[nfbmi-talk] FW: MCB Report Commission meeting 9/18/09
Fred Wurtzel
f.wurtzel at comcast.net
Tue Sep 8 22:56:09 UTC 2009
_____
From: Michigan Comm for the Blind Vision 20/20 List
[mailto:MCB2020-L at LISTSERV.MICHIGAN.GOV] On Behalf Of Cannon, Patrick
(DELEG)
Sent: Tuesday, September 08, 2009 5:08 PM
To: MCB2020-L at LISTSERV.MICHIGAN.GOV
Subject: MCB Report Commission meeting 9/18/09
MCB REPORT
September 8, 2009
GOVERNOR TRANSFERS LIBRARY FOR THE BLIND TO MCB
Governor Jennifer M. Granholm issued an Executive Order, July 13, regarding
the Department of History, Arts and Libraries (HAL), transferring that
department's functions to various other state departments, agencies and
commissions, including transferring the Library Services for the Blind and
Physically Handicapped (SBPH) to the Michigan Commission for the Blind
(MCB). In an accompanying news release, the Governor announced conceptual
plans for a Michigan Center for Innovation and Reinvention (MCIR) in
downtown Lansing that would help equip Michigan citizens for the
knowledge-based economy through entrepreneurial and innovative programs.
The governor is establishing a Michigan Center for Innovation and Renovation
Board to examine the establishment of the new center that would be a
transformed Michigan Library and Historical Center through a partnership
with Michigan State University, the city of Lansing and other appropriate
public and private partners. The board is outlined in Executive Order
2009-36 that abolishes the Department of History, Arts and Libraries and
transfers that department's functions to various entities. Skip Pruss,
Director of the Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth (DELEG),
will be in charge of overseeing this transfer and it is expected that it
will take affect October 1, 2009.
Representatives from HAL, DELEG and the Commission have been meeting since
the announcement to plan for the transfer and to ensure that the expected
implementation will be seamless and in the best interests of SBPH and MCB
customers. Transition team members are confident that the transfer poses
exciting possibilities for common consumers of the agencies and could open
new doors for more effective collaboration in the future.
INTERNSHIPS TO PROVIDE CRITICAL WORK EXPERIENCE
Too often, too many MCB clients face enormous challenges getting their first
employment opportunity. Many times, clients have shown genuine success in
the classroom and even though their college graduation credentials are in
hand, they still find it exceedingly difficult to launch their careers, and
in many cases it's because they have no work experience to point to as
further evidence of their job readiness.
Because it is known that early work experience leads to vocational success,
MCB has established the MCB Client Internship Program, to provide its
clients with employment opportunities in state and local government and the
private sector. In this program, consumers will receive compensation for
their internship and gain vital on-the-job experience to assist them on
their path toward competitive employment and independence. As a part of
this experience, they'll have an opportunity to develop the soft skills that
are so essential to employment success in the 21st century.
The MCB Client Internship Program is coordinated by MCB, with wages and
job-related costs paid with a grant from the federal government through
identified Rehab Stimulus Funds, under the American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act. This opportunity is being offered to Commission clients
who have nearly completed their rehabilitation and training program and are
ready to pursue their career goals. Once a candidate is approved by MCB and
the employer, an intern will earn job experience and a bi-weekly income
reimbursed by MCB. Initially, the Commission plans to offer one-year
internships to eligible, qualified clients, with the possibility to extend
the internship experience for an additional year, if mutually agreeable by
the employer and client.
The Commission will begin the program in mid-September with a few consumers
working in MCB offices and the MCB Training Center. MCB is also working
with state government partners to develop internship opportunities for
Commission consumers in other departments.
Thanks to the help and involvement of many individuals over the past few
months, the Commission has been able to win support for this initiative from
Jeremy Stephens, State Personnel Director, and Michigan's State Employer,
Sharon Bommarito Director, Office of the State Employer. DELEG's Director
of Human Resources, Patty Gamin has also been critical in supporting this
effort, offering guidance and advocacy for its approval and implementation.
Clearly, the next big challenge is to market this project to others and, to
that end, Ms. Gamin has already begun to promote this program to other state
Human Resources directors. Additionally, Beth White, Patty Gamin and Pat
Cannon are scheduled to make a presentation to the Governor's Cabinet
Council, September 22, providing an exceptional opportunity to speak to all
state department directors about potential MCB client internships in their
departments. In the very near future, MCB will also reach out to local
governments, community employment partners, and the private sector to expand
opportunities to more and more job-ready consumers.
