MCB REPORT

June 15, 2009

White House Official Addresses NCSAB Conference

The Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation (CSAVR) and the National Council of State Agencies for the Blind (NCSAB) held their Spring Conferences in Bethesda, Maryland, April 19-24, attracting more than 300 participants.  The two organizations hold adjacent conferences twice each year to provide opportunities for administrators, professionals and partners to learn about new trends and issues affecting rehabilitation services for VR agencies and their clients.

The theme of the NCSAB Conference, April 22-24, was "New Beginnings - Amidst Turmoil, Challenge and Hope."  Participants learned how other agencies are coping with the turmoil of the national economy, the challenges of ever-increasing unemployment and the hopes raised by the stimulus funding proposal signed into law by President Barack Obama on February 17.

One of the highlights of the NCSAB Conference was the participation of a top White House official, Mr. Kareem Dale, Special Advisor to the President on Disability Policy, who made a presentation on the Obama Administration's perspective on Disability Issues.  He spoke about his role as advisor to President Barack Obama and the Administration's hope and expectations regarding the utilization of rehab stimulus funds and other issues concerning blind rehab agencies.

Under the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA) public rehabilitation agencies throughout the country are receiving an additional $540 million to assist job seekers with disabilities to secure employment.  As a result of the Rehab Stimulus measure, the Michigan Commission for the Blind is receiving an extra $2.72 million to help put blind people to work.  Many conference presentations showcased creative approaches to utilizing the stimulus funds over the next two years.

Other highlights of the conferences included reports by officials from the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA), the federal agency overseeing public rehabilitation programs in the country, which outlined their expectations on the use of stimulus funds, attempts in Congress to re-authorize the federal Workforce Investment Act (WIA), and RSA monitoring of state programs.  Conference attendees also heard presentations by other agencies for the blind on a variety of topics, including why investing in VR is good public policy; orientation and Mobility and quiet cars; how to keep up with fast changing technological advances; distance learning for staff and clients; and working effectively with transition programs for youth.

Recognizing that many rehab agencies throughout the country are implementing creative and effective initiatives which lead to improved services and outcomes for clients with disabilities, the final portion of the NCSAB Conference was the popular "Brag and Steal" session, providing participants an opportunity to share some of their great practices, as well as to learn from others.

Public Input Sought in Streamlining Government

  Lt. Governor John D. Cherry, Jr. announced, May 26, that a workgroup under his leadership charged with streamlining government has identified seven core functions of state government and said input is needed from legislators, state employees and the public on what services a streamlined government should provide.

"At a time when government cannot afford to be all things to all people, we are refocusing our efforts on state government's core functions and how best to provide necessary services and protect the fundamental rights of Michigan citizens," Cherry said.

In her 2009 State of the State address, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm asked Cherry to lead a comprehensive effort to create a state government that provides better service at less cost to taxpayers.  The governor requested a plan to reduce 18 state departments down to eight.

Cherry leads a workgroup that includes staff from the executive office and various state departments supplemented by academic resources from the University of Michigan, Michigan State University and Wayne State University.

Cherry's group has identified seven core functions of state government.  Each function would be delegated to one state department.  The workgroup identified the following seven core functions:

·        Public safety. Protecting people's personal safety is paramount.  People should feel safe in their homes, workplaces and communities.

·        Education. From early childhood through all stages of adulthood, Michigan citizens expect a public education system to provide them the skills and abilities necessary for good jobs.

·        Public systems. State government, in partnership with federal and local government, should build and maintain a physical infrastructure that supports public transportation, water and waste management systems, public utilities, information technology, public recreation and other public facilities.

·        Well-being. People should be free from hunger and have access to medical care and safe shelter.

·        Sustainability. State government should steward Michigan's land, air, ecosystems and water resources in a sustainable manner.

·        Economic opportunity and prosperity. The state should encourage job creation, stimulate entrepreneurship and promote the state's existing and emerging industries.

·        Efficiency and effectiveness. State government should be efficient, deliver services effectively, and be transparent in decision-making and spending.

To obtain public input on what a streamlined state government should look like, the Cherry workgroup will hold town hall meetings this summer and a Web-based process for the public to submit ideas also is being explored. State employees already can submit suggestions, either through e-mail or a state employee intranet site.  More information on how to participate in the process can be found at http://connect.michigan.gov or ltgovcherry@michigan.gov .

"We need to ask the people of Michigan what they believe are state government's core functions," Cherry said.  "We cannot streamline government until we first get answers to that fundamental question."

Technology Committee Advocates for Accessibility

The MCB Technology Committee continues to promote accessibility features in information technology and is also working to ensure the quality of technology training for MCB clients.  Joe Pelle, BEP Promotional Agent, spoke on May 13^th about a new technology that could provide accessible training via the Internet for individuals who are blind.   The Optometric Institute and Clinic of Metropolitan Detroit (OICMD) is currently testing online training using Skype and PC to Home.  Mr. Pelle will be visiting the OICMD office to talk with staff regarding the success of the testing and report back to the committee at the September meeting.

