[nfbmi-talk] from the mcb website

Fred Wurtzel f.wurtzel at comcast.net
Tue Aug 24 19:51:17 UTC 2010


This is a false statement.  This section refers to the Commission's
obligations to seek all available grants, not to ask parents.  Why is this
falsity allowed to persist?

According to Rehabilitation Act 361.48 F. MCB counselors are required to ask
the parents-guardians of potential MCB students if they are willing to
participate in the financial support of their son-daughter's post-secondary
training-educational costs?  


Why is MPAS not correcting this?  
-----Original Message-----
From: nfbmi-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nfbmi-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org]
On Behalf Of joe harcz Comcast
Sent: Tuesday, August 24, 2010 2:52 PM
To: nfbmi-talk at nfbnet.org
Subject: [nfbmi-talk] from the mcb website

DRAFT 8-10-10

 

MCB College Policy Proposal

 

Preamble      

The mission of the Michigan Commission for the Blind (MCB) is to provide
individuals who are blind and visually impaired the opportunity to achieve
employment and independence.  We believe in the capacity of each blind
person to achieve their individual level of excellence, to be productive and
independent, and to be involved in their community.

 

Statement of Fundamental Principles    

The Michigan Commission for the Blind believes rehabilitation is a
cooperative venture between the agency and the individual, with the
individual having primary responsibility for personal successes and
failures, and that each individual is different with unique strengths,
challenges, interests and aptitudes which require vocational rehabilitation
counseling, planning and training specific to their individual needs. 

 

MCB values:

  a.. Empowering and enabling individuals to make their own choices  
  b.. Enabling technology that helps consumers integrate into all aspects of
society
  c.. A positive, respectful and effective partnership between consumers,
MCB, its counselors-staff, and institutions of higher education  
  d.. Supporting and empowering students to achieve their academic goals,
consistent with their talent, skills, abilities, hopes, and dreams  
  e.. The right of any consumer to advocate for themselves through due
process if they are not satisfied with decisions made by MCB personnel
A.     Prerequisites for college and other post secondary training 

Establishing the Individualized Plan for Employment

The consumer-counselor team shall establish the consumer's vocational goal
through the Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE).  (See section 361.48,
Scope of Services from the Rehabilitation Act PA 260.) When that goal
includes the need for post secondary training-education, the
consumer-counselor team shall include in the IPE the following expectations:


.         a proposed time-line for completing training-education 

.         course load   

.         supplies and equipment 

.         location of training-education 

.         types of certificates or degrees to be obtained 

 

Essential Elements/Procedures:

1)     College Assessment 

Students shall participate in a college assessment to ensure that they have
the skills necessary for college participation. Students shall demonstrate
competent skills related to educational performance and independent living.
(See MCB College Assessment.) If students cannot successfully demonstrate
competent skill levels in these areas, they shall work with their counselor
to receive additional training at the Michigan Commission for the Blind
Training Center or another qualified vocational training center, or in
another manner consistent with their Rehabilitation needs based on informed
choice. 

2)     Prospective students may be asked to participate in vocational
exploration      which may include: 

    a.. job shadowing 
    b.. mentoring 
    c.. labor market analysis 
    d.. volunteer or paid work experience
    e.. others as defined by the IPE
    f..  
3)     Prospective students shall provide a letter of acceptance to the
institution of higher learning of their choice, a curriculum outline, and
the financial documents identified below in the financial aid policy (Policy
B) to their MCB counselor before financial sponsorship by MCB can be
provided.  Other documents may be identified by the consumer-counselor team
which may be needed before entering a college or post-secondary training
program.

4)     Timelines for completing a post-secondary training or college program
is established by these training-educational institutions.  Students should
complete their training or degree within one additional year of these
established timelines.  Students with additional disabilities, medical
issues, family situations, job duties, and or who are non-traditional
students are encouraged to engage their counselor in developing a timeline
for completion suitable for their needs.

5)     If a student's attendance at training is interrupted for a period of
time and they are unable to attend classes for one of the reasons referenced
in Policy A - 4, the time period that they are not attending
training-educational programs does not count against the identified timeline
according to MCB.  A written, dated, request, including the reasons for this
break in attendance shall be submitted to the MCB counselor.  Students
should also be aware that the training-educational establishment may have
their own requirements about timelines and that even if MCB approves a break
in attendance; it could jeopardize the attainment of a certificate or degree
if the post-secondary institution requires a student to complete their
program with in a specific time frame. Examples of programs that might
require a continuum of attendance are those in which rapid advancements are
common such as in computer sciences, medicine, and education.