The best thing about this program is that everyone benefits! Interns have
the opportunity to build skills and explore careers in a paid work
experience. Employers get pre-screened, dedicated interns who are
enthusiastic, eager, and talented. Both interns and employers benefit from
access to MCB's qualified vocational rehabilitation counselors to maximize
the opportunity for a mutually successful experience, with MCB staff
providing necessary support services including coaching, technology
evaluations, adaptive equipment, orientation and mobility training, and
follow-up consultation. In addition, and perhaps one of the most important
benefits of this program, supervisors and co-workers in the workplace will
learn, first-hand, about the abilities of individuals who are blind, as MCB
develops and diversifies Michigan's workforce.
STATE CONSUMER CONVENTIONS PLANNED FOR THIS FALL
Michigan's two major blind consumer organizations are hosting their annual
fall conventions in Grand Rapids this fall, bringing together their members,
families, advocates, friends and community partners. The Michigan Council
of the Blind and Visually Impaired (MCBVI), affiliated nationally with the
American Council of the Blind (ACB), will host its convention at the Howard
Johnson Plaza, 255 28th St SW
Grand Rapids, MI 49548 (616) 241-6444, in Wyoming, October 8-11. The
National Federation of the Blind (NFB) of Michigan, affiliated with NFB's
national organization, will conduct its fall convention at the Radisson
Hotel Grand Rapids Riverfront 270 Ann Street N.W., Grand Rapids, MI 49504,
1-800-395-7046 in Grand Rapids, November 6-8.
The two conventions offer participants a variety of technology exhibits,
seminars and networking opportunities to help attendees better understand
emerging issues facing blind persons and their families today, as well as
opportunities to develop strategies on how to effectively advocate for
changes which can improve lives for blind persons in the state. Additional
information and registration details can be found at mcbvi.org or nfbmi.org.
TURNING THE CORNER - ON THE ROAD TO RECOVERY
The Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation (CSAVR) and
the National Council of State Agencies for the Blind (NCSAB) will hold their
Fall Conferences, in Phoenix, Arizona, November 15-20, 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, November 18-20, is "Turning the Corner -
On the Road to Recovery." Participants will learn how other agencies are
coping with the challenges of the national economy, continued increases in
unemployment rates and how the new federal stimulus funds are helping state
rehab agencies to turn the corner on the road to recovery, utilizing funds
under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). There will be
presentations by state agencies which showcase their creative approaches to
utilizing the stimulus funds over the next two years (such as MCB's Client
Internship Program detailed earlier in this report).
Other features of the conferences will be reports by officials from the
Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA), the federal agency overseeing
public rehabilitation programs in the country, which will outline their
expectations on the use of stimulus funds, RSA monitoring of state agencies
and continued attempts in Congress to re-authorize the federal Workforce
Investment Act (WIA). Attached to this report is a position document
developed by NCSAB, clearly stating the organization's views on key
principles to be considered by Congress as the WIA reauthorization
legislation is advanced.
Conference attendees will also hear 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 innovative approaches to rehab
teaching; 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 will be the popular "Brag and Steal" session, providing
participants an opportunity to share some of their great practices, as well
as to learn from others.
UNIVERSITY RESEARCH PUTS BLIND DRIVERS BEHIND THE WHEEL
According to a report by the National Federation of the Blind (NFB), a team
of students at the Virginia Tech University have designed a car that allows
blind and visually impaired people to take the wheel and drive. The Blind
Driver Challenge team from Virginia Tech's Robotics and Mechanisms
Laboratory has retrofitted a four-wheel dirt buggy that uses audio cues, a
tactile map and laser range finders among other technology to guide vision
impaired drivers as they control the vehicle. Earlier models of the Blind
Driver Challenge vehicle swayed more towards being fully autonomous, so the
student team changed their approach to the design to focus on giving a
vision impaired motorist total control of the vehicle.
With the objective of presenting a blind driver with the same type of
control behind the wheel as a sighted person came many challenges. For
example, the laser sensors scanning the surrounding environment of the
vehicle need to relay large amounts of information back to the driver both
quickly and accurately. To achieve this, the team used a number of
non-visual interface technologies. These include a click counter steering
wheel with audio cues, a vibrating vest worn by the driver for speed
feedback, spoken commands for direction and a tactile map using compressed
air to relay information about the terrain surrounding the vehicle.
The prototype was recently taken for its first spin around a closed course
at the Virginia Tech campus by Wes Majerus, an access technology specialist
with the National Federation of the Blind's Jernigan Institute in Baltimore.
