BEP VENDING STAND TRAINING (VST) PREREQUISITES

The Michigan Commission for the Blind Business Enterprise Program (BEP) is looking for 5-10 energetic, customer oriented blind people per year who wish to enter a career with a possibility of earnings up to $100,000 or more. Following is a brief list of steps that will lead to a successful placement of a blind person in an interesting and challenging career.

Commission VR Counselor familiarizes self with BEP career. Such a career is small business dealing in retail food, beverage and snack items either sold directly to customers via a counter (manual) operation or through automated vending machines. Aptitudes for this business include mechanical, mathematics, human relations and organizational. It must be clear to the client that a career in this field is a complex occupation requiring the combination of a lot of patience, human relations and business acumen.

INITIAL CONTACT:

The VR Counselor calls the BEP Trainer. The purpose of this call is for the BEP Trainer to collect the initial intake information on the applicant, and to explain to the counselor the prerequisites the client must possess.

The information collected from the VR Counselor during this initial conversation includes client name, address, phone number, social security number, age, years the client has been blind, the skills of blindness the client possesses, and whether the counselor has observed the client using these skills effectively. The Trainer will also ask the Counselor if this person would be a good candidate for the BEP; and is the client willing to relocate, or would they rather work for other BEP operators. If the BEP trainer and counselor determine that the client is not ready, the evaluation process can be stopped.

The Trainer will advise the VR counselor of any costs that may be incurred for the client to participate in the VST. Such costs may include the following items: appropriate business attire, note taking materials, talking calculator, transportation, food and lodging for clients during the OJE, or other training related activities. The VR Counselor must be sure the customer is entered onto the MAIN system to facilitate any payments to the customer.

The BEP trainer will e-mail to the Counselor a BEP student packet and a list of local operators interested in offering job shadow experience to Voc Rehab clients. The packet contents include: a welcome memo from the BEP administrator describing the packet, the BEP assessment, VST entry requirements (i.e., equipment needed), MCBTC guidelines, BEP training contract, VST grading system, and information about the required business math class.

ACCEPTANCE FOR VENDING STAND TRAINING

1. COUNSELOR INFORMATION: The Trainer will e-mail the Counselor a copy of the BEP assessment process so that the Counselor understands and can explain the training program requirements to the customer. Two areas need to be emphasized. First, the customer needs basic computer literacy skills to successfully complete the assessment. Second, all applicants to the VST must pass a security clearance. Any legal involvement should be reviewed at this point to determine if the applicant would be able to pass a security check.

2. JOB SHADOW: If the applicant has not worked in a BEP facility a job shadow experience is required. Part of the application/training process requires that the applicant take responsibility for fulfilling various requirements. The customer will contact a local operator from a list provided by the BEP Trainer. This job shadow experience should be scheduled to include the facility's full business day (from opening to close). In addition to the list of job shadows close to the customer's home, the customer will receive a student packet of information (as above).

3. APPLICANT INTERVIEW: The interview appointment is a full day interview. With the VR Counselor's approval, the applicant contacts the BEP Trainer to schedule the interview, which will take place from 9:00 to 3:00. The Counselor may need to make special arrangements for the client to participate in the interview, i.e., transportation, hotel, etc. The student must bring a picture ID, comfortable walking shoes and wear proper business attire for a job interview. During the interview, the Trainer looks for the applicant's interest in the Business Enterprise Program, the applicant's social and interpersonal skills, etc. The interview may be conducted with a group of potential students, or individually, depending on the level of interest and schedules. During the interview, the applicant will meet a variety of BEP operators, and operators will have an opportunity to ask questions of the clients.

Due to heightened security requires in many public buildings, a security check will be required of all trainee applicants. The Trainer will provide the information necessary for the security clearance to the applicant in advice, and collected during the interview process.

