CORRECTED/APPROVED MINUTES

MICHIGAN COMMISSION FOR THE BLIND

APRIL 21, 2OO3

MICHIGAN COMMISSION FOR THE BLIND TRAINING CENTER KALAMAZOO, MICHIGAN

MINUTES

COMMISSIONERS PRESENT

Ms. Jo Ann Pilarski, Chairperson

Ms. Peeti Greene, Vice Chairperson

Mr. Robert Adler

Mr. J. J. Jackson

COMMISSIONERS ABSENT

Ms. Barbara Thomas

MCB STAFF PRESENT

FIA STAFF PRESENT

Ms. Nannette Bowler

Ms. Jocelyn Vanda

GUESTS

Mr. Eric Seel

Ms. Beth Harvey

Ms. Bonnie Weaver

Ms. Marylee Alzner

Ms. Jennipher Wiebold

Mr. Maurice Coagy

Ms. Jacquelyn Thompson

Mr. John Victory

Mr. Robert Flinn

Ms. Char Rae Vulgaris

Mr. Joe Harcz

Mr. Bobby Mercer

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

The Committee of the Whole was called to order by Chairperson Pilarski at 9:05 a.m.

COMMISSIONER ACTIVITIES

Mr. J. J. Jackson reported attendance at the Consumer Involvement Council Meeting in Lansing on March 31, 2003. The Council appreciated the development of the College Assessment Tool and discussed with Ms. Melody Lindsey several suggestions regarding the future direction of the Training Center. Mr. Jackson attended the Michigan Association of Education and Rehabilitation (MAER) Conference in Livonia on April 3 and 4, 2003, at which he reported coverage of topics such as when a person should identify themselves as blind, new orientation and mobility issues, and a presentation by Representative Doug Spade, Adrian, a blind, third-term state legislator.

Ms. Peeti Greene and Mr. Jackson attended the Cultural Diversity Committee meeting, April 10, 2003. New members were welcomed on the committee, including Mr. Sixto Olivo from Flint, representing Hispanics, and Mr. Song Jae Jo from the Michigan State University Ph.D. rehabilitation program. Population of minorities in rehabilitation teaching and counseling was a key topic. Nine of 29 students in the Master's program and 6 of 11 in the Ph.D. program at Michigan State are either persons of color or persons with disabilities.

 Two videos were viewed: one on MCB public relations and the other on the mini-adjustment program. Regarding the proposed Department of Civil Rights cultural diversity training, Ms. Greene asked whether the Diversity Committee could become involved in the planning and/or training. Director Patrick Cannon said Mr. Bob Robertson will be coordinating this training and stated that the Department of Civil Rights has put a lot of resources into educating employers about diversity and civil rights.

Mr. Jackson reported that Kalamazoo had received a number three rating in the nation for the most livable communities for the blind, and said a press conference/gala was planned May 2, 2003, at 10:00 a.m. at the City Hall, Kalamazoo, at which he, Mr. Cannon, Ms. Lindsey and Mr. Kramer may speak. Mr. Jackson felt that the blind and low vision programs at Western Michigan University and the MCB Training Center were a large factor in this rating.

Ms. Jo Ann Pilarski attended the Business Enterprise Program (BEP) Annual Conference at the Kellogg Center, Lansing, April 11-13, 2003. Various issues were targeted at the workshop on Saturday and Ms. Pilarski said this event was very well attended with much participation and enthusiasm displayed by the attendees. On Sunday, the business meeting was held, and included intense discussion regarding the Business promotional plan which had just been implemented. Ms. Pilarski said that the wording of portions of that plan may be resubmitted for approval, and that she declined an attempt to deliver a petition regarding these changes, stating that proper channels should be followed. Mr. Cannon clarified that the Chair of the Elected Operators Committee (EOC) was responsible for presenting proposed policy changes to the Commission, and that a report was anticipated at the May 19, 2003 MCB Commission meeting. Mr. Cannon reported that Casey Dutmer, the outgoing EOC president was retiring in April, and that during the elections portion of the BEP business meeting, Eric Seel was elected as chair of EOC.

