[nfbmi-talk] MCB annual report.

Tue Mar 1 13:22:01 UTC 2011

Thanks Fred. I don't know why my outlook express wouldn't let me cimply copy 
and paste this in the message body. Anyway thanks for this.

Joe
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "fred olver" <goodfolks at charter.net>
To: "nfb of michigan" <nfbmi-talk at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Tuesday, March 01, 2011 8:12 AM
Subject: [nfbmi-talk] MCB annual report.

For those who cannot access the MCB web site here is the annual report:
2010 Annual Report

Michigan Commission for the Blind

Changing Lives, Changing Attitudes, for more than 30 years

Cover photo:  With help from the Michigan Commission for the Blind, Steve 
Scott, owner of Something for All Seasons in Portage, expanded his 
successful lawn mower and snow blower sales and repair business.  Read more 
about him in this report.

More Than 30 Years of Serving With Excellence

The Michigan Commission for the Blind (MCB) is the state government agency 
that provides training, services, and other opportunities to individuals who 
are blind or visually impaired, so that each person can achieve his or her 
own goals for employment and/or independence. Michigan Commission for the 
Blind services are available to blind and visually impaired residents of all 
83 counties of the state.  Services may be provided in a person's home, at 
Mini Adjustment Programs held at various locations around the state, at the 
residential MCB Training Center in Kalamazoo, and/or other locations.

MCB was created under Public Act 260 of 1978.  Federal guidance is provided 
through the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) of the United 
States Department of Education.  MCB programs are funded under various 
federal grants with matching state or local revenues, with a budget of $28.8 
million during fiscal year 2010.  Specific programs and services include the 
Vocational Rehabilitation Program for individuals age 14 and over, Business 
Services for employers, the Independent Living Program for individuals age 
55 and over, DeafBlind Services, Youth Services, the Business Enterprise 
Program for training in food service entrepreneurship, and the Braille and 
Talking Book Library.  MCB has offices in Lansing, Detroit, Grand Rapids, 
Saginaw, Flint, Escanaba, Gaylord, and Kalamazoo, as well as the residential 
MCB Training Center in Kalamazoo and the Braille and Talking Book Library in 
Lansing.  A staff of approximately 115 serves the state's estimated 45,000 
persons who are blind.

During 2010, the agency continued in the spirit of its mission and vision 
statements:

Mission Statement: The mission of the Michigan Commission for the Blind is 
to provide opportunity to individuals who are blind or visually impaired to 
achieve employability and/or function independently in society.

Vision Statement: Someday it will be said that Michigan is a great place for 
blind people to live, learn, work, raise a family, and enjoy life because:

1.    An excellent array of rehabilitation and education services are fully 
accessible to blind people,

2.    Blind people in Michigan believe in themselves and their capacity to 
achieve excellence,

3.    The state's general population believes in the abilities of blind 
people and understands what blindness is and what it is not, and

4.    Michigan employers understand, believe in, and hire people who are 
blind.

MCB Commission Board

Commission Chair Jo Ann Pilarski

Commissioner Velma P. Allen (through March 2010)

Commissioner Michael Geno (through September 2010)

Commissioner John C. Scott (beginning May 2010)

Commissioner Geraldine G. Taeckens

Commissioner Margaret Wolfe (through September 2010)

MCB State Director

Patrick Cannon

Return on Investment

Dollars used for rehabilitation services are an excellent investment in 
Michigan's future.  In FY 2010, the Michigan Commission for the Blind 
successfully closed 167 blind Michigan residents' cases.  Of these, 125 
people found jobs in competitive employment, with an average starting wage 
of $15.87 an hour.  The state and federal income tax paid by these 
individuals is projected to be $722,267 in FY 2011.  The total investment 
made by MCB to assist these individuals with employment ($1,452,970) will be 
"repaid" in approximately 24 months.