The main agenda item for the May meeting was to finalize a letter, included in this packet, originally developed by the Futuristic Committee that will be sent to the technology industry who could assist in making technology more accessible for the blind and visually impaired.  The Technology Committee members amended the letter to include statistics and ways that assistive technologies would add to a company's bottom line.  The committee feels this letter is a great tool to send to many technology companies.  It was also determined that this same letter could be tailored to send to vendors who have products that visually impaired individuals use on a daily basis that are not accessible.  The committee identified the following products or technologies:  Satellite Dishes; DVD Players; ATT& UVERSE Fiber Optic - Television and Internet products; Washers & Dryers and Workout CD's to name a few.  An email was sent to all MCB staff requesting their input for additional product technologies that the committee may have missed and that staff identify any technology training that would be beneficial to them professionally for agency technology training in the fall. 

The next item on the agenda was the criteria needed to determine how the committee will interview and approve new vendors for the VR Technology Vendor list.   The committee decided that if staff or a vendor themselves wanted to be added to the technology vendor list the request would first be sent to Leamon Jones, Consumer Services Director.   The request needs to include: a resume - with references and a cover letter outlining services the vendor can provide.  Once Leamon receives both the resume and cover letter he will forward the information to the chairperson of the Technology Subcommittee to setup the interview.  The committee chairperson will contact the other Tech Committee members to determine the interview panel which will consist of at least two committee members that can travel to the vendor's location.  A member of the interview panel will contact the vendor for an initial phone interview within 1 week of receipt of the resume from Mr. Jones.  If during that interview the panel determines that the vendor appears to be a viable candidate, a hands on interview/audition will be setup.  The interview team will inform the potential vendor that he/she will need to provide and be assessed on the following:

1.      A written lesson plan

2.      An abbreviated hands on training lesson

3.      The potential vendor ability to evaluate a scenario regarding a client needing equipment.  The evaluation would include a determination of what equipment a client would need and how they would make the determination

4.      Provide examples of training materials for students

In addition, the technology committee would also develop an evaluation to give to clients that received training from any new technology vendors to determine the vendor's effectiveness.

Finally, the Tech Committee would like to have the VR Technology Vendor List updated so that vendors are listed by services they can provide.   Mr. Jones will be asked to have staff identify what vendors they are currently using and what services the vendors perform so the Technology list can be revised.  This will provide staff a basis for determining who to call if a particular service is needed.  It would also be beneficial for staff to identify any vendors on the list that are no longer providing services.

The committee scheduled the next Technology Subcommittee meeting for June 2^nd to provide follow up for the Vendor letter and response from staff regarding technology training in the fall.  

The major agenda of this meeting was to address staff technology training in the fall.  It was expected that there would be staff feedback from the email sent on May 14^th requesting input for technology training.  However, the committee was advised that MCB's client tracking systems will be upgraded with a new engine that will result in many new and improved features.  The committee decided that it will be beneficial to provide agency client tracking system training to staff in November as a result of the system upgrade.   The training will be scheduled in conjunction with the upgrade. 

The other item discussed was the advocacy letter for technology that is not accessible for blind and visually impaired consumers.  The committee anticipates that the letters will go out before the next technology meeting, scheduled for September 8^th, 2009 .   

MCB Offers Ten Summer Programs for Youth

This summer the Michigan Commission for the Blind (MCB) is offering 10 programs for eligible youth who are blind or visually impaired, all designed to provide opportunities to prepare for independence and the transition into postsecondary education or employment. 

·        Summer in the City, June 15-25 , is a two-week program for blind and visually impaired youth age 14-21 and in high school featuring high-school-to-career transition activities emphasizing daily living skills and employment skill development. The program is sponsored by the Michigan Commission for the Blind and the Kent, Ottawa, and Ionia intermediate school districts. The Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired in Grand Rapids will provide the skills training.

·        MCB Business Enterprise Program Summer Employment, June 15 through August 7 , is an eight-week food service and vending internship in MCB's Business Enterprise Program for blind and visually impaired youth ages 15-22. Participants work 20-30 hours per week at $7.40 per hour. The June 15 through August 7 timeline is flexible.

·        Career Club, June 16-18, July 14-16, and August 11-13 is a nine-day program for blind and visually impaired youth in Eaton and Ingham counties. Participants will explore careers, learn about their individual strengths and interests, work on team-building skills, develop a career plan, discuss work skills and ethics, practice interviewing, complete a job application, develop job-seeking skills, and have fun. This program is sponsored by the Michigan Commission for the Blind, Eaton and Ingham intermediate school districts, and Peckham, Inc.

·        Macomb Skill Building Camp, June 17-26 , is for blind and visually impaired Macomb ISD students age 14-18. This program will focus on topics from the Expanded Core Curriculum for Students with Visual Impairments, including independent living skills, community-based experiences, activities of daily living, recreation and leisure, obtaining information about community resources, and more, to promote independence. During this camp, the students will be utilizing Macomb Academy's apartment at Lakeside Terrace in Sterling Heights to provide students with the opportunity to learn and practice adaptive daily living skills in a home-like environment.

·        MCB 2009 College Preparatory Program at Western Michigan University, June 25 - August 14 , in Kalamazoo , is for blind and visually impaired high school juniors and seniors, as well as anyone else who is blind or visually impaired who would like to pursue college training and has not done so yet as a person who is blind or visually impaired. The purpose of the program is to give potential college students the opportunity to take a college class for credit, along with other classes and activities designed by MCB. Students will find out what it's like to be a college student, try out their independent living skills in a supported environment, and have an opportunity to learn about themselves and make plans for their education after high school. To determine a student's readiness to meet the challenges of academic classes and daily living on campus, each student must complete a college assessment. During the program itself, students reside at a Western Michigan University student dormitory.