Regarding reduction of expenditures due to the State's economic challenges, Mr. Cannon said that it is expected the budget deficit for FY 2004 will approximate 20 percent of the budget. Consequently, the Governor has issued Executive Orders and Directives for agencies to look for ways to cut expenditures. So far, MCB has returned 7 of its 41 state vehicles. Mr. Cannon advised that when traveling to a meeting, state employees were expected to share rides, and in keeping with the need to reduce costs, commissioners and staff traveling to MCB meetings would have to look more closely at sharing rides. Additionally, telephone lines or software/hardware needs have been removed where possible. Meetings are being reduced in frequency, and requests will be made to the CIC, the EOC, and any other groups which have regular meetings to reduce their schedule. Mr. Cannon referred to the proposed meeting schedule of the Commission through the end of 2004, pointing out that one meeting would be canceled this fiscal year, and starting in October 2003, meetings would be reduced from nine to six per year, meeting every other month in a variety of locations in order to maintain commitment to blind people around the state. Mr. Robert Adler asked whether it was known how much the Commission meetings cost. Mr. Cannon said it ranged from $2,000 to $4,000, depending on location and attendance. Mr. Cannon also advised the Commission that according to the Lansing State Journal, it was reported that commissioners' per diems were under consideration for elimination, although no official confirmation of this had been received.

Ms. Pilarski attended the Planning and Quality (PAQ) team meeting, April 14, 2003. Mr. Cannon said that the meeting had generated a target date of June for a long-term plan and October for a short-term plan, based on ideas gathered from staff, commissioners, stakeholders, and consumers, which had then been prioritized by the team. Mr. Cannon commended Mr. Larry Best for his leadership in developing a format for the five focus design teams to follow when reporting on the goals, and said the meeting had been very positive. The next PAQ team meeting is scheduled for June 9, 2003.

The Committee of the Whole was adjourned at 9:53 a.m.

REGULAR MEETING CALL TO ORDER, ROLL CALL AND DETERMINATION OF QUORUM

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

MR. JACKSON MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MR. ADLER, TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE FEBRUARY 18, 2003 MEETING, AS PRESENTED. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. PUBLIC COMMENT

Dr. Jennipher Wiebold, professor at Western Michigan University (WMU), co-coordinator of the dual Master's program in Rehabilitation Teaching and Counseling, expressed her appreciation of MCB and the MCB Training Center, specifically their work with WMU students, their support of WMU grant efforts, and their collaborative efforts to improve programs for the blind and visually impaired.

BOARD CORRESPONDENCE

There was no Board Correspondence.

DIRECTOR'S REPORT

Mr. Cannon called attention to his written MCB report previously distributed to the Commission, indicating that he wished to highlight a few sections of the report. Following earlier discussion, Mr. Cannon asked for approval of the proposed MCB meeting schedule.

MR. ADLER MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MR. JACKSON, TO APPROVE THE PROPOSED MEETING SCHEDULE FOR THE COMMISSION THROUGH DECEMBER 2004, AS PRESENTED (ATTACHED). THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

Mr. Cannon reported that legislation currently undergoing reauthorization and moving through congress is HR 1261 the Workforce Investment Act (WIA). This act also contains the Rehabilitation Act (Title IV) which governs such programs as the Michigan Commission for the Blind. A cause for great concern was the language that came out of the committee regarding funding. Currently, the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) administers funding to states, however, the new language gives governors unrestricted discretion to distribute these funds to the One-Stop operations, i.e., Michigan Works! system. While these areas may need more funding, it should not be at the cost of rehabilitation programs. Representative Dale Kildee, Flint, is opposed to this language. The legislation is out of committee and may be acted upon by May. Mr. Cannon said he had received communication from Eileen Kostanecki, speaking on behalf of the Governor, which supports a change in the language regarding this distribution. Copies of the communication had been emailed and were distributed to the Commissioners. Mr. Cannon said that this same topic was the dominant issue at the National Council of State Agencies for the Blind spring conference, held in Bethesda in early April. Another concern in the WIA reauthorization was that there was not sufficient language to provide for representation of public rehabilitation agencies on local State Workforce Investment Boards, in Michigan called the Governor's Workforce Commission.

The Commissioner of the RSA is currently a presidential appointee and the legislation would make it an administrative position appointed by the Secretary of Education. State Representative Doug Spade (Adrian) has introduced a bill that requires publishers to make textbooks available in an electronic format, at no additional cost. Mr. Cannon announced that the Washtenaw County Library for the Blind and Physically Disabled, in collaboration with MCB, is presenting a program on May 7 in Ann Arbor honoring Bob Askey, a narrator for the Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Library of Congress, who has recorded over 900 books and has received many prestigious awards. Mr. Cannon drew attention in his report to a press release issued by Dr. Paul Sieving of the National Health Institute, regarding the growing number of Americans facing the threat of blindness from age-related eye disease.

