Mr. Cannon said that prior to highlighting his written report, he wished to present a certificate of recognition to Mr. Fred Wurtzel for his twenty years of service to the Michigan Commission for the blind and the citizens of Michigan. The Board congratulated Mr. Wurtzel.

Mr. Cannon summarized several portions of his written report. Topics included the implementation of accessible electronic and information technology through the Michigan Department of Information Technology; outreach activities to the eye care community, mainly through the efforts of Susan Turney, MCB Communications and Outreach Coordinator, as well as Mr. Cannon’s scheduled presentation at the August conference of the Michigan Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons (previously called the Michigan Ophthalmological Society); summer programs for youth around Michigan, including the opportunity for youth to gain work experience which is a valuable asset on a resume; and a report that there is no change to current language regarding service animals on planes. 

Mr. Cannon also outlined the upcoming Visions 2006 vendor fair, co-sponsored by MCB and the Washtenaw County Library for the Blind and Physically Disabled, which will be held May 10 in Ann Arbor.   This event, held biennially, is the fourth vendor fair demonstrating technology and services for the blind and visually impaired.

Topics at the CSAVR and NCSAB conferences will include the realignment of the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA), which closed its regional offices last year, and the resulting effect on services, including technical assistance and monitoring; reauthorization of the Rehab Act which is still held up in Congress; and the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pension’s oversight hearings held last fall on the Randolph-Sheppard Act, which is the authority for the Business Enterprise Program, its overall effectiveness, and whether it should be expanded to include all people with disabilities. The Board discussed and it was reaffirmed that it is the Commission’s desire that this program remain exclusively for the blind.

Mr. Cannon said that at the CSAVR Region V meeting held in Chicago, March 28-29, a topic was raised at his suggestion following discussion at a commission meeting, on providing rehabilitation services to youth.  Mr. Cannon discovered that Michigan is the only state in the six state region that provides any services to youth under age 14 and one state provides no services until youth reach age 16.

Mr. Cannon reported 41 attendees at the mini adjustment program in Detroit.  He also noted that the popular mini adjustment program is scheduled again this spring and summer in Clare and Lansing.

Commissioners commended Mr. Cannon on the MCB report, its detail, and the high level of activity by staff. 

Mr. Cannon concluded by announcing that it was hoped to post a technology training specialist position at the Training Center very soon, and that one of the job duties included a help desk toll free number to assist clients around the state.  Mr. Yake reported that two additional recommendations by the Technology Committee were being implemented: one, that student access to the internet and email at the center would soon be expanded as wireless networks were being installed, and second, that multi-functional equipment was being installed in MCB offices for printing, copying and fax purposes which included voice commands on copying functions by blind staff. Mr. Yake said access will be improved when manufacturers are taught how to design the machines with the access built in, rather than added on, as the fax functions still were not usable by blind staff.

MR. GRANT MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MS. TAECKENS, TO ACCEPT THE DIRECTOR’S REPORT, AS PRESENTED.  THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

MCB CONSUMER SERVICES REPORT

Mr. Leamon Jones, Director of the Consumer Services Division, highlighted sections from the written MCB report, including the work of the Services Delivery Focus Design Team task force to study college assessment and technology needs, work experience needs of prospective students, and several conferences attended by staff.

Mr. Jones outlined some significant topics from workshops, including the Josephine L. Taylor Leadership Conference in Atlanta which highlighted a pilot project allowing provision of vision rehabilitation services by occupational therapists, under the direction of a physician.  Mr. Jones also emphasized attendance by staff at the Transition Conference in Frankenmuth, as transition was an extremely important component for staff to understand in order to help prepare youth for college or employment.  

At the Fifteenth Annual Older Blind Conference, Mr. Jones said he learned new measurements and monitoring systems will be put in place in 2008.  Core competencies will be developed so that individuals receive the same basic services, with written goals and objectives.  At the March CSAVR meeting, standards and indicators for the new monitoring system administered by the RSA were also discussed.

Mr. Jones described activities in both regions including cash match agreements and summer programs being developed around the state, especially those involving transition activities which they hope in some cases to extend to year-round services.

Mr. Grant commended the staff’s efforts to provide opportunities for youth in gaining various skills which in turn improves their self image.  Ms. Taeckens also asked about public service announcements, and Ms. Turney related that MCB recently had some good exposure as a co-sponsor of the Michigan Works Expo held in Lansing, but that in general, there was no longer any free public service announcements in television.