4. VST ASSESSMENT: Following a successful interview, he student is then scheduled for the assessment at MCBTC (See MCBTC Guidelines for BEP Trainees and other Boarders in Section XVII, Procedures). When a low-vision or hearing evaluation is necessary, the hearing or low-vision evaluation must be completed fore the assessment commences. The VR Counselor schedules the 2 week assessment. The assessment may be conducted at a facility other than the MCBTC, as long as the assessment requirements are fulfilled. The student must successfully complete all parts of the assessment before program entry. However, if the student does not meet the standard in a part of the assessment the first time, they may repeat just that particular segment, and are not required to repeat the entire assessment. Without exception, the completed assessment, including all segments, must be emailed to the Trainer within two weeks following completion, and no less than four weeks prior to entry into the BEP training program.

5. BUSINESS MATH: Following the job shadow, interview and assessment, the client must also pass a college level business math college course, or a Business Math course approved by the BEP administrator. They must pass the course with at least 75%.

6. WAITING LIST: All documents from above, including final math grade must be received at least 4 weeks prior to the first day of class. The student's name is then put on the list for the next available class.

7. CLASSROOM TRAINING: On the first day of class, VST students meet with BEP and MCBTC staff. Materials for the training program are distributed. Students sign a training contract which details expectations for class participation. Students are expected to attend all training activities. Punctuality and attendance are critical to the training program. Dependability and reliability are necessary to be successful as a Business Enterprise operator.

8. ON THE JOB EXPERIENCE (OJE): Each student must successfully complete a minimum of 4 weeks of on-the-job experience (OJE) in a manual operation and 4 weeks in an automated vending facility. At the end of the fifth week of classroom training, the BEP trainer provides OJE assignments to the students and their counselors. OJE assignment information includes the name, phone number and address of the OJE trainers.

The VR Counselor is responsible for making food, lodging and transportation arrangements for each OJE student. Service authorizations for OJE training payments are to be provided to the OJE trainer 2 weeks prior to commencement of the OJE. Each OJE trainer is paid $30/day for each day that they work with a VST student. Service authorizations for lodging and transportation are to be provided to the hotel or student, as appropriate, 2 weeks prior to OJE commencement. Students are responsible for their own meals during the OJE. Consequently, students must receive meal compensation checks 2 weeks prior to OJE commencement.

9. BUSINESS EXCELLENCE SUPPORT TEAM (BEST): The BEST meets during the second and fourth weeks of each OJE. The 5 person BEST is comprised of the VR Counselor, the Promotional Agent for the area of the OJE, the BEP Operator/OJE Trainer, the BEP Trainer and the trainee. The purpose of these meetings is to discuss progress, and needs or support the trainee may need to successfully complete the OJE and thus the BEP training program.

10. FINAL REPORT: Within three weeks of completing the OJEs, the BEP Trainer will provide, via e-mail, a final report letter to the counselor. The student receives a copy of the final report in an accessible format for the student. The final report summarizes training, provides test scores and summarizes the OJE reports. In addition, the Trainer provides recommendations for personal equipment specific to each student, and any other supplemental training or services necessary to be fully prepared for licensing as a Business Enterprise Program Operator.

Revised 1 December 2003

OUTLINE OF VST PREREQUISITES

This is an outline of the prerequisites needed, and the steps to follow for the Business Enterprise Program (BEP) vending stand training (VST) process.

1. The Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) counselor contacts the BEP trainer with information about the prospective candidate.

2. The candidate arranges for a job shadow experience.

3. The candidate contacts the BEP trainer to schedule in interview.

4. The VR counselor makes referral for the VST assessment.

5. The candidate must successfully complete a BEP-approved business math course.

6. The potential trainee is places on the VST waiting list after all documentation is submitted, including the final math grade, at least 4 weeks prior to the first day of class.

7. The trainee participates in the training program. The student signs a training contract the first day of class, which outlines student responsibilities.

8. After completion of the 9 week training program, the trainee participates in a minimum of eight weeks of on-the-job experience; 4 weeks in a manual (counter sales) operation and 4 weeks in an automated vending facility.

9. Within three weeks of completion of the OJE, the BEP trainer provides all reports and recommendations to the VR counselor.