·        Detroit Summer Youth Program, June 22 - August 14 , is an eight-week program that focuses on activities for transitioning after high school graduation into postsecondary education or employment. This is a collaborative venture between the Michigan Commission for the Blind, Detroit Public Schools, and Wayne Regional Educational Service Agency (RESA). The program is open to blind and visually impaired high school youth in the Detroit Public Schools ages 14-26, who will have the opportunity to gain actual work experience in a variety of agencies and organizations throughout the area. The program also provides some technical training, daily living activities, and recreational experiences.

·        MCB Personal Adjustment Training, July 6 through August 28 , is a comprehensive training program that offers blind and visually impaired high school and college students age 16 and older the opportunity to strengthen the skills that they will need in order to live on their own and be ready for postsecondary education or employment after graduation from high school. MCB Macomb Employment Connection, July 13-24, is for blind and visually impaired Macomb ISD students ages 14-26. This program is an opportunity for students to develop, improve, and increase their exposure to the community and develop skills for self-reliance, independent living, and the sound work ethic needed to compete for employment.

·        Quest for Success Summer Youth Program at Camp Tuhsmeheta (near Greenville), July 19-24 , is a week-long summer camp program for blind and visually impaired youth ages 14-18 who are in high school. Sponsored by the Michigan Commission for the Blind and the Michigan Department of Education, the program combines fun-filled summer camp activities with the chance to learn invaluable skills in Braille, access technology, travel skills, cooking, and organizational management.

·        Bear Lake Camp in Lapeer, July 22 , is a one-day camp sponsored by MCB for blind and visually impaired youth ages 14-26 featuring simulated employment activities and other activities of daily living.

More information on these activities can be found on the MCB website at www.michigan.gov/mcb or by contacting Susan Turney at 800-292-4200 or 517-241-8631.

Mini-Adjustment Program in Escanaba

A very successful Mini-Adjustment Program Workshop was held in Escanaba, May 17-22, with 18 consumers participating.  MCB clients attending the week-long Mini-Adjustment Program workshop were introduced to a variety of skills of blindness, such as cane travel, Braille, managing time and money, adaptive kitchen skills and other skills to enhance independence.

In conjunction with the workshop, the Commission also conducted an Employment Readiness Seminar, May 21, for ten clients who have advanced to the job-readiness stage of their rehabilitation program.  Consumers attending the seminars learned about various approaches to job searching, Michigan Works!, the Talent Bank, interview preparation and resume development.  They also took part in mock interviews and heard from local employers on their workforce needs.  Additionally, consumers received information about social security benefits and work incentives, as well as information about the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and how it relates to employment of persons with disabilities.  Plans are being finalized for additional Mini-Adjustment Programs and Employment Readiness Seminars this year in Clare, August 23-28; and Grand Rapids, November 15-20.

Soon-To-Be Optometrists Learn About MCB Services

On March 27, Pat Cannon made his fourth annual visit to the Michigan College of Optometry at Ferris State University to give a presentation on blindness and MCB services to a senior-level class of future optometrists.  This year, he spoke to 38 students in Dr. Sarah Hinkley's class, as Sue Luzenski assisted with audiovisual equipment and distribution of MCB publications.  The presentation included a blindness awareness survey, stories from Pat's own life experiences, a discussion of the stereotypes related to blindness, an overview of audio description and access, a video titled What Do You Do When You See a Blind Person, and the MCB video, Changing Lives, Changing Attitudes followed by a time for questions and answers. 

CONSUMER SERVICES REPORT

RSA Recommendations

During the past several weeks the Consumer Services Division has been reviewing their notes from the monitoring visit of the RSA monitoring team to be in a position to implement the necessary changes that they recommended.  The RSA team reviewed the Older Blind program and recommend that the program should have a policy manual that outlines the basic requirements for independent living services and procedures for how the services are to be delivered.  MCB, in the past, has utilized its current manual to provide these services to the older blind.  Currently, the Service Delivery Design Team and the managers are reviewing manuals from other states to meet this recommendation. Another recommendation was that MCB needs to adjust their cash match agreements in order that MCB meets the CFR 361.28. MCB is reviewing other agreements that were recommended by RSA as a model to follow.  These agreements focus on the third party and certified match requirements.  The agency has changed the agreements that were developed with various centers for independent living (CIL's).  The services that were being provided under the cash match agreements will continue and the agency and the CIL's will agree on the cost based on a fee for services. 

Summer Programs

MCB has identified all of its summer programs for 2009.  Again this year, the agency will make available ten transitional programs for students to participate in the summer.  MCB's College Prep program will offer potential college students an opportunity to learn how one can prepare him or herself for college studies and college life.  This program will take place on Western Michigan University campus where the students will be housed in the dormitory.  These students will be involved in work experience and some of the youths work experience will be supported through the Michigan Youth Summer Work program.  The College Prep program is expecting about 14 students this year - one of the largest classes in recent years.  The College Prep students exemplify the need for individuals to prepare themselves with the skills needed for the jobs in the 21^st Century.  A number of the programs will provide paid work experience for its participants. The Michigan Works! Summer Youth program will provide support for many of MCB's consumers this summer.  The BEP Summer Work Opportunity program (SWOP) participants are eligible to receive payments through the Michigan Works! Summer Youth program which will provide expanded opportunities for more transition students to participate in summer work experiences.

