[nfbmi-talk] august mcb report

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MCB REPORT

August 17, 2010

GOVERNOR NAMES ANDY LEVIN AS DELEG ACTING DIRECTOR

On July 19, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm announced her appointment of Andrew S. Levin as acting director of DELEG, effective July 26. Director Stanley
“Skip” Pruss retired effective July 23.

Previously, Andy Levin had been deputy director of DELEG’s Workforce Programs since February 2007, overseeing operations of the Michigan Commission for
the Blind, Bureau of Workforce Transformation, Michigan Rehabilitation Services, Commission on Disability Concerns, Labor Market Information & Strategic
Initiatives, and the Bureau of Employment Relations. In October 2009, Governor Granholm appointed him Michigan’s first chief workforce officer.

Speaking of Andy Levin’s new position, Governor Granholm said, “Andy Levin will continue Skip Pruss’ groundbreaking efforts to make Michigan a leader in
the emerging green economy.  Andy is a proven leader who has overseen the No Worker Left Behind (NWLB) initiative that has become a guidepost for national
workforce policy, helping No Worker Left Behind workers get long-term training that can change their lives.”

Former Director Skip Pruss said Levin has helped create a more efficient, capable and strategic state workforce agency within DELEG by eliminating the outdated
bureaus of workforce programs and career education and replacing them with the Bureau of Workforce Transformation. He also led efforts to create Michigan’s
Green Jobs Initiative, produce a rigorous report on green jobs, and establish the Academy for Green Mobility.

“Because of his workforce training and green jobs experience, Andy has developed partnerships within the department that will ensure a seamless transition
as we forge ahead with workforce and economic development efforts,” Pruss said. “We are fortunate to have someone with Andy’s extensive labor, business
and energy background to help lead the way.”

Prior to joining DELEG, Levin worked on a wide range of national workplace policy issues in Washington, D.C. He served in positions at the presidential
Commission on the Future of Worker-Management Relations, the U.S. Department of Labor, and the national AFL-CIO.

In announcing the change in DELEG leadership, Granholm praised Skip Pruss for his dedicated public service career.  “Skip has provided leadership in helping
lay the foundation for Michigan to become the nation’s leading state in the emerging green economy,” said Granholm.

In his first message to staff as DELEG Director, Andy Levin said, “It is a great honor for me to serve as Acting Director of the Department of Energy, Labor
& Economic Growth. Since the announcement was made that I would take the helm, many of you have gone out of your way to congratulate me and offer warm
wishes, and for that, I thank you.”

In a second message, Director Levin announced that Liza Estlund Olson is DELEG's new Acting Deputy Director overseeing Workforce Programs.  He said, “She
brings a wealth of workforce and management experience to her new position from her current role as Director of DELEG’s Bureau of Workforce Transformation,
her previous job as Director of the Unemployment Insurance Agency, and earlier executive positions with the City of Lansing.”

MCB congratulates Acting Director Andy Levin and Acting Deputy Director Liza Estlund Olson.  We look forward to working with them in their new capacities.

ADA 20th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS

July 26th was the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which gives civil rights protections to individuals with
disabilities similar to those provided to individuals on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, and religion. It guarantees equal opportunity
for individuals with disabilities in public accommodations, employment, transportation, state and local government services, and telecommunications.

Governor Jennifer M. Granholm and Lt. Governor John D. Cherry issued a tribute recognizing the importance of the ADA and its impact. The complete text of
the tribute is online at www.michigan.gov/mcb. The direct link is http://www.michigan.gov/dleg/0,1607,7-154-28077_28313_28319_28324_32052-239915—,00.html.

In Lansing, the 20th anniversary of the ADA was marked by a special event on the State Capitol lawn, with live music, free food, entertainment, exhibits,
testimonials, and demonstrations of adaptive equipment and software. More than 500 people attended the event, which was free of charge and open to the
public.

Patrick Cannon, State ADA Coordinator and director of the Michigan Commission for the Blind, was one of the guest speakers.  At the podium, he spoke about
the day when he was at the White House when the ADA was signed into law on July 26, 1990, saying, ”I can still vividly recall the President’s words: ‘May
the shameful walls of exclusion come tumbling down.’ The day marked the full integration of people with disabilities into all aspects of society. This
20th anniversary provides us with an opportunity to reflect on the accomplishments made in Michigan and the nation, and the fact that we must remain vigilant,
to ensure that the work that still needs to be done will be done,”

Another speaker, LeeAnn Buckingham, an MCB Consumer Achievement Honor Roll Award recipient and Greater Lansing Woman magazine 2010 Woman of the Year, talked
about the accessibility software and devices that make it possible for her to run her business after she experienced vision loss.