The next mini-adjustment program is scheduled for May 18-23, 2003 in Lansing. The last two programs for this year are scheduled for Kalamazoo and Escanaba.

MR. JACKON MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MS. GREENE TO ACCEPT THE DIRECTOR'S REPORT, AS PRESENTED. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. CONSUMER SERVICES REPORT

Mr. James Buscetta introduced Mr. Bernie Kramer and Mr. Leamon Jones to report on the Consumer Services Division, and Ms. Sherry Gordon, as the liaison for the Ticket To Work program. Mr. Kramer said efforts were ongoing to improve services in all consumer services programs. MCB submitted an amendment to the State Plan to RSA for the vocational rehabilitation program updating changes to reflect overall service objectives. These are determined by six Standards and Indicators which must be met each year. Employment outcomes are a primary concern and Gilmore & Associates will be conducting training for new staff on employment services systems. Mr. Jones reiterated efforts to provide timely response to rehabilitation needs, which included the hire of Shawnese Laury-Johnson in the Detroit office.

 The Youth Low Vision program has been more effective in its services since its move to field staff administration, and Mr. Jones said this is also resulting in closer relationships with school districts' staff and students. Mr. Jones reported he and Mr. Kramer attended the 12th Annual Program Managers Conference in Washington, which provided training on multiple topics regarding services to the Older Blind population. Mr. Kramer introduced Ms. Shannon Berken, who has been hired on a fee for service basis to help in the Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo offices. Regarding the Michigan Network for Visual Rehabilitation of Seniors, Mr. Kramer said he and Mr. Jones are involved in pilot projects, one in Jackson and one in Grand Rapids.

Mr. Buscetta said that since supervision of all three consumer services programs now comes from the same sources, he expects that the situation will improve for both staff and clients. Mr. Buscetta said there were increases in expenses in client services, some of which was incurred by staff hired under fee for services terms. Ms. Gordon said that nationally, it was felt that the Ticket to Work program has not been well received, and response is very low due to the complexity of the legislation. Ms. Gordon said that Maximus, the program manager, is presently unable to define the number of tickets assigned to MCB because the Employer Identification Number (EIN) is the same for all State of Michigan agencies. Ms. Gordon feels there are probably around 5-10 tickets issued to MCB. Mr. Buscetta said that regarding the Medicaid Buy-In, it appears there will be legislation this fall, and that all parties involved are in agreement. This will be a partial Medicaid buy-in program with limits as to who can participate, but fairly liberal in terms of income guidelines.

Mr. Buscetta said the Trial Work Experience policy, selected as "needing improvement" in the previous RSA-107 review, has been revised so that the language reflects the Rehabilitation Act which requires MCB to be as liberal as possible in determining eligibility. This version includes an extended evaluation option in a workshop setting. Regarding the Maintenance Policy revision, Mr. Buscetta said that two sections were combined so that reference to Maintenance would be consistent under differing circumstances. Both these policies were presented to the CIC for input and Mr. Buscetta said that these policies were available online, however, printed versions were not expected before the fall as other policy revisions were expected.

MR. JACKSON MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MS. GREENE, TO ACCEPT THE REVISION TO THE TRIAL WORK EXPERIENCE SECTION OF THE POLICY MANUAL, AS PRESENTED (ATTACHED). THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. MR. ADLER MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MS. GREENE, TO ACCEPT THE REVISION TO THE MAINTENANCE SECTION OF THE POLICY MANUAL, AS PRESENTED (ATTACHED). THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

As Mr. Buscetta is retiring at the end of April, the Commissioners expressed their appreciation to Mr. Buscetta for his long years of service to MCB and commended him on his dedication to his work.

MR. JACKSON MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MR. ADLER, TO ACCEPT THE CONSUMER SERVICES REPORT, AS PRESENTED. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. SPECIAL EDUCATION UPDATE

Dr. Jacquelyn Thompson, Director, Office of Special Education and Early Intervention Services, Michigan Department of Education, reported two significant updates: the new administrative rules for special education became effective last June, and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is in process of reauthorization in Washington. IDEA is being aligned with the No Child Left Behind Act of 2002. Dr. Thompson said that MCB has been concerned for many years with the inability to determine the number of children with vision problems, as DOE previously identified eligibility for special education based only on primary disabilities and a student's secondary disability was not reported. Dr. Thompson said their new compliance information system, a web-based software tool which aligns with the new individualized education plan prototype, asks for information on secondary disabilities. The infrastructure is now in place, but there is still no mandate to make schools respond. Legislation has been proposed that the Center for Educational Performance Information (CEPI) be the single entity to collect all data from public schools and DOE's web-based system is a tool which can be provided to schools to complete reports relative to students receiving special ed services. Dr. Thompson suggested FIA director Nannette Bowler, DOE, and MCB should collaborate to study statutory language to require schools to use this reporting system.

