[nfbmi-talk] mcb state plan final 2009

joe harcz Comcast joeharcz at comcast.net
Thu Sep 16 13:56:36 UTC 2010


(Tagged MCB State Plan Final 2009)

 

ATTACHMENT 4.7 (b) (3):  Request for Waiver of Statewideness

 

The Michigan Commission for the Blind (MCB) submitted a Waiver of Statewideness to RSA to carry out the agreements that MCB has obtained.  These agreements provide an array of services to eligible consumers.  Through the intermediate school districts (ISD’s), the Commission for the Blind continues to work collaboratively with the ISD’s to develop prevocational programs that focus on soft skills, preparation for employment and job shadowing, resume writing and etc. The participants are expected to acquire skills that will enable them to obtain employment during the summer months.  A number of the other agreements focus on vocational training, job placement and follow-up services.  Specifically, these agreements provide for specialized training and adaptive equipment, computer technology and screen reader access that allows blind and visually impaired individuals to compete competitively in the job market. The agreements with Community Mental Health provide supports for supported employment candidates in the form of job coaching and follow-along services to maintain employment within the communities.  

Each of the agreements developed with these public entities are funds provided in part to increase and enhance vocational opportunities in conjunction with the state agency.  MCB requires assurance that each agreement signed must ensure that all services provided to the individuals must meet the goals which outlines the objectives of increase vocational opportunities and employment outcomes.  These agreements assure that they will make available to MCB the non-federal share of funds, contain written assurance that agency approval will be obtained for each proposed service before it is initiated, and that each agreement will comply with the State plan requirements for services that are approved under the waiver.  MCB continues to work collaboratively with its community partners in maintaining all of its agreements.  

 



ATTACHMENT 4.8 (b) (1):  Cooperation with Agencies Not Carrying Out Activities Under the Statewide Workforce Investment System

 

MCB, through its collaborative agreements with a variety of state and federal agencies provides comprehensive rehabilitation services to individuals who are blind and visually impaired.  MCB has agreements with the Developmental Disability Council and the Community Mental Health (CMH) agencies to provide comprehensive services to persons with developmental disabilities to assist in job placement services.  The Community Mental Health agencies and the Commission for the Blind works collaboratively through its cooperative agreements to expand services to persons that are eligible for CMH services to obtain job placement and follow-along services.  CMH agencies also work with the Commission in providing auxiliary services to many of MCB’s supported employment consumers.

 

The Michigan Commission for the Blind collaborative agreement with the Department of Human Services (DHS) provides services to family members in the area of child care, adult services and food assistance to MCB consumers that assists these individuals to participate in vocational training and job placement.  The agreement also provides for adults, when necessary, chore services and transportation. 

 

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and the Michigan Commission for the Blind continues to work jointly to provide transportation throughout the state for MCB consumers. The Michigan Commission for the Blind continues to participate on the statewide coalition spearheaded by MDOT.  The purpose is to identify and mitigate gaps in transportation services.  The Commission has continued to have a strong commitment to working with the department to improve transportation in rural areas.  MCB’s staff frequently participates on the local advisory council for transportation improvements in the community.  The overall goal is to enhance transportation options, so that MCB’s consumers can utilize transportation for employment services, as well as leisure activities.  

 

The Michigan Commission for the Blind works as an Employment Network for the Ticket to Work program.  This is a program provided by the Social Security Administration.  The agreement allows for MCB to work collaboratively with the local social security offices to enhance work incentives for individuals that are recipients for SSI and SSDI who have gained employable skills to become employed and those who are returning to work.  

 

MCB’s collaborative agreement with the Michigan Department of Agricultural continues to provide employment opportunities for individuals in the rural areas as well as for housing and weatherization of existing homes.  MCB participates in the Michigan Department of Agriculture initiative “Grow Michigan.”   The Business Enterprise Program (BEP) has launched a new partnership which promotes Michigan-grown apples by offering them in state office building cafeterias and snack bars. Working with the Michigan Apple Committee, BEP staff established a partnership with a grower of Michigan apples who will supply directly to the Lansing area BEP snack bars and cafeterias fresh apples weekly.   Previously, these individual small business entrepreneurs did not have sufficient purchasing power to procure directly from the orchard produce for their customers.   This new agreement provides fresh Michigan produce to BEP customers, and it supports the Michigan farmers.

 

The Commission has worked with Institutions of Higher Education (IHE) to develop cooperative agreements that outline the responsibility of MCB and the IHE as it relates to the requirements found in Section 103 (a) of the Rehabilitation Act as amended regarding dispute resolutions, financial responsibility, accommodations, and service provisions.  The agency supports many of its consumers in their endeavors to obtain training in a variety of occupational areas through institutions of higher education.  MCB has obtained signatures on all of the agreements from institutions of higher education.

 

MCB has an agreement with Supplier Diversity to assist small business owners with disabilities to obtain contracts with the State to provide a variety of goods and services.  Through the Supplier Diversity program, entrepreneurs are trained on how to secure contracts with the State.

 

MCB and the Michigan Rehabilitation Services has an agreement with the Michigan Commission on Disability Concerns to educate the employer community regarding the ADA and other disability laws on the benefit of hiring individuals with visual impairment and blindness and other disabilities.  The governmental appointed commission, along with other groups, sponsors the Michigan Youth Leadership Forum that focus on training youths with disabilities to become leaders of tomorrow within their communities.

 

MCB has an agreement with Michigan State University to provide a comprehensive need assessment and a customer satisfaction survey for MCB consumers.  The assessment provides MCB with information regarding areas of service improvement and customer input regarding services.  MCB and MRS work collaboratively with Michigan State University in developing the CSPD for interns as well as counselors who were in need of specific courses to meet the certified rehabilitation requirements. 

 

 



ATTACHMENT 4.8 (b) (2):  Coordination with Education Officials

 

The Michigan Commission for the Blind continues to develop cooperative agreements with intermediate school districts throughout the state for the provision of transition services of blind and visually impaired students.  These agreements outline specific objectives to be included in transition plans for all blind and visually impaired school age children.  They provide for development of individual skills for pre-employment, as well as employment in higher education.  MCB participates in the Individualized Educational Planning conference (IEPC) of students that are fourteen years and older to establish eligibility criteria for vocational services.  At these meetings, ground work is developed to initiate Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) for each individual before they graduate from high school.  The IEPC, along with the IPE are instruments that identify education, transition, and employment expectations.  These activities are cooperatively agreed upon by the schools or educational facilities, parent/student, as well as the rehabilitation agency; thereby, establishing the objectives of the transition plan leading to the transitioning of individuals from high school to employment or higher education.  

 

The Commission continues to collaborate with education officials to carry out transition activities for blind and visually impaired youths.  The Michigan Commission for the Blind has an agreement with the Michigan Department of Education Low Incidence Outreach (MDE/LIO) that outlines the responsibility of both agencies.  The agreement is reviewed bi-annually to assure that all responsibilities are carried out by the designated parties. The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) will provide technical assistance and training to appropriate staff at the state and local levels to facilitate the coordination of academic, functional, vocational, and community-based curricula and will provide technical assistance for the establishment of local partnerships designed to aid and empower students with visual impairments or who are blind and their families.  MCB collaborates with MDE to provide transition activities for blind and visually impaired youth.  MCB is mandated by the federal government to work collaboratively with intermediate school districts and community partners to provide transition services and activities for blind and visually impaired youth.  MDE has the fiscal responsibility to oversee trust funds allocated for maintenance and operations of property used for blind and visually impaired youth that result in the provision of direct transition services and activities.  The funds used from these trusts will be used for allowable matching funds for MCB’s Federal Title I Vocational Rehabilitation Grant.  Using these funds as match enables MCB and MDE to maximize services for groups of individuals in need of transition services. 



MCB establishes agency priorities and goals, provides leadership and consultation to district offices. MCB maintains a statewide client information system that includes the collection of all activities, agency-supported services and programs for students who are blind or have a visual impairment.  Also, MCB supports use of collected data from both agencies for system improvements. 