The Lansing ADA event was sponsored by the Michigan Commission on Disability Concerns (MCDC, DELEG) and the Capital Area Center for Independent Living (CACIL),
in collaboration with the Michigan Commission for the Blind and 20 other partner organizations: The Arc Michigan; Capital Area Business Leadership Network
Disability Council; Capital Area Transportation Authority (CATA); Disability Network Michigan; Michigan ADA Steering Committee; Michigan Association for
Deaf & Hard of Hearing; Michigan Department of Natural Resources & Environment (DNRE); Michigan DNRE Accessibility Advisory Council; Michigan Department
of Technology, Management & Budget; Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council; Michigan Disability Rights Coalition; Michigan Protection & Advocacy Service;
Michigan Recreation & Parks Association; Michigan Rehabilitation Association; Michigan Rehabilitation Council; Michigan Rehabilitation Services; Paralyzed
Veterans of America - Michigan; Peckham; Michigan Statewide Independent Living Council (MISILC); and Michigan Alliance of State Employees with Disabilities
(ASED).

There was extensive media coverage of the ADA celebration and the Michigan Commission for the Blind, including newspaper articles, radio interviews, and
television news coverage.  Pat Cannon was interviewed by several TV, radio, and newspaper organizations, and Andy Levin was interviewed for the PBS weekly
disability-related program A Wider World.

JUSTICE DEPARTMENT PROPOSES NEW ADA REGULATIONS

The U. S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced, July 23, that it will publish four new Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) proposals addressing the accessibility
of websites, the provision of captioning and video description in movies shown in theaters, accessible equipment and furniture, and the ability of 9-1-1
centers to take text and video calls from individuals with disabilities.  The proposals are in the form of advance notices of proposed rulemaking, or ANPRMs,
which provide information on these ADA issues and ask questions seeking comments and information from the public.  The four ANPRMs were published in the
Federal Register on July 26, 2010, the day marking ADA’s 20th anniversary.

“We are working hard to ensure that the ADA keeps up with technological advances that were unimaginable 20 years ago,” said Attorney General Eric Holder,
Jr. “Just as these quantum leaps can help all of us, they can also set us back – if regulations are not updated or compliance codes become too confusing
to implement.  To avoid this, the Department’s four advanced notices of proposed rulemaking regarding accessibility requirements for websites, movies,
equipment and furniture, and 9-1-1 call-taking technologies.”

Web Accessibility:  State and local governments, businesses, educators, and other organizations covered by the ADA are increasingly using the web to provide
information, goods, and services to the public.  In the web accessibility ANPRM, DOJ presents for public comment a series of questions seeking input regarding
how the department can develop a workable framework for website access that provides individuals with disabilities access to the critical information,
programs, and services provided on the web, while respecting the unique characteristics of the internet and its transformative impact on everyday life.

Next Generation (NG)  9-1-1:  9-1-1 centers are moving towards an Internet-enabled network to allow the general public to make a 9-1-1 “call” via voice,
text, or video over the Internet and directly communicate with personnel at the centers.  The NG 9-1-1 ANPRM seeks information on how the centers may be
able to provide direct access to 9-1-1 for individuals with disabilities as they implement new communication technologies.

Captioning and Video Description in Movies Shown in Movie Theaters:  Recent technologies have been developed to provide closed captions and video description
in movies being shown at movie theaters.  Movie studios have begun to produce and distribute movies with captioning and video description.  However, these
features are not generally made available at movie theaters.  In the captioning and video description ANPRM, the department asks for suggestions regarding
the kind of accessibility requirements for captioning and video description it should consider as proposed rules for public comments, particularly in light
of the industry’s conversion to digital technology.

Equipment and Furniture:  Full use of the nation’s built environment can only be fully achieved by the use of accessible equipment.  There is now improved
availability of many different types of accessible equipment and furniture, ranging from accessible medical exam tables, chairs, scales, and radiological
equipment and furniture to “talking” ATMs and interactive kiosks.  In the equipment and furniture ANPRM, the department poses questions and seeks comments
from the public, covered entities, equipment manufacturers, advocacy and trade groups about the nature of accessibility issues and proposed solutions for
making equipment and furniture accessible to persons with disabilities.