MS. ASHCRAFT MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MR. GRANT, TO ACCEPT THE CONSUMER SERVICES DIVISION REPORT, AS PRESENTED.  THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

ELECTED OPERATORS COMMITTEE REPORT

          Mr. Fred Wurtzel, Manager of the Business Enterprise Program, introduced the newly elected chair of the Elected Operators Committee (EOC), Mr. Thomas Kent.  Several motions were passed by the EOC in February 2006 which were sent in a written report to the Board, with two motions requiring approval by the Board.  The two motions, staff comments and recommendations were read aloud, and discussion was held on the motions.

MS. TAECKENS MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MR. GRANT, TO ACCEPT THE ELECTED OPERATORS COMMITTEE MOTION THAT IN FUTURE WHEN NON-MANDATED FACILITIES ARE INCLUDED IN A LOCATION AND THE LOCATION GOES UP FOR BID, THE NON-MANDATED FACILITY STAYS AND DOES NOT MOVE THE WITH THE OPERATOR.  THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

Recessed for lunch at 12:25 p.m.

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               The meeting was reconvened at 1:15 p.m. 

ELECTED OPERATORS COMMITTEE REPORT (Continued)

MR. GRANT MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MS. TAECKENS, TO ACCEPT THE ELECTED OPERATORS COMMITTEE MOTION THAT ANY PERSON WHO HAS LEFT THE

PROGRAM HAS THREE YEARS TO RETURN TO THE PROGRAM WITHOUT HAVING TO COMPLETE THE ENTIRE VENDING STAND TRAINING PROCESS.  THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

Mr. Kent gave a brief summary of his experience as an operator and the immediate goals of the EOC to work closely with the Consumers Services Division and the vocational rehabilitation staff to attract and train new operators, and also to work on the inventory process.   Discussion was held regarding the current inventory system which is based on two weeks’ inventory, a dollar amount, which must be in place when an operator takes over a new facility.  This amount is based on purchases for a year divided by 26, and while this may be a correct dollar amount, the system often results in an unbalance in product. Mr. Wurtzel said BEP staff and the EOC hoped to bring in experts to help them develop alternate ways to set inventory.

Mr. Kent thanked the members of the EOC who had previously served on the committee and congratulated the newly elected members.  Mr. Kent invited the Board to visit a variety of facilities to see how they work and offer any suggestions for improvement.

BUSINESS ENTERPRISEPROGRAM REPORT

          Mr. Fred Wurtzel, BEP Manager, reported that while EOC motions were made and passed at the BEP Workshop, April 7-9, these were not ready for presentation to the Board as the BEP secretary had recently taken another position.  It is hoped the motions can be presented at the June Board meeting.

Mr. Wurtzel said he appreciated his 20 year certificate of recognition, and that he had enjoyed his experience working in the Business Enterprise Program, in which he began as an operator.

Mr. Wurtzel said the BEP workshop had focused almost entirely on catering, as a follow up to the new rules promulgated last fall which included catering as part of the mandated services in state properties.  Mr. Wurtzel said several operators reported significant increase in sales.  While the process is not running smoothly yet, Mr. Wurtzel said that much of this was due to the need for training in catering.  Mr. Wurtzel said his supervisor, Ms. Sherri Heibeck, Administrative Services Manager, has been extremely supportive and although she previously had no background in the BEP, she assimilates the challenges and develops solutions in a speedy and efficient manner.

Mr. Wurtzel said he looked forward to working with the new EOC which seemed open to change and challenges and committed to improving the BEP system.  It is hoped that training in leadership, appreciative inquiry dialogue, and other topics can be provided to aid the EOC.  Mr. Wurtzel thanked the Board for its support.

MS. TAECKENS MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MR. GRANT, TO ACCEPT THE BUSINESS ENTERPRISE PROGRAM REPORT, AS PRESENTED.  THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

MCB TRAINING CENTER REPORT

Ms. Melody Lindsey, Director of the MCB Training Center, reported that their maintenance supervisor, Dick Linihan, was retiring at the end of the week, and it was hoped to fill his position quickly.  It is also anticipated that approval to post both a technology trainer position and a secretary position is imminent.

Ms. Lindsey reported that the Memorandum of Understanding with the Department of Education and Opportunities Unlimited for the Blind (OUB) for programs at Camp Tuhsmeheta had been developed, as well as MCB’s Quest for Success program which hopes to attract 12-30 students this summer with many MCB staff participating.

Ms. Lindsey said that actor Jeff Daniels had visited the Center on March 8 in order to study for an upcoming role as a blind person in the movie, “The Lookout.”  Mr. Daniels kept his visit very low key and he met with staff and with students who presented him with a CD in which they described how they did everyday tasks as blind people; they also wanted him to know the true implications of blindness rather than the stereotypes of blindness.   Mr. Daniels was interested in Braille and in learning to use the cane effectively.  Ms. Lindsey said it was a great experience.