 

MCB works jointly with the State Department of Special Education and the intermediate school districts (ISD) to establish agreements to carry out transition planning and activities.  The agreements are specific and they account for the individual’s development and transition activities.  Specifically, the Michigan Commission for the Blind initiates programs with the ISD to encourage academic involvement for all visually impaired and blind students.  MCB works with the ISD in developing programs that will enhance the development of soft skills as well as work experiences for youths.  Through the Low Incident and Outreach program within the Michigan Department of Education, the Commission works jointly with the agency to identify eligible consumers for the Vocational Rehabilitation program.  The agency participates on an advisory board with the general education department to identify areas of collaboration to enhance program accessibility for mainstream youths who are blind and visually impaired.  The objective is to maximize resources and minimize barriers that may impact on the educational progress of blind and visually impaired youths. 

 

The State Department of Special Education is responsible for providing financial support to all individuals as it relates to their academic achievements.  The Michigan Commission for the Blind provides financial support relating to specialized vocational assessment training and other related services leading to employment outcomes.  These services are above and beyond what the department provides. 



ATTACHMENT 4.8 (b) (3):  Cooperative Agreements with Private Non-profit Organizations

 

According to 4.8 (b) (3), MCB has cooperative agreements with community rehabilitation agencies to provide vocational assessments, vocational training, and job placement services.  These individualized agreements outline the fee for service, as well as the expectation and outcomes of each program.  The agency has developed a relationship with a vocational training facility that provides training to blind and visually impaired consumers that leads to direct job placement with the federal government.  This relationship has been extremely beneficial in assisting the Commission to provide consumers with meaningful careers.  MCB continues to explore opportunities to expand options for its consumers to obtain a variety of vocational training and employment outcomes.



ATTACHMENT 4.8 (b) (4):  Arrangements and Cooperative Agreements for the Provision of Supported Employment Services

 

The Michigan Commission for the Blind Supported Employment program continues to provide rehabilitation services to individuals with multiple impairments.  These individuals receive specialized services based on the criteria for supported employment.  Each case record has documentation to support the individual’s participation in the Supported Employment program.  Individuals that are not determined eligible for the Supported Employment program have participated in extended assessments to determine the feasibility of rehabilitation services.  Generally, the applicants for the Supported Employment program are able to acquire specific training and supported services that will enable them to be integrated within the community in a variety of occupations.  Through MCB’s collaborative efforts with Community Mental Health (CMH), provisions for additional services are discussed to identify long term services upon the completion of rehabilitation services.  These provisions provide extended supports to assist supported employment consumers in maintaining their employment.  Natural supports are frequently explored to provide the follow-along services.  MCB discussed with CMH the importance of establishing long term follow-up services to enhance the employment activities of these consumers, as well as the need for auxiliary aids to enhance their daily living skills and employment outcomes.

 



ATTACHMENT 4.10: Comprehensive System of Personnel Development

 

The Michigan Commission for the Blind (MCB) is part of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth and is dedicated to having the most qualified staff possible providing services to blind consumers throughout the state of Michigan. We continue to hire only qualified individuals as rehabilitation counselors.

 

During FY 07, we hired 5 rehabilitation counselors to fill vacancies created when the previous counselor resigned or was promoted. MCB has established a minimum standard for all persons performing the core duties of a rehabilitation counselor – (a) determination of eligibility, (b) development of the rehabilitation plan, and (c) closing a case following a successful employment outcome. We do not require that counselors be a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) but they must be CRC-eligible and each of the newly-hired individuals were CRC-eligible. This standard requires the proper degree or completion of graduate coursework to meet the eligibility criteria as determined by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC) to meet the needs of Section 101(a)(7)(v)(II)(B) of the Act and 34 CFR 361.18(c). If we are unable to hire someone with these qualifications, we will hire persons with graduate degrees in some other area of counseling. Several graduate programs in Michigan offer counseling degrees but it’s not always classified as rehabilitation counseling or counseling and guidance.

 

The training of new staff – whether they meet the standard or not – will be done by the local manager and a designated senior counselor who will be assigned as the “mentor” for that new hire. That mentor will be a CRC so that eventually, depending on the CRCC qualifications, the new counselor will meet the CRC standards.

 

In the year of 1999 when we first focused on the qualifications of counselors in regards to the Rehab Act, we had eight staff who did not meet the criteria of being a ‘qualified’ rehabilitation counselor. Since that time we have only hired individuals who meet our state standard. Due to a lack of qualified candidates we currently have three counselors who will become CRC-eligible after gaining more work experience. We anticipate them being eligible in about two years. 

 

In FY 07 we hired five new rehabilitation counselors. All five of them were at least CRC-eligible at the time of hire. Of the 19 persons in MCB providing rehabilitation counseling services to consumers, 10 of them have current CRC certification. In addition, three managers at MCB are also CRCs. 

 

For the first five years of the CSPD process, MCB was part of a grant that covered costs of tuition, books, and other related expenses in order for staff to reach the CRC-eligible level. Once that grant expired it became the agency’s responsibility to cover these costs. However, our department – Labor & Economic Growth – did not allow for bureaus to pay for college courses. After working with our Office of Human Resources we were able to get an exception to the policy in order for our staff to get reimbursed for expenses related to CSPD coursework.

 

During FY 07 we had 19 qualified rehabilitation counselors providing direct services to blind consumers across the state of Michigan. At any given point, approximately 3500 individuals were applicants or receiving services from the Vocational Rehabilitation Program. Those persons receiving services from the Youth Low Vision Program, the Older Blind Program, or the Independent Living Program were not included in the figure above. There were also 6 managers that could be classified as qualified rehabilitation counselors who do not provide direct services.

 

In the state of Michigan, there are three universities providing graduate degrees in rehabilitation counseling – Western Michigan University (WMU), Michigan State University (MSU), and Wayne State University (WSU). We continue to maintain relationships with these programs to make sure that students receive a quality education and that they are aware of the Michigan Commission for the Blind. As often as possible we take on interns and practicum students from these programs.

 

WMU had 19 students enrolled and 2 graduates. Of those students, 9 were persons with disabilities and 6 were classified as minority students. MSU had 32 enrolled, 8 graduates, 7 minority students and 6 students with disabilities.  WSU had 44 enrolled, 5 graduates, 24 minority students and 14 with disabilities. All of the graduates from these three programs are eligible to become CRCs.

 

We continue to be involved in a variety of ways with these graduate programs. Staff from MCB have been on advisory boards, taught classes, and presented as guest speakers for classes in these programs. While doing so, we continue to encourage students to consider MCB as a place where they can secure an internship and work after graduation. In addition, we notify both of the major blind consumer organizations – nationally and at the state level – whenever we have a vacancy in hopes of recruiting qualified blind persons. We also notify professional organizations, the universities, and on occasion, the Region V RCEP when we have a job vacancy posted.

 

MCB continues to emphasize the importance of recruitment and hiring of persons with disabilities and/or those from a minority group. Information about the number of employees, both civil servants and contractuals, who have a disability or belong to a minority group, can be seen in the table below. Our current FTE count is 97, which does not include those working on a contract. About a quarter of our staff work at the MCB Training Center in Kalamazoo. About 15 people work in the Central Office and Business Enterprise Program. The remainder works in the Consumer Services Division.

 

      Classification
     Ethnic Category
     With a disability
     
      Rehab Counselors (14)
     6 Caucasian

      8 African-American
     5
     
      Rehab Teachers (10)
     8 Caucasian

      1 African American

      1 Asian
     5
     
      Teacher-Counselors (5)
     4 Caucasian

      1 African-American
     2
     
      Support Staff (13)
     6 Caucasian

      6 African-American

      1 Asian
     1
     
      Managers (5)
     3 Caucasian

      2 African-American
     2
     
      Totals (47)
     27 Caucasian

      18 African-American

      2 Asian
     15
     

 

It should be noted that “Teacher-Counselors” are not an official Civil Service classification. These are individuals qualified to perform both task as a rehabilitation counselor and a rehabilitation teacher. 

