ADLER, TO ENDORSE THE POSITION PAPER SUBMITTED BY THE STRUCTURE AND PLACEMENT DESIGN TEAM. THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

Mr. Best reported that fiscal year 2002 was closed out and that MCB carried over some unspent federal funds. Mr. Best also provided an overview of the proposed fiscal year 2003 budget. Mr. Best indicated that he and Ms. Cheryl Heibeck worked together to produce the proposed budget and that federal appropriations are unknown at this point and will probably not be available until about mid-January, so this is an estimate.

MR. JACKSON MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MS. THOMAS, TO ACCEPT THE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES REPORT AS PRESENTED. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

Mr. Casey Dutmer and Ms. Carol Osmar represented the Elected Operators Committee (EOC) and provided an overview of the proposed new promotional system for Business Enterprise Program (BEP) operators, outlined the proposed changes and requested that the Commission Board act on the proposal. Changes include increased consideration of customer service, business practices, past performance within the program, and participation in program activities, i.e. willingness to serve as a trainer, serving on elected operator’s committee, and reduced emphasis on seniority in deciding on promotions. There was considerable discussion on the proposal, with several questions regarding how to measure customer satisfaction. Commissioners agreed that the proposal was a good step toward recognizing the importance of customer satisfaction as a critical component to be considered in the promotion of BEP operators.

There was also a great deal of discussion on the monitoring of operator performance and the annual reviews conducted by MCB staff and concerns raised about the timeliness of such reviews. Commissioners were assured by Mr. Cannon and Mr. Best that all BEP Promotional Agents would be current on such reviews by the time the Commission next met, January 21, 2003.

MR. ADLER MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MR. JACKSON, THAT THE PROPOSED NEW PROMOTIONAL SYSTEM BE SCHEDULED FOR FINAL ADOPTION AT THE JANUARY 21, 2003 COMMISSION MEETING. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

MR. ADLER MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MR. JACKSON, TO ADJOURN THE MEETING. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

The meeting was adjourned at 3:25 p.m. The next meeting will be on Tuesday, January 21, 2003 at Cadillac Place, Detroit, 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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