During fiscal year 2010, the Michigan Commission for the Blind served 
approximately 3,235 individuals who are blind or visually impaired to assist 
them in becoming employed and independent.  In addition to the 125 employed 
individuals mentioned above, nearly 1,200 older individuals facing sight 
loss received independent living services from the commission so they could 
remain in their homes and communities, and 290 blind youth in the K-12 
system received low vision evaluations and aids to help them succeed in 
school and beyond.

Photo: MCB consumer Hope Springstead, who has just graduated from Michigan 
State University with a degree in journalism, had her TV broadcast debut in 
Lansing in 2010.  She wants to become the first blind news anchor in the 
U.S.

Photo used with permission

MATTHEW DAE SMITH/LANSING STATE JOURNAL

How New Clients Are Referred to MCB for Services

Self-referrals  51%

Medical agencies, physicians  14%

Public education  10%

Community rehab programs  4%

Social service agencies  2%

Postsecondary schools  1%

Michigan Works!  less than 1%

Social Security Administration  less than 1%

Other  17%

Of the telephone calls received by MCB during FY 2010 from or regarding new 
clients, these were the sources of information that prompted the call:

Doctor/other health care professional 39.1%

Family member  29.2%

Partner organizations  10.7%

MCB website  .8%

Media (TV, radio, print, online)  .4%

Other  19.8%

For the telephone calls above, 50.8 percent received Vocational 
Rehabilitation Program services, 48.8 percent of new clients received 
Independent Living Program services, and .4 percent received other types of 
services.

Highlights of  2010 Accomplishments

Training for Employment and Independence

·     MCB conducted four week-long Mini Adjustment Programs in Grand Rapids, 
Detroit, Bay City, and Muskegon as an introduction to skills of blindness 
training for 102 MCB consumers.

·     During four day-long Employment Readiness Seminars held in conjunction 
with the Mini Adjustment Programs, a total of 59 consumers participated in 
mock interviews and learned about conducting a job search, Michigan Works!, 
the Michigan Talent Bank, interview preparation, resume development, Social 
Security benefits and work incentives, and the Americans with Disabilities 
Act (ADA) as it relates to employment.

·     The MCB Training Center is enhancing services in the areas of 
vocational exploration and career planning.  Improvements will include new, 
expanded and updated assessment; testing and exploration instruments 
including the World of Work Inventory, career research, exploration, and job 
shadowing based on assessment results; and in-depth career planning that 
assists with understanding the job market, networking, resume and cover 
letter development, interviewing techniques, and the soft skills needed to 
succeed in the world of work.

·     To expand technology training at the MCB Training Center, renovations 
include additional state-of-the-art classrooms and a technology area that 
will allow for day and/or specialized training seminars for specific 
software programs and new and upgraded hardware adaptive devices.

·     Through continuing collaboration with the Area Agencies on Aging, MCB 
has established four sites to begin providing technology training for 
seniors through the use of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) 
funds.

·     Three Business Enterprise Program (BEP) students successfully 
completed their training at the MCB Training Center to become independent 
BEP entrepreneurs in the food service industry.  (As of December 2010, two 
of the three are at work operating BEP facilities.)  Additionally, one 
person has come to Michigan's BEP from Montana's program, has successfully 
completed training according to the reciprocity agreement, and is now 
operating a BEP cafeteria.

Providing Opportunities for Blind Youth

·     MCB provided eight summer programs through intermediate school 
districts to approximately 125 blind and visually impaired youth to help 
them transition from high school to postsecondary education or training and 
careers.  The training included skills of blindness, career preparation 
skills, and actual work experience.  One such program was the Business 
Enterprise Program (BEP) Summer Work Opportunity Program, in which 11 BEP 
entrepreneurs across the state offered to provide paid work experience in 
the food service industry.

·     MCB, in collaboration with the Michigan Works! Summer Youth Program, 
provided work experiences for 25 youth, including 18 who participated in 
other work opportunities.