 

We are always working with our department heads to try and increase the number of FTEs in MCB. Due to budget concerns, we have not had an increase in the number of employees for several years. About a decade ago we had at least 10 more employees than we have now but due to early retirements and regular retirements we lost several persons and have not been given approval to fill the vacancies. So at the present time, we have 97 FTEs and in order for us to maintain the level of services, MCB contracts with 9 additional staff to provide services to blind and visually impaired consumers in the state of Michigan. 

 

Of the current staff, we can anticipate that 3 counselors, 3 teachers, 2 support staff, and 2 managers to retire within the next five years. This is always a difficult thing to predict because if another early out was offered the numbers could be even higher. Regardless, we will need to fill these vacancies to maintain a minimum level of service to our consumers.  We currently have 5 rehabilitation managers, 14 rehabilitation counselors, 5 teacher counselors and 10 blind rehabilitation instructors. In addition, we have 2 rehabilitation managers, 2 rehabilitation counselors, and 11 blind rehabilitation instructors at the Training Center. With these numbers we are able to provide services to most consumers yet we are planning to create 3 new field manager positions because the large geographical areas are very difficult to manage with only 4 field managers. We would like to have at least 2 more rehabilitation counselors in the field and 2 more rehabilitation instructors.  Based on the average projection of consumers to be served over the next five years, MCB estimates that there is a need for 7 additional qualified rehabilitation counselors to serve an average of 75 consumers per counselor each year.

 

All consumers of MCB receive materials in their preferred format when possible. Typically the options include Braille, large print, email, CD, or tape. We continue to put all of our brochures, and several other documents, on our website in a format accessible by anyone with a computer. We have three staff in our deaf-blind unit and one person at the Training Center capable of communicating in sign language. When the need arises we can also obtain interpreters and translators to facilitate communication. We have used various organizations such as the Chaldean Council of Detroit as a source for those services.

 

One of the resources used to fund training is the In-Service Training Grant from the Rehabilitation Services Administration. The funds received from this grant supplement our annual training budget in order to assist staff in learning about new technologies, develop new skills, and to address other needs to improve overall services to our consumers. By doing this we hope to increase the number and quality of successful employment outcomes.

 

We have typically provided more training than what could possibly be funded by the Training Grant alone. We feel it is of utmost importance to provide training opportunities for staff so they may become more proficient in their job duties. As we hire new staff to replace more experienced staff, we can expect the need and related costs for training to increase significantly.

 

By using training needs surveys, input from managers, and special requests from staff we are able to provide a wide variety of training covering a large number of topics. Two of the major training programs each year are the Michigan Rehabilitation Conference (MRC) and the MAER Annual Conference. The MRC is the largest conference in the state for rehabilitation providers, educators, community partners, and consumers. The MAER program is designed specifically for blind rehabilitation instructors.

 

We also support the annual conferences for the two major consumer organizations – the Michigan Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired and the Michigan Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind. Each group holds their conference in the fall and we send at least 10 people to each one. 

 

In addition to using our own funds and the In-Service Training Grant, we utilize the services of the Region V RCEP at Southern Illinois University whenever possible. They’ve been very supportive of MCB over the years and we have an excellent working relationship with them. We have also used the CRP-RCEP at the University of Illinois once in awhile even though their focus is on community rehabilitation programs. 

 

Much of the training scheduled for staff or involvement in conferences and workshops is geared towards job development, job placement, assistive technology, specific disabilities, vocational assessment and counseling services, and general vocational rehabilitation issues. All of these topics are very important to our staff and the degree of skill and professionalism we believe in. 

 

MCB has developed a system where information, locally and nationally, is shared with the staff internally regarding results of rehabilitation issues that impact persons with disabilities.  This process is initiated through regional meetings, as well as through email distribution.  The rehabilitation research and developments of the three local universities provide the agency with the latest trends that may impact outcomes regarding persons with disabilities.  

 

MCB continue to maintain a close working relationship with the state’s general rehabilitation agency, Michigan Rehabilitation Services. MCB had a leadership meeting in FY 07 where all the managers for both agencies got together to educate each other on the services provided and to identify areas where we could share resources, i.e., job leads, training resources, community partnerships, etc. MCB continues to meet with them to further enhance the collaboration. 

 

MCB works with the three universities providing rehabilitation training to learn of potential candidates for internships and/or hire. This is consistent with Section 101(a)(7) of the Act and 34 CFR 361.18(a). MCB has hired a number of new staff over the past several years and in most instances, we posted these positions with the universities and received some very good candidates to interview. This involvement with the schools has improved our relationship which, in turn, has increased the number of internship possibilities and the pool of potential hires.

 

Succession planning, as typically defined, is not possible under our Civil Service system. MCB cannot identify or hire individuals ahead of time to replace those leaving state employment. Instead, MCB try to prepare those expressing interest in becoming managers and hope that opportunities will occur at some point in the future. The agency continues to work hard in developing leaders throughout the organization. MCB hope to become a “leaderful” organization where we have qualified leadership everywhere and in every program. Many training opportunities are available for managers and other leaders. Most activities are aimed towards maintaining capacity instead of adding capacity pursuant to 34 CFR 361.18(d)(2)(iii)(A)-(C).

 

The Michigan Commission for the Blind continues to recruit minorities, especially those with disabilities. The table presented earlier in this document shows the diversity of our staff. MCB continue to prepare and retain qualified staff by offering very good working conditions and numerous opportunities for professional development pursuant to Section 101(a)(7)(A)(iv)(II) of the Act and 34 CFR 361.18(b).

 

The Administrator of the Consumer Services Division and the State Director of the Michigan Commission for the Blind continue to be very active participants on the Statewide Transition Network Team in an effort to coordinate staff development under the agency’s Comprehensive Plan for Personnel Development (CSPD) with the personnel development under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) as provided by Section 101(a)(7)(a)(ii) of the Act and 34 CFR 361.18(f). In addition, this is accomplished through a number of cash-match agreements that provide for the sharing of personnel and services among the various educational entities and the Michigan Commission for the Blind. The Administrator of the Consumer Services Division works closely with the transition team to develop specific procedures for improving the coordination of CSPD and IDEA requirements for personnel development. These agreements allow for maximum sharing of information related to the needs of consumers and enhance planning for the future provision of services.

 

 

 



 

ATTACHMENT 4.11 (a) Comprehensive Statewide Assessment

 

The Michigan Commission for the Blind’s Comprehensive Needs Assessment was conducted in FY 2005 by Michigan State University (MSU) Office of Rehabilitation and Disability Studies. The Comprehensive Needs Assessment was conducted jointly with the Michigan Commission for the Blind and the Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS). The results were made available to the agency in FY 2006; therefore, the agency is still acting on the recommendations of the assessment.  Currently, the agency is collaborating with the Project Excellence at Michigan State University along with MRS to conduct a comprehensive needs assessment for 2008. MCB is in the process of conducting a component of the needs assessment, a satisfactory survey, regarding service provisions.  For the Comprehensive Needs Assessment for FY 2008, the agency is focusing on three key findings: 1) expanded employment outcomes; 2) unserved, underserved, or emerging populations; and 3) transition. 

 

MCB is working with community partners to develop appropriate training programs for youths and adults to expand employment outcomes to meet the needs of the 21st century labor market, which is one of the Governors employment objective “No Worker Left Behind.”  The commission is actively involved in this initiative.  MCB is collaborating with various community agencies to identify the needs of unserved and underserved populations.  To date, the agency is actively involved with the Native American Health centers to provide information regarding the agency’s programs. The staff also is working collegially with the Hispanic/Latino, African and Arab American communities to increase training and employment outcomes.  The agency has been effective in establishing transition programs in all of the large intermediate school districts in the state.  To date, emphasis is on establishing transition opportunities for blind and visually impaired individuals in the rural areas of the state.

 

The Michigan Commission for the Blind continues to address the results of the Comprehensive Needs Assessment.  As indicated, the method employed was a quantitative and qualitative methodology. The research effort triangulated on the VR service needs in Michigan by collecting data from persons with disabilities, informed by a set of key informant interviews and analysis of the extant data from the US Census and VR agency records.   

