APPROVED

MICHIGAN COMMISSION FOR THE BLIND
FEBRUARY 24, 2006
WASHTENAW COUNTY LIBRARY FOR THE BLIND
& PHYSICALLY DISABLED
ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN

MINUTES

COMMISSIONERS PRESENT
Ms. Jo Ann Pilarski, Chair

COMMISSIONERS ABSENT
None

MICHIGAN COMMISSION FOR THE BLIND (MCB) STAFF PRESENT
Mr. Patrick Cannon
Ms. Tish Kingaby
Ms. Melody Lindsey
Mr. Leamon Jones
Ms. Roberta McCall
Ms. Susan Turney
Mr. Joe Pelle

The Committee of the Whole was opened by Chair Jo Ann Pilarski at 9:05 a.m. The meeting was audiostreamed.

DIRECTOR’S 2006 PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES

Regarding Objective #1 on Training center policies and the eventual approval of them by the State of Michigan’s Attorney General (AG), Ms. Pilarski asked whether the AG opinion had been sought at this time. Mr. Cannon replied that the policies before the board at the present meeting had been informally reviewed by the AG and had been approved in their entirety, and that when adopted by the board could be posted as policy.

Regarding Objective #2, a study of statewide opportunities for youth in transition, Ms. Pilarski asked whether responsibility for its completion still lay with MCB staff. She said the objective outlined the Consumer Involvement Council (CIC) as completing this work and as they only met three times a year, she wondered about their resources and ability to complete this work. Mr. Cannon said as the CIC was part of MCB, the objective would be accomplished through their combined efforts, working closely through the CIC liaison, Lisa Kisiel. Mr. Cannon said that at their January 23 meeting, CIC had already begun identifying these opportunities.

Regarding Objective #3, opportunities for 2006 summer programs for youth were to be identified by March 2006 and marketed to youth and parent groups. Mr. Cannon said MCB was on track with this objective.

Regarding Objective #9, Ad Hoc Committee for Training Center Services, Ms. Pilarski asked about the progress of forming the committee. Mr. Cannon said he anticipated naming the committee members at the end of the month, although he had recently reissued an invitation for interested participants as the first garnered only a few responses. Over twenty people had now indicated interest. Invitations had also been sent to four consumer groups and the CIC. Mr. Cannon said he expected the group to be about 15 people. Ms. Pilarski said that Commissioner Geri Taeckens would be their representative to this committee.

COMMISSIONER ACTIVITIES

Ms. Geri Taeckens reported attendance at the January CIC meeting at which the Training Center proposed policies were approved by the CIC. Also discussed was the need for a central location where information could be compiled on all activities and organizations for the blind and visually impaired for their access. Ms. Taeckens said Mike Geno of the Michigan Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired (MCBVI) said their organization was compiling such information for their website which might be helpful.

Ms. Taeckens also attended the February 23 meeting of the Image and Identity team and said she was impressed with activities and brochures outlined by that group and with the plans of Ms. Susan Turney, MCB’s Communications and Outreach Coordinator.

Mr. J. J. Jackson said he had no activity to report.

Ms. Sheila Ashcraft said she attended the Services Delivery Design Team (SDDT) meeting in December and topics included college assessment, job placements, youth low vision, staff, position descriptions, and the consumer survey conducted by the Statewide Independent Living Council. Another topic was curriculum guidelines for the MCB Training Center (MCBTC), which was carried forward to a conference call on January 27. During that conference call, she reported Mr. Cannon’s suggestion that the curriculum would be an ideal topic for the new Ad Hoc Committee on Training Center Services to address, and the SDDT concurred that this would be referred to the new committee. The next SDDT meeting is scheduled for March, when their main topic is the online posting of the policy manual. Mr. Cannon reported that, as of February 22, 2006, the MCB Policy Manual was posted online.

Mr. Richard Grant said he had no activity to report.

Ms. Pilarski attended the Planning and Quality (PAQ) Team meeting January 9, which Mr. John Victory facilitated. The team used appreciative inquiry techniques to work through and approve the proposed MCBTC policies. Responsibilities for the Action Plan were also assigned and Ms. Pilarski said she believed all the board’s suggested objectives were included in the Action Plan.