6)     The definition of a full course load is defined by each
training-educational institution.  MCB students are required to carry a full
course load unless their individualized plan specifies otherwise.   

7)     The decision to participate in a community college, four year
university, out-of-state training-educational program, correspondence, or
home-study program shall be based on the individual student's needs and
interests.  The MCB consumer-counselor team should refer to policies B and C
of the college policy so that the requirements for utilizing accredited and
non-accredited institutions, in- and out-of-state institutions, and
financial supports, are compatible with the student's institution of choice.


8)     The type of degree or certification a student is sponsored for will
be based on the students' vocational goal and whether gainful employment in
that vocation requires associates, bachelors, master's degree, or other type
of certificate.  MCB, in most cases, provides sponsorship for post-secondary
training to the level of degree or certificate which will facilitate gainful
employment.  If it is clear that an advanced degree will be required for
competitive employment, the student's IPE should reflect this and they may
continue their education uninterrupted until they obtain the degree
identified in their IPE. 

9)      MCB's standard financial sponsorship is based on semesters held
September through April. A POSSIBLE exception COULD BE two 16 week
semesters, OR three 10 week quarters.  MCB's ability to financially sponsor
summer classes is considered an exception and a written, dated, request must
be submitted to the MCB Counselor.  Approval will be determined with in 2
weeks of the request based on the fiscal budget and availability of funds.  

10)  If a student decides that their vocational goal or plan to obtain their
vocational goal needs to change, the student and their MCB counselor will
discuss a new plan with possible guidance by the director of consumer
services and an IPE amendment shall be developed.

11)  MCB may provide financial support for up to 24 credit-hours of remedial
study if it is not available free of charge.  Additional hours may be
considered if the consumer-counselor team agrees it is needed. 

12)  Prior to a student attending their training-educational program, the
MCB counselor shall provide an explanation of DISABLED STUDENT resources at
their particular institution and encourage the student to contact the
student assistance department to discuss any services or needs they may have
before or while attending that institution.

 

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is a written agreement between MCB and
some of the state universities and colleges which defines what MCB and each
college or university will be responsible for in terms of supplying a
student with materials, equipment, and services.  The MCB counselor shall
explain to a student, prior to their enrollment in a college or university,
which institutions hold a MOU with MCB and what the student can expect from
MCB and that educational institution. Students are encouraged to advocate
for their needs by consulting with MCB counselors and the appropriate
representative of their college or university, if there are questions
related to the provision of these accommodations. 

 

Policy B.  Accreditation

MCB cooperates with colleges, universities, and other degree-granting
institutions, including correspondence, home-study and vocational training
programs that are accredited by a regional accrediting body recognized by
the U.S. Department of Education.  Exceptions may be made where
accreditation is pending or conditional and the course of study is
sufficiently unique to justify use of the institution.  Students and their
MCB counselor should discuss the risks and benefits of attending a
non-accredited training program or university as it could negatively impact
a student's ultimate vocational goal.  

 

Policy C.  Financial Aid

According to state and federal mandates, MCB is to provide financial
sponsorship to a student who is eligible for post- secondary
training-education to the amount that is not covered through other financial
resources.  Other financial resources include, but are not limited to;
grants and comparable benefits.  According to Rehabilitation Act 361.48 F.
MCB counselors are required to ask the parents-guardians of potential MCB
students if they are willing to participate in the financial support of
their son-daughter's post-secondary training-educational costs.  There is no
requirement for parents-guardians to provide financial support.  Students
are required to apply for specified grants identified in Policy C-3.
Students are not required to apply for or utilize training or educational
loans.  

 

Essential Elements:

1)     Rehab Act 361.5.10, defines comparable services and benefits as any
related service, financial benefit, or assistance available to a consumer to
partially or fully pay for the required cost of vocational rehabilitation
services.  

2)     Students who receive a merit scholarship which has a specified
purpose shall use that scholarship as designated to defray educational
expenses.  

3)     Other comparable benefits that shall be used towards the cost of
post- secondary training or education include financial aid, grants,
stipends administered through the student's college or university, employer
benefits, workers compensation, health insurance if applicable, and similar
public benefits.

4)     Comparable benefits do not include Social Security benefits such as
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI,) Supplemental Security Income
(SSI), or unrestricted awards or scholarships based on merit.

5)     According to Rehabilitation Act, 361.42 a4 students requesting
college sponsorship are required to apply for federal financial aid by
completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA.)  

