COLLEGE PARTICIPATION

The purpose of the Michigan Commission for the Blind participation in college programs is to help the individual to become competitively employed. Clients of the Michigan Commission for the Blind are encouraged to select a vocational goal that will be pursued throughout their rehabilitation program, and until they have found employment in the competitive labor market.

Michigan Commission for the Blind participation for a college program will only be available after the individual has demonstrated his or her knowledge about the demands of the job market and the jobs available locally as well as nationally, and presented a program to complete the college degree within the time required by the Michigan Commission for the Blind policy. A counselor will be available to assist the individual in acquiring the needed information and in the development of the plan. The vocational objective selected must be consistent with the individual's aptitude and abilities, and the individual will be encouraged to select a goal that will be pursued until his or her rehabilitation program is completed leading to placement in the competitive labor market.

Students in programs leading to a bachelor's degree must complete their studies within a period of five academic years, while those working toward associate's degrees must complete requirements in three academic years. In cases in which the bachelor's degree requires five academic years for all students in such programs, eligible individuals must complete course work in six as three trimesters, four quarters or two semesters and a summer session per year, depending upon the designated unit of study utilized by the college or university being attended.

The Michigan Commission for the Blind advocates attendance at community colleges until the junior year. The Michigan Commission for the Blind participation will be limited to one associate degree. Individuals completing an associate degree may if it is in keeping with the vocational objective continue to completion of a bachelor's degree program. The Michigan Commission for the Blind financial participation will be limited to one bachelor's degree. An exception may be made if it can be shown that there are circumstances, which prevent the individual from accepting, or continuing employment in his/her chosen occupation.

The Michigan Commission for the Blind financial support for the procurement of advanced degrees will be limited to specific situations in which employment cannot be obtained with a bachelor's degree, or when such degree programs are included as vocational objectives within the student's Individual Plan for Employment prior to completing the undergraduate program. The inability of the student to procure employment with a bachelor's degree relates primarily to two situations. The first is the case in which the individual is a newly blinded person, who presently holds an undergraduate degree, but requires further formal education to become potentially employable. The second is the case in which an individual has completed an undergraduate degree, but is unable to find a position relating to the field in which he/she was trained. In the latter case, a period of one year must elapse following graduation, and the student must furnish written documentation, which demonstrates a significant effort to procure employment.

Individuals completing their college studies are to be encouraged to seek employment wherever there are job opportunities within their chosen field. Individuals receiving Michigan Commission for the Blind participation in their program of higher education shall complete all courses taken with acceptable grades.

Eligible individuals desiring the Michigan Commission for the Blind participation in their program of higher education shall apply for financial aid prior to the deadline for applications for federal student aid and deadline dates established by the student's college or university. All financial aid received by a student administered through the student's college or university, employer benefits, workers compensation, and similar benefits shall be applied to tuition, books, supplies, and maintenance. All financial aid received by the individual is to be used to reduce the Michigan Commission for the Blind participation with the following exceptions:

A. Individuals attending an out-of-state or private college may use the financial aid to reduce their financial participation.

B. Grants and scholarships received from sources other than those identified above are not to be incorporated into the Individual Plan for Employment.

In no instance shall the Michigan Commission for the Blind contribute to the payment of tuition for a comparable program, in an amount greater than the highest tuition rate for Michigan residents attending a state supported college or the University in Michigan.

Eligible individuals in need of maintenance to attend college shall apply for social security benefits, and use these benefits for maintenance. The Michigan Commission for the Blind may supplement the maintenance if the maintenance at college is greater than the assistance received by the individual. The Michigan Commission for the Blind will not participate in a plan to provide maintenance where the budget includes more than one household. For further information regarding maintenance support, see Section IX, Scope of Services, item G.

The Michigan Commission for the Blind encourages students to participate in work-study programs, co-op programs, and full or part time employment. Where the student does participate in these programs, exceptions may be justified to lengthen the Michigan Commission for the Blind participation to more than five years for a bachelor's degree program. The Director of Client Services must approve all exceptions to the time limit policy of the Michigan Commission for the Blind.

Financial support provided by the Michigan Commission for the Blind is intended for eligible individuals who are enrolled in full-time college or university programs. However, in cases in which the individual is physically or mentally unable to carry such an academic load or the individual is experiencing temporary circumstances preventing full-time attendance funding of programs may be granted. In either case the individual must demonstrate the potential to assume full time enrollment. The individual and his/her counselor/teacher must meet all the prerequisite requirements listed. Also, the time period in which the degree program must be completed shall not be waived or extended.

Before an Individual Plan for Employment is developed for Michigan Commission for the Blind participation in a program of higher learning, the individual must demonstrate his or her ability to function in the academic environment. The individual shall demonstrate his or her ability in the areas of communication skills, written note taking, travel, activities of daily living, and other areas which may be deemed necessary by the individual's counselor/teacher.

Where specialized equipment is needed, the counselor/teacher will work with the university to develop facilities grants for the purchase of needed equipment to be used by all students who are blind at the institution. Where individualized equipment is needed such as a computer and high tech equipment may be provided to a student if it is included in the IPE justifying the need, and providing evidence that the student is capable of using the equipment.

The Michigan Commission for the Blind advocates the use of volunteer readers, and recording services to meet the reading needs of college students. Paid reader service should only be used when these services are not available.

All students planning to enroll or enrolled in institutions of higher education must be informed of this policy as a part of the Individual Plan for Employment development process.

This policy continues to be in effect with the changes taking immediate effect. The Michigan Commission for the Blind Board adopted this policy at its December 12, 1986, meeting. This policy was amended at their June 20, 1994, meeting to allow the purchase of computers and high tech equipment for college students.

FACILITY GRANT FUNDING OF COMMUNICATION RESOURCE PROGRAMS AT VOCATIONAL TRAINING AND HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS

Background

Back in 1971 State Services for the Blind recognized that many electronic aids, appliances and equipment would become available and benefit some people who are blind in their pursuit of economic and social independence. Also, it was not possible or practical to provide each individual with specialized equipment that would allow:

A. Him/her to compete with his/her sighted peers on a more equitable basis;

B. The motivated student to study on a more independent basis; and

C. Exposure to such equipment so the student had hands-on opportunity to experience the use of equipment that may increase his/her chances of becoming competitively employed as well as opening up new career avenues that were previously closed to him/her.

Consequently, it was a previous Blind Services Administration decision to develop and fund "reading resource rooms" at select universities and colleges under provisions of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended in 1974, being facilities and services for groups of individuals.

The following criteria was used for the funding of such programs:

A. Number of students who are blind and attending the education institution on a regular and on-going basis.

B. The active involvement of blind students in the development, implementation, and operation of a comprehensive program.

C. The institution's commitment to adequately fund, staff, and provide long term and on-going support for a comprehensive program.

D. Priority was given to the five major state universities.

E. Geographic location of the institution.

Policy

The Michigan Commission for the Blind advocates for staff to work with vocational training and higher education institutions to develop and apply for grants through the Facilities Development Section of the Michigan Commission for the Blind for the establishment of "Communication Resource Programs" to be used by all students who are blind at the institution. In addition, it shall be the responsibility of the counselors/teachers to inform all potential students of the schools that have available communication resource programs and the advantages of attending such institution.

Communication resource programs are to consist of a variety of specialized equipment that will assist the blind student to compete on a more independent basis with his/her sighted peers.

As a minimum, the following criteria will be used in determining the funding of such programs:

A. History of the number of students who are blind and attend the institution on a regular and on-going basis;

B. The active involvement of blind students in the development, implementation, and operation of a comprehensive program at the institution;

C. The institution's commitment to adequately fund, staff, and provide long term and on-going support for a comprehensive program;

D. Priority will be given to state institutions with which we have had a long standing working relationship; and

E. The geographic location of the institution.

The Michigan Commission for the Blind Board adopted this policy at its June 10, 1983. The Michigan Commission for the Blind amended this policy at the June 20, 1994 meeting to allow the purchase of computers and high tech equipment for college students.

GIFT FUNDS

The Michigan Commission for the Blind may accept contributions or gifts in cash or otherwise from individuals, associations, or corporations. Contributions and gifts shall be expended as provided by law, in the same manner as monies appropriated for implementing the purpose of this act. The donor of the gift may stipulate the manner in which the gift shall be expended within the guidelines of this act:

A. The Michigan Commission for the Blind is responsible for the agency's gift fund, which is a special account into which gifts, bequests and donations may be received. The purpose of the gift fund is not to relieve the state and federal governments of their responsibilities, but to provide funding for the enrichment of the program. The Michigan Commission for the Blind will insure that priority shall first be given to available state and federal resources. The gift fund may be utilized to capture state, federal, or other funding sources. The purpose of the gift fund is to enable the Michigan Commission for the Blind:

1. To meet certain program goals and objectives which are not otherwise met.

2. To match against additional federal funds

3. To utilize for the acquisition of equipment or special maintenance purchases.

4. To provide a stipend to graduate and undergraduate student interns or practice students who are assigned to work with the Michigan Commission for the Blind staff, with a priority given to those who are blind.

B. To promote the goals and objectives of the gift fund, the Michigan Commission for the Blind State Director or his designee shall have discretionary powers to develop, implement and expend the gift fund monies for this purpose through the public media or other public relations activities.

Procedures

A. The person making the request shall be known as the applicant and the request for the allocation shall be known as the application. The applicant must include all requested information on the application, and show that reasonable efforts have been made to secure funds from other sources or agencies.

1. An allocation from the gift fund may be either in the form of a cash outlay or the direct purchase of services, supplies, materials and equipment to fulfill the request.

2. Any individuals on their own behalf, or that of their group or program, may complete a written application requesting gift fund monies.

B. Applications shall be processed through designated or appropriate Michigan Commission for the Blind staff in accordance with current Michigan Commission for the Blind and Department of Labor and Economic Growth guidelines. The designated or appropriate Michigan Commission for the Blind staff shall maintain a file of all applications received and the final dispensation of each application, and shall insure that all transactions are processed in accordance with this policy, the Department of Labor and Economic Growth and the State of Michigan.

1. Routine applications under $3500 shall be processed within 30 days. Requests exceeding $3500 shall be processed within 60 days, to allow adequate time for Michigan Commission for the Blind Board approval.

2. The gift fund shall not be utilized to reimburse Michigan Commission for the Blind staff or other individuals and agencies that have expended their own personal resources without following the previously stated procedure.

3. The designated or appropriate Michigan Commission for the Blind staff shall be responsible for providing recognition to individuals or groups who have donated to the fund.

C. Appeals may be started within ten working days of the notification date that the application was disapproved. Appeals may be filed in written format, on tape or in Braille. Applicants shall be notified of the final decision regarding their appeals within 30 days of the filing date.

1. Appeals for disapproved applications of $250 or less shall be directed to the Michigan Commission for the Blind State Director or his designee for a final decision.

2. Appeals for disapproved applications over $250 shall be directed to the Michigan Commission for the Blind Board for a final decision.

This policy was approved by the Michigan Commission for the Blind Board at its November 12, 1982 meeting.

SERVING PEOPLE WHO ARE EMPLOYED

The policy of serving people who are employed applies to new applicants as well as individuals previously served and reapplying for service. Any training needed for adjustment to blindness or to develop new skills to use aids and devices as a result of improved technology will be provided by the Michigan Commission for the Blind as a part of an Individual Plan for Employment for the individual who is employed.

The Michigan Commission for the Blind will serve people who are employed, if it is determined they are underemployed or whose job is in jeopardy in accordance with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. It is well known that many people who are blind take jobs well below their capacities in order to enter the labor market. When a person who is blind and working substantially below his/her potential applies for service the individual should be provided vocational rehabilitation services to help him/her engage in occupations more consistent with his/her capacities and abilities. This policy does not mean that people who are blind would be found eligible simply to gain a promotion.

In addition to a job being in jeopardy, or being underemployed a person who is blind may need assistance for upward mobility or to find employment in a different occupation. When a person applies for service to the Michigan Commission for the Blind for upward mobility services or for help in finding employment in a new occupation the only services of the Michigan Commission for the Blind that will be provided are guidance and counseling services, and placement services. The Michigan Commission for the Blind will not participate in the purchase of service when a person is employed and requesting upward mobility service or help in placement to change occupations.

Issues that appear to vary from this policy are to be referred by field staff to the Director of Client Services for review.

The Michigan Commission for the Blind participation in the provision of services for aids and appliances, telecommunications, sensory aids, other technical aids and devices, and occupational tools and supplies for people who are employed will be based upon the following criteria:

A. When the Michigan Commission for the Blind participation is requested, a complete evaluation of the job, job site, and alternatives will be completed before services are provided.

B. The provision of services will be incorporated into an IPE.

C. There is evidence from the employer that the job is in jeopardy.

D. There is evidence that the employer will not provide the service needed to maintain employment. In such cases, the employer will be informed of the intent of the Michigan Commission for the Blind to serve as an advocate for the individual in pursuing the employer's responsibility for the purchase of such equipment.

E. If a tangible device is purchased by the Michigan Commission for the Blind, there must be an identifiable agreement for the maintenance of the device to include repair and replacement without the use of Michigan Commission for the Blind funds. If there is a service contract available for any device purchased with Michigan Commission for the Blind funds, the contract will be purchased with Michigan Commission for the Blind funds, providing the individual and the counselor/teacher agree that it is in the best interest to purchase such a maintenance contract. Purchase of such contracts will be limited to one year. If service contracts are not available, the Michigan Commission for the Blind will be responsible for repairs on items purchased with Michigan Commission for the Blind funds for up to one year. Except where there is evidence of the individual's neglect of equipment.

F. Equipment purchased by the Michigan Commission for the Blind shall be owned and maintained by the Michigan Commission for the Blind for a period of one (1) year. Equipment in this policy is defined as any one piece of equipment, or the total components of a working unit, which costs $500, or more. At the end of one year the ownership and maintenance responsibility will be transferred to the individual. Therefore, any replacement or repair of the equipment needed to maintain the individual's employment will be the responsibility of the individual. Although the individual assumes ownership of equipment purchased by the Michigan Commission for the Blind after twelve (12) months, the individual will be strongly encouraged to return equipment that is no longer utilized for training or employment to the Michigan Commission for the Blind for the use by other people who are blind.

G. If the device or equipment needed is similar to that provided to other employees, the Michigan Commission for the Blind will not participate in the purchase of such equipment. An example might be a typewriter, talking calculator, or other office equipment.

H. When a tangible device is needed to maintain employment for a job which is in jeopardy, the individual will be asked to purchase the equipment in full. If this is not possible, the individual will be encouraged to participate in the purchase.

I. When there is evidence that the employer will not purchase the needed device, but would participate in a co-payment, the employer would be encouraged to participate in the co-payment with the same conditions of ownership and depreciation applying as that for co-payment with individuals. At the end of the depreciation period, the title to and ownership of the equipment will be transferred to the employer.

J. The Michigan Commission for the Blind will review all cost associated with the purchase of tangible devices and equipment. The cost shall be reasonable and within the budgetary limits of the Michigan Commission for the Blind.  Every effort shall be made by the individual to use comparable benefits.  We anticipate that the individuals will be able to utilize comparable benefits along with MCB's assistance, upon review, to purchase tangible goods to maintain employment.  As an agency the Commission for the Blind utilizes comparable benefits, in-kind services and case services funds to achieve employment outcomes.  (This policy was approved by the Michigan Commission for the Blind Board at its June 23, 2006, meeting.)

K. Michigan Commission for the Blind participation in the provision of service when a job is in jeopardy will be limited to one time only with an agreement on record for solving future problems as they might occur.

L. All purchases will be limited to needs at the job site only.

M. When there is Michigan Commission for the Blind participation in the purchase of any tangible device, the individual case record will be maintained in the local Michigan Commission for the Blind office for the duration of the depreciation period.

All other services needed to maintain employment for a job in jeopardy will be reviewed by the individual's counselor/teacher with the individual and the employer, and if it is determined that Michigan Commission for the Blind participation is required, an Individualized Plan for Employment will be developed to include the service.

The Director of Client Services is instructed to inform the Michigan Commission for the Blind Board when and if we should approach the $30,000 limit for expenditures in this category. This dollar limit will be reviewed by the Michigan Commission for the Blind Board prior to each fiscal year.

Material will be developed and submitted to the Vocational Rehabilitation Program to implement this policy.

This policy was approved by the Michigan Commission for the Blind Board at their April 8, 1988 meeting.

STAFF TRAINING - COLLEGE PROGRAMS

As a component of staff training and career development, the Michigan Commission for the Blind may provide reimbursement of tuition costs for full time employees attending college programs. Support for this type of training will be contingent on three basic factors:

A. Permission of the agency responsible for the federal training grant.

B. Availability of grant funds.

C. Policies set by the Michigan Commission for the Blind as elaborated below:

Types of Programs Supported

A. Master's degree programs in an employee's area of responsibility.

B. Bachelor's degree programs in field related to the staff person's work assignment. Field staff employees in the placement and business enterprise programs may enter a bachelor's programs in their specific area of responsibility. In addition, clerical and certain other support staff who possess an associate's degree may utilize this training program in order to work for a bachelor's degree and prepare themselves for a potential field assignment.

C. Other college training may be approved to meet a special training need as identified by the staff member or requested by the supervisor.

Approval for College Training

Staff members requesting agency reimbursement for college training should submit a memo to their supervisor identifying the degree to be sought, program title, the college or university, an estimate for the time of completion, and a clear justification for Michigan Commission for the Blind support of the program. First level of approval to be received from the employee's immediate supervisor who will consult with the Michigan Commission for the Blind training officer concerning the appropriateness of the program in relation to the training grant. Approval must also be received from the Director of Client Services and the Michigan Commission for the Blind State Director. Supervisory approval or denial shall be accompanied by an explanation of the reason(s) for the decision. Approved programs not already identified on the staff member's needs assessment will be added as an addendum to that form.

Approval for Class Attendance

When an employee has approval for agency reimbursement for a degree program, and has identified the courses to be taken on the Individual Training Needs Assessment is to be submitted requesting permission to proceed with the plan.

Reimbursement

Reimbursement must be sought using the appropriate departmental forms. It is the Michigan Commission for the Blind policy to provide reimbursement for tuition only, with exception of the situation described below.

Reasonable Accommodations

Employees will be expected to meet special accommodation needs to university and community resources. If these resources cannot be obtained, the Michigan Commission can support reader and interpreter services for the Blind on an individual basis.

Educational Leave

The Michigan Commission for the Blind may approve up to 4 (four) hours of administrative leave per week for educational purposes in order to allow an employee to pursue a bachelor's or master's degree. This time shall include class attendance and travel time only. For approval, the employee must show that the course is not (and will not be during the rest of the projected program) offered during non-working hours, and that the course is necessary for completion of the degree.

General Conditions Regarding the Michigan Commission for the Blind staff Involved in College or University Programs

A. The Michigan Commission for the Blind does not place any restrictions on the number of credits which can be taken during a semester or term; however, it is emphasized that an employee must continue to fulfill job responsibilities on a satisfactory basis.

B. Participants must maintain a grade point average acceptable to the college or university for satisfactory completion of the degree program.

C. No employee shall receive tuition reimbursement if he/she is receiving educational monies from any source.

D. New employees must complete the six-month probationary period satisfactorily before being eligible for tuition reimbursement or educational leave. Exceptions may be made when a course of study is specifically requested by the employee's supervisor.

E. When employees are located in a geographical area where it is not possible to attend a college offering an appropriate degree, then that employee may submit a request to obtain a degree in a related field as delineated in Civil Service Job Specifications for the Michigan Commission for the Blind.

F. All programs will require approval of the staff member's supervisor, staff development officer, and the Michigan Commission for the Blind State Director.

G. The Michigan Commission for the Blind reserves the right to modify this policy at any time.

This policy was approved by the Michigan Commission for the Blind Board at it's November 7, 1980 meeting.

BUSINESS ENTERPRISE PROGRAM "IN NEED OF EMPLOYMENT"

The Randolph-Sheppard Act in Section II, (A)(6)(B)(b) specifically indicates that preference shall be given to individuals who are "in need of employment". For purposes of compliance with this statute, the policy of the Michigan Commission for the Blind shall be to determine an individual "in need of employment" and eligible for Business Enterprise Program training and assignment when:

A. An individual is unemployed, or

B. A person is earning less than or equal to 40 hours a week times the minimum wage, or

C. A person is employed in a Business Enterprise Program location, or

D. Active rehabilitation clients whose vocational objective is placement in the Business Enterprise Program and whose name is placed on the potential operators list, and who takes employment while waiting to be placed in the Business Enterprise Program. In these situations the potential operator will remain on the potential operator's list with full rights as a potential operator until one of the following occurs:

E. Is awarded a Business Enterprise Program location, or

F. After being at the top of the potential operators list does not take one of the first three (3) opportunities offered for bid, or

G. Elects to have his/her name removed from the potential operators list.

When an individual does not meet the requirements set forth above, or is not "in need of employment", the individual will not be eligible for Business Enterprise Program training or placement in the program.

When an active client accepts employment as defined in D above, the case may be closed as rehabilitated. If the case is closed the individual is to be informed that if under this policy the individual is placed in a BEP location the individual may be eligible for post-employment services or to reapply for services if thee is a substantial impediment to employment.

This policy was approved by the Michigan Commission for the Blind Board at its April 11, 1986 meeting.

OPERATING COSTS, EQUIPMENT, AND STOCK IN VENDING STANDS

It is the opinion of the Michigan Commission for the Blind that the services within the Business Enterprise Program for the individuals being served should be equitable to all individuals which would include those who are presently operating a Business Enterprise Program establishment, and those potential operators who will enter the program. Therefore, this policy shall apply to all potential operators, and all Business Enterprise Program operators.

The Michigan Commission for the Blind maintains titles to all equipment and itemized stock within each Business Enterprise Program facility. Equipment and stock to be itemized, and each operator held responsible for the equipment and itemized stock.

The Business Enterprise Program shall classify all locations in the program by type of location. Within each classification all operating costs of the Business Enterprise Program will be the responsibility of the individual being placed in the Business Enterprise Program. Such operating costs would include insurance, salaries and wages, fringe benefits, and other costs that might be identified. When an operator accepts a promotion to a location in a different classification the Business Enterprise Program shall determine the operating costs for the new location. If the operating costs in the new location is greater than the operating costs in the operator's present location, and the operator is not able to provide the funding for the additional cost the Business Enterprise Program shall refer the operator to the Michigan Commission for the Blind Vocational Rehabilitation Program for determination of eligibility. With the referral the Business Enterprise Program is to provide a detailed list of services which are needed, and the cost for the services. The cost is to be based on the minimal amount of services needed to launch the operation.

The Michigan Commission may provide moving expense needed by a potential operator to accept entry into the Business Enterprise Program for the Blind Vocational Rehabilitation Program.

Moving expense shall not be provided for any operator in the Business Enterprise Program even if the operator is referred to the Michigan Commission for the Blind Vocational Rehabilitation Program for service. In such cases moving expenses shall be the total responsibility of the Business Enterprise Program operator.

Procedures for implementing this policy will be written and submitted to all the Michigan Commission for the Blind manual holders.

This policy was approved by the Michigan Commission for the Blind Board at its April, 1987 meeting.

MOVING EXPENSE FOR CLIENTS

When it is necessary for an eligible individual to move to participate in his/her Individual Plan for Employment the payment for moving expense will be in accordance with the policy of the Michigan Commission for the Blind and included in the individual's Individual Plan for Employment. Individuals will be encouraged to arrange for the physical move in the least expensive method possible, and also encouraged to help in their own moving through the rental of trucks or trailers using their own resources for manpower. If commercial moving is required the payment for moving expense will be in accordance with the Michigan Department of Management and Budget Administrative Manual, Subject: Payment of Household Moving Expense for State Employees found in Chapter 8, Section 3, Subject 5 of the Administrative Manual. The Chapter will be an attachment to this policy, and updated without Michigan Commission for the Blind Board action with each new issuance by the Department of Management and Budget.

This policy was approved by the Michigan Commission for the Blind Board at its May, 1992 meeting.

LOW VISION

The process of low vision services is not a process of restoration of vision; it is the process of enhancing residual vision through the use of such prosthetic devices and appliances. The low vision process should be used as a beneficial process on its own merits, and not as an alternative to or substitute for the individual learning the skills of blindness. For these reasons, the low vision evaluation shall come after a person has learned the skills of blindness.

Prior to the initial referral for a low vision evaluation, the case record must contain evidence that the individual can read and write Braille, and possesses the skills of cane travel, or has had a thorough exposure to the skills of blindness which will provide knowledge of Braille and cane travel and knowledge of how these skills can be used as devices to help function with the loss of sight. An exception may be made where there is evidence that a physical disability prevents the individual from learning the skills.

When making a referral for a low vision services, all pertinent information such as eye examination reports should be provided to the low vision specialist. Information about vocational goals, training programs, and other vocational information should also be shared with the examining practitioner.

When arrangements are made for a diagnostic evaluation for an independent living or rehabilitation services client, arrangements shall be made for the appropriate field staff to be present during all discussions where devices and other services are being considered. When low vision services are scheduled outside of the referring field staff's area arrangements for another field staff can be made to help reduce the travel time for staff attendance at the low vision evaluation and recommendations. If for any reason arrangements cannot be made to have a Michigan Commission for the Blind staff person in attendance during the final evaluation the evaluation shall be canceled, and re-scheduled at a convenient time for all parties.

In case of the Youth Low Vision examination, personnel from the student's school should be in attendance rather than the Michigan Commission for the Blind staff person.

The Low Vision Committee of the Michigan Optometric Association has worked very closely with the Michigan Commission for the Blind to develop standards for the provision of services, and also equitable methods for establishing fees. The Low Vision Committee's recommendations will be included as a part of the Michigan Commission for the Blind low vision policy. The following is the recommendation of the Low Vision Committee:

"When establishing a reimbursement rationale, the following aspects of a comprehensive low vision service should be considered:

A. Low Vision Clinical Assessment - including case history review, definition of goals, acuities, internal and external examinations, keratometry, binocular assessment, adaptive refraction, visual fields, color vision, assessment for magnification at distance, near and intermediate, selective absorption filters, prism application, and non-optical considerations. Subsequent referral to associated professionals is also part of the assessment. Disposition, prognosis and treatment plan formulated from the evaluation results. Average time is 1-2 hours (2-4, 30-minute units).