The four ANPRMs are available for review at http://ada.gov/anprm2010.htm

MCB DIVERSITY TEAM MEETS IN DETROIT

At the July 29 Diversity Team meeting in Detroit, two guest speakers offered cultural insight and practical advice for MCB staff working with consumers
who are Muslim and/or Arab.  The entire meeting time was used for the two guest speakers’ excellent presentations.  There was discussion and opportunity
for questions throughout both presentations.

The first speaker, Ms. Rudina Keci, was born in Albania.  She moved to Turkey when she was in high school, and it was in Turkey, in the years following,
that she met the man who became her husband.  She speaks Albanian, Turkish, and English, and she’s currently living in mid-Michigan with her husband and
two children and completing a master’s degree in teaching English as a second language (E S L).  In her presentation, titled “Islam,” she explained key
principles and practices of her religion with an emphasis on practical advice for rehabilitation counselors and rehabilitation teachers in their interactions
with Muslim consumers and their families.  For example, she noted that it’s not customary among people from Muslim cultures to shake hands, especially
with a person of the opposite sex.  She also noted that it’s considered a virtue to be modest, and to express this modesty by looking down instead of looking
at a person directly.  In addition, it’s a common practice to remove your shoes just inside the door of a person’s home. Being sensitive to these things
can help prevent cross-cultural misunderstandings and help develop trust between the consumer and the rehab professional.

Elham Jahshan is an Arab American professional, originally from Jerusalem. She works as an advocate for the employment team at Michigan Protection and Advocacy
Service, Inc. The employment team consists of two separate programs, the Client Assistance Program (CAP), and the Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries
of Social Security (PABSS). She has more than 20 years of experience as a special education teacher, counselor, and advocate. She received her bachelor’s
degree in sociology and special education from the University of Haifa and her master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling from Michigan State University.
She is a member of the National Rehabilitation Association (NRA) and a member of the National Association of Multicultural Rehabilitation Concerns (NAMRC).
  Her presentation, titled “Arabs & Arab Americans; Culture, Religion, and Disability,” defined the term Arab in contrast to the term Middle Eastern, explained
the unifying characteristics among Arab nations, and discussed some cultural differences among Arabs such as religion.  She also discussed the history
of Arab immigration to the United States and views about disability and rehabilitation among Arabs and Arab Americans.

MINI ADJUSTMENT PROGRAM IN MUSKEGON

MCB will conduct its third Mini Adjustment Program Workshop of the year, September 12-17, in Muskegon.  Commission clients attending the week-long Mini-Adjustment
Program workshop are 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 will also conduct an Employment Readiness Seminar, September 16, for rehab clients who have advanced to
the job-readiness stage of their rehabilitation program.  Consumers attending the seminars learn about various approaches to job searching, Michigan Works!,
the Talent Bank, interview preparation and resume development.  They also participate in mock interviews and hear from local employers on their workforce
needs.  Additionally, consumers receive information about social security benefits and work incentives, as well as information about the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA) and how it relates to employment of persons with disabilities.  Plans are being finalized for MCB’s final Mini Adjustment Program
and Employment Readiness Seminar this year, which will be held in Monroe this November.

CONSUMER SERVICES REPORT

During the past few weeks, the Consumer Services Division has been involved in the summer programs for ISD transition students.  Staff has also participated
in small business employer development, poverty simulation projects, as well as CMH, MCB and MRS training programs in addition to preparing for the third
Mini Adjustment program with the Employment Readiness Seminar.  The agency is working with its various community partners in promoting outreach activities.
The staff has continued to work with employers within their community to develop employment opportunities for job ready consumers.  This report will provide
some information on MCB’s data collection practices and will include information on standards and indicators that are used by RSA to evaluate agency programs.

Summer Transition Programs

The Transition programs for this summer are nearing another year of successful completion.  Several of the programs provided training and soft skills development,
independent living skills, as well as employment opportunities.  A new summer program “Blindness without Barriers” employment camp hosted by Camp T was
a two week program where participants learned about a variety of work tasks through simulated activities as well as some hands on work experience.  They
also learned the importance of teamwork; improving self esteem and logistics of employment.  All of the other summer programs continue to provide transitioning
students with pre-employment skill development, job shadowing, mentoring, and resume development.  A highlight of the summer program is the placement of
individuals in employment settings where the participants gain experience in the employment arena and receive compensation for their work.  Through MCB’s
collaboration with Michigan Works! Summer Youth program in Detroit, individuals received compensation for their employment experiences.  This program is
in collaboration with Detroit Public Schools and the Michigan Commission for the Blind.