PREVIOUS ISSUES

Ms. Tish Kingaby reported on successful follow-up of items from the previous commission meeting, with the exception that the One Stop Inclusion Workgroup Summary Report on accessibility of the Michigan Works! Centers could not be forwarded to the board at this time. The report is still in draft stage and will not be released until April. It will be forwarded at that time.

PROPOSED COMMISSIONER RETREAT

Ms. Pilarski introduced the topic of a commissioner retreat proposed for the weekend of April 22-23 to be held at the MCB Training Center, following a PAQ meeting on April 21 and prior to the Commission meeting on April 24. Two half-day sessions are proposed to cover suggested topics such as: PA 260, MCB board bylaws and structure, meeting structure and consumer participation, board evaluation, commissioner enhancement training, commissioner role, relationship and trust building, leadership training, Navigator Award certification, budget and funding issues, adherence to MCB mission.

Ms. Pilarski said the retreat program could be structured in segments, using the services of John Victory if possible, and consumers could be invited to join certain segments. Mr. Cannon said he would defer to the wishes of the board for his participation in any segments on Sunday, although he is unable to attend the Saturday session.

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

The regular meeting was called to order at 10:00 a.m. Roll call was taken and a quorum was present.

MR. JACKSON MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MS. ASHCRAFT, TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES OF THE DECEMBER 12 , 2005 MEETING, AS PRESENTED. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Mr. Fred Wurtzel, President of the National Federation of the Blind of Michigan (NFBM), said he wished to mention the sale of the former Michigan School for the Blind (MSB) property in Lansing and the disposition of funds from that sale. Proposed legislation designates a split of the proceeds between Newsline and MSB Trust Fund. NFBM is not in favor of these funds being used for Newsline and requested the board’s support of all funds going to MSB Trust Fund.

Mr. George Wurtzel, Opportunities Unlimited for the Blind, also referred to the proposed legislation and gave an update on Camp Tuhsmeheta activities.

Mr. George Illingworth, member MCBVI, referred to possible employment opportunities for blind youth, such as greenhouses, fast food restaurants, etc.

Ms. Sue Illingworth said employment opportunities for the blind at Goodwill had been reduced, and this setback should be addressed.

CONSUMER DIALOGUE

Ms. Pilarski said that dialogue opportunities would be welcomed regarding the opportunities, training and services that contribute to a successful transition from high school to postsecondary education or employment for youth who are blind or visually impaired, and ways in which to promote these activities. The dialogue was facilitated by Mr. John Victory using appreciative inquiry.

A lengthy discussion was held in which many suggestions were tendered which will be compiled and forwarded to the CIC.

Mr. Cannon described the role of the various components of the K-12 system which he said should be included in any collaboration, such as the teachers and the consultants for visually impaired at the Intermediate School Districts (ISD) who are supposed to be identifying all blind children. Mr. Cannon said MCB connects with the school districts through the Youth Low Vision program which is limited in scope, but noted other possible resources were Department of Education’s Special Education Advisory Committee, MSB’s advisory committee and parents advisory committee, the ISD communication network which parents might be able to tap into to receive and share information, and private organizations such as the two parents organizations and OUB.

Mr. Fred Wurtzel suggested exploring the feasibility of hiring a coordinator for children’s programs at MCB. Mr. Cannon said the statute provided the opportunity to move in that direction, however the statute did not bring any funding with it. Most of MCB’s funding comes through the federal government’s Rehab Act which carries limits on how those funds may be spent and federal law clearly states contact with K-12 students may begin with children at age 14. Mr. Cannon noted that current versions of the reauthorization of the Rehab Act and the Workforce Investment Act would incorporate the age limit of 16. Over the last 28 years, the state legislature had only provided additional funds for the Youth Low Vision program.

Mr. Victory said strategies need to be developed and suggested a task force to develop an action agenda. Ms. Pilarski said she would be willing to be a contact person if anyone was interested in getting a volunteer group together.

MCB TRAINING CENTER POLICIES

Ms. Pilarski thanked Ms. Melody Lindsey, director of the MCB Training Center, the CIC, the PAQ team and everyone who had been involved in drafting the policies. Ms. Lindsey said much work and discussion had gone into the development of these policies which had commenced in 2003. Ms. Lindsey said both the CIC and PAQ had agreed to approve the policies with the Plan Do Study Act (PDSA) approach.