Another summer program that MCB's students will participate in is the Michigan Youth Leadership Forum.  This is a one week leadership training program coordinated by Michigan Commission on Disability Concerns (MCDC), state agencies and other businesses.  This program provides students with a variety of disabilities to learn the importance of becoming leaders within their communities.  The Michigan Commission for the Blind will have five students attending this year out of a total of 24.  The program is housed at Michigan State University from June 14 -18, 2009.

The East Region staff is collaborating with several agencies to assist in the implementation of the Detroit Summer Youth program.  The State Department of Education's Low Incidence and Outreach (LIO), the Michigan Works!, along with Detroit Public Schools and MCB staff will provide an educational and work experience for 37 staff for the summer program.  The LIO will provide the instructions for technical training.  This is an additional component to the program for this summer.  LIO will also assist with orientation by providing assistance for the orientation program that will take place on June 11, 2009.  The Michigan Works! staff is working with MCB and local businesses to develop worksites for youths.  Through continuous dialogue and collaboration with local businesses and the Detroit intermediate school district, the youths will receive valuable work experience as well as technical and daily living skill training.  The Michigan Works! will support the youths through their summer youth program.

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Funds (ARRA)

The Commission for the Blind received ARRA funds for both VR and Older Blind consumers.  These funds will be used to assist individuals in securing gainful employment.  The Consumer Services Division will add three employment counselors to assist the staff with placing job ready consumers.  These individuals will be an intricate part of the Business Services program.  These specialists will be funded through ARRA for approximately 2 years.  Individuals are expected to develop employment relationships with a variety of employers in order that job ready consumers will have an opportunity to become gainfully employed.  Further emphasis is being placed on establishing close working relations with local community rehabilitation organizations (CRO's) in each local area to develop relationships with their job placement divisions to assist MCB job ready consumers to obtain gainful employment. 

The Consumer Services staff is collaborating with the Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) and the Office on Aging to develop opportunities for persons with disabilities to receive technical training at the local centers.  MCB and AAA will conduct a survey to determine the need for such training and which centers should be involved in providing the training.  MCB will develop agreements with the AAA to establish accessible work stations equipped with screen reading software and magnification software so that seniors and other visually impaired and blind individuals will be able to learn the use of adaptive technology.  MCB will encourage the AAA to employ MCB's consumers to be instructors.  This approach will provide employment opportunities for consumers with the skills in the technical field.  MCB is working with the AAA's on selecting nursing home facilities to establish a pilot project to transition blind individuals from these facilities to independent living and/or assistive living residence.  The Older Blind program staff will assist in facilitating this project.  This pilot project will identify four sites where transition activities will take place.  The vision therapist will work with the nursing home facility staff to provide in-service training as an initial step.  This training will enable the staff to identify individuals that could benefit from additional training in skills of blindness and daily living activity.

The Consumer Services staff are collaborating with the Native health centers to provide vision screening, in-service training and where possible, low vision evaluations.  The objective is to develop a clear working relationship with the tribal health centers, located in the urban areas, reservations and other locations in the state, which is anticipated to result in more referrals to the Commission for the Blind.   Currently, the agency is discussing with the director of Visions Hannahville Vocational Rehabilitation program, which is the federal 121 Hannahville Native American program, providing rehabilitation services to Native Americans in three counties to develop an agreement to establish goals and objectives to increase vocational rehabilitation services by increasing referrals for blind and visually impaired individuals.  The agreement will assist with relationship building in the development of program enhancements as well as clear communications that will lead to competitive employment outcomes. 

The Consumer Services Division along with the agency's administration will establish opportunities for internships with other state and local government agencies that will provide a variety of work experience for MCB's consumers who can benefit from getting valuable work experience in their field.  The managers are working with staff to provide a list of individuals for the proposed internship work experiences.  The internship will provide consumers with an opportunity to utilize their knowledge and skills that they have acquired through their academic training and vocational training.  The objective will lay the ground work for these individuals to be considered for gainful employment.  A variety of state and local governmental departments will be contacted to determine the feasibility of developing internships for these consumers.  It is expected that several interns will be placed in various Commission offices and its residential training center.  MCB will assist in covering the expenses for the internship work experiences through the use of ARRA funds.

Project Search

MCB continues to work with the various school districts in the development of project search activities.  Project Search in Grand Rapids has completed its first year and is in the process of identifying students to be a part of the project for school year 2009.  MCB will work with the coordinators to assure that MCB's students will be a part of the program beginning in the fall.  The Monroe Project Search anticipates starting in the fall of 2009, although MCB has been working closely with the ISD staff to identify appropriate students for the program.  Currently, MCB does not have any students ready for the program this fall.  MCB staff and the ISD's will continue to work closely together to identify students for the coming programs.  Several of the school districts are ready to initiate the project search model; although, due to the economic conditions, these projects are finding it more difficult to establish a business component of the program. The two school districts that are ready to implement their training through Project Search are Oakland and Detroit as soon as they can establish a business where the training will take place.

