[nfbmi-talk] summary of state plan comments from mcb web site

[joe harcz Comcast]

Summary of State Plan Comments

 

The Michigan Commission for the Blind’s Commission Board reviewed the agency’s 2012 Draft State Plan Attachments.  The following comments were made on the state plan:

 

·        Training for consumers and staff that would enable the agency to meet its goals and objectives; specifically, references were made regarding training that emphasize the importance of knowledge and awareness of blindness as it relates to working with individuals that are blind and visually impaired. Additionally, the commissioners stated that emerging training for new staff should be comprehensive at MCB Training Center for 80 hours or more of sleep shade training. Vocational training should be provided to enable consumers to meet their goals and objectives.  

 

·        Transition activities with intermediate school districts must be expanded to include rural school districts within the state.  It must also be expanded to provide these activities throughout the year.  

 

·        MCB must put greater emphasis on providing consumers with choices that will enable them to develop skills to secure full time employment; thereby, encouraging them to work full time and removing them from the roll of public assistance.  

 

·        The Comprehensive Needs Assessment is required for state agencies every three years.  The five member Commission Board wants to be involved in the process to make sure that the assessment focus on needs of persons who are blind and visually impaired.

 

·        MCB must be aware of the accessible buildings where meetings are conducted in regards to the ADA compliances. 

 

·        The Commission Board also discussed the need for the agency to become involved with innovation and expansion programs to assist blind consumers with emerging types of training.

 

·        The Newsline was mentioned as a source that could be helpful to consumers in seeking employment opportunities through the use of on-line newspapers.

 

·        The Commission Board shared concerns in regards to consumer cases being closed inappropriately with employment that is less than competitive.

 

Public Comments

 

·        There were four comments regarding accessibility of materials, building and meeting locations stating that the agency is not in compliance with 504 and ADA requirements.

·        Another individual made comments regarding the Newsline and the importance of this media for blind individuals to have access to information and that MCB should support Newsline.

·        Since 2000 the agency has reduced employment outcomes by 15%.

·        The agency conducts job clubs in various cities to assist with job ready consumers; although the agency does not devote enough time individually with job ready consumers.  

·        The agency provides staff with job placement training from various professionals, again, the training does not focus on placing blind individuals or working one on one with individuals.

·        The budget for MCB is adequate for providing MCB’s consumers with appropriate training and equipment; although, each year it is not spent on those services, rather, it spends funds on other administrative services such as rent, wages and salaries, and travel.

·        No public hearings since 1998

·        No plan on the website since 2004

·        Inadequate time to review the state plan

·        It’s inappropriate to ask family members for funds for rehabilitation services for training

·        Consumers are told that employers are responsible for access technology and thus don’t assist in job maintenance.

·        Even though –MCB has secured memoranda of understanding with colleges and universities, these institutions do not always keep up their end.  This results in delays in class completions or threatens the ability of a student to successfully complete their course of study.  It is not uncommon for systemic delays to slow down progress toward an employment goal.

·        It seems that MCB has entered into a large number of agreements that, each, serve very few people and militate against the development of larger more robust programs that concentrate resources.  We recommend the Commission focus on a few larger and proven programs rather than spreading things so thin across the state.

·        More emphasis needs to be placed on recruiting and hiring blind staff persons and reaching out to those institutions for recruitment that provide college level training in blindness rehabilitation.  

·        The agency continues to encourage consumers to work with the CWICS to receive appropriate information regarding work incentives that will allow them to make informed choices regarding full-time employment. SORRY! The agency cannot farm out responsibility.  

·        Case management system was not working properly in 2000. This state plan fails to mention the on-going and unresolved problems with System 7. 

·        Overall comment:  I enjoyed reviewing the State Plan, it is very clear and concise. The readability of the Plan is very much appreciated.  It was also recommended that other agencies should follow MCB’s pattern when developing their State Plan because it is clear and has ease of readability.