There is no burden on DOE now the mechanism is in place. Mr. Cannon said that Superintendent Watkins is in support of this and that it should be brought to the attention of the governor. Focus at the Michigan School for the Blind is on outreach programs, and there is no current residential facility in Michigan, due to lack of staff. At times, a handful of students who have extraordinary needs are placed in out-of-state institutions. Ms. Pilarski inquired about Camp Tuhsmeheta and whether DOE had considered turning over the administration of this facility. Dr. Thompson said only 30-40 students per summer have been attending and that consideration must be given to the benefits of continuing such a program.

FAMILY INDEPENDENCE AGENCY UPDATE

Ms. Nannette Bowler, Director of the Family Independence Agency, thanked the Commission for inviting her. Ms. Bowler commented that as a mother of five children, one of whom was a special needs child, she empathized with the discussion of personal self-esteem needs versus academic requirements for children with disabilities. Ms. Bowler said that the Governor directed agencies to use this time of budget crisis to redesign the way business is done instead of reacting only with cuts. The priorities for FIA are safety, well-being, permanency and independence. Ms. Bowler said improving worker's infrastructure to help them eliminate the need to enter the same data three different times to satisfy different programs, and streamlining services to the public were primary goals. FIA's next step is studying the 15 programs to review priorities, roles, responsibilities, lines of authority, obstacles, working with other agencies, how to get creative in partnering with businesses, results, and measurable outcomes that the community can understand.

A new organization has been formed called the Children's Action Network to study how to streamline services among the agencies. FIA will offer a school-linked basis which will help prevent children being pigeonholed based on their first contact with any agency. Instead there will be a one-stop situation, with representatives from FIA, Mental Health, substance abuse and the medical profession on site. A single assessment will be made and a comprehensive plan will be developed for the family. Ms. Bowler said that attorneys are working on the new privacy laws in order to facilitate sharing this information among the agencies. Ms. Bowler will request Ms. Jocelyn Vanda to see that secondary disabilities are included in this concept. Mr. Adler commented that due consideration should be given to programs that are worthwhile, even if they appear to benefit only a few of the population.

Recessed for lunch at 12:05 p.m.

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Chairperson Pilarski reconvened the meeting at 1:10 p.m.

MCB TRAINING CENTER REPORT

Ms. Melody Lindsey reported that work had been completed with Dr. Wiebold, WMU, on a grant requesting support from RSA for an immersion project where students in the rehab counseling program would attend the Center for a two-week period and interact with the students on a non-hierarchical basis. Ms. Lindsey said that, following Ms. Corda Moss' attendance at an American Printing House (APH) training session, MCB has been able to increase Federal Quota Census funds from approximately $10,000 to over $70,000 which could be used to purchase supplies and items from APH.

A job readiness program meeting was held to discuss improvement in job skills for students, such as access to resume preparation, appropriate interview behavior, work expectations, etc. It is anticipated that meetings will be held each quarter. Ms. Mary Zemlick and Ms. Lynne Hall will be coordinating this program.

Ms. Lindsey participated in the Michigan Association for the Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (MAER) conference and talked to the teachers informally about the Center's new college assessment tool. Ms. Lindsey requested CIC to consider standards for the assessment. Also at the MAER meeting, Ms. Lindsey participated in the Orientation & Mobility (O&M) meeting, and some national issues such as standards for training centers, use of sleep shades, use of visual and non-visual techniques were discussed.

Ms. Lindsey reported the Service Design Team met at the Center in March and proposed formation of a group to review Center activities and make recommendations for improvements. Interviews were completed for the Cook E-6 position and it is hoped this position will be filled within the next week.

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

CREATIVE STRATEGIES FOR TEACHING ORIENTATION AND MOBILITY

Mr. Jim Baird and Ms. Bonnie Betz discussed non-traditional ways to teach group mobility. Raising the self-esteem of the student is extremely important, and working in groups with social interaction, such as bus rides, shopping, scavenger hunts, etc., helped them gain confidence which in turn contributed greatly to their improvement in O&M skills. This group activity complemented any necessary individual instruction.