MT-21

The Michigan Commission for the Blind staff will participate with the Michigan Rehabilitation Services in the "Michigan Transition Initiative for the 21^st Century."   This project will focus on improved practices for transition students throughout the state.  The objective is to identify emerging practices that have been effective in working with youths in the transition programs.  Michigan State University will work with the agencies in collecting and analyzing data to identify the practices that have been most effective in the various areas.  These practices will be shared with other districts to enhance the transition initiative for all students.  MCB staff will identify the areas where projects have had the most success.  Further emphasis will be placed on working with the intermediate schools district to improve the opportunities for students to be exposed to a variety of vocational opportunities as well as the utilization of the Guidepost and the curriculum development.  MCB has identified staff who are a part of the Implementation Team and these individuals will work along with the staff in each region as well as with the Steering Team to carry out the objectives to the project. 

College Policy

The Service Delivery Design Team (SDDT), one of MCB's strategic teams, made recommendations to review MCB's current college policy.  A review team was established with staff, stakeholders and consumers to review and make recommendations regarding the policy.  This team was assembled in March 2008 and completed its work in May 2009.  The College Review team presented its recommendations and findings to the SDDT for its review June 9, 2009.  The SDDT approved the recommended changes and suggested that the policy follow the approval process for adoption.

Green Jobs

The Consumer Services director and managers attended the Green Jobs conference on May 11, 2009 in Lansing.  This conference provided the agency with many ideas in regards to future employment.  The conference focused on transition from a primarily manufacturing economy to a more diverse work force emphasizing technology and energy as the leading sources of employment for the future.  The attendees were able to receive information that would enable them to begin to explore various training sites as well as emerging companies that are focusing on green jobs.  MCB staff will be contacting the various community colleges to determine the types of training programs that will equip MCB's consumers with the skills to compete for jobs of the future.

Ex-Offender Training and MAER Training

The Consumer Services staff participated in the Ex-Offender training on May 14, 2009, where information was provided that assisted the staff in working with individuals who have returned from being incarcerated.  The training clarified terms such as, probation and parole.  It also provided information on job opportunities for persons with a misdemeanor and felony.  This training was informative and the reference material provided will help staff to work with any consumer that may have had a conviction.  The Ex-Offender training will help staff to work with the coordinators of the Michigan Prison Re-entry Initiative (MPRI) which provides the staff with a process to assist individuals returning from incarceration.

Several of the rehabilitation teachers attended the annual conference of the Michigan Educators and Rehabilitators Association (MAER) in Livonia, Michigan in April.  This training conference provided the rehabilitation teachers with information regarding the current trends, and various topics that helped to assist consumers with disabilities to become self-sufficient and independent.  The Consumer Services Director was invited to present at this conference on MCB's transition activities for high school students.  This presentation afforded an opportunity to share with teacher consultants, mobility instructors and other school personnel as it relates to the role that the agency supports in working with school districts. The agreements that the agency has established with some districts were highlighted as they provide additional activities for transitioning students who are blind and visually impaired.  Many questions were answered regarding MCB's support for graduating students, job placement assistance and secondary training.  The director also discussed the importance of students to participate in the science curriculum and receive technology training as well as to be involved in extracurricular activities during the school year that will enable the students to become well rounded.

Personnel

The Consumer Services Division was successful in promoting Debbie Wilson as the assistant manager for the Central Region as well as hiring Danielle Smith as a rehabilitation counselor covering Debbie Wilson's previous territories.  Danielle has been with the Commission for several years working as a contract staff through SVRC.  Cherice Castor joined MCB as a rehabilitation counselor in the Detroit office covering Macomb County.  Cherice was a rehabilitation counselor in the Flint MRS office. 

TRAINING CENTER REPORT

Staffing 

Orientation & Mobility Instructor:  On June 1, 2009, Pam Crooks began her official employment as the newest orientation & mobility instructor at the MCB Training Center.  Pam's position is that which was vacated by the retirement of Ken Smedley and Pam has been serving the TC as a long-term substitute since January of this year.  During that time, and formerly throughout her time as an intern and substitute at the Center, Pam has proven herself to be creative, enthusiastic and endlessly energetic.  Most importantly, Pam has a deep seeded belief in the innate capacity of people who are blind, to achieve and accomplish at levels commensurate with their similarly situated colleagues who are sighted. 

Student Assistants  

In July, 2008, the training center hired four student assistants.  These young people are responsible for assisting TC students to get out into the community of Kalamazoo and to utilize their newly acquired skills in the activities they pursue.  Since the inception of the student assistants' program, a noticeable change has taken place.  During most evening and weekend hours, Center students can be found out in the community of Kalamazoo, riding buses, walking to favorite restaurants, or doing some serious shopping at the mall.  Popular downtown activities such as concerts in the park, the Friday evening Art Hop, the annual Greek Fest and a host of other activities now include people who are blind and visually impaired from across Michigan. 

This month, two of our student assistants are leaving us.  Dan VanElk is getting married, and relocating to Iowa City; while J.J. Meddaugh has taken a job as assistant Camp director at Camp Tuhsmeheta.    

At the time of this writing, Bruce Schultz, Dan VanElk and Christine Boone have had the pleasure of interviewing seven student job seekers.  Approval of the selected candidates is expected by the end of June.