 

The Comprehensive Needs Assessment survey indicated that there is a need for more collaboration with community rehabilitation agencies to provide rehabilitation services to persons with severe disabilities which includes supported employment consumers.   The assessment did not take into account MCB’s comprehensive Supported Employment program, where the multiple impaired are provided extensive service to assist in employment outcomes. As a result of MCB’s collaboration with community rehabilitation organizations, MCB was able to place more emphasis on service provision for persons with multiple impairments. This enabled the agency to focus on employment opportunities for supported employment individuals.  The agency will continue to work with its community partners to increase opportunities for supported employment consumers.  The Consumer Needs Assessment identified the need to provide opportunities for individuals to acquire technical skills, accommodations for employment, daily living, transportation, and improved counselor practices.  MCB has continued to work with these community rehabilitation agencies to improve processes that will lead to increased training opportunities for persons with severe disability, specifically blind and visually impaired individuals.  

 

The survey results indicates that no specific minority group was underserved; although, it indicated some findings that are of concern regarding African American employment outcomes.  The data for MCB was limited when compared with the Michigan Rehabilitation Services for the same population.  The participants from MCB were centered in one geographical area of the state which limited the number of participants that took part in the survey.   Although the data does not reflect the occurrence of blind individuals that are of working age in the survey, in fact, it states that “due to limitations in the data, similar comparisons could not be done for the blind/vision impaired populations only.”  MCB continues to work with its Cultural Diversity Committee to identify ways to improve service delivery to minority populations (i.e., Native Americans and Hispanic/Latino Americans) that may be unserved and underserved.  MCB’s outreach activities continue to provide information to these underserved populations in order that they will be able to access rehabilitation services from the agency; such outreach activities as, participating in community events, health fairs and etc. to ensure that information is being disseminated to minorities and underserved populations.

 

The survey instrument mentions the statewide Workforce Investment System as it relates to WIA legislation and the Title IV Rehabilitation Act, as amended in 1998.  The Michigan Commission for the Blind has developed Memorandums of Understanding with the workforce investment system (Michigan Works!) to provide access to programs; such as, computer training, vocational evaluations, and interest assessments, resume writing and virtual interviews.  The Michigan Commission for the Blind is also working with the Michigan Works! No Worker Left Behind program that provides skills training in highly demand careers in health and allied services, construction, information technology and a host of other trades. MCB co-sponsors employer days and employer fairs with the Michigan Works! and is co-located in several of the Michigan Works! offices on an itinerant basis.  The agency’s familiarization with the Michigan Works! programs assists blind and visually impaired consumers who are seeking employment in a competitive labor market.



 

ATTACHMENT 4.11 (b) Annual Estimates

 

The Michigan Commission for the Blind’s annual estimates of individuals eligible to be served within the blind and visually impaired population in the state of Michigan will be 7,701. It is anticipated that 3,500 of these individuals will receive services through funds provided under Part B of Title I of the Act and under Part B of Title VI of the Act.  Approximately 3,455 persons will be served under Title I and 45 persons under Title VI of the Act.

 

The total costs to provide services to the eligible population that are blind and visually impaired are estimated to be $88,007,028 for case services under Title 1.  MCB anticipates serving 3,500 through Title 1 and Title VI of the Act. The cost for providing comprehensive services under these two programs is estimated to be $9,200,000 including administrative costs, but excluding other agency programs and initiatives such as the Michigan Commission for the Blind Training Center and the Business Enterprise Program.

 

 



ATTACHMENT 4.11 (c)(1) Goals and Priorities

 

The Michigan Commission for the Blind’s Comprehensive Needs Assessment Study indicates a need for assistive technology and accommodations, counselor training, partnering with other agencies to increased employment outcomes, expanded transition activities, and increased effective service delivery to minority populations.

 

The Michigan Commission for the Blind (MCB) continues to work with a variety of vendors to meet the need of the agency’s technology demands. The goal of providing 70% or more of MCB’s staff with premier technology training continues to be promoted by the agency.  Individuals that are eligible for MCB services will have an opportunity to receive training with the latest technology and adaptive equipment that will assist them with daily living skills and employment endeavors.

 

The Michigan Commission for the Blind promotes professional development for its rehabilitation staff.  The twenty-two rehabilitation counselors and teacher/counselors receive training that will assist them to develop their professional counseling skills through various training programs in order that they may be able to work effectively with consumers in an ever changing society.  

 

Indicator 1.1 reference the number of individuals with employment outcomes. The Michigan Commission for the Blind goal is to increase competitive employment opportunities for individuals with visual impairment and blindness by utilizing its business services staff to develop employer relations to foster greater job opportunities through its work with the Michigan Works!, employers and employment fairs to increase the percentage of employment outcomes.  The consumers will have more opportunities to market their skills. MCB’s priority is to seek out new opportunities within the community each year and to establish meaningful partnerships with its community partners in order to expand employment outcomes and service opportunities for blind and visually impaired individuals. MCB, through its collaboration with community partners and employers, has established a goal to rehabilitate 186 consumers with competitive outcomes.  One goal to establish meaningful relationships with community rehabilitation agencies is to develop and expand vocational training opportunities for individuals with blindness and visual impairment for the purpose of increasing employment outcomes. Another goal is to collaborate with the employment community through the use of MCB’s business services staff and brochures to inform employers of services that the Commission can provide, as well as how the commission can assist in providing qualified job ready candidates.  

 

MCB has one of its priority goals is transition initiatives with the intermediate school districts within the state.  The goal is to secure agreements with three new districts each year until each school district has established a transition program for individuals.  MCB is expanding transition opportunities for high school youths throughout the state. These transition activities provide an opportunity for students to acquire pre-employment skills as well as appropriate technology skills. 

 

MCB’s outreach continues to focus on identifying unserved and underserved populations.  The objective is to increase the effectiveness of service delivery through an assessment of intake activities in regards to Native Americans, Latino/Hispanic Americans and African Americans, as well as the number of IPE’s developed and successful completion of the rehabilitation process each year. In accordance with indicator 2.1, MCB continues to utilize its Cultural Diversity team to assist the agency in improving service delivery to minorities and emerging populations.  The agency’s collaboration with minority organizations; such as, the Arab American Council, the Latino and Hispanic community agencies, and Native American health and social services agencies has resulted in improved delivery of rehabilitation services and increased independent and employment outcomes.  MCB is working with Wayne State University (WSU) Rehabilitation Counselor program to improve outcomes for the African American population.  The rehabilitation process continues to look for avenues to increase relationships with the African American population that will result in more employment outcomes.

 

The Michigan Commission for the Blind’s goal for the Supported Employment program is to develop and improve relationships with community rehabilitation agencies to increase training opportunities within the communities and to work with Community Mental Health (CMH) to provide long-term follow along for supported employment consumers.  Another goal is to develop natural supports to assist in maintaining employment.  Through these efforts, the agency anticipates serving 45 individuals in the supported employment program with an expected employment outcome of one-third of individuals being successfully employed.



ATTACHMENT 4.11(c) (4) - Goals and Plans for Distribution of Title VI, Part B Funds

 

The Michigan Commission for the Blind serves the more severely disabled individuals who are blind and visually impaired, as well as some individuals who are deaf/blind through the Supported Employment program.  MCB has a goal to collaborate with various community partners, community mental health agencies and intermediate school districts to obtain appropriate referrals for vocational exploration and rehabilitation services.

 

MCB received $104,071 to provide comprehensive rehabilitation services to the most severe and/or multiple impaired individuals.  The staff will utilize supported employment funds to develop vocational opportunities for the most severely disabled individuals to achieve employment outcomes. MCB’s goal is to work with the community rehabilitation organizations to establish programs that will provide training that will enhance marketable skills that will enable the recipients to obtain job placement within an integrated setting in their communities.  Each of the community rehabilitation organizations emphasize specialize programs that are supported by the labor market demands. These programs include, but are not limited to, packaging and assembling, clerical activities, food services, janitorial and the intervenor program for deaf/blind consumers.  As the agency continues to collaborate with its community partners to increase vocational choices, it is anticipated that MCB will provide services to 45 individuals as a result of the supported employment funds. 