According to Majerus, the experience was not only "liberating" but he also
found the car's instructions to be more precise than that of a human
counterpart. This translates into this type of technology possibly being
used to help elderly drivers, or train new ones. Plans are underway to
continue developing the concept and replace the dirt buggy vehicle with an
all-electric car, reducing the vibration that can hinder the laser sensor as
well as presenting a benefit to the environment. While these studies are
encouraging, those involved in the project are realistic about the long road
ahead for both the development of the vehicle and the changing of laws that
prohibit blind people from driving.
ACCESS BOARD ISSUES GUIDANCE ON ACCESSIBLE PEDESTRIAN SIGNALS
Product innovations and improved technologies have enhanced the
accessibility of pedestrian signals now on the market. Low-volume audible
signals and tactile features have been incorporated into the design of
products to provide access to pedestrians with vision impairments more
effectively. The industry standard, the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control
Devices, includes specifications for accessible pedestrian signals which
derive from recommendations developed by a former Board advisory panel, the
Public Rights-of-Way Access Advisory Committee.
The Board has released new guidance on installing these types of pedestrian
signals. "Common Problems Arising in the Installation of Accessible
Pedestrian Signals" reviews access features of available products, including
locator tones, audible and vibrotactile indicators of crossing cycles, and
signal volume and explains important considerations in the placement and
orientation of signal devices. The low-volume indicators of current
products make proper installation essential in order for signals to be
effective. The bulletin uses case studies and field evaluations to
illustrate various installation 'do's and don'ts' in relation to common site
conditions and factors. The publication, which includes an installation
checklist, is available on the Board's website at
www.accessboard.gov/research/pedestrian-signals/bulletin.htm along with
other resources on accessible public rights-of-way.
DISABILITY.GOV SITE LAUNCHED BY NCD
The U.S. Department of Labor launched, July 30, Disability.gov, a redesigned
federal Web site that connects the more than 50 million Americans with
disabilities to thousands of trusted resources on disability-related issues,
programs and services. Formerly known as DisabilityInfo.gov, the site has
been completely redesigned and updated with new social media tools, such as
a blog and a Twitter feed, to encourage feedback and interaction among
visitors. Disability.gov is not just for Americans with disabilities, but
also for parents of children with disabilities, employers, workforce and
human resource professionals, veterans, educators, caregivers and many
others.
Disability.gov features comprehensive information from 22 federal agencies,
as well as educational institutions, non-profit organizations and state and
local governments. Topics covered on the site include: benefits; civil
rights; community life; education; emergency preparedness; employment;
health; housing; technology; and transportation. To link to Disability.gov,
visit Link to U.S. page (http://www.disability.gov/home/link_to_us).
MINI-ADJUSTMENT PROGRAM IN CLARE
A very successful Mini-Adjustment Program Workshop was held in Clare, August
23-28, with 38 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, August 27, for 11 rehab 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. The final
Mini-Adjustment Program and Employment Readiness Seminar for this year will
be in Grand Rapids, November 15-20.
CONSUMER SERVICES REPORT
Outreach Activities
The Consumer Services Division has had a productive summer. The staff has
been active in various outreach activities and continues to develop and
expand opportunities for seniors and vocational consumers to continue to
receive technology training at several sites through Area Agencies on Aging
centers. The staff involvement in the development of various sites will
make available technology training to individuals who are blind and visually
impaired. The emphasis of this training is to provide the opportunity for
seniors to acquire basic technology skills within their local area. The
training will also be available to individuals that are 18 years and older
who are vocational consumers as long as they have a disability. The staff
is continuing to collaborate with the native health centers to increase
their knowledge about the agencies and the various programs that are
available to persons who are blind and visually impaired. It is anticipated
that these outreach activities will increase referrals from the Native
American population. Initially, the staff will contact ten centers to
provide in-service training to the staff and provide vision screening where
possible. The development of a collaborative relationship will help to
improve dialogue resulting in increased vocational training to youths and
vocational consumers. This is one group that is underserved by the agency;
therefore, these activities are necessary to increase involvement with the
Native Americans in order to increase transition activities, vocational
training and employment outcomes.
Summer Programs
The Consumer Services Division provided several opportunities for the youth
this summer. MCB had ten programs which gave 85 youths experience in
pre-employment skill training, work experience, job shadowing and adjustment
training. An additional component to the summer program was the summer
youth program through Michigan Works! that provided an opportunity for 43
participants to receive compensation as they gained a variety of work
experiences. The fourth Business Enterprise Program Summer Work Opportunity
Program (BEP SWOP) offered youths an opportunity to learn about the BEP as
they gained knowledge and skills that will equip them to work in the food
industry while receiving compensation for their endeavors. This year's
program had five participants who gained valuable work experience. Some of
the participants were supported by the Michigan Works! Summer Program. It
is anticipated that this work experience will increase the individual's
knowledge regarding the operations of the program.
