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 (MCBTC) 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. MCBTC 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, adult 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.

Guidelines:  These guidelines have been created to help insure your stay at the Center is as productive and pleasant as possible.

1.  With the exception of the dorm areas and apartments, the MCBTC is a public environment.  Student activities and dress should be consistent with those that are appropriate for public education settings.

2. All visitors shall leave the premises by 10:00 p.m. or as requested by Center staff.

3.  Be respectful of the privacy rights of each individual and be aware that, in the evenings, others may be trying to sleep.

4. Students are required to have the appropriate white cane or dog guide in their possession, and are expected to utilize these tools to the fullest extent possible at all times within the Center and while out on activities.  The only exception shall be while students are in their dorm room or apartment.

5.  Students are responsible for their own safety concerning travel around and away from the Center. Training will be provided to assist students in becoming safer, more proficient travelers. If students require assistance, it is their responsibility to request assistance from their Center counselor.

6.  Electronic items, including dorm size refrigerators, are permitted in dorm rooms.  Students who would like to cook can make arrangements with staff to use the training kitchen.  The snack area at the back of the cafeteria is equipped with a small refrigerator, microwave, ice, etc. for use by students.  This area is to be maintained by students.  Students are responsible to clean up after themselves.  Training will be provided to assist students in alternative cleaning and cooking techniques.

7. Students may personalize their rooms by placing decorative items on the hangers provided on dorm room walls.

8. Students are responsible for the items they have at the center.  If items are lost or stolen while at the training center, MCBTC shall not reimburse students or replace the items.  When students conclude their program, they are responsible for removing all personal possessions from MCBTC.  Items not removed after 30 days will be donated to charitable organizations.

9. For health, safety and training purposes, scheduled room checks shall take place weekly in the presence of the student.

10. Students are welcome to bring cell phones to MCBTC; however, cell phones shall not be used while students are in class or participating in meetings.

11. It is the program goal to have students take responsibility for initiating assistance concerning their medical needs.  Training will be provided to assist students in developing these skills.  Students should bring and acquire their own prescription and over-the-counter medications.

Additional Guidelines for Students who have a Legal Guardian

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

12.  Only immediate family members, legal guardian, appropriate staff, and/or assigned roommates are permitted in the student’s dorm room.

13. Only immediate family members, legal guardian, and/or appropriate staff are permitted in the apartment unless otherwise authorized by training center staff.

Thank you for your interest in attending the Michigan Commission for the Blind Training Center.  We value activities that include, empower and enable individuals to make their own choices – and we are glad that you chose the Michigan Commission for the Blind Training Center.  We look forward to welcoming you to the facility and trust that your time with us will be satisfying and productive.

May 12, 2006

Signature:

I have read and understand these policies and guidelines of the Michigan Commission for the Blind Training Center and agree to abide by them while participating in the Center program.  I further understand that failure to follow these policies and guidelines may result in the termination of my program or implementation of the administrative review process.  In the event that my program is terminated administratively, I understand that it may be necessary to reapply for the MCBTC program and that certain conditions agreed to by the Center director, the Center counselor, the home counselor, and me must be met before I can return to the program.  I further understand that, if my program is terminated, a minimum absence of 60 days shall be required, depending on circumstances.

Student Name (please print):

Student Signature:

Date Signed by Student:

Parent/Guardian Name:

Parent/Guardian Signature:

Date Signed by Parent/Guardian:

MCB Representative Name:

MCB Representative Signature:

Date Signed by MCB Representative: