MICHIGAN COMMISSION FOR THE BLIND
JUNE 26, 2009
VICTOR CENTER ,

3^RD FLOOR CONFERENCE ROOM A/B
LANSING, MICHIGAN

MINUTES

COMMISSIONERS PRESENT
Ms. Jo Ann Pilarski, Chair 
Dr. Velma Allen, Vice-Chair 
Mr. Michael Geno 
Ms. Geri Taeckens 
Ms. Margaret Wolfe                                 

COMMISSIONERS ABSENT
None

MICHIGAN COMMISSION FOR THE BLIND (MCB) STAFF PRESENT
Mr. Patrick Cannon
Ms. Sue Luzenski 
Mr. Leamon Jones 
Ms. Christine Boone
Ms. Sherri Heibeck
Ms. Susan Turney
Mr. Bob Robertson
Ms. Sherry Gordon
Ms. Lisa Kisiel
Ms. Shannon McVoy   

GUESTS/ATTENDEES
Wayne Le Pier
Phyllis Maybanua
Diana Mohnke
Kimberly Mohnke
Mike Ellis
Carrie Bradley
Richard Clay
Joshua Lee
Marsha Katona
John Katona
Steve Pollo
Kim Walsh
Jerry Raisanen
Leatrice Fullerton
Brian Celusnak
Fred Wurtzel
Elizabeth Mohnke
Marcie Alling

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

The Committee of the Whole was opened by Chair Jo Ann Pilarski at 9:07 a.m.  Mike Ellis of MEE Enterprises, Inc. shared regarding his illness during the March meeting, the lack of audio streaming for this meeting, plans to locate a new streaming source and introduced Steve Pollo who is a back up technician for MEE, Inc.

NEW COMMISSIONER

          Chair Pilarski introduced new Commissioner Michael Geno.  Commissioner Geno shared personal background, thanked the staff of MCB for his very thorough orientation and indicated that he is looking forward to making the best decisions as a board member to preserve the hopes and aspirations of all blind people. 

COMMISSIONER ACTIVITIES

Commissioner Taeckens indicated that she will be submitting a written report after the meeting.  The Braille-A-Thon was a success helped made successful by MCB staff and BEP vendors.  There were participants of all ages, many games were played, and the BEP provided food was excellent.  Many BEP vendors participated in the Braille-A-Thon either by selling food or donating money if they couldn't participate.

Ms. Taeckens also had the opportunity to travel to the Training Center and spend some time with the current students going through the College Assessment program.  She commented on the Training Center staff and how well run it is.

             Chair Pilarski and Commissioner Allen commended Ms. Taeckens on her efforts with the Braille-A-Thon.  Commissioner Allen indicated she had no report.

          Commissioner Wolfe attended the Consumer Involvement Council (CIC) meeting in March and the main topic of discussion was the College Policy which will be spoken about later.  Commissioner Wolfe welcomed new Commissioner Geno and also commended Ms. Taeckens on her efforts with the Braille-A-Thon and keeping Braille alive.

          Chair Pilarski spoke about the Planning and Quality (PAQ) Team and that Bob Robertson will be reporting more in-depth about this later.  She also informed Commissioner Geno about two committees that currently have vacancies that he could choose to serve on:  the Technology Committee and the Service Delivery and Design Team.   

ISSUES FROM LAST MEETING

There were no issues to report from the last meeting.

          Commissioner Geno reported with attendees programs that he has helped to launch in Port Huron.  The first is Computer Recycling for the Blind (CRB) which is a group that refurbishes old computers and adapts them for the visually impaired or blind.   Information on this program will be forwarded to the Commission that includes the application process for clients.

          Another program he commented on had to do with Brailling of the public bus schedules in the Port Huron area.  This schedule is also being used by non-Braille users to flag a particular bus and Braille users have been observed helping sighted bus passengers to figure out their bus route.

          The last program has to do with special needs and emergency preparedness in Southeastern Michigan.  The final phase of this project is to prepare the emergency response and Hazmat documents in audio format so these documents are accessible.

OTHER

          Chair Pilarski spoke regarding a topic of discussion that was brought up by Richard Clay on having a phone line available for the public to call in and listen to the meeting in lieu of the audio streaming.  Discussion included cost, possible number of participants, muting ambient noise, satellite locations and different notification methods to get the information out.  This could possibly be started as early as the September Commission meeting to be held in Marquette.

         

Recessed for break at 9:48 a.m.

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          The meeting was reconvened at 9:59 a.m. 

CALL TO ORDER, ROLL CALL AND DETERMINATION OF QUORUM

The regular meeting was called to order by Chair Jo Ann Pilarski at 10:00 a.m.  Roll call was taken and a quorum was present.  The meeting was unable to be audio-streamed over the Internet due to technical difficulties.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

COMMISSIONER ALLEN MOVED, SUPPORTED BY COMMISSIONER WOLFE TO APPROVE THE BOARD MINUTES FROM THE MARCH 20, 2009 COMMISSION MEETING; MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY; COMMISSIONER TAECKENS ABSTAINED FROM VOTING

 

BOARD CORRESPONDENCE

Ms. Luzenski reported there was no board correspondence.

Attendees introduced themselves.  Chair Pilarski again asked Commissioner Geno to introduce himself to attendees and share a little bit about himself.

PUBLIC COMMENT

          Commissioner Pilarski asked attendees to keep comments focused on issues or concerns, under 3 minutes and informed attendees that Commissioners do not engage in dialogue at this time.

          Carrie Bradley, speaking on behalf of Willa Justice, thanked Director Cannon for advocating for Ms. Justice in her receiving a hearing aid.

          Richard Clay reported that his organization has been collaborating with MCB over the last couple of years on a few issues and shared with attendees there has been resolution for a couple of Detroit office cases and Consumer Information packets have been developed for all new MCB clients.  Mr. Clay stated he also appreciates the board having discussion regarding the teleconferencing issue to make meetings more accessible to blind people across the state and implementation of the phone intake system.

         

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES REPORT

          Sherri Heibeck, Administrative Services Manager spoke regarding upcoming budget cuts due to the state of the economy equalling a 1% budget cut for this year and another budget cut is expected for the next fiscal year.  An additional cost saving mechanism is six unpaid furlough days for all state employees.  These 2 budget cuts amount to a $50,000 savings to MCB for this fiscal year.

          Matching funds have been affected in various ways including the Business Enterprise Program (BEP) set aside fees being reduced because of a decrease in vendor sales.  Planned BEP renovations are on hold at this time.  Expenditures for this fiscal year are on target as our budget is 65% spent sixty-six percent of the way through the year.

          MCB should receive the preliminary written report from the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) audit in July with the final report being issued in September.  There have been some internal changes already initiated as a result of the audit and MCB anticipates more changes to occur when the report is issued.

          Director Cannon asked each manager to address how MCB has curbed expenditures.  One item was on the Business Enterprise Program (BEP) operator audits which has been outsourced previously and will now be an in-house function, saving the Commission $95,000 yearly. Other cost savings in the Administrative Services Division are furlough days, not filling the open BEP position of Promotional Agent and cutting back on BEP travel by holding more phone meetings.

          Chair Pilarski asked regarding the open BEP position and how and who is doing the work that is left from this position not being filled. Ms. Heibeck indicated that James Hull, who received the recent promotion and the other Promotional Agents, have divided up the territory to complete the necessary duties.  Also BEP may create intern positions through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds to alleviate some of the work overflow.

          Chair Pilarski questioned whether there is any place that can be contacted to trouble shoot computer issues with assistive technology. Discussion included instituting a help desk, filling the technology position at the Training Center and clarification was made that generally once a client is no longer a client of the Commission technology help needs to be secured from resources external to the agency unless the former client is in a job-in-jeopardy situation, in which case the Commission would work with both the employee and employer. Further, Commission staff frequently provides technical assistant services to the business community to assist with employees who are blind and visually impaired.   Ms Heibeck indicated that troubleshooting computer issues for former clients will be a topic at the next Technology Committee meeting.

MS. TAECKENS MOVED, SECONDED BY MS. ALLEN TO ACCEPT THE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES REPORT; THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

            

MCB CONSUMER SERVICES REPORT

          Mr. Leamon Jones, Consumer Services Manager highlighted some points from the written consumer services report. 

          Mr. Jones updated Commissioners on older blind activities and specifically the updating of the older blind manual with services available as a result of the RSA visit in March.  RSA also recommended a more uniform method for job placement or job development and MCB has developed a fee schedule to meet those requirements.  Other RSA recommendations included changes with existing cash match agreements, creating an agreement with Hannahville Reservation and changing the current cash match agreements with Centers for Independent Living (CIL's) to be fee for service agreements.       

          Mr. Jones briefly explained areas that MCB is hoping to target with the ARRA funds.  These include job placement and specifically having a job placement specialist for each region; working with Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) to provide technology training for these sites and develop a nursing home transition model; and working with Native health centers to provide vision screening, in-service training and where possible, low vision evaluations. 

          This summer MCB has ten summer programs for youth with the Detroit summer program anticipating having 25 youth participating with some wages being paid by Michigan Works!  Another summer program currently taking place, the BEP Summer Work Opportunity program (SWOP) provides an opportunity for 16 - 21 year old youths to participate in summer work experiences.  The Quest program through Camp Tuhsmeheta is another program that MCB supports on a yearly basis.

          Several MCB staff recently took part in a Green Jobs conference which provided the agency with many ideas for future green jobs in Michigan.  The staff and managers are working with community colleges to gather information on what training is available and how MCB can secure training and jobs for clients.

          MCB is continuing to work with Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS) on the Michigan Transition Initiative for the 21^st Century (MT-21).  This program focuses on technology and encouraging schools to emphasize technology for high school students answering questions on what are the best practices, where are these available and how they can be brought together.

          MCB staff will be working closely with job ready clients to identify potential internship opportunities in state and government jobs so clients can obtain valuable work experience for future resume use.

          Mr. Jones also reported on how the budget impacts are affecting the Consumer Services program including two counselor positions with the division that are unable to be filled, potentially impacting on service delivery.  Possible savings include scrutinizing staff training programs and more efficiently using travel resources.             Two staff positions were replaced, a counselor in Flint and a counselor in Detroit.  Also a new staff person will be starting in the Upper Peninsula office on June 29. 

          Mr. Jones addressed Chair Pilarski's earlier question regarding technology issues and indicated there is a link on the MCB website that lists computer trainers that can be contacted for help. 

                    Commissioner Geno inquired on where the older blind technology training may be taking place.  Mr. Jones responded that MCB is conducting a survey to identify the needs of consumers to determine where and how many training sites need to be set up.

          Chair Pilarski asked Mr. Jones if local libraries are supposed to comply with Americans with Disability Act (ADA) laws having equal accessibility for computers as is afforded to sighted people.  Director Cannon indicated that MCB is not an enforcement agency, the ADA is a Federal program that is complaint driven meaning that a complaint will be researched when submitted.  Commissioner Taeckens and Commissioner Wolfe also commented on this happening due to lack of funds and training.

          Mr. Jones briefly previewed the panel at the afternoon session which will include briefings on the college policy and college assessment.

MS. ALLEN MOVED, SECONDED BY MS. WOLFE TO ACCEPT THE CONSUMER SERVICES REPORT; THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

TRAINING CENTER REPORT

          Ms. Christine Boone, Training Center Director shared numerous points from her written report. 

As a result of the visit from RSA the Training Center is looking for different ways to divide up program services for vocational rehabilitation and independent living.  Keeping the VR ratio is causing a longer training center wait for the older blind individuals, and balancing the Training Center waiting list has been an ongoing topic of discussion with managers throughout the Commission.  Meeting with managers at the different offices on a rotating basis has been an effective way to balance the determinations for clients coming into the Training Center including prioritizing.

          Ms. Boone reported that the new student assistants have begun working full time over the summer.  The four student assistant positions are very important for creating successful and safe summer programs for the minors participating at the Training Center.

          The Training Center collaborated again with Western Michigan University (WMU) for a blindness immersion program.  The program is RSA grant funded and this was the third year that MCB has participated.  This program took place at the end of May.

          Ms. Boone commended the planners of the Braille-A-Thon, stating that her and Lucy Edmonds held a few Brailling contests for children.  The program was very successful and well-planned.

          The Training Center employment program is up and running, proving to be a success.  The program includes classes on employment, resume writing, interview skills and public speaking.           

          The Center is planning on using ARRA funds to secure jobs for Training Center clients in the Kalamazoo community.  This will include internships, apprenticeships and part-time work.

          Ms. Boone also commented on ways the Training Center is dealing with the budget cuts, including holding off on filling the technology position and dietary staff cutting costs by changing foods used in recipes.  Further, the students' weekly cash stipend has been reduced.

          New staff member from the U.P., Jim Unger, will be starting his mandatory two week staff stay at the Training Center beginning July 7. 

          Ms. Boone reported on a recent trip to the American Printing House for the Blind (APH).  The APH provides goods to any facility that is providing an education, other than a college education, to students who are blind.  There will be more information in the next Training Center report.

          Ms. Boone addressed an issue that recently arose regarding the Training Center policies and guidelines, developed by an ad hoc committee and adopted by the Board in April 2006.  Recently questions arose from Training Center staff and students, questions that were not satisfactorily addressed in the guidelines in its current form which led Training Center staff to address some of these issues and make changes.  Ms. Boone said that her staff advised her that the revised guidelines needed to be posted on the MCB website and that she then advanced them to Susan Turney for posting, June 22, prior to review and approval by others in the agency.  Ms. Boone said that it was an error on her part to request the posting without approval to do so.  Ms. Boone asked the board for guidance on amending these guidelines, Director Cannon informed the Board that the revised guidelines have been removed from the website and he has already addressed and given guidance to Ms. Boone.  He added that before any revisions to the pre-existing guidelines are finalized the proposal will be subject to an inclusive review process similar to that utilized 3 years ago.

          Commissioner Taeckens asked regarding the waiting list protocol and if guidelines exist for this.  Discussion included existing prioritizing protocols, extenuating individual circumstances that may move a client to the top of the list and addressing specific needs that clients may have.

MS. WOLFE MOVED, SECONDED BY MS. TAECKENS TO ACCEPT THE TRAINING CENTER REPORT; THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

  Due to a family medical issue Chairperson Pilarski left the meeting, turning the gavel over to Vice-Chair Allen.

         

INDEPENDENT LIVING SURVEY REPORT

          Director Cannon recognized Mr. Bob Robertson with a certificate for 30 years of service to the State of Michigan.

 

          Mr. Bob Robertson, Human Resources & Organizational Development Manager reported on the results of the Independent Living survey which is the second report following the Vocational Rehabilitation survey reported on at the December 2008 Commission meeting.

          Mr. Robertson briefly commented on various questions and results in the survey, stating the full report will be posted on the MCB website at www.michigan.gov/mcb . 

          Overall 140 clients were to be contacted by Michigan Commission on Disability Concerns on the telephone but only a portion of client contacts initiated were successful because some clients could not be located, declined participation or were deceased. Reading issues and living independently were the top 2 reasons that clients reported as reasons for contacting the Commission.  Cooking, time telling and reading topped the list of new skills developed as clients of the Commission and 48 people surveyed indicated they would refer someone to the Commission.

          Commissioner Taeckens asked what criteria were used to determine who to survey.  Mr. Robertson answered clients contacted were successfully closed cases within the last 12 months.

PLANNING & QUALITY (PAQ) TEAM UPDATE

 

          Mr. Robertson reported that the PAQ team met in April and the action plan is updated at every meeting.  The four main goals remain a focus at every PAQ meeting.  These include: 

·         Continuously improve and implement customer responsive services systems;

·         Provide premier technology, training and equipment for MCB clients and staff;

·         Through collaboration, partnerships and communication make Michigan a "cool" and inclusive place for blind people to live, learn, work and raise a family and enjoy life;

·         Through collaboration and partnerships expand funding and resources to MCB to increase services to consumers.

          

          A copy of the action plan can be obtained by contacting Bob Robertson directly.

          Mr. Robertson reported on each of the design teams with the Commission. 

·         The Service Delivery and Design Team is currently developing a fee schedule for job placement services, reworking the maintenance policy, developing the basic wording for a new transition brochure and has subcommittees working on college policy and small business services.

·         The Image and Identity Team is currently working on transition and college service brochures, and dealing with the MCB yellow pages listing and the impact budget cuts may have on the listing.  This focus team is also hoping to create local photos in the different offices or regions to personalize the display units for each area.  Eye doctor referrals have increased and MCB will be participating in more eye doctor conferences in the future.

·         The Diversity Team sponsored staff diversity training last fall which was very beneficial to all who participated.  This has led to possibly sponsoring a diversity day and participating in local cultural events in each region to increase awareness of MCB.

·         The Technology Team is looking at testing of software and hardware trainers and conducting another staff technology training in November at the Training Center.

Mr. Robertson shared there is a new committee being created internally, the MCB Workplace Safety Committee and this committee will be doing work in response to a survey of staff on safety issues.  The first meeting will take place in July or early August and begin identifying areas of the most concern and discuss training priorities.

MR. GENO MOVED, SECONDED BY MS. WOLFE TO ACCEPT THE INDEPENDENT LIVING SURVEY AND PAQ TEAM REPORT; THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

 

BRAILLE-A-THON UPDATE

          Commissioner Taeckens introduced Marsha Katona who was invited to the meeting to speak about the Braille-A-Thon. 

          Ms Katona started by touching on a past topic of discussion regarding libraries and accessible programs and her experience in the Pontiac area.

          Ms. Katona also thanked the Commission for learning cane travel skills at the Training Center and also learning computer skills.

          Commissioner Taeckens came to Ms. Katona with the idea of the Braille-A-Thon which was a great idea.  The volunteer staff made up of MCB staff, previous clients, parents of blind children and others was fabulous.  Greg Botting, a volunteer, secured a $500 grant, played his violin and made a speech on Louis Braille.  Sixteen vendors providing hot dogs, drinks and ice cream were present with four of them being BEP vendors from the Commission.  Numerous games were provided for the children including slate and stylus games, Braille writing and reading proficiency contests, bingo, Braille feud, limbo under the white cane and a scavenger hunt.  Inspiring speakers, ranging in age from 6 - 81, included Fred Wurtzel, Joe Sibley, Christine Boone, Pat Cannon and students sharing their stories.  Blind musicians performed and all who participated in the Braille-A-Thon made it a great success. 

MS. WOLFE MOVED, SECONDED BY MR. GENO TO ACCEPT THE BRAILLE-A-THON REPORT; THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

Recessed for lunch at 12:15 p.m.

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

PUBLIC COMMENT

Ms. Sheila Ashcraft, a former commissioner commented on her disappointment that the commission meeting was not audio streamed as advertised.  She said audio streaming is a valuable communications tool and steps should be taken to ensure its availability at each meeting so consumers throughout the state can monitor proceedings. 

 

Mr. Joe Sibley said that he was pleased with the appointment of Michael Geno as a new commissioner and knows that he will serve well all blind persons in the State.

 

Mr. Fred Wurtzel, speaking on behalf of the National Federation of the Blind of Michigan expressed the organizations deep disappointment with the forced resignation of the Commissioner Eagle, the Commissioner appointment process and the role of the agency Director with the process.  He also urged Commissioners to take more seriously the policy setting role and to more effectively exercise their supervision of the agency Director.  He also said that NFB is calling upon the Governor's office to make their appointment process more open and allow for consumer involvement in the appointment process.

 

Mr. Terry Eagle, expressed his disappointment that there was no agenda item related to the Business Enterprise Program (BEP) and also noted his dismay in the selection process used to name the new BEP Assistant Manager.  He also expressed concerns over the process used to propose revisions to the college policy saying that it took too long and was not sufficiently inclusive.

 

Ms. Elizabeth Mohnke spoke in regards to the proposed college policy changes for students.  After reading the draft policy she said that she felt the policy was confusing and did not address all of the concerns and issues in regards to blind students.  The policy did not consider the input from blind students or from college disability offices.  Ms. Mohnke stated the document was poorly written and confusing and students will continually be caught in the middle between MCB and the colleges.

Ms. Kim Walsh stated she was grateful to be at the Commission meeting and was representing the Detroit Radio Information Services (DRIS) of southeast Michigan.  Ms. Walsh congratulated Michael Geno on his Commission appointment and Bob Robertson on his 30 years of service.  She wanted to update the Commission on a few items including the audio conference that was just held in Cincinnati and wanting to advocate for an audio accessible Michigan.

Mr. Fred Wurtzel started by congratulating Geri Taeckens and all of the volunteers for the Braille-A-Thon. Blind children showed attendees that Braille is not irrelevant he stated.  Mr. Wurtzel shared that he participated in the college policy process and felt that the policy needed to be sent back for a rewrite due to the tone and spirit of the policy being negative towards students and the omission of accessibility, housing, hold harmless policies and conflict resolution. 

Ms. Kim Walsh thanked the National Federation of the Blind for contributing several of the Louis Braille coins for literacy as door prizes that were given away at the national audio convention. 

 

POST SECONDARY OPTIONS FOR STUDENTS IN TRANSITION

         Vice Chair Allen introduced the panel of Leamon Jones, Christine Boone, Sherry Gordon, Leatrice Fullerton, Brian Celusnak, Shannon McVoy and Lisa Kisiel to speak about post secondary options for students in transition.  Vice-Chair Allen stated that after each section there will be question and answer time.

