[nfbmi-talk] mcb still violating this finding in writing

[joe harcz Comcast]

November 19, 2010



The following segment is still in the MCB policy manual as of this day November 19, 2010 and can be found on the MCB web site. In fact it violates the findings of the RSA monitoring report and belies the contention by Mr. Jones at today's CIC meeting that policy has been modified more than a year ago. It has not at least not in writing. Moreover, I will attach after my signature line the exact finding of RSA>

 

 

 

“Through the Individual Plan for Employment, the counselor/teacher and the individual must develop a budget based on a list of actual expenses compared to income. It is important to consider all resources including Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits and Social Security Supplemental Income (SSI) benefits when determining income.

Every student must participate financially in his or her education. College students are required to apply for SSI/SSDI or contribute the maximum amount according to the Social Security Administration Red Book for the current year. If the Social Security application is denied or awarded at less than the maximum level because of individual or family income and assets, the student will contribute the difference to the maximum Supplemental Security Income (SSI) allowable amount for each semester or term attended.

The financial aid award letter must be submitted to MCB a minimum of 30 days prior to the start of any term or semester for which the student is seeking financial assistance. Failure to submit the award letter will result in non-sponsorship for that semester or term. However, letters received after this deadline may be considered for determining sponsorship for the following semester or term.

This policy was approved by the Michigan Commission for the Blind Board at its June 24, 2005, meeting.”

 

 

Paul Joseph Harcz, Jr.

 

(Finding from final RSA monitoring reportJ

 

 

 

 

Finding 3:  MCB is not in compliance with 34 CFR 361.54(b)(3)(ii) because it requires SSI/SSDI beneficiaries and recipients to provide a financial contribution

equivalent to the maximum SSI monthly amount (according to the SSA Red Book for the current year) towards the cost of certain VR services, such as maintenance.

This policy fails to comply with federal regulations at 34 CFR 361.54(b)(3)(ii) that prohibit MCB from requiring SSI/SSDI recipients to participate in

the financial cost of their VR services.

 

Corrective Action 3:  RSA requires that MCB to revise its policies to ensure that SSI/SSDI beneficiaries and recipients are not required to provide a contribution

toward any VR service.  Furthermore, MCB must cease requiring SSI/SSDI recipients to contribute towards the financial cost of their VR services.  Once

MCB implements the revised policies, MCB must submit a copy to RSA to ensure compliance.

 

Agency Response:  MCB is revising its maintenance policy to eliminate the requirement that individuals must use their SSI/SSDI to contribute to their rehabilitation

program.  The revision will comply with the federal regulation at 34 CFR 361.54(b)(3)(ii).

 

RSA Response:  RSA appreciates the fact that MCB has begun revising its maintenance policy to comply with 34 CFR 361.54(b)(3)(ii).  Once MCB completes the

revisions, MCB must submit a copy of the revised policy to ensure compliance.  In the meantime, MCB must assure that it will cease requiring SSI/SSDI to

contribute towards the cost of their VR program.

 

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