Summer Programming

This year the Training Center is introducing a new series of programs that are specially designed for and tailored toward students who are not able to attend the Center during the school year.  For those who need to complete the college assessment, the last two weeks in June will find all of the Training Center's resources dedicated to assessing students' readiness to pursue a college education.  On Sunday June 14, twenty-three young people will arrive at the Center, where they will spend the next two weeks completing their college assessments.  Because many of these young people are minors, the Center's four student assistants will be working full time during these two weeks.  Planned activities will take place after hours every weekday, and between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.  Activities will include everything from a walk to the ice cream store, to an excursion to Lake Michigan and a road trip to the Mopix in Grand Rapids to view a movie complete with audio descriptions. 

During the remainder of the summer, MCB customers who attend high school or college during the academic year will receive priority scheduling for PAT (personal adjustment training) at the Training Center.  Once again the four student assistants will be on hand each evening, and on Saturdays and Sundays, encouraging, assisting and enabling students in enjoying a wide variety of summer-time activities in and around Kalamazoo.  Older students will also be participating in training during the summer, to add diversity, and perhaps a bit of wisdom to the atmosphere at the Center. 

Work Experience

The work experience program continues at the Training Center, with Customers enjoying opportunities to work at the reception desk and switchboard, in the kitchen and with the maintenance staff. 

Now that the warmer weather is here, work has begun on the Training Center's vegetable garden.  Located just outside the woodshop, this small patch of earth is being well fertilized, and will then be planted and tended by interested students.  The Training Center has also been contacted by the disabled student services office at Western Michigan University.  This office cultivates a large garden on property that is adjacent to the Center's, and consists of five raised beds that are equipped with an automatic watering system.  The Training center was offered the use of one entire raised bed and the students are now in the process of planting vegetables, flowers and herbs in the garden.  The addition of this garden means that students who participate in the gardening project will develop their cross country travel skills as they learn to locate this garden space for tending it. 

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES REPORT

Try as one may, Michigan citizens and businesses cannot hide from the State's current economic struggles.  So it came as no surprise that MCB's state funding was cut in order to comply with the executive order that mandated a four percent reduction in state funding by all departments.  In conjunction with that reduction, many of MCB staff have been mandated to take six unpaid furlough days by the end of the fiscal year as an additional cost saving mechanism to resolve the budget deficit.  

MCB' share of the reduction in state funding and authority for both initiatives is $50K ($31.3K - 4% State Fund Reduction and $18.7K - Furlough Days Savings).  Although MCB's state fund reduction only reflects a 1% cut in state funding, the net result is a 3.5% cut when the loss of federal funds that those funds could draw is factored in the equation.  In FY 2010, it is anticipated that there will be an additional 8% reduction in state funds. 

Because there are several other sources of matching funds it is possible for MCB to offset the state funding loss.  However, other sources have also been impacted by the current economic climate.  For instance, the Business Enterprise Food (BEP) service operation sales are reflective of the economic woes and as a result set-aside funding that is used for match is down more than $40,000 based on 2008 same sales data.  In addition, planned renovations for BEP facilities are currently on hold.  The state matching funding for those renovations are currently on hold.    Even though there are multiple resources available for matching funds, meeting the requirement to fully match our federal grant allocation has proved to be an extreme challenge.    

Expenditures through May are within the current budget plan.  Accounting structures and plans are in place for MCB to begin expending American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA) stimulus funds.  As a result of the funding, MCB staff has begun developing employment and training opportunities throughout the state for blind citizens.  Accountability for stimulus fund outcomes and expenditures will be an added responsibility for MCB.   Reporting structures are being implemented to ensure that required data for the funding is adequately recorded and monitored.  A website ( www.michigan.gov/recovery ) has been established by Governor Granholm and the Michigan Department of Information Technology (MDIT) that is devoted to providing information and accountability on programs and projects that will receive funding, and the process that will be used to distribute that funding to communities and organizations around Michigan.

As previously reported, MCB is in the final stages of two large audits.  MCB had one finding as a result of the State Single Audit.  That finding addressed semi annual certification of employees who work 100% of the time in one program.  MCB has addressed the issue by implementing forms that will be completed and signed by managers indicating all staff who work 100% for one program.  These certifications were completed for the first half of FY 2009.  The certifications will be an ongoing process and will be completed every six months from here forward.

There was an issue raised during MCB's Federal 107 review regarding staff time allocations to appropriate grants.  In an effort to properly address this issue MCB has also introduced new staff time sheets that delineate staff time spent in dual programs.  The new timesheets will provide more accurate and timely distribution of funding of staff hours spent working with clients that are served from a particular grant fund.  MCB is also working on amending current cash match agreements to address concerns that the RSA audit staff raised with the existing agreements.

Finally, all agency laptops were replaced in March.  The plan is to replace all desktop computers next fiscal year.   A new upgrade to MCB's client tracking system is expected to be implemented in the next few months.  This new upgrade has many enhanced features and reports.  MCB staff will be provided training for the new features so that they can take advantage of all that the system has to offer.  

HR

There were four personnel changes over the past few weeks:

·        Danielle Smith is a new Rehabilitation Counselor in the Flint Office. She has worked for MCB for 8 years, first as a contractual secretary and later as a rehab services coordinator. Upon completion of her degree in rehab counseling from MSU in May, she was hired to fill the vacancy created by the promotion of Debbie Wilson.

·        Cherice Castor is a new Rehabilitation Counselor in the Detroit Office filling the vacancy created by the promotion of Shawnese Laury. Cherice worked for MRS for over 4 years prior to accepting the position with MCB.

