[nfbmi-talk] Fw: 2020 comments

[joe harcz Comcast]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: joe harcz Comcast 
To: Michigan Comm for the Blind Vision 20/20 List 
Sent: Tuesday, August 30, 2011 10:56 AM
Subject: Re: 2020 comments


The facts are in documented form that MCB and a number of state agencies routinely violate the ADA in both failures to remit information pro forma, let alone after requests in accessible formats. In addition anyone who has read the ADA and program access requirements would denote systemwide failures in those regards again documented in the public record and by various accessibility surveys which yours truly has in his hands.

Sincerely,

Joe Harcz

Who does not post anonymously
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Sheila Ashcraft 
  To: MCB2020-L at LISTSERV.MICHIGAN.GOV 
  Sent: Monday, August 29, 2011 10:24 AM
  Subject: Re: 2020 comments


  I've always found MCB closely follows the mandates of the ADA, Mr. Harcz, but did so long before its enactment, as a matter of principle.  As to Mr. Robertson and Ms. Shawnese Laurie-Johnson's desire to leave the 2020 list, I view that as a significant loss. While I do not offer input, I listen to all who do.  I may not agree with all pronouncements, but it remains a litmus test of a small portion of the blind community that could be expanded with very little effort.  If all MCB counselors made consumers aware of it, if blind organizations promoted it to their members, and if more MCB staff signed on, it could be far more vibrant and host a wider array of views. 
  Respectfully,
  An anonymous supporter 
  of the blind community. 


  In a message dated 8/29/2011 8:19:18 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time, joeharcz at COMCAST.NET writes:
    A simple question here: Do you think that the Americans with Disabilities Act applies to MCB in all of its affairs including information access and physical access?

    Sincerely,

    Joe Harcz
      ----- Original Message ----- 
      From: Laury-Johnson, Shawnese (LARA) 
      To: MCB2020-L at LISTSERV.MICHIGAN.GOV 
      Sent: Tuesday, August 09, 2011 9:12 AM
      Subject: Re: 2020 comments


      I probably would have gotten off a long time ago but I don't have the instructions for doing so.  It has been more than 8 years since I first signed up to be a member.  Someone please send the info. to me.  I too agree with Bob.  The list serve is not helpful to me.  If it was operating the way that it was intended to it would be a great resource.  

      Shawnese Laury-Johnson, MA, CRC, LLPC
      Assistant East Region Manager
      Michigan Commission for the Blind
      3038 W. Grand Blvd. ste. 4-450
      Det., Mi 48202
      313.456.1957
      FAX: 313.456.1645
      laury-johnsons at michigan.gov




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      From: Michigan Comm for the Blind Vision 20/20 List [mailto:MCB2020-L at LISTSERV.MICHIGAN.GOV] On Behalf Of Turney, Susan (LARA)
      Sent: Monday, August 08, 2011 4:43 PM
      To: MCB2020-L at LISTSERV.MICHIGAN.GOV
      Subject: Re: 2020 comments


      Bob, why don’t you stay on the listserv.  A good way to have an exchange of ideas is to have a large number of people with helpful information to share.  If you leave, that’s one less source for these ideas.

      Susan Turney

      Communications & Outreach Coordinator, Michigan Commission for the Blind

      Michigan Department Licensing and Regulatory Affairs 

      direct line:  517-241-8631; fax:  517-335-5140

      MCB toll-free: 1-800-292-4200

      201 N. Washington Square, Second Floor, 

      P.O. Box 30652; Lansing, MI 48909

      www.michigan.gov/mcb

      -----Original Message-----
      From: Michigan Comm for the Blind Vision 20/20 List [mailto:MCB2020-L at LISTSERV.MICHIGAN.GOV] On Behalf Of Robertson, Bob (LARA)
      Sent: Monday, August 08, 2011 3:52 PM
      To: MCB2020-L at LISTSERV.MICHIGAN.GOV
      Subject: 2020 comments

      Good afternoon fellow listserv members –

      Back in about 2000, the agency was embarking upon a new venture – the 2020 Visioning Process. I found a document from back then that outlined some of the 2020 Guiding Principles. I won’t list all of them but here are some of them from back then:

      -          To create a learning organization for MCB

                  -          To invite staff to become learning facilitators and involve them in assisting MCB     in     capacity development
      -          To create synergy with all involved members and allies of MCB

      -          To involve everyone on a daily basis where we all can learn together and begin to trust and positively collaborate with others

      -          To foster inclusive, not exclusive, practices in MCB

      -          To give people an opportunity to dream, to share purpose, and to practice the philosophy of blindness

      -          Create an organization learning climate where people feel connected

      -          To search for mutual vision sharing opportunities

      -          To include everyone and avoid feelings of separation and fragmentation

      -          To strengthen relationships and trust across MCB

      -          To create an equitable forum in which all can participate

      One of the tools to help the agency reach the objectives noted above was the 2020 Listserv. It was established as a tool for MCB staff, consumers, community partners, and others to engage in dialogue and to share concerns, rehab issues, ideas, and successes. If a counselor or teacher in one part of the state had an issue the hope was he/she would post something on the listserv and others from around the state would chime in. It was supposed to be a safe, trusting environment for all participants. It clearly is no longer accomplishing what it was designed to do.

      At last count, there were 41 members to this listserv. Of that number, 16 were MCB staff which means that out of the approximate 107 MCB employees, only 16 choose to remain on the listserv. Obviously, it’s no longer working as we initially intended. Therefore, it is with some hesitation and reluctance that I will be leaving the listserv. As one of the original members of the 2020 Design Team, it really pains me to do this. Yet, the listserv does not provide a forum for dialogue or an exchange of ideas so there is really no reason to be a subscriber. I might even question whether the listserv is necessary any longer but that’s not for me to decide. 

      Reluctantly signing off….

      Bob Robertson

      MCB