Small Business Employers and Employment Activities

The agency is aware of the employment opportunities provided by small businesses throughout the state.  The Southeast Region continues to work with the
Governors Small Business Initiative in developing small businesses in the region.  The staff attended the “Women Business Entrepreneurial” seminar where
they were able to connect with one company that is willing to work with MCB’s consumers in their manufacturing and production operation.  The Small Business
Entrepreneurial program is a Governor sponsored initiative to help small businesses find resources through the state.  MCB was able to capitalize on this
initiative by providing man power resources to fill current employment vacancies.  The agency established on-the-job training with companies and later
obtained unsubsidized employment.  The staff continues to work with a number of consumers who are interested in developing small businesses.  The agency
provides information and resources as well as consultants to work with these potential entrepreneurs in establishing their small business.  The counselors
continue to work with consumers in job placement activities.  One staff continues to forge the relationship with CVS pharmacies in the Monroe area and
is anticipating job placement upon completion of orientation and training.  In the Central Region, the job placement specialist is working with several
employers.  She has been successful in placing several job ready consumers since her start with the agency.

Poverty Simulation Project

The East Region participated in the Poverty Simulation Project that will eventually become statewide.  The Poverty Simulation Project provides agencies
with resources to assist consumers in their endeavor to manage their affairs in this economic climate.  This project will provide workshops on ways to
assist staff and consumers about resources that are available within the communities that will assist them in maintaining themselves while they seek employment.
 The project focused on local resources within the various communities such as faith based agencies, community action programs and food bank centers. 
This information is valuable to staff when assisting consumers to locate resources without the assistance of the Department of Human Services.

Department of Community Mental Health, Michigan Commission for the Blind and Michigan Rehabilitation Services Training

The dates have been established for the next three training sessions on the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the above mentioned agencies.  They
will emphasize the importance of working collaboratively to improve and increase services to persons with multiple disabilities.  The training session
will outline best practices, evidence based employment, transition from school to work and cash match agreements.  The date for the Northern Region training
session is August 31, 2010 and the training will take place in Gaylord.  Oakland/Macomb and Genesee training dates are scheduled for September 7, 2010.
 The Detroit/Wayne County training session is scheduled for October 7, 2010.  Through these training sessions, DCH will become familiar with MCB’s vocational
programs as well as the eligibility requirements of consumers to receive MCB’s services.  The goal is to increase referrals from DCH by 5% and as a result
increase employment outcomes.

Outreach Activities

The Consumer Services staff is working cooperatively with the Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) and the Office of Agency on Aging, as well as Native American
tribal health centers.  In addition, the Marquette library is in the final stages of setting up accessible computers for seniors.  This library works in
conjunction with the AAA; therefore, seniors will receive computer training through this site.  Contact is on-going with the Office of Agency on Aging
to finalize the process of developing projects to work with nursing homes to transition eligible consumers to other types of living arrangements.  The
Office of Agency on Aging and MCB will work collaboratively to implement this service.   The West Region is effectively working with numerous Native American
tribes throughout the U.P.  The manager has made contact with Watersmeet and the southern area of Gogebic County and also was provided a guided tour of
the eye clinic.  Additional follow up will be on going with the tribes.  The outreach efforts to underserved populations continue to expand.  The Cultural
Diversity Committee is working with Arabs (Muslims/Christians) to provide the agency with information regarding the cultural differences as it relates
to MCB’s service delivery.  MCB has received support from Elham Jahshan, a CAP representative, to work as a liaison between MCB and Arabs.

Data Collection

MCB collects significant data on the consumers it serves.  Initially, the staff completes the demographic form, followed by the Open/Edit form that provides
information about the Vocational Rehabilitation program requirements as well as primary and secondary disabilities.  The 113 Report is a federal report
that provides for the quarterly collection of information on persons with disabilities in their rehabilitation process at State vocational rehabilitation
(VR) agencies.  Data from the RSA-113 are used to track trends of persons applying for VR services, determinations of eligibility made by State VR agencies,
identification of persons with significant disabilities, individualized plan for employment (IPE) development, service implementation, and program outcomes.
 These trends are key program measurements that provide a general assessment of the state-federal VR program and its accomplishments.  The 911 federal
report aggregates many variables of outcome related information, including demographics, disability, interventions, and reason for closures, employment
status, sources of financial support, and more.  The values of certain fields (e.g. income, hours worked per week, etc.) are reported both status at application
and status at closure. The report contains a record for each case closure that occurred in an agency, regardless of the reason for closure.   The data
collections on MCB’s consumers are contained within these reports.  They give specific information on each consumer that opens a case with MCB.