Serving Michigan Veterans

·     MCB's agreement with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Michigan 
Rehabilitation Services, and the Michigan Commission on Disability Concerns 
continues to increase the provision of vocational rehabilitation services 
for veterans with combat-related disabilities.

Developing Employment Opportunities for Consumers

·     MCB's Client Internship Program continues to provide opportunities for 
individuals to gain valuable work experience.  Currently, 21 consumers are 
participating in the program, with 19 in government agencies and two 
receiving on-the-job training in the private sector. Those in their second 
year are continuing to gain practical work experience that will enhance 
their resumes with the goal of obtaining permanent positions.

·     A collaboration by MCB and CVS pharmacies provided work experience for 
28 consumers.  This initiative continues with the intent to finalize 
employment for approximately 15 consumers who successfully completed the 
program.

Working with Michigan's Business Enterprise Program (BEP) Entrepreneurs

·     BEP vending machines have been installed in three new highway rest 
areas, improving the incomes of two blind licensees and expanding services 
for Michigan travelers.

·     Michigan's BEP entered into its second contract to provide food 
service at a military dining facility.  The Ft. Custer Educational Center in 
Augusta is a full-food-service cafeteria and a prime employment opportunity 
for a BEP licensee.

·     Renovation and reconstruction of the Lewis Cass Cafeteria was 
completed to update the cafeteria to a modern facility able to provide a 
full menu while reducing costs.  This facility now includes state-of-the-art 
equipment, soft seating couches, and an attached conference room. A return 
to natural lighting has improved ambiance while saving energy.

·     Construction and the opening of a new snack bar facility at the 
Michigan State Police Headquarters has led to another entrepreneurial 
opportunity.

·     The BEP has used its reciprocity policy to successfully place its 
first licensee at the Ft. Custer Educational Center cafeteria. The policy, 
advanced by the Elected Operators Committee and adopted by the MCB 
Commission Board, permits well-qualified BEP licensees from other states, 
after an abbreviated MCB training, to bid on available Michigan facilities.

·     The BEP continues with the quarterly Snack Bites e-newsletter for BEP 
licensees.  Distributed by e-mail and in hard copy and archived on the MCB 
website, the newsletter provides information such as food safety reminders, 
recipes, customer service tips, cost-saving ideas, and more.

·     The BEP's 81 blind entrepreneurs hired and paid employees, paid sales 
tax, purchased products from Michigan producers and suppliers, paid personal 
income taxes, and purchased goods and services for their families, all 
supporting the state's economy during FY 2010.

Promoting Accessible Technology for Today and Tomorrow

·     MCB's Futuristic Team, in collaboration with the Technology Team, 
established procedures to evaluate technology vendors who provide technology 
training to MCB consumers.   The groups were successful in recommending four 
additional vendors.

·     The Futuristic Team, in conjunction with the Technology Team, 
continued to advocate to industry to encourage accessible design in everyday 
home and workplace products.

Providing Services of the MCB Braille and Talking Book Library

·     The MCB Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped worked with 
staff and consumer groups throughout FY 2010 to select a new name that 
better describes the library's services, and officially became the MCB 
Braille and Talking Book Library (BTBL) on October 1, 2010.

·     Library staff issued new digital players to more than 60 percent of 
Michigan's registered patrons. With the help of two ARRA-funded interns, all 
patrons should have new players in 2011.

·     During 2010, the library circulated 4,025 Braille volumes, 37,333 
digital books, and 196,448 cassette books. The number circulated on cassette 
is expected drop as the digital collection grows. About 375 library patrons 
are taking advantage of the Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD) 
website to download digital books to their computers and read them from a 
thumb drive on the new digital player. In 2010, approximately 19,000 digital 
titles were available.

·     At the close of 2010, the library was serving 4,139 registered patrons 
residing in 53 Michigan counties, including former patrons of the Upper 
Peninsula Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, which closed due 
to financial issues.