BRAILLE PROFICIENCY ACTIVITIES

Ms. Wendy Van Elk and Ms. Betty Lujan-Roberts reported on the Center's Braille teaching. Ms. Lujan-Roberts stressed the importance of practice in using Braille, of which there are two versions: Level 1, alphabetic, and Level 2, the contracted version which is the most frequently used Braille. Ms. Van Elk said that Braille is automatically assigned to any new student, with measurable success, such as reading speeds, to encourage them in their efforts. Contact with other students and staff who use Braille is extremely advantageous, and study groups are encouraged. Braille instructions are included in almost all the classes held at the Center. Ms. Van Elk said that the Braille library had recently been weeded and is being redeveloped.

NEW AND IMPROVED COLLEGE ASSESSMENT TOOL

Mr. Roger Yake and Ms. Shelley Masion reported on the newly completed College Assessment Tool. Mr. Yake distributed copies of the assessment on disk to each commissioner. In 1978, a college assessment was developed, and revised in 1986. This version was still in effect and had not been changed except for an amendment regarding computers. A new tool was developed with nine different areas of assessment: Braille skills, cooking, communications, computers, independent living skills, money and time, reading, travel, and note-taking. This assessment is not a pass-fail method, but determines their skill levels, and if done at a fairly early stage, perhaps in their sophomore year, can identify areas which need improvement before they approach college. The comments and recommendations sections are considered essential.

EDUCATIONAL ASPECTS OF SUPPORTIVE SERVICES

Ms. Peggy Jackson, Mr. Bruce Schultz and Mr. Russ Sheehan described their services. They often represent the first impression for new students, who usually arrive on a Sunday evening. They help students settle in, providing 24-hour supportive services, teaching, problem solving, answering questions, and interacting with them under the more relaxed evening and weekend conditions. Nurses are no longer on duty around the clock, and teachers have to be more responsive to students' medical needs. Group health is taught as well as individual health issues when necessary, and weekly group discussions center on a variety of subjects. The commissioners and Director Cannon thanked Ms. Lindsey for her positive impact on services at the training center in the four years she has been its director.

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES REPORT

Mr. Larry Best reported that MCB is undergoing both a federal and a state audit, which is proving to be very time consuming for the staff. A status meeting is scheduled April 22, 2003, with the State auditor. Regarding MCB's staffing, the last position allocated to MCB will be filled with the cook position at MCBTC, unless the head count is changed by FIA, which Mr. Cannon is still pursuing.

Mr. Best and Mr. Cannon met with Mr. Mitch Irwin, Director of the Department and Management and Budget, and Mr. Tom Saxton, who is in charge of facilities, regarding the Business Enterprise Program. Consequently, Mr. Saxton's executive assistant, Mr. Brian Turnbull, met with Mr. Best and Mr. Wurtzel and discussed various issues including rent in state facilities, signage, power outage procedures, etc., and inclusion of MCB in any state plans to build future facilities, or when large numbers of employees are removed from a current state facility. Regarding cost reductions, MCB has so far this fiscal year cut back on state vehicles, phones, and travel.

There is no further news of next year's budget at this time, however, on a preliminary executive proposal for the budget, the head count was listed at 96. At the halfway point of the current fiscal year 2003, MCB expenditures are at 47.7 percent of their budget. Mr. Best said he has deep concern that state matching funds for the Title I federal grant will not be achieved. As the grant has increased over the past seven years by $1,336,000, the state match requirement has also increased by approximately $361,700. Actual state cash has only increased by $41,200 and when all sources of match are considered, Mr. Best anticipates MCB will be short $100,000 this year. This could mean that $369,000 will have to be returned to the federal government for use by other states. MCB has not received any commensurate increases in state funding for additional costs in rents for BEP locations, BEP retirement costs, and cost allocations for Central Office charges, resulting in additional pressure on matching funds. A meeting has been requested as soon as possible with FIA Budget to resolve this. A further problem is caused by the fact that MCB designated Youth Low Vision as the first program in which to reduce spending, however, this is a separate line item and it is not known whether unspent funds can be used for other MCB programs.