 

Overview of Student Assessment: 

 

Ms. Christine Boone shared with the attendees' information on the process of college assessment which is the assessment of skills and abilities to determine whether students have the skills needed to compete in college.  The college assessment program, which just completed a 2 week session with 23 participants, includes internet research, writing a paper on a computer, orientation & mobility to the grocery store and using the bus system, personal management and assessments on reading and math. 

The reading assessment portion brings to light an individuals' reading speed compared to their sighted counterparts.  This assessment gives each individual the opportunity to stay at the Center or return next summer and take time for personal adjustment training in areas that need strengthening.

Center staff input assessment information into the computer for Commission staff to access.  Five individuals did go right onto college after finishing the college assessment process this past session. 

There were no questions.

Overview of College Prep program

 

          Ms. Lisa Kisiel and Ms. Shannon McVoy both reported on the college prepatory program whose purpose is to enlighten, educate and inform each student on what it is like to be a college student before actually becoming one.  The program currently has 13 participants for the summer of 2009 who are all taking a 3 credit class through Western Michigan University in addition to auxiliary classes which are taught by Ms. McVoy, Ms. Kisiel and a WMU staff person.  Study skills, test taking and text book reading are the focus of these auxiliary classes which are areas in which all students may struggle.

          Another focus of the program is employment opportunities on campus for students.  Work opportunities include answering phones, organizing or cleaning and errand running which allow students to have work experiences on campus.

          Lisa Kisiel introduced two students, Brian Celusnak and Leatrice Fullerton who offered a students perspective on the college process and experience.

Student's perspective

          Brian Celusnak, a previous college prep program participant, stated that the program was a real eye opener.  The interaction was fun and the early experience of taking notes in a college lecture and the workload gave a real feeling of what college would be like.  The classes that Lisa and Shannon taught gave tips like getting all the cab phone numbers and numbers to local pizza places.  The program was also helpful in helping to choose what he would like to do with his life and expanded to how to get there from where he currently was.  Brian is currently in his second year at WMU, is part of the Lee Honors College and works part-time at an accessible technology lab on campus.

          Leatrice Fullerton, participated in the college prep program in 2001 and found the program to be very helpful and felt it taught her what to expect in real life college.  The focus on self responsibility led her to currently being enrolled at WMU in a masters program in social work. 

          Discussion included whether there were changes that needed to be made to the program and if there was a college mentoring component in place.  Ms. Mcvoy said that work experience has been added to the program in the last year which includes a work trial through WMU's career services program.

Preliminary report of College Policy Review Team

          Mr. Leamon Jones gave background on the college policy review team sharing that this was a sub-committee formed from the Service Delivery and Design Team with the college policy team focus being on looking at the existing policy manual for services to students and each individuals endeavors and recommend potential revisions needed.  The design team is composed of staff, stakeholders, students and MCB partners. 

          Ms. Sherry Gordon reported there were 20-21 persons on the review team including staff, representatives from NFB, Client Assistance Program (CAP), Commission Board representation, Visually Handicapped Services in Detroit and students.  The review team met monthly and the process has taken 15 months to create the nine page draft document made up of six subheadings: Ability to Benefit, Duration of Training, Financial Aid, Academic Progress, Advanced Degree and Employment Resources. The document was presented to the Service Delivery and Design Team earlier in June and will be presented to the PAQ team in August, the CIC in early September and to the Board of Directors at the September Commission meeting on September 18.

          Discussion encompassed some specific revisions, opportunities for comment on the draft document and financial aid questions.  Commissioner Taeckens clarified for attendees that the intent of having committee members from various groups was that each member would take information back to their respective groups for input and bring that new information back to the college policy committee.

 Mr. Fred Wurtzel commented on the negativity of the document and would like to have focus on creating a document based on positives.  He also commented on impediments that blind and visually impaired students face compared to their sighted counterparts. 

Ms. Elizabeth Mohnke said she didn't understand why the college policy didn't cover the issues of accessibility and technology for students and felt that should have been and should be a main focus of the college policy.

Ms. Kim Walsh stated that her family wouldn't financially support the education of females.

Ms. Phyllis Maybanua had a son that went through college while a client of the Commission and the help from the Commission and from the counselors is available.

Discussion included how accommodations and adaptive technology is not included in the college policy because it is elsewhere in the MCB manual and could be included in the college policy document as a reference or addendum.  Sherry Gordon also touched on the Memorandum's of Understanding (MOU) that are signed for each school.

