[nfbmi-talk] appendix to 2007 state plan needs assessment ref

[joe harcz Comcast]

(Tagged for State Plan 2007 conducted 2006) Parenthesis are mine Joe Harcz

 

ATTACHMENT 4.12(a):  Results of Comprehensive Statewide Assessment of the Rehabilitation Needs of Individuals with Disabilities and Need to Establish, Develop, or Improve Community Rehabilitation Programs

 

The Michigan Commission for the Blind (MCB) and the Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS) entered into an agreement with Michigan State University, the Rehabilitation and Disabled Department to conduct a comprehensive needs assessment of individuals that are disabled.  The assessment was conducted in the winter and spring of 2005 where a number of Town Hall meetings were conducted to assess rehabilitation needs of persons that are disabled and blind.  The assessment focused on areas of services that MCB and MRS provides. The meetings were conducted at Centers for Independent Living and various locations throughout the state.  The participants represented various disabilities.  The assessment emphasizes areas where service needs to be more comprehensive as it relates to unserved and underserved populations.  

 

The assessment provided information to the agencies about the need to increase timely services to persons with multiply impairments.  The assessment did not take into account MCB’s comprehensive Supported Employment program, where the multiply impaired are provided extensive service to assist in employment outcomes. The assessment also reflected the participants concerns regarding job placement assistance in a timely manner, as well the need to work more extensively with other community rehabilitation agencies to provide greater job placement assistance.  A number of barriers that affected the rehabilitation success were transportation and housing.  These two barriers have been discussed at many Town Hall meetings sponsored by the Centers for Independent Living where transportation authorities are working collaboratively with agencies to minimize the impact on employment outcomes.  Michigan State University has provided the final draft of the Comprehensive Assessment and the agencies have made some recommendations for inclusion in the final report that is to be provided to the agencies in 2006.  A copy of the final report will be submitted to RSA upon receipt.