6)     MCB counselors shall utilize the DELEG/MCB Statement of Financial
Need Resources and Authorization form as a budgeting tool to help determine
the amount of MCB financial support that is needed for the student's
post-secondary training-educational program. 

7)     The student shall annually submit to their counselor all necessary
documents, including the Student Aid Report (SAR) to their counselor by July
1 in order to attend college in the fall, or by November 1 for winter/spring
attendance.  Consumers who are unable to meet either deadline may be
considered for college training starting the following semester.

8)     The student's MCB counselor shall submit the signed copy of the
DELEG/MCB Statement of Financial Need, Resources and Authorization form to
the financial officer at the college or university.  The completed form
shall be returned to the student's MCB counselor.  The student's MCB
counselor shall share the information on the DELEG/MCB Statement of
Financial Need, Resources and Authorization form with the student and shall
give the student a copy of this document.

9)     MCB contributions toward college-related costs may include the
following: 

.         tuition and fees for required curriculum courses including
electives, as long as the electives fall within the requirements for
certificate or degree.  Electives that might fall outside the scope of these
requirements may be considered by MCB if a student and their MCB counselor
agree, in writing, to this exception. 

.         required textbooks and course materials defined in the course
syllabus. 

.         reader services related to course work and/or activities related
to expectations for obtaining the identified certificate or degree 

.         text books services such as Braille, enlarged print, audio
recordings, computer scanned, or other modified materials leading to course
work and or activities related to expectations for obtaining the identified
certificate or degree 

.         any costs for room and board that exceed the normal living costs
as defined by, (34CFR361.53).

.         rehabilitation technology services and equipment as identified in
the IPE; refer to "Scope of Services"-letter R. Rehabilitation Technology,
in the MCB Policy Manual, for further details.

10)  MCB does not pay for the cost of college applications, required
entrance exams or testing fees. MCB counselors may assist consumers with
pursuing financial resources to pay for the costs of applications, entrance
exams and or testing fees if the consumer requests such assistance.

11)  MCB may pay for the cost of preparation classes or materials for
entrance exams if determined appropriate by the consumer-MCB counselor team.

12)  MCB may assist with the cost of professional certification exams and/or
fees.

13)  If a consumer is in default of a student loan, no financial aid,
including Pell Grants, will be available to the consumer.

14)  MCB is prohibited from paying for any training or related services at
an institution of higher education for an individual who owes a refund on a
grant or is in default of a student loan unless the individual makes maximum
effort to resolve the default. Maximum effort means that the consumer must
work out a satisfactory payment plan with the Higher Education Services
Corporation (HESC), lending institution, or grantor, and re-establish
eligibility for financial aid.

15)  Private college attendance, whether in-state or out-of-state, can be
sponsored by MCB if the consumer-counselor team agree that attending the
intended program will enhance their goal for employment.  The contributions
for tuition at a private college shall not exceed the highest amount
required for tuition for Michigan residents attending a state supported
college or university in Michigan. 

16) Out-of-state college attendance can be sponsored by MCB if the student's
identified program is not available in Michigan or the consumer-counselor
team agree that attending an out-of-state college will enhance their goal
for employment.  The contributions for tuition at a comparable program shall
not exceed an amount greater than the highest tuition rate for Michigan
residents attending a state-supported college or university in Michigan.

17) Out-of- country study (study abroad) shall be funded if it is part of an
approved course of study for a student's approved vocational goal.  MCB
shall support the cost in an amount no greater than the highest tuition rate
for Michigan residents attending a state-supported college or university in
Michigan.

18)  A student may request assistance from their MCB counselors to help them
in locating financial resources if participating in an out-of-state or
abroad program or private college will enhance the attainment of their
vocational goal. 

 

 

Policy D.  Academic Progress

All students shall perform at least at the minimal performance standards set
forth by the training or educational institution.  For under-graduate
college students, this typically means minimum cumulative grade point
average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale, equaling a C average.  For graduate students,
this typically means a 3.0 grade point average equaling a B average.
Students should be knowledgeable of their training or educational
institutions requirements for performance so they can avoid probationary
status. Students shall provide their grades or performance evaluations to
their MCB counselor within two weeks of the end of each semester or training
period.   

 

Essential Elements:

1)     The student's chosen curriculum has requirements, as determined by
the academic program and/or by the college or university that should be
followed by the student unless exceptions are approved by both the student's
MCB counselor and the academic program director to attain their goal to
re-establish good academic standing with MCB.

2)     An MCB counselor shall hold an evaluation consultation with a student
to assess their educational-training performance for any of the reasons
listed below.  A written plan for correction for an identified area of
struggle shall be established between the student and their MCB counselor. 