Strategic Teams
The staff of the Consumer Services Division is working with the strategic
teams to assess and improve service delivery to all consumers. The Service
Delivery Design, Technology and Futuristic Teams are reviewing manual
policies and procedures to address the needs and demands of consumers for
future rehabilitation and independent living needs. The ad hoc committees
under the SDDT are reviewing the small business policy, as well as the older
blind manual to update the policies for improved services. The Small
Business Ad hoc Committee had employed a variety of stakeholders in their
endeavors to improve the existing policy. They have consulted with the
Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA), Central Michigan University
Entrepreneurial Services as well as the Ann Arbor Center for Independent
Living Small Business program, as well as invited business owners and
consumers to assist in the revision of the policies and procedures. The
Older Blind Ad hoc Committee is in the process of updating the policies and
procedures for the Older Blind/Independent Living program to add to the
policy manual. They are inviting consumers and stakeholders to assist in
the revisions. This activity was in keeping with RSA's monitoring review.
The Futuristic Team is working collaboratively with the Technology team to
develop a process to review applicants who wish to provide assistive
technology to Commission consumers. They are also working to produce letters
to be sent to a number of technology companies to encourage them to consider
designing their products to be accessible for people that are blind and
visually impaired.
Transition Activities
The staff is working with the MT-21 project to improve transition services
to youths. MCB is working with Michigan State University and Michigan
Rehabilitation Services to expand transition services throughout the state.
Currently MSU is reviewing MCB's data regarding its transition activities.
This review will provide the agency with information about the number of
consumers that have received transition services over a period of time. It
will also begin to enable the agency to determine the areas where best
practices are yielding positive results. The staff will be working with the
various intermediate school districts to discuss the results of the data
analysis of the transition activities.
Internships
The agency has been approved to promote its internship project for a number
of consumers who are nearing the completion of the rehabilitation program.
These individuals will have an opportunity to gain valuable work experience
in a variety of governmental agencies, including some county and municipal
agencies. MCB will follow up with any agencies that will provide an
opportunity for its consumer to work with them. This is a one-year
internship with a possibility of an additional year depending on the
employers needs. Internships in state government will be considered as
student assistants. The participants will be compensated through American
Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds.
Mini-Adjustments
MCB has had three Mini Adjustment programs this calendar year in Detroit,
Gladstone and Clare. The next mini will be held in Grand Rapids. In
conjunction with the minis, the Employment Readiness Seminar (ERS) has been
conducted to provide job ready consumers' information on Social Security and
work incentives, as well as information from Michigan Works! on how to
conduct a job search. At each of these employment seminars, the
participants have received mock interviews from local employers. The agency
encourages job ready consumers to attend the ERS to increase their
interviewing skills. At the last ERS in Clare, 11 individuals participated
in the program with employers who interviewed them from Mid-Michigan Health,
Doherty Hotel, and Horizon Senior Living.
TRAINING CENTER REPORT
Staffing
The Training Center is pleased to announce that a new substitute instructor
has been added to the staff. Megan O'Rourke is a talented orientation &
mobility instructor who acquired her initial teaching experience on the
campus of Missouri State University prior to her enrollment in WMU'S
graduate O&M program. Megan becomes the first blind orientation & mobility
instructor to work at the Center. Because she also has considerable
experience as an instructor of access technology, the Center will be able to
use Megan's skills as a substitute in that area as well.
Student Assistants and Summer Activity Program
In July, 2009, the training center hired two new student assistants, after
the departure of J.J. Meddaugh and Dan VanElk. Kristen Johnson and Tina
Snyder are both preparing to be rehabilitation teacher counselors. They
join Jackie Paulding and Tim Paulding (our two remaining student assistants)
who have also recently begun work on their Masters Degree programs in
rehabilitation teaching (now known as vocational rehabilitation therapy), at
Western Michigan University.
These young people have put together a comprehensive collection of
excursions throughout the summer that have exposed Center students to a wide
variety of experiences. These included: The Mo-Pics theatre in Grand
Rapids, where students enjoyed a movie with descriptive video; the Kalamazoo
Air Zoo, one of the Nation's leading flight museums, Michigan Adventure,
where students learned to negotiate the noisy confusion of an amusement park
using their newly acquired skills of blindness; and a host of shopping trips
and local concerts.
Summer Programming
The Training Center introduced a new summer program for customers who need
to complete the college assessment, and who are not able to attend the
Center during the school year. The program began on Sunday June 14, with
the arrival of 23 young people between the ages of 15 and 22. Joining these
young people were two individuals, who were nearing the completion of their
training in the independent living programs. The whole experience proved to
be beneficial to everyone involved, with many of the young people reporting
that they made real friends at the Center for the first time in their entire
lives. The entire Center staff was very impressed by this group of young
students. They were intelligent, well mannered, thoughtful, determined and
attentive to the work at hand. They have considered their futures and it is
evident that they are striving for excellence.