10. The BEP trainer provides, via e-mail, a final report.

Please refer to the full description of the process in the document BEP VENDING STAND TRAINING (VST) PREREQUISITES.

INDEPENDENT LIVING PROGRAM

Individuals who are age 55 or older and who have been determined to have a severe impediment to employment, and who are not capable of performing substantial work in the four core areas mentioned in the Homemaker Rehabilitation section of this manual, shall be referred to the Michigan Commission for the Blind Independent Living Program. The main objective of the Independent Living Program is to assist senior citizens who are blind to become independent or maintain their independence such that they will be able to maintain themselves in the community. This reduces the need for costly services such as nursing home care.

YOUTH LOW VISION POLICY AND PROCEDURES

The purpose of the Michigan Commission for the Blind's Youth Low Vision Program is to allow students to obtain head-borne, low-vision devices which will allow the student to participate as fully as possible in an educational setting. Hand-held low-vision devices and video magnifiers are not covered by the Youth Low Vision Program.

The Michigan Commission for the Blind Youth Low Vision Program serves individuals from birth to 26 years of age who are currently enrolled in a state-sponsored educational program. Eligibility is based on a vision report from either an optometrist or an ophthalmologist indicating visual acuity of 20/70 or less in the better eye, with correction, or a visual field measurement of 20 degrees or less in the better eye.

A student may participate in a low-vision evaluation through the Youth Low Vision program once every other school year and, if indicated, the student may obtain head-borne, low-vision devices at this same interval. Head-borne devices which may be purchased by the Youth Low Vision Program may include, but are not limited to, general-wear glasses, reading glasses, bioptic telescopic glasses, contact lenses and sports goggles.

Comparable benefits, such as vision insurance, shall be used to pay for the cost of any low-vision service prior to Youth Low Vision Program funds being used. Medicaid benefits are not expected to be used to pay for these services. Replacement of broken or lost devices may be done only once within two years of the purchase of the low-vision device. Comparable benefits, including Medicaid benefits, should be considered before Youth Low Vision Program funds are used for replacement of low-vision devices.

The Youth Low Vision Program may provide a student up to two head-borne devices at a time. If a prescription includes a pair of contact lenses to be worn in conjunction with a pair of glasses, this system would count as one pair of glasses. If planned replacement (disposable) contact lenses are recommended, the Youth Low Vision Program may provide two years of planned replacement contact lenses, which includes professional care, one year at a time. The follow-up referral is initiated by the teacher consultant.

Fee Schedule for Youth Low Vision Program

• Maximum of $80 per unit, which consists of one half-hour, for low-vision evaluations (Revised May 2008)

• Maximum of $175 for a pair of frames

• Maximum of $200 for a pair of non-custom contact lenses
• Maximum of $400 for a pair of glasses, including frames, lenses, tints and coatings

At age 14, a Youth Low Vision student should be referred to the Michigan Commission for the Blind vocational rehabilitation program, if the student meets vision eligibility requirements. If the student is not legally blind, the student should be referred to Michigan Rehabilitation Services for possible eligibility in that program for vocational rehabilitation.

Procedure for referring a student to the Youth Low Vision Program

1. Referrals to the Youth Low Vision Program should come through the intermediate school district teacher consultant to the Michigan Commission for the Blind staff assigned to the geographic area where a student resides. If a student has previously been served under the Youth Low Vision Program, the teacher consultant should contact the Michigan Commission for the Blind staff to request Youth Low Vision Program services. If a student is a new Youth Low Vision Program referral, the Youth Low Vision Program application should be fully completed. A vision report, either from an ophthalmologist or from an optometrist, should accompany the Youth Low Vision application. This vision report should be no more than one year old on the date of application. The cost of obtaining this vision report shall not be paid by the Youth Low Vision Program.

2. A low-vision evaluation appointment should be arranged once the request for Youth Low Vision Program services has been approved. The Michigan Commission for the Blind staff should be informed of the appointment date. An authorization for services and a copy of the Youth Low Vision application should be sent to the low-vision practitioner. A copy of the authorization should be sent to the teacher consultant.