Standards and Indicators

The standards and indicators is an evaluation process that RSA uses to determine the agency’s program outcomes.  There are seven standards that the federal
government has established for all vocational rehabilitation agencies and each agency must pass at least four out of the seven in order to meet the requirements.
 The indicators are the percentages that are established by the state agencies that serve blind individuals which indicate whether or not the agencies
met the standard.  The standards are:

     1.1    Number of Individuals with Employment Outcomes,

1.2   Percentage of Individuals Receiving Services Who Had Employment Outcomes;

1.3   Percentage of Individuals with Employment Outcomes Who Were Competitively Employed;

1.4  Percentage of Persons with Competitive Employment Outcomes Who Had Significant Disabilities;

     1.5    Ratio of Average VR Hourly Wage to Average Wage;

1.6   Difference in Percentage of individuals Achieving Competitive Employment Who Report Own Income as Primary Source of Support at Closure and Application;

     2.1    Ratio of Minority to Non-Minority Service Rate.

Personnel

MCB is working with DELEG personnel to fill the vacancies within the Consumer Services Division.  There are vacancies in the Deaf/Blind unit for a counselor
and Central Region for a rehabilitation teacher and counselor positions. The East Region was successful in filling their two counselor positions and is
in the process of interviewing for the job placement specialist.  They also are establishing an interview date for an administrative support staff.  MCB
would like to welcome two new rehabilitation counselors Alicia Lurry and Phyllis Njoroge to the Commission family.

LIBRARY SERVICES FOR THE BLIND AND PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED

Spring and summer months have been busy for Scott Norris, Adaptive Technology Librarian, and other staff who participated in the Visions 2010 Fair in Ann
Arbor May 12th, the 2nd Annual Braille-A-Thon on the Capitol lawn June 22nd, Wayne County Community College Summer Sizzler on June 23rd, ADA 20th Anniversary
celebration on July 26th, Detroit Back to School Fair at the Frederick Douglas Subregional Library on August 7th, and The Macomb LBPH Vendor Fair on August
12th. Scott has also been working closely with the state’s software development team, reviewing and advising on the accessibility issues in the new Time
& Expense system.

Site visits to the St.Clair and Macomb subregional libraries were conducted on August 12th and 13th. Staff will be visiting Oakland and Washtenaw Counties
September 2nd and 3rd and there will be opportunity on that trip to also visit the Wayne County Regional LBPH and welcome their new Regional Librarian
to the Michigan Network.

Bob Blakes will spend a second week at the MCB Training Center September 13-17. Terry Rose will attend for two consecutive weeks beginning September 20.
Bob and Terry also attended the NLS Orientation week in Washington, D.C. in June.

As of July 31, more than 4,700 digital machines have been assigned to LSBPH and subregional patrons, which is approximately 42% of the current patron count.
 There are now 2,875 digital titles in the collection. In July, 26% of total circulation was in digital format.

BARD statistics show that 300 LSBPH patrons are using the download to access books. More than 14,500 digital books and 826 magazine issues have been downloaded
by those readers since October 1st. The BARD site now has 11,841 fiction titles and 745 titles in non-fiction available for download. In the fall of this
year, LSBPH and subregional staff will be trained to take over BARD administration duties, currently handled at the NLS level.

Staff will attend the Consortium of User Libraries (CUL) Conference in North Carolina October 27-30 and the Michigan Library Association (MLA) Conference
in Traverse City, November 8-11.

Computer Club continues to draw patrons to the library on a monthly basis. Unless otherwise noted, Computer Club meets in the SBPH Lobby on the first floor
of the Library of Michigan from 10:30-12:30. The recent addition of the OPAL online meeting room allows individuals to attend from home using text and
or microphone/speakers to chime in. The upcoming schedule includes:

September 11      MAC accessibility – presented by Mike Ellis of MEE, Inc.

October 9         AT Guys demonstrate their Barcode Scanner

November 13 On-line shopping

December 11 Windows 7 operating system

On September 11th, SBPH will hold the first meeting of the newly established Book Club.  Book Club will meet in the same location, immediately following
Computer Club after a short lunch break. Scott Norris will moderate initially and Book Club selections have not yet been made. Patrons may attend either
in person or over the OPAL online meeting room, which can be accessed at: www.conference321.com/masteradmin/room.asp?id=rsb8c86b1df295

Enter any user name you wish. To enter the room as a regular participant, leave password blank.