The Training Center staff reported that they found this concentrated college
assessment program to be a positive change, which should greatly assist
field counselors in their work. Input will now be sought from the Consumer
Services staff, as to whether they found the concentration of college
assessment services to be helpful. A decision will be made by November 1,
2009, regarding next year's programming.
Program Notes and Potpourri
Introduction of Yoga class: This class is taught by an instructor who has
provided many volunteer hours to the Center, during which time it was
determined that Yoga is an excellent means through which many Center
students are able to develop their core body strength and coordination.
Classes are held on Monday and Wednesday mornings, and have become one of
the most popular electives at the Center. The class is proving particularly
helpful for students with additional disabilities, and those who are
congenitally blind.
The women's round table: The Center has held both women's and men's
attitudes classes for a couple of years now. These classes provide a forum
for discussion issues that might not be appropriate conversation in a
mixed-gender group. Several months ago, the women students assumed the
responsibility of planning and facilitating their class, which has been
re-named "the women's round table". Thus far, topics have included
everything from cosmetic demonstrations and French braiding lessons, to a
field trip to explore the five senses garden that is located next door to
the Center.
Testing site: The Center is now approved to administer the WOWI (world of
work inventory) and the WRAT (wide range aptitude test) for reading. Center
rehabilitation counselor Karen DeVera is qualified to administer these
tests, both of which assist VR customers at the Center to take full
advantage of their vocational rehabilitation programs by focusing more
clearly on a vocational goal that is consistent with their skills, desires,
aptitudes, abilities, capabilities and informed choice.
Trial work incubators: Center students continue to enjoy work experiences
in the areas of reception and secretarial support, food service, facility
maintenance and domestic services. These experiences help to prepare
students who have never before enjoyed the chance to work, and they increase
confidence and the development of alternative skills for those who have
worked as sighted individuals only.
Partnering with Michigan Works: The Center has provided part-time paid
employment for an MCB client at the Center. This young woman works
approximately 10 hours each week, providing pet care to the Training
Center's three dog guides and trainees. She handles grooming, watering,
feeding and exercising for the dogs.
Growing the continuing partnership with Leader-dog: For the second year,
Leader dog visited the TC in May, bringing a couple of trained dog guides
and Trekker GPS units. After a brief morning lecture and Q&A session,
students enjoyed the opportunity to take a short walk with a dog guide, and
a separate chance for some hands-on experience with the Trekker Breeze.
The Amazing Race: Eight ambitious O&M students donned blindfolds and
partnered in groups of two, to pit their skills in orientation & mobility
against those of their peers. After a dash around Kalamazoo using every
type of public conveyance available in the city, the winning team received a
prize. This race was enjoyed by one and all and is sure to become a seasonal
favorite here at the Center.
Strengthening the Training Center's collegial partnership with WMU, the
Center was delighted to have its first functionally blind orientation &
mobility practicum student. This delightful and expert travel instructor
did such an admirable job as a practicum student, that she will begin
working as a substitute instructor as soon as she completes her internship
this summer.
Staffing the future: The Training Center Director continues to serve on the
advisory board to the Rehabilitation Counselor preparation program at WMU.
In addition, the TC and the VRC program are in the last year of a federal
innovation grant that exposes WMU students to a two-week total immersion
program. During this summer season, seven students have completed the
immersion program, which requires them to wear a blindfold during all of
their waking hours for two entire weeks (including weekends). During this
time, the students participate in classes and residential life at the
Training Center. Preliminary results indicate that the program provides
participants with tremendous insight into the barriers faced by persons who
are blind (both real and created).
Working more closely with MCTI: MCB has a new liaison with the Michigan
Career and Technical Institute (MCTI). The Center's VR counselor, Karen
DeVera will work with any MCB customers who attend MCTI, throughout the
duration of their participation in programming there. The two training
centers have also begun to collaborate and share ideas to the future benefit
of students who are both blind and otherwise physically disabled or
cognitively impaired.
Increasing successful outcomes: Beginning this year, all VR students who
attend the training center are enrolled in JOBS class, where they thoroughly
explore their career options. They then move on to the world of work (WOW)
class where they develop a resume and participate in a work experience of
some kind. Some students will work inside the training center, while others
will take jobs out in the community of Kalamazoo. It is hoped that these
experiences will greatly assist participants in securing successful outcomes
upon completion of their vocational rehabilitation programs.