3. The low-vision evaluation appointment should be attended by the teacher consultant and, if deemed necessary, by the Michigan Commission for the Blind staff.

4. The low-vision practitioner should forward a copy of the completed low-vision evaluation report to the Michigan Commission for the Blind staff, as well as to the teacher consultant for the student and parent(s). Recommendations from this report should be discussed with the student, teacher consultant, parent(s), Michigan Commission for the Blind staff, and low-vision practitioner before authorization.

5. The invoice for the low-vision evaluation will not be processed until the low-vision evaluation report is received.

6. Low-vision devices, as deemed necessary, should be authorized by the Michigan Commission for the Blind staff, as long as adequate funding is available. A copy of the authorization for the recommended devices will be sent to the teacher consultant and the low-vision practitioner. These low-vision devices should be dispensed by the low-vision practitioner to enhance the student's performance in an educational setting.

7. A follow-up letter from the Michigan Commission for the Blind staff will be sent to the Youth Low Vision Program student's parents within 30 days after the low-vision devices have been authorized.

 

Approved by the MCB Board at its October 17, 2005, Commission Meeting

Michigan Commission for the Blind

Training Center

Policies and Guidelines

The mission of the Michigan Commission for the Blind (MCB) is to provide individuals who are blind or visually impaired the opportunity to achieve employment and independence.  We believe in the capacity of each blind person to achieve excellence, to be productive, independent and to be involved in the community.

We value each person as an individual and believe that everyone has a right to be treated with dignity and respect.  We value activities that include, empower and enable individuals to make their own choices.

The Michigan Commission for the Blind Training Center ( MCB TC ) is committed to maintaining a safe and effective learning environment for all students and expects that everyone at the Center, both students and staff, will follow these policies and guidelines in order to assure that everyone ' s rights to respect and courtesy are honored.

Policies : All policies were formally adopted by the MCB Board of Commissioners at their April 24, 2006 meeting, to assure that the Training Center is run in an organized, fair and safe manner.

1. MCB TC shall maintain a learning environment that is free from harassment.  No student or staff shall be subjected to harassment by another student or employee.

2. The training center is a state facility and, as such, alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, and weapons are not permitted in the Center building or on the Center grounds at any time.  If a violation of this policy occurs, the student ' s program will be terminated, and if appropriate, law enforcement may become involved.

3. While we encourage students to learn to prepare meals independently in approved areas, no cooking or cooking devices are permitted in dorm rooms.  Food items are allowed in dorm rooms only if kept in closed re-sealable containers provided by the student.

4. In order to maximize opportunities to learn independent travel skills, no student shall park a motor vehicle on training center property, nor shall they operate a motor vehicle while participating in the training center program. 

5 . The training center is a state facility and, as such, is required to maintain a smoke-free environment.   Outdoor smoking areas are designated for such use.

6. Except for family members, a dult students shall not have students who have a legal guardian, or minors (anyone under the age of 18), in their dorm rooms or apartments, nor shall adult students enter the dorm room or apartment of a student who is a minor or who has a legal guardian.  No sexual contact is permitted between an adult and a student who is a minor or who has a legal guardian. 

7. Students are required to participate in all scheduled classes.  Three unexcused absences or excessive tardiness in a one month period shall result in program termination for the student.

8. It is the responsibility of the consumer, parent or legal guardian, rehabilitation counselor, and other designated staff to discuss and record in writing all special guidelines, procedures and instructions for any student as necessary to maintain health, safety, or special programmatic issues, that would impact participation in the center program for that student or other student(s) or staff.  Individualized guidelines, procedures and instructions may be written for any student with special programming needs.

Additional Policies for Students who have a Legal Guardian

Please note that the policies listed below pertain only to minor students or to other students who have a legal guardian:

9.  Students shall remain on Training Center grounds unless they have written permission of their legal guardian. 

10.  No sexual contact is permitted.

11. Only adult students will be assigned to second floor dormitory rooms.  Students who are minors or who have a legal guardian are not permitted on the second floor.