 



ATTACHMENT 4.11(d) - Strategies

 

Indicator 1.1:  Number of Individuals with Employment Outcomes. The Michigan Commission for the Blind projection for the number of individuals with employment outcomes that was set by the agency was achieved; although, when compared with the national average, the agency was not successful in achieving this indicator.  Therefore, MCB has instituted additional activities to assist with employment outcomes. The Michigan Commission for the Blind will continued to provide staff with appropriate training that will equip them with the necessary skills and techniques to assist individuals that are blind and visually impaired in achieving their vocational outcomes as gainfully employed individuals.  The agency’s strategic plan emphasizes the need to be innovative in developing opportunities for staff to obtain training in technology and other counseling techniques that will enable them to be effective in business services activities that will allow for the development of employment relationships through the National Business Alliance, as well as local business alliances and the Michigan Works! resulting in expanded employment opportunities for the population that MCB serves.

 

Indicator 1.2:  Percentage of Individuals Receiving Services Who Had Employment Outcomes.  The Michigan Commission for the Blind continues to face the highest unemployment rate in the nation.  As a result of the difficult employment climate in Michigan, it has directly impacted on the employment of people with disabilities, especially individuals that are blind and visually impaired. Although MCB did not meet this indicator, MCB continues to make improvements in this area from the previous year.  MCB continues to invest in appropriate training for staff in job placement and other related training to attempt to minimize the effects of the depressed labor market.  MCB makes available to counseling staff the opportunity to participate in job placement training through the Michigan Rehabilitation Counseling Educators Association and the Job Placement Division of the Michigan Rehabilitation Association in order to equip the staff with the techniques to compete in the competitive labor market.  

 

Indicator 1.3:  Percentage of Individuals with Employment Outcomes Who Were Competitively Employed.  The Michigan Commission for the Blind met this indicator with 60.32%.  MCB staff is aware of the importance of establishing relationships with community partners to collaborate with in order to increase opportunities for consumers to expand employment options that will result in more individuals being placed in the competitive labor market.

 

Indicator 1.4:  Percentage of Persons with Competitive Employment Outcomes Who Had Significant Disabilities:  The Michigan Commission for the Blind met this indicator with 99.40%.

 

Indicator 1.5:  Ratio of Average VR Hourly Wage to Average Wage.  MCB continues to provide consumers with choices regarding their vocational objectives; therefore, the development of career options has continued to assist MCB in reaching this indicator.  The agency met this indicator with 0.623%.

 

Indicator 1.6:  Difference in Percentage of individuals Achieving Competitive Employment Who Report Own Income as Primary Source of Support at Closure and Application.  It is a goal of MCB to provide consumers with options leading to productive careers.  MCB met this indicator with 34.23%.

 

Indicator 2.1:  Ratio of Minority to Non-Minority Service Rate.  MCB continues to emphasize the importance of outreach to minority populations that are experiencing blindness and visual impairment.  MCB’s Cultural Diversity Committee focuses on providing the agency with information regarding unserved and underserved populations.  MCB met this indicator with 0.803%.

 

MCB has four strategic teams: Service Delivery Design, Image and Identity, Cultural Diversity and Technology that assist in the strategic planning process to achieve the agency’s goals and priorities.  These teams makes recommendations for evaluation and assessment of the agency’s services, timeliness of services, review the policy manual and procedures, identify unserved and underserved populations, provides the agency with information regarding new and innovative technology equipment and programs.  All of the design teams are composed of agency staff, community partners and consumers.

 

The Michigan Commission for the Blind (MCB) is aware of the need for appropriate technology for staff and consumers in order to be competitive in today’s labor market.  MCB provides statewide technology training for staff and consumers on the latest technology and adaptive equipment that assist individuals in the workforce and with daily living skills.  MCB participates in two technology fairs, one of which is sponsored in part by MCB and the Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped in Ann Arbor, (Vision 2006) and is held every other year.  At this technology fair more than 50 vendors display equipment for blind and visually impaired individuals to enhance their independence, educational, daily living and employment settings.  The Technology Blizzard held in FY 2007 in Lavonia, Michigan is sponsored by a group of agencies including the intermediate school districts.  MCB participates in the program by providing information regarding its services as it relates to employment and independence. The blizzard features a variety of vendors that showcase technology which assist students in their academic endeavors and individuals seeking employment, as well as other adaptive equipment.  Both events are opened to consumers and MCB encourages their attendance. The Michigan Commission for the Blind encourages staff to participate in these technology events in order that they may be able to assist their consumers with technology in all aspects of their lives.  MCB provides assistive technology services and devices to its consumers through the provisions of individual plans for employment.  The IPE specifies the types of services, technology training and devices that will be necessary to assist the individual in achieving their desired vocational goals throughout the rehabilitation process.

 

In relations to 4.11 (d) (4), MCB continues to work to increase services to minority populations.  The objective is to increase the effectiveness of service delivery to minorities.  Through its communication and marketing coordinator, MCB has developed brochures in an alternative format for outreach purposes to unserved and underserved populations.  These pamphlets and brochures have been shared with MCB offices, consumers, as well with community partners.  Additional efforts are being employed to provide services to the urban populations within the state of Michigan to increase employment outcomes. 

 

The Michigan Commission for the Blind’s priority is to expand outreach activities.  MCB is aware of the need to channel resources in the area of unserved and underserved populations.  As a result, MCB’s strategic plan emphasizes the need to increase rehabilitation services to Latino/Hispanic Americans, African Americans, Native Americans and Arabic/Chaldean populations.  The staff of MCB received specialize training to enhance the opportunities for the above mentioned minority groups.  MCB staff participates in Latino/Hispanic events such as the Festival Mexicana, and Hispanic Heritage Day to provide information regarding MCB services to assist individuals in transition activities, vocational training, job placement and independent living. The staff is involved with the LaSed Community Action Coalition in providing information regarding services provided by MCB, as well as working with the local Michigan Works! located within the Hispanic community to promote employment opportunities to individuals with blindness and visual impairments.  Job placement training for staff through Great Lakes Rehabilitation Counselor Education Program (RCEP), collaborative efforts with the community rehabilitation organizations and the development of employment relationships with employers resulted in increased outcomes for the urban population.   

 

Another unserved population that MCB’s outreach activities have had a significant impact in providing services is to the Native Americans.  The staff continues to familiarize themselves with the culture and the various aspects of individual tribal needs.  MCB staff has developed relationships with the American Indian Health and Family Services (AIHFS) of Southeast Michigan, Inc. that has allowed them to meet with the leaders in the individual tribes to be able to understand their values and needs as it relates to education, job training, and employment outcomes.  The health center serves as a facility that distributes information to the Native American population.  Through collaboration with the health center, the agency staff has been successful in providing rehabilitation services to seniors as well as with job ready consumers, especially working with Native Americans in urban areas.  MCB staff has established working relationships with Native Americans at the Hannahville Reservation and at the Sioux Reservation.  As a result of the collaboration with these reservations, the agency receives referrals throughout the year for rehabilitation assistance.  Through the staff attendance at Pow Wow’s, cultural training, and collaborations with the elders of the tribes, the counseling staff is gradually building trust relationships that are producing positive results.  

 

MCB is working with Wayne State University (WSU) Rehabilitation Counselor program to improve outcomes for the African American population.  The rehabilitation process continues to look for avenues to increase relationships with the African American population that will result in more employment outcomes.  WSU and MCB are collaborating on some methods to identify practices that will enable counselors to utilize techniques in assisting this population to achieve successful outcomes.  MCB is working with an urban school district to implement a specialized educational program that will focus on students to obtain a high school diploma or general educational degree.  MCB’s agreements with intermediate school districts will enable the agency to work closely with this program. 