The SBPH Consumer Involvement Committee (CIC) will meet November 5th from 10-3 in the Lake Huron room on the second floor of the Library of Michigan. This
is another opportunity to make use of OPAL for distance attendance.

As chair of the Alliance of State Employees with Disabilities (ASED), Scott will be introducing Pat Cannon to present an award at the ASED Conference on
October 28th.  Governor Granholm will be honored for all that was done during her tenure to improve the work environment for employees with disabilities.

Terry Rose and narrators have been working with new digital recording equipment. It looks like the first digital production to be completed will be a baseball
title requested by a patron and narrated by Richard Vogt. Michael Donovan is working on a Michigan Notable title about the life of Douglas Houghton. Both
are testing out portable digital equipment for narrators working from home. The Library has one private project in the works for a patron that is being
read by Andy Andersen from the recording studio. Staff plan to ramp up the use of the studio by recruiting local narrators once there are a few successfully
completed projects.

It’s been 50 years since the Telecom Pioneers began repairing playback machines for NLS libraries nation-wide. The summer issue of In Focus will pay tribute
to the work accomplished by our Pioneers who continue to give their time for this purpose.

MCB is seeking a new name for LSBPH since the Library is no longer part of the Library of Michigan. An article in the summer issue of In Focus will give
patrons opportunity to chime in on some options being considered.

TRAINING CENTER REPORT

The Training Center has been a whirlwind of activity over the past 2 months which included several specialty classes.  Fifteen students successfully completed
the Training Center’s second year of the concentrated college assessment program.  Another BEP business math class is in full swing.  This class is comprised
of 6 consumers, making it one of the largest classes thus far.

Again this year, students have a garden plot at the Five Senses Garden next door.  Currently, students are enjoying the fruits of their labor in the form
of green peppers and eggplants.  Vegetables and herbs have been used by students in their cooking classes.  Lee Greenacre and Gail Toda made a tactile
sign to identify MCBTC’s garden plot. Plant labels with Braille and large print identify the plants and all are waiting for the tomatoes to ripen.

At seminar on August 7th, the first ever MCBTC chorus performed for students and staff.  The chorus was accompanied by Faith Meadows and included a variety
of group songs and solos from old favorites to current popular genre.  The students worked diligently on preparing for the performance in their free time.
 The concert was great and showcased the talent of several students.

Along with the focus on student college curriculum, the Training Center has continued interaction with Western Michigan University (WMU) by training their
practicum and intern students during the past few months.  This training will benefit not only WMU but will pay future dividends to MCBTC by providing
well trained temporary and/or permanent staff candidates.

Several personnel changes have occurred at MCBTC.  First, Michael Zastrow has taken a promotional opportunity leaving a cook vacancy to be filled.  Mike
will be greatly missed.  In addition, a request is in to hire an additional Support Services Coordinator with ARRA funds.  This is a much needed position
and ideas will be explored as to how to retain this position once the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) stimulus funding ends.

The commercial kitchen was inspected and once again received no violations.  This is particularly noteworthy as there was a new food inspector who was extremely
thorough, more so than any previous food inspector.  Congratulations to the kitchen staff on a job well done.

The ARRA funding has proved to be very beneficial to the Training Center and 3 student assistants.  Herbert Grassow has been working the reception desk
and assisting with clerical support; Ricky Musser has been working in maintenance; and Demarcus Williams is working for both administrative support staff
and maintenance.

Sandra Fortier is retiring on August 31st.  Sandy has provided 37 years of dedicated service to MCBTC.   Everyone will miss Sandy’s kind words, work ethic
and poetic talents.  Congratulations Sandy!

Training center staff has been knee deep in building renovation plans.  Staff have been working with architects to put details to a design plan that will
go out to bid by the end of this month.  To meet the ARRA Energy funding deadline, the renovations for the Training Center must be complete by September
30, 2011.  In order to complete the work timely, the building must be vacated.  So while plans are being developed for the renovations, plans are also
being worked on to continue services during the renovations.  Explorations have included vacant schools, nursing homes, apartment rentals, stores and office
buildings.  Several temporary relocation options have been considered and have been presented to Department of Technology Management and Budget (DTMB)
Real Estate Division to complete a rental agreement.  It is anticipated that the Training Center will be closed from Thanksgiving break until January 4th
to accommodate the temporary relocation.

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES REPORT

Budget

The budget through July continues to be on target.  As the end of the fiscal year draws near, staff are commencing year end closing activities.

