[nfbmi-talk] Fw: please note new paragraph in MCB 2020 Listserv Purpose Statement and Participant Guidelines

Tue Dec 6 17:20:29 UTC 2011

Is this being censorred illegally?
----- Original Message ----- 
From: joe harcz Comcast 
To: Michigan Comm for the Blind Vision 20/20 List 
Sent: Tuesday, December 06, 2011 12:16 PM
Subject: Re: please note new paragraph in MCB 2020 Listserv Purpose Statement and Participant Guidelines

Please note that I never received a response to this to this date, and nor have I received the required surveys...

This is a part of the public record and documentation of years of violations of the ADA and Section 504 by MCB under the Directorship of Patrick D. Cannon.

Facts are facts.

Joe Harcz

March 11, 2010

Paul Joseph Harcz, Jr.

1365 E. Mt. Morris Rd.

Mt. Morris, MI 48458

(Cell: 810-516-5262)

E-mail: joeharcz at comcast.net

Re: Official Board Correspondence, Accessible Events

LANSING, CENTRAL ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE

Phone, voice: (517) 373-2062

Toll-free voice (800) 292-4200

TTY (517) 373-4025; toll-free TTY (888) 864-1212

Fax: (517) 335-5140

DIRECTOR'S OFFICE

Cannon, Patrick D., Director

(via e-mail)

Ms. Jo Ann Pilarski, MCB Commission Chair

pilarskij at charter.net

Mr. Michael Geno, MCB Commission Vice Chair

luzenskis at michigan.gov

Ms. Velma P. Allen, MCB Commissioner

luzenskis at michigan.gov

Ms. Geraldine G. Taeckens, MCB Commissioner

geri.taeckens at isahealthfund.org

Ms. Margaret Wolfe, MCB Commissioner

margwolfe at usa.net

Dear Director and Board Members:

I am writing today to ask if the DLEG (now DELEG) accessible events procedures is still applicable. Moreover, I am wonderring if Michigan Commission for the Blind schedules events in accessible buildings with attention to the requirements of The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (Title II) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. I am at this time especially concerned with the long ago established obligations for barrier removal by this and other state entities in its own facilities, and most especially in those where events, including MCB Board meetings are held.

As a legally blind person I request that any written responses to this inquiry are made in accessible form. I simply ask that relevant responders respond via e-mail to my e-mail address listed above.

Sincerely,

Paul "Joe" Harcz, Jr.

(EnclosureJ

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND ECONOMIC GROWTH

ACCESSIBLE MEETINGS AND EVENTS POLICY 

Effective date: 03-31-05

Background: 

The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth (DLEG) plans and sponsors meetings and events attended exclusively by DLEG staff as well as those attended by individuals and organizations outside the department.  In addition, DLEG plans portions of and co-sponsors meetings and events with other organizations and individuals outside the department.  In keeping with federal and state disability rights laws and the value of inclusion, it is the intent of this policy to standardize the department's planning of and participation in meetings and events to ensure accessibility for all participants.

POLICY:

DLEG-SPONSORED MEETINGS AND EVENTS

Events and meetings planned and sponsored entirely by DLEG will be accessible, whether attended by DLEG staff, individuals from outside the department, or both.  This policy includes but is not limited to meetings open to the public, conferences, educational events, press conferences, staff training and retreats.  "Accessible" means that all who are qualified to attend will be able to attend, participate in all activities, and have access to information in the needed alternative formats in a timely manner that allows full participation during the event.  At a minimum, the site will be barrier-free, and additional accommodations will be provided upon request with advance notice.  

Event announcements should be made 10 work days in advance or at least the number of days necessary to receive and respond to requests for accommodations.  These announcements should include a statement similar to the following:

The meeting site is accessible, including handicapped parking. Individuals attending the meeting are requested to refrain from using heavily scented personal care products, in order to enhance accessibility for everyone. People with disabilities requiring additional accommodations in order to participate in the meeting should contact (name of person) at (contact information) at least (number of) work days before the event.

MEETINGS AND EVENTS PLANNED AND SPONSORED BY OTHERS OUTSIDE DLEG

When DLEG staff participate in an event planned and/or sponsored by another organization, the portion of the event presented by DLEG staff should be accessible, and DLEG staff will advocate for accessibility and provide technical assistance to increase accessibility at the entire event.  

The DLEG bureau participating in the meeting or event is responsible for implementing this policy.  Questions on this policy may be directed to DLEG Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinator Myrtle Gregg-LaFay at (517) 335-5824. 

Approved:________________Dated:___1-12-05______

                David C. Hollister, Director

STATE OF MICHIGAN

JENNIFER M. GRANHOLM

GOVERNOR

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR & ECONOMIC GROWTH

LANSING

DAVID C. HOLLISTER

DIRECTOR

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Turney, Susan (LARA) 
  To: MCB2020-L at LISTSERV.MICHIGAN.GOV 
  Sent: Tuesday, December 06, 2011 9:36 AM
  Subject: please note new paragraph in MCB 2020 Listserv Purpose Statement and Participant Guidelines

  Please note the following new paragraph in the MCB 2020 Listserv Purpose Statement and Participant Guidelines:

  If you're seeking Commission documents, reports, or literature, or if you have questions regarding Commission services, policies, or procedures, please do not make such requests to this listserv.  Rather, send such inquiries directly to the MCB Central Office at turneys at michigan.gov or call MCB's toll-free number, 800-292-4200.  

  The complete Purpose Statement and Participant Guidelines are below:

  Michigan Commission for the Blind Vision 2020 Listserv 

  Purpose Statement and Participant Guidelines

  (Note:  This informational message will be sent to all members of the listserv each month.)

  The purpose of this listserv is to provide an interactive forum for people who are blind or visually impaired, rehabilitation professionals, and others interested in issues related to blindness to share useful information, insights, and issues, and to have respectful and productive conversations about these topics.  Our goal is to provide a means for constructive communication for list members to benefit from each other's knowledge, information, and insights. 

  Please refrain from sending off-topic posts.

  Please refrain from posting anything related to pending litigation involving the Michigan Commission for the Blind.

  Please remain respectful of others' opinions at all times.

  While thoughtful, informed discussion and even thoughtful disagreement is encouraged, bullying will not be tolerated.

  Please include your first and last name in your postings.  This courtesy will be helpful to all listerv users and facilitate more effective communications.

  We are seeking to have informed and thoughtful discussions and, as such, please include specific information about the topic (ideally, a link), not just a general reference to "the education bill" or "the newspaper article." 

  Please take private discussions or off-topic conversations off-list.  In other words, send such messages to the individual directly, rather than to the entire list. 

  If you're seeking Commission documents, reports, or literature, or if you have questions regarding Commission services, policies, or procedures, please do not make such requests to this listserv.  Rather, send such inquiries directly to the MCB Central Office at turneys at michigan.gov or call MCB's toll-free number, 800-292-4200.  

  As stated above, bullying will not be tolerated and a participant may receive a warning, have his/her posts moderated, or, as a last resort, be removed from the list.

  The MCB Vision 2020 Listserv has been a useful communication tool, providing opportunities for interesting dialogue on numerous issues affecting individuals who are blind.  Your continued participation is encouraged, welcomed, and appreciated.  Any questions regarding the use of this listserv may be addressed to Susan Turney at 517-241-8631 or turneys at michigan.gov.