 

MCB’s innovation and expansion projects are utilized to assist in employment and communications efforts to all MCB consumers, as well as   minority populations through the Newsline and the Video Remote Interpreting.  The unserved and underserved populations are able to secure job leads and information regarding training opportunities, as well as communication techniques for the deaf/blind that will allow them to be involved in these activities.

 

MCB’s priority is to develop cooperative working relations with the Office of Aging and the Area Agency on Aging to improve and expand services to seniors that are blind and visually impaired.  The development of this partnership will provide for more services to be available for the senior blind, which includes technology, personal and employment skills.  This partnership will expand training services statewide enabling consumers to receive personal skill development.

 

MCB, through its collaboration with community partners and employers, has established a goal to rehabilitate 186 consumers with competitive outcomes.  These individuals will participate in rehabilitation programs that will equip them to enter into the labor market with skills that will enable them to obtain gainful employment as well as fringe benefits.  MCB will employ the assistance of the Michigan Works!, the National Business Network, labor market information and local employers to achieve the employment outcomes.  These activities underscore the efforts of the agency to provide services to individuals as well as those that receive services through the Supported Employment program.

 

The transition initiative is a top priority of MCB.  Staff participates in the Michigan Transition Initiative (MTI) conference to gain knowledge as well as to share information regarding proven practices in regards to transition opportunities.  MCB, through its collaborative efforts with intermediate school districts in various locations of the state continues to develop summer transition programs that enable students to develop soft skills, work experience and educational endeavors thereby preparing these individuals for independent living and employment readiness. These transition activities are being expanded to provide opportunities for students to participate throughout the academic year. One of the mechanisms that MCB utilizes in the Transition program is the Youth Low Vision program.  This program identifies youths with visual impairments and provides head-borne devices to assist in the academic endeavors as well as activities in daily living.  MCB continues to develop agreements with the intermediate school districts to facilitate transition opportunities for students at an earlier age.

 

According to 4.11 (d) (3), the barriers identified in the Comprehensive Needs Assessment will assist the Vocational Rehabilitation program to establish goals for the agency.  An explanation of the goals are found in section 4.11 (c) (1) which are technology and accommodations, professional development, partnering with other agencies, increased employment outcomes, expanded transition activities, and improved effective service delivery to minority populations.  The agency will provide access to premier technology and training for staff and consumers.  The training will provide staff with the knowledge to make decisions regarding appropriate accommodations for consumers. The professional staff will continue to receive training that will assist in the development and implementation of the rehabilitation process.  MCB will continue to collaborate with its community partners to explore and expand vocational training and employment opportunities for its consumers.  MCB’s objective is to increase its contact with intermediate school districts to introduce and expand transition programs with emphasis on soft skills training.  MCB’s outreach activities will increase the awareness of programs and the eligibility requirements for services to minority populations. The strategies mention above will successfully accomplish the goals that will help to eliminate the barriers that were identified in the assessment.  MCB’s prioritization of the goals will ultimately enable the agency to effectively eliminate or minimize the barriers that affect the service delivery to individuals receiving services.  These activities also will assist individuals that are a part of the Supported Employment program to overcome the barriers that are identified in the Comprehensive Needs Assessment.

 

In relation to use of Title I funds, the Michigan Commission for the Blind provides all documents in an accessible format which includes brochures, pamphlets as well as captions on videos and DVDs.  MCB distributes materials for outreach activities to a variety of agencies and organizations to inform them of the types of services that MCB provides to persons with disabilities and specifically to those that are blind and visually impaired.  MCB collaborates with community partners, as well as rehabilitation agencies, colleges and universities and other training facilities to provide assistive technology services and devices.  MCB provides employers with technology assessment for prospective employees and work with employers to determine the appropriate technology that may be necessary for specific job duties.  

 

The Michigan Commission for the Blind uses Title I funds to develop and refine the Business Services program to establish relationships with employers.  Through the marketing activities of the Business Services staff, the Commission is assisting employers to find qualified individuals to meet their employment needs.  The Commission participates in the National Business Employment Network to increase opportunities for blind and visually impaired individuals to obtain employment from national companies. The Business Services program is an intricate part of MCB’s rehabilitation process.  This program works collaborative with the Michigan Works! and employers within the geographic areas of the state.  The marketing activities of the Business Services program emphasize the importance of collaborating with the Chamber of Commerce, Business Leadership Network and the National Business Employment Network to develop opportunities for the agency’s consumers to obtain gainful employment.  The Business Services program also provides employers with an array of services to assist companies in maintaining and retaining qualified employees. MCB’s affiliation with the National Business Employment Network will provide another resource to promote a greater opportunity nationally for individuals with visual impairments and blindness to become successfully employed.

 

The Michigan Commission for the Blind partners with a variety of community organizations to provide vocational training for the blind and visually impaired individuals.  Through the collaboration with the Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS) and other community agencies, a forum was established to discussed service gaps and duplication for persons with disabilities.  The Partnership Forum identified gaps in the delivery of services as well as duplication of services that proved to be extremely helpful in developing meaningful programs that lead to employment outcomes.  As a result of the Partnership Forum, three workgroups (Marketing, Communications and Soft Skills) were developed to further explore ways to implement the recommendations that resulted from the forum.  

 

MCB collaborates with statewide workforce investment system (Michigan Works!) to increase program development that will provide assessments, vocational training and job placement services. Another one of Michigan Works! program that the Commission for the Blind is working closely to ensure that MCB’s consumers are included in is the No Worker Left Behind (NWLB) initiative.  This program provides training for underemployed individuals in specific careers.  The state has identified some priority careers; such as, healthcare, technology, construction, accounting, and trades.  MCB’s relationship with the Michigan Works! has expanded over the past year.  The agency is aware of the importance of partnering with Michigan Works! in order to foster employment opportunities for the population that it serves.  Throughout the state, and in various Michigan Works! offices, the Commission for the Blind is co-located on an itinerant basis.  Some of the Michigan Works! locations in which MCB has a presence are: Flint, Marquette, Monroe, Clinton Township, Detroit, Down River, Lansing, Ann Arbor, Kalamazoo and Adrian.  The development of these working relationships with the Michigan Works! will enable the Commission consumers to utilize their services and their employment search.  The agency partners with the Michigan Works! offices to provide job fairs and other job expos for persons that are unemployed, which includes persons with disabilities.  These activities are to assist in reduction of persons who are underemployed and unemployed in the state.

 



ATTACHMENT 4.11 (e) (2) Evaluation and Reports of Progress

 

Goal #1 – Professional Development

 

The Michigan Commission for the Blind’s priority is to provide staff with professional training to enable them to be aware of current knowledge and information regarding the rehabilitation process that will equip them to meet the demands of its consumers in an ever changing labor market.  MCB continues to pursue additional learning opportunities for staff in the area of job development and job placement.  All new staff, along with current staff, continues to be trained in the latest techniques in job development and job placement as well as technology and accommodation assessments necessary to assist consumers in obtaining and maintaining employment.   The staff participates in several training programs throughout the year.  The Michigan Rehabilitation Conference is an annual event where staff can gain knowledge and information regarding numerous topics relating to the provision of rehabilitation services to persons with disabilities, such as, ethics, diversity, cultural competencies, and transition from school to work, and personality disorders.  Through this training conference, the staff is able to obtain continuing education credits and to expand their knowledge regarding service delivery to consumers.  MCB emphasizes the importance of developing skills in the area of job placement and employer relationship building; however, the agency is experiencing a reduction in training for staff in line with the state’s moratorium on training.  The agency goal is to provide as many staff as possible with appropriate training to compliment them in their job tasks.  As a result of limited training, the agency has focused more closely on types of training that relates to its goals and objectives. MCB is aware that training is imperative for staff to be equipped with skills and abilities to participate in an ever-changing society.  