·        James Hull is the new Assistant Manager in the Business Enterprise Program in Lansing. He has been with the agency for over four years working as a Promotional Agent. He is filling the position vacated when Constance Zanger was promoted to Manager of the BEP.

·        Pamela Crooks is a new Orientation and Mobility Instructor at the Training Center in Kalamazoo. She has worked as a substitute for quite some time and obtained her degree in rehab teaching from Western Michigan University last year. She is filling the vacancy created by the retirement of Ken Smedley.

There are still several vacant positions within MCB. Unfortunately, the current budget situation makes it unlikely these positions will be filled anytime soon. Also, due to the budget situation, the Governor has ordered six temporary lay-off days for most state employees. Those dates are:

            June 19
            July 6
            July 24
            August 7
            August 21
            September 4

The MCB Training Center has been given an exemption to the lay-off days so the Center will remain open and operational on those six days. All other offices will be closed and no services will be provided on those six days.

Staff Development

In a survey of MCB staff last year, the #1 request for training was to learn more about working with ex-offenders. With help from the Region V TACE Center, an in-service training program took place on May 14 with Art Besse from Wisconsin as the facilitator. Approximately 40 MCB staff attended this program. Since there was room available, about 7 MRS counselors were also invited to participate. A great deal of helpful information was provided during this session. This is important because the Department of Corrections will be closing additional facilities so the number of ex-offenders with disabilities being released back to the communities is expected to increase significantly over the next couple years.

IL Survey

In late 2008, approximately 220 former MCB consumers whose cases were closed successfully in the prior year were surveyed to follow-up on their status following case closure. Of that number, about 50 were clients of the Independent Living Program. The VR portion of this satisfaction survey was completed in December, 2008 and the IL part was finished in March, 2009. The overall satisfaction of IL clients with MCB services was very high. For example, one of the primary indicators of satisfaction would be the question that asked if the person would refer a family member or friend to the Commission for services. Everyone, 100%, of the respondents said they would refer someone to MCB. A more detailed report of the survey results will be presented at the next Commission Board meeting and a copy of the report will be posted to the MCB website.

Safety

A new "Workplace Safety Team" is being developed to continue the work started by the safety sub-committee in the Service Delivery Design Team. Steve Monet, Safety Consultant with the Office of the State Employer, completed his report based on information obtained from the agency-wide survey, personal interviews with select staff, and a tour of the Training Center. The next step is to solicit volunteers from different offices and programs to serve as a "core" team. This team will review the report and make recommendations for training needs and changes within the agency.

MCB is AFB Senior Site Agency of the Month in July

Throughout the month of July, the Michigan Commission for the Blind will be the American Foundation for the Blind's AFB Senior Site agency of the month.  AFB Senior Site, at www.afb.org/seniorsite , is a website with referral information, stories, and practical tips for seniors with vision loss.  During July, the site will feature an MCB success story, a helpful tip from MCB, information on MCB services, and the opportunity for readers to post questions to MCB rehabilitation staff.  MCB staff have volunteered to help prepare the material and take turns answering the questions posted online.  The AFB Senior Site has readers throughout the United States and overseas, which will increase awareness of the commission among potential new consumers in Michigan and other state and national agencies.

MCB Website Highlight-Business Services (along with new link and Grand Rapids Press article).

In addition to MCB's direct services to consumers, MCB provides services to employers-to help them retain their experienced employees after vision loss and find new qualified employees who are blind or visually impaired.  This information, along with success stories and how employers can benefit by hiring people with disabilities, can be found in the MCB website's Business Services section.  From the home page at www.michigan.gov/mcb, click on the second menu item, Business Services .

At the top of the page, the MCB Business Services brochure is available online in PDF and Microsoft Word formats.  This publication provides details on the various services available to employers, all without fees.

The second item, titled "Talent to Drive Your Business Success", is a multimedia presentation from the Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP), U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL), on the value of hiring employees with disabilities related to return on investment, human capital, marketing, innovation, diversity, and more.  This information is followed by two additional articles by USDOL on recruiting candidates with disabilities and facts and myths about the Americans with Disabilities Act.

In the Spotlight section, there's a link to a recent article in the Grand Rapids Press titled "Message to Employers:  Hiring People with Disabilities Can Make You Money."  The article begins with the story of Jackie Boomstra, an MCB consumer and the receptionist at VanerumStelter.  In describing her interview, company owner Jim Stelter is quoted as saying, "She blew us away."

The news article link is followed by additional success stories of Michigan businesses, which are also success stories of individual MCB consumers.

BUSINESS ENTERPRISE PROGRAM REPORT

Personnel Changes

The Business Enterprise Program (BEP) is pleased to announce the filling of the Assistant Manager position, which had been vacant for more than 2 years.  The pool of candidates was very impressive!  The interview panel selected James Hull, BEP Promotional Agent working out of the Flint office, for the position, and James accepted the offer.  Mr. Hull commenced his new responsibilities on June 2^nd and is stationed in the Lansing office. 

Information Requested by the Board

Lost Income Insurance

At its December 2008 meeting, Commissioners asked BEP staff to explore the feasibility of offering, as an optional purchase, group lost income insurance for BEP licensees.  In researching this request, BEP staff learned there is no mechanism to insure businesses against the financial consequences of decisions made by others.  Businesses are insured for loss of income associated with fire, wind, water and other types of damage.  Loss of income coverage is associated with the building or personal property coverage afforded under the same policy.  