Mr. Cannon advised that the existing guidelines which govern the operations at present were put in place in 2001 and some of them had been subsequently revised. Ms. Lindsey said that the Legal Office of the Family Independence Agency had originally reviewed the guidelines and suggested that many should be policies. Because a few of the guidelines were felt to be particularly important, Mr. Cannon said that MCB wished to implement them as policies with the adoption and sanction of the board, and included as part of the MCB Policy Manual. Commissioners asked whether the policies could be adopted or rejected as a whole or in part and Mr. Cannon said that if the board did not wish to accept a particular policy suggestion, it could be excluded and remain as a guideline.

Ms. Pilarski said that, as the board’s role is to advocate for the blind through their policy making, she felt the policies should be addressed, discussed, and approved or deferred on an individual basis. Ms. Pilarski said that in polling the board their consensus was to foster the independence of the clients and treat them as responsible adults. In the case of rejected policies, these would be deferred for later action.

The board discussed Policies 1-8 in their entirety. The following policies were approved, with amendments, as follows:

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.

The board deferred Policies #1, 7, and 8 for further review, as well as Policies #9-15 which the board did not have time to discuss at this meeting.

MS. ASHCRAFT MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MR. JACKSON, TO DEFER ACTION ON THE REMAINDER OF THE POLICIES TO THE APRIL MEETING. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

DIRECTOR'S REPORT AND 2006 PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES

Mr. Cannon referred the board to the written MCB Report previously submitted to the Board and recapped the subject headlines.

MR. JACKSON MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MS. ASHCRAFT, TO ACCEPT THE DIRECTOR’S REPORT, AS WRITTEN. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

MR. JACKSON MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MS. ASHCRAFT, TO ACCEPT THE 2006 PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES FOR THE DIRECTOR, AS PRESENTED. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

Recessed for lunch at 12:20 p.m.

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The meeting was reconvened at 1:20 p.m.

BOARD CORRESPONDENCE

There was no Board Correspondence.

NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND OF MICHIGAN REPORT

Mr. Fred Wurtzel, President, of the National Federation of the Blind of Michigan (NFBM) thanked the board for inviting them to participate. Mr. Wurtzel said the eight NFB Resolutions passed at their November 2005 convention would be introduced by Mr. David Robinson, Resolutions Committee Chair, read aloud by Ms. Mary Wurtzel, and followed by comments by various NFBM members. The resolutions were distributed in print and Braille format.

Resolution 05-01 called for the City of Livonia to reinstate its SMART bus program participation and for the Board to approach the City of Livonia, however, it was not clear at this time whether this service had in fact been discontinued.

Resolution 05-02 called for MCB to disclose and make available any and all policies pertaining to the provision of rehabilitation services in the appropriate modes of communications, allowing them to make informed and appropriate choices regarding their individualized rehabilitation services. Mr. Cannon reiterated his earlier report that the MCB Policy Manual is now online for reference.

Resolution 05-06 called for MCB board to adopt policies that would give priority to Michigan based businesses owned by blind people when purchasing goods or services, and to compile a list of and promote these businesses. Ms. Pilarski said the Department of Labor and Economic Growth had promoted the use of the Business Enterprise Program in state buildings. Mr. Cannon also reported the hiring of two personnel in the Department of Management and Budget’s Acquisition Services specifically for the purpose of promoting businesses owned by people with disabilities, establishing a list of such businesses and distributing it throughout state government. Mr. Cannon said the two new staff, Doug Spade and Mike Clement, were invited to present information about the Supplier Diversity Program at the June board meeting.

Resolution 05-07 called for MCB to adopt policies of hiring blind people when staffing their positions and promoting the hiring of blind people. Mr. Cannon said that hiring was conducted in compliance with Civil Service requirements and that currently blind staff comprise about 30 percent of MCB’S staff, including its director, consumer services division director, training center director and Business Enterprise Program director.

Commissioner Taeckens said that in originally reading the resolutions language, she had felt some of them were written as criticism of MCB and Mr. Wurtzel explained that they were not meant to be critical but to emphasize improvements in services for blind people.