 

Goal #2 – Technology Training

 

MCB continues to move ahead with the implementation of premier technology for staff and consumers.  MCB has implemented its web based case management system (System 7) as well as the Business Enterprise Program system that tracks and monitors all food services activity for the program.  MCB has a Technology committee that provides the agency with updated information regarding new equipment and devices that are being developed that could be of assistance to the staff in carrying out their responsibilities and assisting consumers in obtaining their goals.  MCB has a technology coordinator that is currently providing staff with updated information regarding new technology and its usage in employment applications and provides staff and consumers with training on the latest adaptive equipment.  

 

Goal #3 – Collaboration with community partners

 

The agency through its collaborative efforts has developed meaningful relationships with its community partners, which have provided expanded opportunities for MCB’s consumers to gain vocational training, job placement and employment outcomes.  As a participating partner of the Partnership Forum, MCB along with MRS and other community rehabilitation organizations discussed ways to eliminate duplications and gaps that directly affected the employment outcomes of individuals with disabilities.  The three workgroups (Soft Skills, Marketing and Communication) that emanated from the Partnership Forum are providing recommendations to improve employment outcomes for persons with disabilities.  The Soft Skills workgroup has identified and made recommendations regarding assessments and training activities that enhance individual’s pre-employment skills.  The Marketing workgroup has recommended a series of tools to be utilized in marketing individuals with disabilities to the business and employment community.  The Communication workgroup is working with communities in the establishment of coalitions of various organizations to work together in promoting employment opportunities for persons with disabilities.   The objectives of these groups continue to improve employability skills and job retention.

 

MCB’s priority is to work effectively with Michigan Works! offices.  The agreements with Michigan Works! outline accessibility and necessary adaptive equipment that will encourage consumers to utilize these service centers for employment assistance.  The majority of the Michigan Works! offices are equipped with adaptive equipment that allows blind and visually impaired individuals to access their services in the same way their peers access job search services.  MCB is working with the One-Stop Centers to remove barriers that prevent blind and visually impaired consumers from utilizing their programs and services.  The accessibility is gradually improving and greater emphasis will be placed on this priority.  MCB’s itinerant staff is co-located at several of the Michigan Works! offices resulting in increased use of their services by blind and visually impaired individuals as they attempt to obtain gainful employment.  As a result of the collaboration with the Michigan Works! MCB has been successful in increasing consumer participation at the various sites. Consumers have been able to take part in orientation programs and other trainings at the Michigan Works! offices.

 

MCB, through its collaboration with community partners and employers, had established a goal to rehabilitate 185 consumers with competitive outcomes.  These individuals participated in rehabilitation programs that equipped them to enter into the labor market with skills that enabled them to obtain gainful employment as well as fringe benefits.  MCB was successful in assisting 184 consumers in obtaining gainful employment in a variety of occupations.  MCB will continue to partner with the Michigan Works!, the National Business Network, and utilize the labor market information and local employers to increase and achieve the employment objective.  The agency continues to focus on individuals who can benefit from supported employment services as MCB expands their working relationships with Community Mental Health. These and other activities underscore the importance of collaboration and partnering with employers and other community agencies to provide timely services to individuals who are blind and visually impaired.

 

Goal #4 - Transition

 

The Michigan Commission for the Blind Transition program works in conjunction with the Youth Low Vision program that provides expanded vocational opportunities as well as pre-employment skill development for youths.  The Youth Low Vision program provides youths with low vision evaluations and devices that are used in educational settings and daily living activities.  MCB has agreements with all of the major intermediate school districts (ISD) to develop job shadowing opportunities, work experience and internship programs for high school youths to assist students in developing the needed skills for transitioning from school to work.  MCB continues to expand its transition objectives for high school students with ISD’s to develop agreements and working relationships to provide the transition activities within these districts for individuals that are blind and visually impaired. MCB’s Business Enterprise Program (BEP) Summer Internship program for youths in high school and college opens opportunities for individuals to obtain valuable work experience and further introduces the small business entrepreneur concepts to individuals in transition programs.  As a result, the program provided opportunities for several youths to gain valuable experience.  MCB is expecting this program will continue to grow; thereby, providing opportunities for transitioning students to be exposed to the food service industry.  MCB’s agreement with Opportunities Unlimited for the Blind provides transition services to youths during the summer where youths will have an opportunity to participate in summer camp activities; such as, independent living, socialization, communication skills and employment opportunities.  MCB has been involved in this transition experience for more than three years and students are participating as the program content expands to include several additional skills that enhance employment opportunities. 

 

Goal #5 – Minority Outreach

 

As mentioned in section 4.11 (d) (2) MCB’s strategic plan emphasizes the need to increase rehabilitation services to Latino/Hispanics, African Americans, Native Americans and Arabic/Chaldean Americans.  The staff of MCB receive specialized training to work effectively with and expand opportunities for the above mentioned minority groups.  MCB continues to participate in Latino/Hispanic events such as the Festival Mexicana, and Hispanic Heritage Day to provide information regarding MCB services to assist individuals in transition activities, vocational training, job placement and independent living. The staff is involved with the LaSed Community Action Coalition where they share information regarding MCB services, as well as working with the local Michigan Works! located within the Hispanic community to promote employment opportunities to individuals with blindness and visual impairment.  MCB provides brochures in Spanish and Arabic as well as in alternative formats.  MCB staff has developed relationships with the American Indian Health and Family Services (AIHFS) of Southeast Michigan, Inc. that has allowed them to meet with the leaders in the individual tribes to be able to understand their values and needs as it relates to independence, education, job training, and employment outcomes.  The health center serves as a facility that distributes information to the Native American population.  Through collaboration with the health center the agency staff has been successful in providing rehabilitation services to seniors as well as with job ready consumers, especially working with Native Americans in urban areas. As a result of these activities, MCB increased referrals from minority populations. 

 

MCB staff has established working relationships with the Native Americans at the Hannahville Reservation and at the Sioux Reservation.  As a result of the collaboration with the reservations and other community resources, the agency continues to see an increase in referrals throughout the year for rehabilitation assistance.  The staff continues to familiarize themselves with the culture and the various aspects of individual tribal needs. Through the staff attendance at Pow Wow’s, cultural training, collaborations with the elders of the tribes and the local school districts, the counseling staff is gradually building trust relationships that continues to produce positive results.  

 

MCB continues to work with Wayne State University (WSU) Rehabilitation Counselor program to identify methods that will assist in improving outcomes for the African American population that will result in more employment outcomes.  WSU and MCB have collaborated on methods to identified practices that will enable counselors to utilize techniques in assisting this population to achieve successful outcomes.  MCB is working with an urban school district to implement a specialized educational program that will focus on students to obtain a high school diploma or general educational degree.  Due to the increased number of high school drop outs, which includes persons with disabilities, a greater demand for this program has been recognized to assist these students in meeting a level of education proficiency.   MCB’s agreements with intermediate school districts will enable the agency to work closely with this program.

 

MCB continues to work with the Arab American Council and their health facilities to dispense information regarding MCB’s programs.  Through these contacts, MCB receives referrals from individuals that are eligible for services. An Arab American consumer of the agency is a member of the Dearborn Disability Council that provides information to the city regarding issues relating to persons with disabilities.  This consumer informs the agency about events and activities that enables the Commission’s staff to participate.  MCB provides brochures in their language which has had a positive effect on the agency in receiving referrals for this population.

 

Goal #6 Employment Outcomes

 

The state of Michigan economy has been impacted by a severe reduction in manufacturing and other employment opportunities.  The job outlook for Michigan continues to be depressed and the predictions are that the economic upturn will not be experienced by Michigan until FY 2009.  Michigan continues to have extreme high unemployment in most categories of the labor market.  As a result of high unemployment and lack of jobs, it becomes more difficult for persons with disabilities and especially blind and visually impaired individuals to obtain gainful employment.  MCB, through its collaboration with community partners and employers, had established a goal to rehabilitate 185 consumers with competitive outcomes.  MCB basically met its goal by rehabilitating184 consumers.  MCB’s goal is to rehabilitate 186 consumers to achieve competitive employment outcomes for 2009.  MCB will continue to employ the assistance of the Michigan Works!, the National Business Network, and utilizing labor market information and local employers to achieve the employment objective.  These activities underscore the efforts of the agency to provide services to individuals as well as those that receive services through the Supported Employment program.