Ms. Kimberly Mohnke stated the draft document talks about the scope of services in regards to the issue of technology but it still can become an issue of who covers what items between the Commission and the college.

 

Mr. Brian Celusnak commented on the benefits of a higher education for blind people and the need for some job fields requiring an advanced degree to get a job allowing blind people more benefits and income raises.

Ms. Elizabeth Mohnke also asked what happens in the situation with the community colleges where there is no memorandum of understanding.

Mr. Leamon Jones commented on Ms. Monk's statement regarding the MOU's saying that all 29 of Michigan's community colleges and 15 of Michigan's universities signed MOU's.   Mr. Jones also commented that the goal for MCB clients is to become employable and the vocational goals they set should be worked out each individual's counselor on what is needed to become employable in the field that is chosen. Ms. Walsh asked Mr. Jones to clarify his statement.  He stated the Commission encourages each client to research employability for their individual vocational choice and the Commission will support an advanced degree if necessary to gain employment in the chosen field.

 

          Commissioner Taeckens commended the College Policy committee on the draft document but suggested the committee look at the tone of the document and approach it with diversity in mind.

DIRECTOR'S REPORT

 

          Director Cannon noted that the Commissioners not only hear the verbal reports at the meeting but also receive a written report in their board packet that includes submissions from all MCB agency divisions.

Director Cannon referred people to the MCB written report and highlighted the Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation (CSAVR) and National Council of State Agencies for the Blind (NCSAB) national conferences held in Bethesda, MD in April.  Stimulus funding was the focus of both conferences with Kareem Dale, Special Policy Advisor to President Obama on Disability Issues being a featured speaker at the NCSAB conference whose theme was New Beginnings:  Amidst Turmoil, Challenge and Hope.  Turmoil of the fiscal woes across the nation, the challenges of providing services to individuals to enable them to get the jobs and independence they need and in turn providing them hope.  The Reauthorization of the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) was a topic of discussion and there may be congressional action this summer.  Again the NCSAB attendees participated in the brag and steal session where different agencies share programs and ideas that are working for them.  The brag and steal has resulted in MCB learning about and attempting to gain support for a Massachusetts intern program model for Michigan's job-ready clients to gain invaluable experience in a State government setting.

          Lt. Governor John Cherry is asking for public input including town hall meetings, public forums and a website on streamlining state government specifically reducing the number of state departments from 18 to 8 as a result of Governor Granholm's State of the State address last February.  This endeavor includes participants from Wayne State University, Michigan State University and the University of Michigan who identified 7 key areas of state government which will assist in consolidating, merging and streamlining to save money for the state. 

Mr. Cannon elaborated on the Technology Committee report given by Sherri Heibeck in the morning highlighting the committees work to develop standards to help evaluate the quality, techniques and approach of the technology trainers secured by MCB for clients.

          Director Cannon shared about the 10 summer programs that will be happening this summer around the state.  This summer programs have grown over the years affording numerous opportunities and options for blind youth in Michigan.

          MCB continues its ongoing outreach efforts to eye care professionals, including the Michigan Society of Eye Physicians & Surgeons (MiSEPS) as well as the Michigan Optemetric Association (MOA).  MCB continues to encourage eye care professionals to inform their patients about a wide array of services available to those facing sight loss so they may continue to live independently.

          In its continued outreach efforts, MCB also recently had an opportunity to speak with soon to be optometrists at Ferris State University.   This program was led by the late Dr. Walter Betts and is being continued by Dr. Sarah Hinkley at Ferris State University.

          Finally, the mini adjustment program continues to be extremely successful with the last program taking place in Escanaba, Augusts' mini adjustment program will be held in Clare and the fall program in Grand Rapids.  The mini adjustment program is a week long session which introduces clients to the skills of blindness and a job readiness seminar held in conjunction for MCB's job ready clients to enhance their job skills.

 

MR. GENO MOVED, SECONDED BY MS. WOLFE TO ACCEPT THE DIRECTOR'S REPORT; THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

           

ADJOURNMENT

 

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

 

          The meeting was adjourned at 3:15 p.m.  The next meeting will be held on Friday, September 18 at The Landmark Inn, Marquette.  The meeting will begin at 9:00 a.m.

                                               
Jo Ann Pilarski, Chairperson

 

                                               
Date