MCB TRAINING CENTER POLICIES

As a continuation of the work started at the February 24 meeting, the Board completed its review of the proposed new policies for the Training Center. 

Ms. Kingaby read a summary from the minutes of the previous progress to refresh the Board, which included the approval of policies #2, #3, #4, #5, #6.  Policies #1, 7 and 8 were deferred with discussion on #9 suspended. 

The Board approved the following policies, with amendments, as follows:

9.  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.

10. 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:

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

12.  No sexual contact is permitted.

15. 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.

            After a short discussion, approval was also given to Policy No.1:

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.

               During discussion of the various policies, the board felt it was important that “sexual contact” be better defined to avoid misunderstanding.  Ms. Pilarski said any commissioner could write an opinion on policies they took exception to.  Mr. Grant commented that while policies had been adopted by the board as a whole, he wished to state his disagreement on some of the moral issues contained in the policies. He believed certain of these policies could very well lead to establishment of predator/prey relationships.   Mr. Grant also stated that he disagreed with the supposition that there need not be any concerns over the legal implications of the policies based on the verbal review by the Office of the Attorney General (AG).  Mr. Grant strongly recommended the board should take appropriate steps to provide an adequate written review of these policies by the AG’s office.

          Mr. Cannon said that deferred proposed policies, #7, #8, #13, and #14 will revert to guidelines, and may be referred back to the original committee on training center policies at some point in the future, or to a new committee formed for future deliberation on additional policies.  Review of such policies would follow process through the Planning and Quality (PAQ) Team and Consumer Involvement Council (CIC) before presentation to the Board.

Discussion was held about the preamble regarding the need to add “visually impaired” each time a reference to “blind” is made.  It was felt that further references are inferred and the language could stand as written.  Ms. Pilarski said this issue was an “elephant” which should be discussed, perhaps at a Committee of the Whole or at a PAQ meeting.

MR. JACKSON MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MS. ASHCRAFT, TO FORMALLY ADOPT POLICIES #1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, 12 AND 15, AS AMENDED, AND THAT PROPOSED #7, 8, 13 AND 14 WILL REVERT TO GUIDELINES.  THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

          Mr. Cannon thanked the Board for their long and careful consideration of these policies, and Ms. Pilarski said she was very appreciative of the hard work performed by the various committees in preparing the proposed policies.

COMMISSIONER JACKSON RECOGNITION

          Ms. Pilarski commended Mr. Jackson for his four years service on the Board and on the Cultural Diversity Committee.  Each of the Board gave personal comments.  Mr. Cannon, on behalf of the Board and the staff of the Michigan Commission for the Blind, thanked Mr. Jackson for his service and presented a plaque to Mr. Jackson.  Mr. Jackson said he was very regretful that he had to leave, congratulated the Board on its growth, and especially Chair Pilarski’s leadership, and indicated he would be forwarding a personal farewell letter by email.

PUBLIC COMMENT

               Mr. George Wurtzel, Opportunities Unlimited for the Blind (OUB), introduced the organization’s new secretary, Ms. Melissa Jones. He requested the Board’s support that proceeds from the sale of the former Michigan Commission for the Blind property be deposited to the Michigan School for the Blind Trust Fund.       Mr. Wurtzel also described the satisfactory conclusion of the Memorandum of Understanding between MCB, OUB and Department of Education, and various programs being planned for youth at Camp Tuhsmeheta.

MR. JACKSON MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MR. GRANT,

THAT THE BOARD WRITE A LETTER TO THE GOVERNOR RECOMMENDING HER SUPPORT THAT THE PROCEEDS FROM THE SALE OF THE FORMER MICHIGAN SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND PROPERTY BE DEPOSITED IN THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION’S MICHIGAN SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND TRUST FUND. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

               Ms. Joyce Dallenbach, MCB client, said she had concerns regarding the policy discussion for minors, as she feels it is important not to have too much oversight at the Training Center, that minors are often too over-protected, that while she understands the challenge for the staff to oversee clients, attending the Training Center is often a turning point for students and they should be accorded trust, dignity and respect.

ADJOURNMENT

MS. PILARSKI MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MS. TAECKENS, TO ADJOURN THE MEETING.  THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

          The meeting was adjourned at 3:45 p.m.  The next meeting will be held on Friday, June 23, 2006 at the Victor Building, Third Floor Conference Rooms A/B, in Lansing.  The meeting will begin at 9:00 a.m.

                                               
Jo Ann Pilarski, Chairperson

                                               
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