In other words, to offer BEP licensees loss of income insurance, the Program's buildings or personal property must be insured.  Business Enterprise Program facilities and equipment are owned primarily by either the U S government or the State of Michigan.  Such government agencies are self insured.  Consequently, MCB cannot offer stand alone loss of income coverage for our licensees.  Further, MCB cannot purchase insurance which would protect BEP operators against diminished income due to such things as construction, maintenance or renovation, declining building occupancy or other occurrences over which the operator may not have control.

Impact of Budget Cuts

While many of the Business Enterprise Program's expenditures are considered critical expenditures and therefore exempt from the Executive Directives, the BEP is mindful of the need to be good stewards of its resources.   This responsibility must be balanced with the responsibility to keep BEP's 85 vending facilities in good working order to provide remunerative employment for the licensees. 

The business of the Business Enterprise Program continues despite the ordered furlough days.  Staff responsibilities are not diminished due to the furlough days.  They must still carry out their responsibilities in about 10% less time.  For licensees in state owned and occupied buildings, furlough days mean reduced sales and therefore reduced income; about a 10% reduction.

Steps taken to reduce expenditures:

·                    Staff conducts as much business as possible by telephone.  

·                    Elected Committee and Subcommittee meetings are primarily held by teleconference. 

·                    Staff travel is limited to travel for essential purposes.

·                    Vending machines and cooling equipment purchased are Energy Star rated.

·                    Agenda items for the June staff meeting include:

1.     Discussion of additional ways for staff and operators to reduce, reuse and recycle.

2.    New ways of doing business with reduced resources (i.e., personnel, time and money).

Training Activities

BEP Manager Training

The Spring 2009 BEP manager class students successfully completed their classroom training on June 10^th.  Three students are commencing their On the Job training experience.  As the BEP has 3 available facilities, program staff expects the new potential operators begin bidding on available facilities in mid to late August.

Computers for Students and Operators

The April BEP Manager Training Class was the first to benefit from the joint Voc Rehab - BEP project to provide all BEP Manager students with a laptop computer, and to provide BEP licensees, under certain circumstances, with a computer.  The policy was introduced to the licensees in April at the annual Workshop.  Several operators have requested computers and staff is working to clearly identify the hardware, software and training needed to meet those requests.   

BEP Facility Activities

New Construction Still in Development and Process

Construction is complete at the Kent County Office of Human Services (KCHS) new facility in Grand Rapids and a BEP operator has assumed responsibility for the facility.  The first day of full operation was Monday, June 8, 2009. 

The BEP continues to work with DMB to commence the very long awaited remodel of the Lansing Cass Cafeteria.  Optimistically, the operator will be able to occupy the new space in November.  In the meantime, the licensee, Marlene Rothenhauser, has been operating a temporary snack bar that was initially envisioned to be a bare bones operation.  With her energy and creativity, Marlene is making a great success of her operation.  We are hopeful she will remain at the facility and grow an equally successful cafeteria operation.

Construction has commenced on the Michigan State Police (MSP) Headquarters snack bar downtown Lansing.  This is a small facility with limited storage serving customers with a snack bar and vending machines.  The location of the snack bar is ideal - right off the lobby while the vending machines are in the break rooms. 

BEP Opportunity  

U S P S Contract

BEP continues to be in regular and frequent contact with the U S Postal Service (U S P S) regarding the statewide contract.  Early this month, BEP was advised the document had been reviewed and is ready for signature. 

Fort Custer

In December, the Michigan Army National Guard approached the Commission with the opportunity to provide food service at their new training center in Augusta.  Staff visited the facility, and had several conversations with the Contracting Office and his staff.  Several important motions related to this project were approved by the Board at a Special meeting held March 3 and the regular board meeting held on March 20^th.

Based on conversations and the Performance Work Statement, in late February the Commission's Business Enterprise Program submitted a proposal on behalf of one of BEP's operators for the food service management contract at the Ft. Custer Military Training Post (FCEC).   No final determination has yet been made in this process.

Working with the EOC

Annual Workshop

The annual B E P Operators Workshop was held on April 17, 18 and 19.  The theme of the workshop was "30 Years of Success".  The Workshop's featured speaker was Bob Adelman, a resident of Colorado Springs and an energetic entrepreneur who identified key factors essential to the successful operation of small businesses. 

The New Committee

The annual Elected Operators Committee election was also conducted at the workshop.  The new Committee is Chaired by James Chaney.  Shane Jackson is the Vice-Chair and Chair of the Training Subcommittee.  Other Committee members are:

Rutherford Beard, Chair of the Finance Subcommittee

Mike Costantini, Chair of the Highway Vending Subcommittee

Greg Keathley, Chair of the Ad Hoc Resolution Subcommittee

Garnet Laurel-Prentice, Chair of the Promotions and Seniority Subcommittee

Dale Layer, Chair of the Marketing and Development Subcommittee

Bill Lozier, Chair of the Locations and Repair Subcommittee

Joe Sontag, Chair of the Policies, Procedures and Rules Subcommittee

Matilda Steele, Chair of the Workshop Subcommittee

Sam Tocco, Chair of the Insurance Subcommittee

Next Meeting

The 2009 Elected Committee held its first meeting at the annual Workshop.  No motions for consideration of the Commission Board were presented.  The next meeting of the Elected Committee will take place by teleconference on June 20, 2009.