Property improvement: Randy Dykstra, with assistance from the rest of the
facilities maintenance team, has created a two stage Walking trail through
the partially wooded portion of the TC's 22 acres. The use of this trail,
which includes an easy "phase one" walking path and a more challenging
"phase two" trail, should assist in honing the skills of country dwellers
who often find little practicality in spending all of their time walking the
city streets when they live along a graveled country mile.
Library enhancement: The Training Center library has received several
donations during the past year (mostly comprised of books on tape and large
print editions). As a result, space had run out. Thanks to the hard work
of Karen Harrington and Dan Grover, the library has been expanded by the
addition of new, double-sided book stacks. It has taken on the look and
feel of a real library, and still includes enough seating and work space to
accommodate a good sized class or small meeting.
Student Talent show: Several of the more enterprising summer students
organized and presented an outstanding talent show for the Center staff and
fellow students. This event took place during 5th hour, with all other
classes being suspended so that everyone could participate.
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES REPORT
The MCB budget is, overall, in good shape, however matching funds remain a
concern. Securing adequate matching funds for MCB's budget is quite
complicated because MCB is not allocated enough General Fund/General Purpose
(GF/GP) state dollars to fully match allotted federal grant resources. This
requires MCB to find other approved matching sources such as capital outlay,
BEP set aside funds, private donations, in-kind match (for Independent
Living only), and certified and cash match funding. This year due to a
reduction in DMB capital outlay projects for BEP building renovations, slow
BEP sales resulting in lower set aside payments, a delay in the MCBTC
building project and a cut in GF/GP it is uncertain if MCB will have to
relinquish some allotted federal funds. This will not affect the 2009
budget because MCB is allotted more federal money than it has authority to
spend. Every year MCB carries forward into the new fiscal year any unspent
but matched federal funds so in the event that MCB is unable to match any
federal funding this year it will result in a smaller carry forward to next
years budget. This economic climate has posed an ultimate challenge to MCB
to find any and all resources to ensure that every federal dollar allotted
to MCB stays with MCB. MCB staff has met the challenge head on and has been
working diligently to secure all viable matching funds.
MCB has begun expending the much anticipated American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds. Although the funding was a grant, there has
been much work involved in actually putting the money to work for the blind
citizens of Michigan. The planning, approvals, coding, expenditure forms
and report mechanisms all had to be put in place before one dollar could be
spent. Many levels of government were involved in doing these tasks. So
far MCB has requested adaptive equipment and training for Senior Centers and
Area Agencies on Aging to provide training for persons who are blind in
their regions and some of those stations will be set up by the end of
September. MCB has also been able to capitalize on additional teaching
services in the Grand Rapids area and anticipates an expansion of those
services to other areas of the state in the very near future. A final big
hurdle for expending ARRA funding has been the approvals for MCB to hire
clients as Student Assistants for work experience. It appears that
infrastructure for that project is now in place and MCB has been given the
go ahead to hire. The agency will model this project by placing interns to
work within MCB.
On the topic of ARRA funding, MCB has applied for additional ARRA funding to
assist with the upgrade of the Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning
(HVAC) and other energy saving systems at the Training Center. The
Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth (DELEG) Energy Office has 82
million dollars of ARRA funding to assist with the energy efficiencies and
other upgrades in state owned buildings. If MCB receives a grant from DELEG
Energy Office it is required that the receiving office match 50% of the
grant award. The match can be other federal funding, state funding, private
donations or in-kind. In addition, it is anticipated that MCB will need to
request an increase in federal authority for the project.
Safety Team
The MCB Safety Team met for the first time with Steve Monet from the Office
of the State Employer and Steve Shepard from the UAW facilitating. The first
meeting, held in August, was an orientation/training program developed by
Steve and Steve to assist newly established safety teams create a foundation
and ground rules for the team. Present at this meeting were Betty Rush,
Shawnese Laury, Beth White, Patrick Duthie, Amber Pike, Lee Greenacre, Lisa
Kisiel, Michelle Visscher, and Bob Robertson. Judy Terwilliger is also a
member but was unable to attend. This team will work together to identify
some of the priorities from the safety survey conducted several months ago
by Steve Monet. Recommendations will be made for possible training programs
and other steps to be taken to address those priorities.
On a related note, the first safety training for MCB staff is scheduled in
September at three different locations - September 3 in Kalamazoo, September
8 in Lansing, and September 11 in Detroit. The presenter is F/Lt. Mike Krumm
from the Michigan State Police. This program will focus on the need to
identify potentially dangerous situations and how to control or de-escalate
the problems, hopefully through effective communication. Approximately 80
MCB staff and drivers will attend one of the three sessions.