 

Goal #7 Supported Employment

 

The Michigan Commission for the Blind serves the more severely disabled individuals through the Supported Employment program.  This program provides an array of supported services to assist these individuals in achieving a competitive employment outcome.  The Support Employment program provides opportunities for individuals with multiple disabilities and those with deaf/blindness which includes Rubella and Ushers syndrome. The agency’s goals are to continue to collaborate with various community rehabilitation organizations, community mental health agencies and intermediate school districts to obtain appropriate referrals for vocational exploration and rehabilitation services.  The staff will work with the community rehabilitation organizations to develop employment opportunities that will encourage community integration.  Each of the community rehabilitation organizations emphasize specific programs that allows for individualized program development. The agency has been instrumental in working with a number of the rehabilitation organizations to provide specialize training for supported employment individuals who are blind and visually impaired and those who are deaf/blind.  These programs include, but not limited to, packaging and assembling, clerical activities, food services, janitorial and intervenor program for deaf/blind consumers. MCB discussed with community mental health the importance of establishing long term follow-up services to enhance the employment activities for supported employment consumers, as well as the need for auxiliary aids to enhance their daily living skills and employment outcomes.  

 

The staff will utilize supported employment funds to develop vocational opportunities for the most severely disabled individuals to achieve employment outcomes.  As the agency continues to explore opportunities and collaborate with its community partners to increase vocational choices, it was anticipated that MCB would provide services to 45 individuals; however, MCB continues to work with its partners to increase service delivery to supported employment consumers.  MCB was able to successfully assist 16 supported employment consumers in becoming gainfully employed.  This objective is among MCB’s top priority to continue expanding program opportunities for multiple impaired individual through the use of supported employment funds.

 

Indicator 1.1:  Number of Individuals with Employment Outcomes. The Michigan Commission for the Blind projection for the number of individuals with employment outcomes that was set by the agency was achieved; although, when compared with the national average, the agency was not successful in achieving this indicator.  Therefore, MCB has instituted additional activities to assist with employment outcomes. The Michigan Commission for the Blind has continued to provide staff with appropriate training that will equip them with the necessary skills and techniques to assist individuals that are blind and visually impaired in achieving their vocational outcomes as gainfully employed individuals.  The agency’s strategic plan emphasizes the need to be innovative in developing opportunities for staff to obtain training in technology and other counseling techniques that will enable them to be effective in business services activities that will allow for the development of employment relationships through the National Business Alliance, as well as local business alliances and the Michigan Works! resulting in expanded employment opportunities for the population that MCB serves.

 

Indicator 1.2:  Percentage of Individuals Receiving Services Who Had Employment Outcomes.  The Michigan Commission for the Blind continues to face the highest unemployment rate in the nation.  As a result of the difficult employment climate in Michigan, it has directly impacted on the employment of people with disabilities, especially individuals that are blind and visually impaired. Although MCB did not meet this indicator, MCB did improve in this area from the previous year.  MCB continues to invest in appropriate training for staff in job placement and other related training to attempt to minimize the effects of the depressed labor market.  MCB makes available to counseling staff the opportunity to participate in job placement training through the Michigan Rehabilitation Counseling Association and the Job Placement Division of the Michigan Rehabilitation Association in order to equip the staff with the techniques to compete in the high demand labor market.  

 

Indicator 1.3:  Percentage of Individuals with Employment Outcomes Who Were Competitively Employed.  The Michigan Commission for the Blind met this indicator with 60.32%.  MCB staff is aware of the importance of establishing relationships with community partners to collaborate with in order to increase opportunities for consumers to expand employment options that will result in more individuals being placed in the competitive labor market.

 

Indicator 1.4:  Percentage of Persons with Competitive Employment Outcomes Who Had Significant Disabilities:  The Michigan Commission for the Blind met this indicator with 99.40%.

 

Indicator 1.5:  Ratio of Average VR Hourly Wage to Average Wage.  MCB continues to provide consumers with choices regarding their vocational objectives; therefore, the development of career options has continued to assist MCB in reaching this indicator.  The agency met this indicator with 0.623%.

 

Indicator 1.6:  Difference in Percentage of individuals Achieving Competitive Employment Who Report Own Income as Primary Source of Support at Closure and Application.  It is a goal of MCB to provide consumers with options leading to productive careers.  MCB met this indicator with 34.23%.

 

Indicator 2.1:  Ratio of Minority to Non-Minority Service Rate.  MCB continues to emphasize the importance of outreach to minority populations that are experiencing blindness and visual impairment.  MCB’s Cultural Diversity Committee focuses on providing the agency with information regarding unserved and underserved populations.  MCB met this indicator with 0.803%.

 

The Michigan Commission for the Blind continues to focus on innovation and expansion activities through three community grants.  Two of the grants are with the West Michigan and Mid-Michigan theaters.  The MoPix system enables blind movie goers to use a specially designed headset to privately listen to a narrator describing verbally what can be seen on the screen visually.  As a result of MCB’s funding support of $2,500 for this technology, increased patronage continues to be experienced by the theaters. The school districts are using this MoPix system as a learning opportunity for elementary students.  The movie theater will be adding another system in a different location at no cost to the agency. One of the movie theaters in Muskegon became aware of the MoPix system and its benefits to the blind patrons and therefore they are exploring the possibility of installing a system in one of their theaters. They are also exploring the possibility of digital application along with the MoPix system. 

 

The Newsline for the Blind received a grant for $45,906 to provide access to a variety of newspapers for persons who are blind and print impaired.  This media provides information on a variety of topics and especially information regarding employment opportunities for MCB job ready consumers.   Several of MCB’s consumers were able to obtain job leads by using the Newsline.  The Newsline is expected to provide valuable services to individuals who are blind and visually impaired and information regarding employment opportunities during this time of high unemployment in the state of Michigan.

 

The Michigan Commission for the Blind entered into another grant for $15,000 with MRS to provide access to Video Remote Interpreting (VRI).  This grant will allow for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, which will include persons that are deaf/blind, access to a video remote interpreting.  VRI will provide businesses and organizations with an alternative method in lieu of an on-site sign language interpreter, when an effective and efficient means to communicate with the deaf or hard of hearing is required. It also can be used in training facilities to help reduce expensive costs for an interpreter.  MCB’s deaf/blind consumers have had some success in utilizing the system to communicate in specific area; such as, training and receiving information on future employment opportunities and other leisure time activities.

 

 

 



ATTACHMENT 6.3:  Quality, Scope, and Extent of Supported Employment Services

 

The Michigan Commission for the Blind continues to work with the community agencies and organizations to expand the Supported Employment program to provide appropriate training and job placement services, as well as follow-along services where possible.  The program provides specific supports for persons with multiple impairments.  Through collaboration and partnering with community rehabilitation agencies and community mental health organizations, the Commission for the Blind has been able to develop employment opportunities within the community that allow for consumers to benefit from the training in employment outcomes.  MCB’s supported employment consumers participate in various components of the program.  The Commission utilizes job coaching and the follow-along services to maximize employment opportunities.  Some of the consumers participate in enclaves that allow for the consumers to begin developing work tolerance and work skills.  It also provides an opportunity for the consumers to participate in community based employment.  MCB’s staff and community partners work collaboratively to make a smooth transition to extended services.  Once eligibility has been established and an assessment has occurred to identify the level of functioning in the vocational goal, the extended services are initiated. The extended services often depend upon community location as well as the availability of community organizations to provide the supports. The time period may extend up to 18 months. Frequently, MCB has incorporated natural supports in the individuals plan for employment that will enable them to maintain their employment.  The Commission for the Blind received $104,071 to provide comprehensive training and job placement for approximately 45 consumers.  The agency continues to collaborate with Community Mental Health to establish the needed follow-along services in order to enable more consumers to be successfully employed.

 

 

 

 

 



More information about the NFBMI-Talk mailing list