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

PUBLIC COMMENT

Ms. Bonnie Weaver, Michigan Protection and Advocacy Service, said that she administers the Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social Security program, which advocates for consumers' rights who are using Ticket to Work or pursuing employment. Ms. Weaver may be contacted at 248-473-2990. Mr. Joe Harcz, Consumer Involvement Council and graduate of MCB Training Center, said that regarding the college assessment tool, Braille proficiency is extremely important and suggested that MCB should do away with other classes the students may not need in order to concentrate on Braille. Mr. Harcz requested the Commission consider using the Individual Education Plan process at 15 years of age as it gets more difficult to take corrective action when students are 18 or 19.

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

The meeting was adjourned at 2:55 p.m. The next meeting will be on Monday, May 19, 2003 at the Michigan Commission for the Blind office, Victor Building, Lansing. The Committee of the Whole meeting will begin at 9:00 a.m. and the regular meeting will start at 10:00 a.m.

Signed Jo Ann Pilarski, Chairperson

Date (5/19/2003)

Attachment 1

MICHIGAN COMMISSION FOR THE BLIND PROPOSED MCB MEETING SCHEDULE THROUGH 2004

DATE              LOCATION

April 21, 2003 Kalamazoo MCBTC

May 19, 2003 Lansing Victor Building

June 23, 2003 Houghton-Hancock Best Western Franklin Square (Ameurasia Restaurant)

September 22, 2003 Tawas City Holiday Inn, East Tawas

October 20, 2003 Pontiac Marriott at Centerpoint

December 15, 2003 Lansing Michigan Works! Office

February 17, 2004 (Tuesday) Flint

April 19, 2004 Kalamazoo MCBTC

June 21, 2004 Lansing Victor Building

August 16, 2004 Iron Mountain

October 18, 2004 Monroe

December 13, 2004 (2nd Monday) Lansing Michigan Works! Office

Attachment 2

PROPOSED REVISION TO MCB POLICY MANUAL VI. TRIAL WORK EXPERIENCE AND EXTENDED EVALUATION

Prior to determining an individual incapable of benefiting from vocational rehabilitation services, in terms of an employment outcome due to the severity of the individual's disability, his/her counselor or teacher/counselor must undertake an extensive assessment to support such a determination. A written plan must be developed outlining exactly how this determination will be made either through a Trial Work Experience or Extended Evaluation. This plan must periodically assess the individual's abilities, capabilities and capacity to perform in work experiences which must be provided in the most integrated setting possible, consistent with the informed choice and rehabilitation needs of the individual. Preferably, a Trial Work Experience can be developed. This work experience should be in the least restricted environment and as integrated as possible considering the informed choice of the client. This experience could consist of supported employment or on-the-job training. The activity should be of a duration and variety that will allow the counselor or counselor/teacher to make a decision about the individual's ability to benefit from services in terms of an employment outcome. During this time appropriate supports such as job coaching, assistive technology devices and personal assistance services must be provided. If an individual can not participate in a Trial Work Experience then an Extended Evaluation should be undertaken. The agency should provide only those services necessary to make an eligibility decision regarding the individual's ability to benefit from vocational rehabilitation services in terms of an employment outcome. These particular services will be terminated when the counselor or teacher/counselor is able to make a decision April 21, 2003

Attachment 3

PROPOSED REVISION TO MCB POLICY MANUAL IX. SCOPE OF SERVICE G.

Maintenance Maintenance is a supportive service of the agency that may be provided to cover the food, shelter or other subsistence expenses for an eligible individual or an individual undergoing a Trial Work Experience. It may be provided only to enable an individual to participate in specific rehabilitation services. Maintenance payments may not exceed the amount of increased expenses necessitated by participating in the services. They may not be provided to raise an individual's standard of living. Through the Individual Plan for Employment, the counselor/teacher and the individual must agree upon maintenance payments based on a list of actual expenses compared to income. It is important to consider all resources including Social Security Disability benefits and Social Security Supplemental Income benefits when determining income. Only the following expenses will be considered when determining maintenance needs: 1. Rent/mortgage/dormitory fees (based on double occupancy) 2. Food (college plan, or if no college plan, appropriate state rates) 3. Basic telephone charges 4. Utilities not including cable or satellite television 5. Medical expenses not covered by Medicare, Medicaid or private insurance 6. Expenses related to guide dogs not covered by other organizations 7. Incidental expenses of $100 per month If a student elects to live in a residence other than a dormitory the maximum rate will be that of the room and board based on double occupancy at the specific school. The agency will assist in supporting the costs associated with maintaining two households only for the training period, which lasts one year, or less.

April 21, 2003