The next meeting of the safety team is scheduled for Sept 16 via telephone
conferencing.
Rehab Conference
The Michigan Rehabilitation Conference is scheduled for October 21-23 at the
Amway Grand Plaza in Grand Rapids. About 18 MCB staff have requested
approval to attend the conference. There are over 50 breakout sessions
scheduled including a day long session called "Job Development in Spite of
the Economy" being presented by Allen Anderson. MCB has brought in Mr.
Anderson in the past and his program is very good.
Civil Service Update
MCB is seeking approval from the department and Civil Service to establish
three new job placement specialist positions - one in each region. These
positions will be limited term appointments paid for using ARRA funds. The
process of establishing a new position is sometimes a challenge but it is
hoped that these new positions will be posted to fill by early October.
Progress is being made on amending the Civil Service job specification for
Rehabilitation Consultant to include those persons with degrees and work
experience in rehabilitation teaching. Historically, teachers have not met
the qualifications for rehabilitation consultant vacancies. This is the
first step to change that and hopefully it will be resolved within the next
few weeks.
Staff News
Ray Kirklin, a rehabilitation counselor in the Saginaw Office has retired
after more than 35 years of providing services to blind persons in the State
of Michigan. Congratulations, Ray!
MCB Website Highlight: MCB Board and Commission Meetings
To encourage public participation in MCB commission meetings and MCB topics
in general, the MCB website has an MCB Board and Commission Meetings
section, which includes commissioner biographies and contact information, a
schedule of upcoming commission meetings, and recent and archived MCB
Reports, meeting agendas, and minutes. The main page of this section can be
reached from the MCB website's home page (www.michigan.gov/mcb) by clicking
on MCB Board on the main menu.
The MCB Board and Commission Meetings main page has four parts, with
specific information as follows, in this order from the top:
* Board Information
o MCB Commission Meeting Schedule. This link goes to a list of all upcoming
commission meetings. Each meeting date has a link that leads to the
complete meeting agenda, posted as soon as it becomes available.
o MCB Commissioners includes each governor-appointed commissioner's name,
photo, biography, and contact information.
o Board Organization-Authority, Structure, and Policies. This document was
written in 1996 and last revised in 2004.
* MCB Reports-This includes all MCB Reports, listed by date, with the most
recent at the top. The current year's reports are listed under individual
links, and older reports are listed under a link for each year from 2008
back to 2004.
* MCB Commission Meeting Agendas-This includes all agendas, listed by date,
with the most recent at the top. The current year's agendas are listed
under individual links, and older agendas are listed under a link for each
year from 2008 back to 2000.
* MCB Commission Meeting Minutes-This includes all approved minutes, listed
by date, with the most recent at the top. The current year's minutes are
listed under individual links, and older minutes are listed under a link for
each year from 2008 back to 2000.
More Web Surfers Visit MCB Website
Today, many people find an Internet search to be the fastest and easiest way
to get information about anything, and MCB is working to ensure that web
surfers seeking blind rehabilitation services for themselves or others will
find MCB on the first try. When a person does a Google search using
keywords-for example, the keywords "blind" and "Michigan" to look for blind
rehabilitation services in this state-the search produces a list of many,
many websites that contain those words, basically listed in order from
most-visited to least-visited. This is what MCB is doing to keep the MCB
website near the top of the search results:
* All MCB publications, press releases, stationery, and table display
banners are imprinted with the MCB website URL, or address, which is
www.michigan.gov/mcb.
* MCB's URL is the same as the state of Michigan's main web page plus a
forward slash followed by MCB. This follows the standard pattern used by
many state of Michigan departments and agencies, such as MRS, DELEG, DMB,
MDOT, and the DNR, among others, which makes the URL easy to remember.
* The MCB website includes information of interest to consumers, employers,
MCB staff, other rehab professionals, eye doctors, BEP vendors, community
partners, and members of the media. Every effort is made to keep this
information complete and up-to-date, to encourage return visits.
* MCB requests web links on partners' websites and participates in
opportunities that bring new visitors to the MCB website. For example,
during July 2009, MCB was the featured agency of the month on the American
Foundation for the Blind (AFB) Senior Site, and the articles and links to
MCB are still archived there.
Here are some recent results of these efforts:
* During June 2009, the number of page views on the MCB website compared to
June 2008 showed an increase of 18 percent. (Note: Each website visit
equals one or more page views. For a multi-page website, counting the
number of page views is considered a better way to evaluate website use than
by counting the number of visits.)