Several ARRA projects have begun and are proving to be excellent projects for this new funding.   Using ARRA funding, the Commission currently is:

* working with 8 Native American health clinics  to promote I L services, provide training to staff, provide information in alternative formats and provide
vision screenings

* providing assistive technology equipment and train-the-trainer services for Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) and Office on Aging senior centers throughout
the state.

* employing teacher interns to provide services to 225 older blind customers

* providing low-vision evaluations, assessments and devices to older blind customers

* expanding job placement activities for vocational rehabilitation customers

* providing paid internships to job-ready clients in private, state and local government settings.

* providing statewide staff training to enhance current partnerships, identify new partnership and  new opportunities to provide the best services for blind
consumers.

While these projects are off the ground and running, there are several other ARRA funded projects in various stages of planning and implementation.

Technology

It was reported in June that new replacement desktop computers have been delivered and installed for staff at MCBTC.   Orders have been placed for laptops
for MCBTC staff and desktops for support staff, next in line to be replaced.  It is anticipated by September 2010 that all staff computers will have been
replaced within that last two years.

Training

On June 8-10, about 50 MCB staff participated in two different training programs held at the state secondary complex at the MSP Training Academy. The first
was on Case Management and the second was on Motivational Interviewing.  The presenters were from the Region V TACE Center at Southern Illinois University.

The following week, on June 16-17, an all-staff meeting was held in Dewitt and nearly all MCB staff from around the state attended. Some of the Commissioners
were present and a number of invited guests representing the Consumer Involvement Council, the Elected Operators’ Committee, and the two major consumer
organizations. The facilitator of the meeting was Grace Menzel who has done some work with John Victory. Much of the agenda was devoted to learning the
concepts behind dialogue principles and a couple of other Vision 2020 principles adopted by the agency about 10 years ago. For some, having a conversation
about dialogue was a refresher course but for more than 30 MCB employees hired over the past 10 years, it was probably something new. There were also some
break-out sessions for counselors, support staff, and teachers. The TACE Center is compiling the findings of the online evaluation and the results will
be shared with MCB as soon as available.

An all-day staff training has been scheduled for December 13 in Lansing focusing on diversity issues. The presenter will be Dr. John Lee from the Michigan
State University Counseling Center. At the 2009 Michigan Rehabilitation Conference, Dr. Lee made a 2.5 hour presentation and it was very well received
by everyone that attended. Since that time, efforts have been made to find time on his busy schedule to present to MCB. The session is open to everyone
in the agency.

HR

Since the last Commission Board meeting, a number of vacancies have been posted. A new counselor was hired in the Flint Office but unfortunately, after
about 2 weeks on the job he resigned because another job offer from a school district came his way. Steps are being taken to fill that job as soon as possible.
There are two counselor vacancies in Detroit that will be filled very shortly along with a new secretary and a job placement specialist. Other vacant positions
currently in the system seeking approval to fill are the Assistant Regional Manager position in Kalamazoo, a rehabilitation teaching position in Lansing,
and an ARRA-funded limited term position in BEP.  There is also a cook position vacant at the Training Center after Michael Zastrow, a transfer about to
be laid-off from Community Health back in January, took a similar position at a correctional facility nearer his home in Mt Pleasant. Finally, four more
MCB interns have been hired – two at the Training Center and two at a state rep’s office in Detroit. These are limited term, ARRA-funded positions.

MCB Website Highlight—MCB Diversity Team

The Diversity Team is one of several MCB committees that encourage stakeholder participation.  Diversity Team meeting dates are posted in the MCB online
Events Calendar, and members may participate in person or by teleconference.  For anyone interested in joining the Diversity Team, background information
on this committee is online on the MCB website.  From the home page at www.michigan.gov/mcb, click on Overview: Michigan Commission for the Blind (MCB)--More
than 30 years of "Changing Lives, Changing Attitudes".  At the bottom of the page, click on Michigan Commission for the Blind Orientation. Then click on
VI. MCB Committees -- Overview of Missions.  The second item is the Diversity Team, also known as the Cultural Diversity Committee.  Below is the complete
text of the online information, including contact information to attend a meeting or join the committee:

CULTURAL DIVERSITY COMMITTEE* (*stakeholder participation encouraged)

Mission:  The purpose of the MCB Cultural Diversity Committee is to facilitate the Michigan Commission for the Blind's efforts to reach out to blind underrepresented
minority populations in the state of Michigan who do not have access to services. The committee targets those communities who would benefit from services
but do not know the commission exists. Further, the committee also addresses those communities who are knowledgeable about the commission but do not utilize
services because the service structure is not feasible within the target community's cultural context.