Improving Services for MCB Consumers & Outreach to New Consumers

·     The MCB Training Center has begun a large expansion and renovation 
project expected to be completed in 2011.  The project includes installing a 
new geothermal HVAC system, backup generator, and other energy-saving 
replacement equipment; creating a state-of-the-art, upgraded and expanded 
technology center; replacing major plumbing and electrical systems; and 
converting all dorm rooms to single occupancy.

·     MCB staff participation in professional rehabilitation conferences and 
training included 15 attending the October 2009 Michigan Rehabilitation 
Conference and 15 attending the April 2010 Michigan Chapter, Association for 
Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (MAER) 
Annual Conference.  In June 2010, the Region V Technical Assistance and 
Continuing Education (TACE) Center provided training in case management to 
20 participants and motivational interviewing to 30 participants.

·     On June 16-17, MCB held its first all-staff meeting in several years. 
Staff re-introduced and reviewed the Vision 2020 principles, to continuously 
improve agency effectiveness.

·     MCB is continuing its efforts to increase awareness of its services 
among unserved and underserved populations, including continuing to develop 
relationships with several Native American tribes.  One example is the 
Hannahville Indian Community Vocational Rehabilitation Program (Project 
Visions), outlining specific services to be provided.

·     MCB continues to partner with individual eye care professionals, the 
Michigan Optometric Association (MOA), and the Michigan Society of Eye 
Physicians and Surgeons (MiSEPS), to ensure that their patients facing 
vision loss are aware of MCB services.

Michigan Commission for the Blind (Central Administrative Office)

P.O. Box 30652, 201 N. Washington Square, Lansing, MI 48909;  Fax: 
517-335-5140

Toll free:  1-800-292-4200; TTY:  1-888-864-1212; www.michigan.gov/mcb

Cover photo used with permission

DAVID PERK/KEEPSAKE MEDIA, KALAMAZOO

This publication is available on the MCB website in PDF and Microsoft Word 
formats at www.michigan.gov/mcb.  MCB/DELEG is an equal opportunity 
employer/program.  Auxiliary aids, services, alternative formats, and other 
reasonable accommodations are available upon request to individuals with 
disabilities.  Printed by authority of DELEG.

02/2011, Quantity: 4,000  Total Cost: $1,994.25; Unit cost: $0.50

Success Stories

Michigan Commission for the Blind

2010 Consumer Achievement

Honor Roll Award Recipients

For more than 30 years, the Michigan Commission for the Blind has been 
changing lives by providing opportunities for people in Michigan who are 
blind or visually impaired to achieve independence and employment, and 
changing attitudes about what it means to be blind or visually impaired. 
For more information, call 1-800-292-4200 toll-free or visit 
www.michigan.gov/mcb.

Photo: Ruthann Bryer

Ruthann Bryer (67) of Oshtemo (nominated by MCB Rehabilitation Teacher Shig 
Toda) was referred to the Michigan Commission for the Blind by her son.  At 
first she was hesitant to come to terms with her vision loss and begin 
learning skills of blindness, but once she made up her mind, there was no 
stopping her!  She learned to find her way using a white cane, organize her 
medications, sew, label her clothes, and organize coins and paper money. 
She attended a week-long MCB Mini Adjustment Program in Monroe, and said, "I 
thought it was great!  It was wonderfully organized and people were so 
helpful and kind.  I met people I hope to stay in contact with.  It was so 
nice to be with other people who are struggling with this challenge.  I 
learned about dots to put on appliances to be able to still cook-a myriad of 
small things.  I feel much more confident."  She's currently taking an art 
class with a friend in Swedish weaving, and she's looking forward to going 
to the residential MCB Training Center for additional instruction in 
Braille, adaptive computer skills, and mobility training.