.         Classes are dropped for a reason other than "good cause," when MCB
has already paid for the cost of tuition and fees.  Good cause may include
problems related to obtaining agreed upon materials, equipment, and or
services, or other influences that disrupt students performance that are
clearly not the fault of the student and are communicated and agreed upon
between the student and the MCB counselor. 

.         Dropping a class puts the student at less than their identified
course load status defined in the IPE. 

.         A grade of "Incomplete" is taken in a class.  The student shall
resolve the "Incomplete" grade during the next semester enrolled.

3)     In the case when a student has failed or dropped a class and when MCB
has paid for the cost of this class, the student shall be required to pay
that amount.   The student should make arrangements with their MCB counselor
to pay this fee by the end of the following semester.

4)     If there is failure by the educational institution or MCB to provide
agreed upon quality materials or services in a timely manner, the consumer
shall not be held responsible by MCB for failed or incomplete grades. 

.         The term, "quality materials" means usable, workable materials
that allow a student to access and produce information in a reasonable
manner that promotes successful performance and does not unduly hinder their
efforts to meet course expectations. Example readable Braille or large print
text, correct text editions, accessable up-to-date maps, tables, formulas,
etc.

.         The term, "timely manner," means MCB students receive
instructional materials in specialized formats at the same time that their
student peers receive their instructional materials.  Specialized formats
shall be provided in a medium that is usable by a student and may not always
be available in the student's preferred format. Example: an audio version of
a text may be provided in full or in installments, if Braille or large print
is not available in a timely manner.  In situations such as Math or Science
where Braille or large print is essential to learning, such specialized
formats shall be provided. 

.         Students are encouraged to initiate early preparation for
obtaining course syllabi and/or communicating with class instructors to
obtain text, equipment, and other required materials. Students should then
communicate their needs to the appropriate resources in charge of providing
accommodations-materials.

.         Time frames for MCB to provide services, equipment and materials
may be discussed by the consumer-counselor team and put in writing with the
agreed upon date that those services, equipment, or materials are to be
delivered. 

.         Quality materials and timely services can be disrupted if there is
a last minute instructor or material change.  Such occurrences that result
in a student falling behind or taking an incomplete would also exempt a
student from any financial burden and allow more time for the student to
reach required expectations in performance.

    

 

Policy E. Exceptions and Complaints

The policies contained in this section on post-secondary education are
designed to assist students in achieving ultimate success in their
endeavors.  Though they are designed to address the needs of all potential
student consumers, MCB recognizes that there may be particular circumstances
which will require a non-traditional approach to education.  The process for
addressing these variations is as follows:

 

Essential Elements:

1)     Students needing clarification or adjustments in these policies are
encouraged to engage their counselors in constructive communication to most
effectively meet individual needs.  

2)     The MCB counselor may consult with the MCB director of consumer
services regarding clarification policies/practices. 

3)     Students are encouraged to document, in writing, those services and
items that they feel have not been provided in a satisfactory manner and
actively communicate their needs with their MCB counselor.

4)     If resolution is not reached through verbal and/or written
communication in regards to a complaint or disagreement with a consumer's
MCB counselor, MCB encourages consumers to advocate for themselves and
utilize due process as outlined in the agencies grievance protocol. MCB
Policy Manual - II. GENERAL POLICIES - Conflict Resolution

 

CONCLUSION:

 

The ultimate goal of this policy is to guide the relationship between the
Michigan Commission for the Blind and the prospective student who is blind
or visually impaired.  Through this process all qualified MCB consumers can
obtain a post-secondary certificate or degree and become employed at the
level of their greatest capacity.  In order to realize this goal:

 

  1.. The MCB Counselor will assist MCB students in their efforts to become
self-empowered so that by the end of the post-secondary training-educational
process, the student is functioning at their maximum capacity and is
prepared to be independent and enter the work force at the level of their
capability.
  2.. The MCB counselor and student will communicate with each other at
least once mid-semester unless the consumer and counselor both agree such a
meeting is not required.
  3.. The MCB student will exercise self-determination in obtaining their
post secondary degree or certificate through: 
    a.. Learning to communicate needs and information in a positive,
assertive, self-advocating style 
    b.. Actively communicate needs to their MCB counselor, appropriate
representatives of their chosen educational institution, and other
significant professionals involved in post-secondary activities
    c.. Learning and utilizing networking skills
    d.. Identifying and utilizing accommodations and resources
    e.. Exercising their greatest capacity for learning and achievement.
 
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