Staff Contact: Debbie Wilson

Phone Number: 810-760-2035

Second Annual Braille-A-Thon Held June 22 at Capitol

Participants at the second annual Braille-A-Thon at the State Capitol had good weather and friendly but fierce competition under the tent on the east lawn,
as students of all ages and levels of Braille proficiency competed in reading and writing Braille, enjoyed musical performances, and listened to testimonials
on the importance of Braille during the 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. event.  The Braille-A-Thon was sponsored by the Quality Education Team for Students Who Are Blind
or Visually Impaired and Michigan Parents of Children with Visual Impairments to encourage and promote Braille education.

MCB Commissioner Geri Taeckens, who coordinated the event, and MCB State Director Pat Cannon welcomed participants to the Braille-A-Thon. Lunch was available
for sale from Capitol B E P vendor Mark Rothenhauser, and exhibitors at the event included MCB distributing program information in Braille and other formats,
blind consumer groups, and other organizations providing products and services used by people who are blind or visually impaired.

Commissioner Taeckens was quoted in a Lansing State Journal article published the next day as she emphasized the critical role of Braille in the education
of students who are blind, saying, “They must be able to proficiently read.”

Disability Training Workshops Continue

MCB Director Pat Cannon (who is also Disability Policy Advisor to Governor Jennifer M. Granholm) is continuing as co-presenter of a series of Disabilities
Training Workshops, together with Michigan Commission on Disability Concerns Director Duncan Wyeth.  Presented by and for the Michigan Civil Rights Commission
and the Michigan Department of Civil Rights, recent workshops have been opened up to participants from other departments.  Approximately 50 people participated
in each workshop, held in Lansing on June 24, in Detroit on July 22, and again in Lansing on August 18.  The purpose of the workshops is to emphasize that
a disability is only one characteristic of a person, and that people with disabilities should be considered for employment based on their abilities, not
their disabilities.

BUSINESS ENTERPRISE PROGRAM REPORT

Training

Three students have completed their on-the-job experiences (OJE’s) and are expected to bid on facilities in the near future.  It is expected that they will
start their new careers very soon.  The fall 2010 Vending Stand Training (VST) class is prepared to begin on October 4th and it is expected to have six
students.  Staff is in the process of finalizing a location in Lansing to provide for this training class and have already begun getting bids for the class.
 It is expected that once these students complete their training they will help to fill all vacancies.

Facility Opportunities

Sault St. Marie Coast Guard:

As noted in the June report, the US Coast Guard has issued a solicitation for the base in Sault St. Marie.  The commission has identified a teaming partner
to work with the B E P licensee and attempt to secure this bid.  Solicitations were due on the 16th and MCB is awaiting final word on the results of the
proposal.

Macomb County Jail

Staff has recently begun discussions about a solicitation for food service and commissary services at the Macomb County Jail.  This facility will serve
1200 persons three meals a day 365 days a year and will be operated on a three year contract.  Due to the complexity of this project, staff is looking
into working with another teaming partner to assist the licensee in learning the facility.

USPS

At the RSA conference in June, Commission staff learned that the Agency does not need to enter into a contract with USPS in order to provide services at
USPS sites that fall outside of the federal minimum space and population requirements.  It was learned that, although the SLA cannot force food service
in these buildings, should they want this service they must provide the opportunity to the SLA.  Commission staff is in the process of beginning to permit
these sites and add them to existing vending routes.  The USPS has also committed to holding a conference for their liaisons explaining the act and offering
guidance on how to implement it and they are updating their policies on how to work with SLAs and blind licensees.

EOC/Commission relations

The EOC and Agency have been very active in working together to bring policies to the committee.  Projects that have been worked on include a Practical
Experience Vending Stand Training (VST) to supplement the Agency’s current VST; a highway vending conference to be held in September in order to discuss
the Memorandum of Understanding with MDOT as well as present some BEP concerns to them; a possibility for mediation in issues relating to license revocations;
and the agenda for our 2011 workshop has been tentatively set for this spring.

The EOC and Agency have also begun an Ad Hoc committee to identify and work on issues that are unresolved in the program.  This group has met twice and
has identified the issues it would like to work on and prioritized them for consideration.  It is the hope that this group will present positive and practical
options to be considered by the EOC, Agency, and Commission Board.