Michigan Commission for the Blind

Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth

CONSUMER SERVICES POLICY MANUAL

PURPOSE

The purpose of this manual is to provide policy for the provision of rehabilitation services by the Michigan Commission for the Blind to individuals in Michigan who have an impediment to employment resulting from blindness.   The intent is that all phases of this manual shall comply with and fully implement the requirements of pertinent federal laws and regulations and state laws and regulations.

THE MICHIGAN COMMISSION FOR THE BLIND MISSION STATEMENT

To provide opportunities to individuals who are blind or have visual impairments to achieve employability and/or function independently.

THE MICHIGAN COMMISSION FOR THE BLIND PHILOSOPHY

The Michigan Commission for the Blind believes . . .

. . . That the pursuit of employment and/or independence by individuals who are blind is of primary social and legislative importance to be valued, aided and encouraged;

. . . That rehabilitation is a cooperative venture between the agency and the individual, with the individual having primary responsibility for personal successes and failures;

. . . That each individual is different with different strengths, weaknesses, interests and aptitudes, requiring vocational rehabilitation counseling, planning and training specific to the individual's needs and desires;

. . . That positive attitudes toward blindness held by the general public, by employers, by the Michigan Commission for the Blind staff, and by individuals who are blind, are key factors leading to employment and independence for individuals who are blind;

. . . That participation and support by the individual's family and the community increases the probability of rehabilitation success;

. . . That anti-discrimination laws, policies and procedures be upheld, and affirmative action hiring by employers be encouraged;

. . . That input by organized and individual consumers is essential in developing effective rehabilitation program policies and procedures;

. . . That "skills of blindness," especially Braille reading and writing and travel with a white cane or dog guide, are essential to independence and employment;

. . . That the agency is to be responsive and respectful of state and federal government authority empowering and overseeing agency operations;

. . . That adequate state and federal appropriations be sought to meet the critical needs and growing demands of individuals of all ages who are blind;

. . . That research and technology promoting employment, independence, blindness prevention and vision enhancement be supported;

. . . That input of employees is essential to agency management, and that employees should be provided with the supervision, guidance, training and work environment that moves them toward performance excellence; and

. . . That public and private rehabilitation facilities, colleges and training institutions are essential elements in the rehabilitation process.