* During July 2009, when MCB was the AFB Senior Site agency of the month,
the number of page views on the MCB website compared to July 2008 showed an
increase of 27 percent. In addition, during July a Google search using the
single keyword "blind" listed MCB number 10 out of 135 million websites.
* Google searches in August 2009 using various keywords produced these
rankings for the MCB website:
o Using the keywords "blind" and "Michigan," MCB ranked number one out of
5.1 million websites.
o Using the keywords "blind" and "training," MCB ranked number one out of
16.4 million websites.
o Using the keywords "senior" and "blind," MCB ranked number three out of
10.3 million websites.
o Using the single keyword "blind," MCB ranked 80th out of 102 million
websites that include this word. According to this search, the MCB website
was the eighth most frequently visited site of all the U.S. state agencies
serving people who are blind, including both blind and general agencies.
Other MCB Communications & Outreach Activities
MCB Director Pat Cannon was interviewed for two radio programs in June
regarding the commission's opportunities available to students. On June 19,
he spoke with AM Lansing's Walt Sorg on 1320 AM about MCB's summer youth
programs. On June 29, Pat spoke with John Ketchum of WCMU Radio (an NPR
affiliate) for a segment on the local portion of "All Things Considered"
providing information on MCB's College Prep program.
To provide information on MCB's Independent Living Program to directors of
Michigan's 103 senior centers, information has been posted on the Michigan
Association of Senior Centers (MASC) online forum regarding the availability
of Independent Living Program brochures. As a result, MCB has received
requests from senior center directors for print copies of this publication.
MCB will host a booth at the Capital Area Michigan Works! Fall Job Expo on
September 17 at the Lansing Center to provide information to potential
consumers and employers. MCB will also host a booth on October 7-8 at the
Michigan Optometric Association's 41st Annual Fall Seminar at the Lansing
Center to provide information to optometrists and other eye care
professionals about MCB services and MCB publications available for
distribution to their low-vision patients.
BUSINESS ENTERPRISE PROGRAM REPORT
Training Activities
The three Spring 2009 B E P manager class students successfully completed
their classroom training on June 10th, and completed their on-the job
experiences on August 14th. Ruth Osorio from this class has already bid on
and accepted the McCree Courts Building in Flint. She will commence
operation of the facility in mid September. Jamie Dorn from the October
2008 class accepted the Y M C A and assumed responsibility for the facility
on August 31st.
With the placement of Ruth Osorio at the McCree Courts facility, and after
several years, the Business Enterprise Program now has more trained
potential operators than facilities available. This very good news is
offset by the fact there presently are not sufficient qualified candidates
for the October B E P Manager Training. The Program's Trainer, John
McEntee, and Training Center staff is in frequent and close communication
regarding the status of preparing interested consumers for this training.
It is expected the next class will be conducted in April 2010.
BEP OPPORTUNITIES
Lewis Cass Cafeteria
BEP continues to work with DMB to commence the very long awaited remodel of
the Lansing Cass Cafeteria. The process of awarding the construction
contract was delayed while HVAC control issues were resolved. Hopefully, B
E P will be able to occupy the new space early in the new calendar year.
Michigan State Police Headquarters
Construction continues on the Michigan State Police (MSP) Headquarters snack
bar downtown Lansing. It is uncertain when the new facility will open.
Detroit Arsenal
The Detroit Arsenal is a federal facility located in Warren. There are
currently three B E P facilities in this complex of buildings. Construction
has commenced on a new building to open in 2012. B E P will be providing
snack bar and vending services to the building's initial 700 occupants.
Battle Creek Federal Building
The General Services Administration has invited B E P to bid on the
cafeteria services contract at the Battle Creek Federal Building. Should
the B E P be successful in the award, provision of services would commence
early in the new calendar year.
U S P S Contract
The B E P continues to doggedly pursue the statewide contract with the
United States Postal Service (U S P S). The USPS has finally reviewed and
forwarded the document. However, some changes made are not acceptable to
the Attorney General. Staff continue to work with these parties to develop
a mutually satisfactory contract.
WORKING WITH THE EOC
Inventory and Evaluation
The B E P has the pleasure of working with an active, interested Elected
Operators Committee. The primary focus of the work right now is revision of
the initial inventory policy and update of the Vending Facility Evaluation.
The Locations and Repair Subcommittee and the Promotions and Seniority
Subcommittee have taken the lead in these matters. The Highway Vending
Subcommittee has worked with the B E P to develop a highway vending refund
policy. And, the Locations and Repair and the Highway Vending Subcommittees
have been in conversation with the B E P regarding the composition of the
Okemos Vending Route.
Next Meeting
The next meeting of the Elected Operators Committee will take place by
November 13, 2009.
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