Resolution 05-08 requests MCB establish programs for blind children. Mr. Wurtzel said that under PA 260, MCB is responsible for coordinating all programs for blind children in Michigan, and that by improving daily living skills of blind children and providing them with role models, their skills for future employment and independence will be increased. As there is no funding provided for such programs, Mr. Wurtzel requested MCB pursue resources.

MICHIGAN COUNCIL OF THE BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED REPORT

Mr. Michael Geno, President of the Michigan Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired (MCBVI), reported via telephone conference.

Mr. Geno said membership was up in MCBVI and gave an update of some MCBVI benefits, including their quarterly newsletter, committees for grant scholarships and legislative issues the latter of which works on such topics as Help America Vote Act (HAVA) and transportation. Regarding current legislation, Mr. Geno also said MCBVI did not support the current funding proposal for Newsline. MCBVI may be contacted through email at mcbvi@sbcglobal.net or by phone at 888-956-2284. Plans include a website and listserv and Mr. Geno said they would be happy to collaborate with other consumer organizations to improve accessibility to activity lists.

As MCBVI has already submitted their resolutions, Mr. Geno said he did not intend to read them at this time. He gave a brief summary of their content which included: a call for increased funding by the Michigan Department of Transportation for local transit systems; that total blindness or visual impairment should not by itself be a determining factor for assigning guardianship or being placed in an assisted living facility; that producers of DVDs include audio and descriptive video options; and that safety of blind pedestrians be researched, taken into account and assured by automobile manufacturers in light of the ever quieter vehicles being produced.

Mr. Geno reported that MCBVI has begun an initiative they refer to as "Common Ground" which is to invite collaboration with other organizations to explore how they may work together on common blindness issues. He said while many different organizations may have different priorities, he believed there was value in collaborating wherever there was common ground.

Mr. Geno announced the fall convention of the MCBVI would take place October 6-7-8 at the Howard Johnsons Hotel in Wyoming. He feels the future of MCBVI is very bright and they are working to attract younger members and members in the Upper Peninsula. Mr. Geno said that working collaboratively with MCB would result in many of their mutual goals being met, and commended the board in affording opportunities for MCBVI, NFBM and the CIC to engage in dialogue.

CONSUMER INVOLVEMENT COUNCIL REPORT

Mr. Casey Dutmer, Chair of the Consumer Involvement Council (CIC), thanked the board for their involvement and commitment to consumers and referred to the written report he had submitted. He reported that he and Lisa Kisiel, MCB liaison, have begun a list of available transition programs and services that are available for youth in Michigan and expect to have the list done in March.

Mr. Dutmer requested clarification on whether the CIC would be granted more funding to allow for additional meetings, formation of subcommittees and travel expenses to accomplish its goals. Regarding additional meetings, Mr. Cannon suggested the CIC could convene meetings via the CIC’s conference call number.

Mr. Dutmer referred to another goal which was to verify signage in state buildings, especially those housing MCB offices. Mr. Cannon said the Michigan Commission on Disability Concerns might be approached to reaudit those buildings.

ANNOUNCEMENT OF RESIGNATION

Commissioner J.J. Jackson announced that, following an extremely difficult decision and due primarily to health concerns, he was resigning from the board. Mr. Jackson will send an official letter of resignation to the Governor, indicating he was willing to serve through May. Attendees expressed their regret at this decision.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Ms. Kim Walsh of the Detroit Radio Information Service (DRIS) described their service and gave contact information.

Mr. George Illingworth thanked the board for what he said was an extremely interesting and proactive commission meeting.

Mr. George Wurtzel described more programs being planned for youth at Camp Tuhsmeheta.

In closing, Mr. Cannon said he appreciated the Commisison’s use of the Washtenaw County Library for the Blind and Physically Disabled, whose Director, Margaret Wolfe, went above and beyond in delivering programs for the blind in the Ann Arbor area. One special event of interest to attendees organized by Ms. Wolfe and cosponsored by MCB was the upcoming Visions 2006, a vendor fair to be held May 10 at the Washtenaw Community College.

ADJOURNMENT

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

The meeting was adjourned at 3:57 p.m. The next meeting will be on Monday, April 24, 2006 at the Michigan Commission for the Blind Training Center in Kalamazoo. The meeting will begin at 9:00 a.m.

Jo Ann Pilarski, Chairperson

Date