B. Provision of Low Vision aids - associated services include frame fitting and technical measurements, order procedures, verification of finished aids, and physical adjustment of head-borne aids on the patient. Professional services associated with report processing and clerical personnel are also factored into this part of the service. Other aspects of office overhead including auxiliary personnel, rent, equipment and maintenance is also factored into this aspect of the service.

C. Low Vision Rehabilitation Service - includes verification of functional response as low vision aids are dispensed. Instruction of the use of each low vision aid provided in terms of fixation, working distance, posture and position, focusing, scanning and tracking techniques are included in the service. Individual response is reported to associated professionals (including counselors, teachers, teacher /counselors, teacher consultants, referring physicians, etc.) who will work with the individual in the educational, work or independent living environment. Usual time frame, for this service, is 1/2 - 1 hour per aid (or 1-2 units) depending on the complexity of the aid and the cognitive ability of the individual.

Fees for Service

Fees for diagnostic and evaluation services, and other direct services provided by the low vision provider will be based on a unit cost. Fees for low vision devices will be based upon the provider's invoice cost times a standard multiple determined by the Michigan Commission for the Blind.

Devices such as electronic magnifiers, and other devices ordered from the manufacturer shall be purchased in accordance with the Department of Labor and Economic Growth Purchasing Section policy and procedures. To fully implement this policy in-service training will be essential. All field staff and the Michigan Commission for the Blind Training Center teaching and counseling staff shall be provided training in regards to this policy by the end of the 1993 calendar year. Training on this policy will also be included in the training of new staff. Providers of low vision service are also to be invited to the training program.

The Michigan Commission for the Blind Board approved this policy at its June, 1993 meeting. This policy will take effect October 1, 1993.

INNOVATION AND EXPANSION GRANTS

Under the enabling authority of the Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1992, Title I, Part C, The Michigan Commission for the Blind will award Innovation and Expansion (I&E) grants to selected nonprofit agencies, organizations, colleges/universities or other institutions that can most effectively address the Michigan Commission for the Blind priority needs as identified in its Strategic Plan.

Innovation and Expansion grants are intended to support the aims of the Michigan Commission for the Blind Strategic Plan by expanding and improving the vocational rehabilitation services.

As a pass-through grant, these funds may be awarded to selected recipients to provide specialized services and rehabilitation for individuals who are blind.

Applicants must possess good track records of providing education, teaching, counseling and other professional services for the blind.

This policy was approved by the Michigan Commission for the Blind Board at its March 20th, 1995 meeting.

PURCHASE OF EQUIPMENT

Equipment purchased by the Commission for the Blind will remain the property of the Commission for a period of three (3) years from the date of the purchase. After three (3) years, the agency no longer retains title to equipment purchased for a client. Equipment is defined as any one piece of equipment, or the total components of a working unit that costs $500.00 or more. During the time the client has possession of the equipment, the client is responsible for its care. The maintenance of the equipment is the responsibility of the Michigan Commission for the Blind.

At the time the Individual Plan for Employment is developed the client is to be advised on this policy. The client shall be encouraged to notify the regional office if the equipment is no longer being used so that arrangements can be made to reclaim it. By doing so, the equipment can be given to another client to be used in a training or employment situation.

Arrangements to reclaim the equipment will be made within 10 days. If it is not possible for the equipment to be picked up by the counselor, arrangements can be made with a commercial carrier to do so. It will be necessary to check with the Purchasing Section if a commercial carrier is to be utilized.

Supervisors are responsible for overseeing the process of reassigning equipment. Each office will maintain a list of all equipment currently assigned to clients in their region. At the end of each fiscal year, the counselor or other designated staff, is responsible for documenting that the equipment is still in the possession of the client and is being used as planned. This should be documented in the case file as well as on the list. If the equipment is no longer being used, it is up the counselor to reclaim the equipment. When equipment is reassigned, it must be reflected on the system listing as well as in the receiving client's case file.

This procedure does not apply to equipment purchased under the establishment of a small business.

The Michigan Commission for the Blind Board approved this policy at its March 20, 1995 meeting.