Photo: Bill Jones

Bill Jones (60) of Bellaire (nominated by MCB Rehabilitation Counselor Julie 
Clark) has owned and operated Jones Pest Control for 20 years.  After losing 
his vision, he came to the Michigan Commission for the Blind (MCB) with the 
goal of continuing to run his business.  He received training from MCB 
including skills of blindness such as how to find his way using a cane and 
how to label clothing, and he learned how to use adaptive technology like 
talking computer software to run his business without vision.  During 
challenging economic times, he has overcome a number of hardships while 
maintaining his good reputation in the community.  Due to his business skill 
and networking, his business is doing well, and he looks forward to hiring 
two employees this summer.  He says of MCB, "I have never found a group this 
fine in my life.  They're compassionate, knowledgeable, and there when you 
need them.  I feel privileged to deal with MCB, and also the Lions."  About 
his secret for success, he says, "You just have to have a positive attitude 
and keep at it, and have goals.  You have to believe in yourself."

Photo: Priscilla Miley

Priscilla Miley (43) of Detroit (nominated by MCB Rehabilitation Counselor 
Euan Singleton) previously worked as a nurse.  After her vision loss in 
2001, she contacted the Michigan Commission for the Blind (MCB) and spent 
six months at the residential MCB Training Center in Kalamazoo learning new 
ways of doing things without vision.  She said, "I was nervous at first, but 
after the first week I fell in love with it."  While at the center, she also 
became interested in her instructors' profession of rehabilitation teaching, 
and she decided that this was what she wanted to do.  With some help from 
MCB, she enrolled in the distance learning training program at Western 
Michigan University.  She received excellent grades and did internships at 
both Visually Handicapped Services and the Veterans Administration in 
Augusta, Georgia.  After graduation, she worked as a contract teacher with 
MCB's Detroit office.  In January 2010 she accepted a teaching position with 
Visually Handicapped Services.  Speaking about MCB, she says, "They're there 
to help you learn to do things on your own, and they're willing to help you 
to be independent.  MCB gives you back your independence."

Photo: Frances Rea

Frances Rea (92) of Dearborn (nominated by MCB Rehabilitation Teacher Betty 
Rush) became a client of the Michigan Commission for the Blind in 2008.  She 
attended a week-long MCB Mini Adjustment Seminar in Detroit to learn how to 
do things in new ways without using vision.  "I was very impressed and 
learned a lot," she said.  Using her new skills and the low-vision equipment 
that she purchased and some that she received from MCB, she maintains her 
own home, walks every day using her cane, and works in her garden during the 
summer.  She writes her own checks and pays all her bills herself.  She 
said, "I think MCB's services are very helpful and encouraging.  When you 
lose your vision, you lose confidence in yourself and slack off.  You say 
'why did this happen to me?'  I really felt that Betty Rush helped me a lot 
in my attitude.  I'm doing the same things now that I was doing when I had 
good vision-the only thing is that it takes longer and I have to study it 
longer.  I do everything that I used to do."

Photo: Steve Scott

Steve Scott (40) of Portage (nominated by MCB West Region Assistant Manager 
Lisa Kisiel) has been building engines since he was 10 years old.  He became 
totally blind at the age of 17, but that didn't stop him from working on 
engines.  In 2008, he and his wife Rhonda started a lawn mower repair 
business out of their garage.  With the goal of expanding into a new 
location, Steve approached the Michigan Commission for the Blind.  Steve 
explained his goal, and MCB provided the services of a small business 
consultant, some inventory and tools, and adaptive technology including 
talking computer software and software to scan print and convert it to 
audio.  In March 2010, Scott became the owner and operator of his business, 
Something for All Seasons, a new small engine lawn and outdoor equipment 
sales and repair store near Kalamazoo.  His business is doing well, and this 
summer he plans to hire two employees.  Scott said, "I really want to thank 
Lisa (Kisiel) of MCB."  Rhonda added, "Without the commission's help, it 
would have been more of a struggle.  We were able to be even more successful 
with their help."

Photo: Jeff Smith

Jeff Smith (46), formerly of Owosso, (nominated by MCB DeafBlind Specialist 
Cindy Caldwell) contacted the Michigan Commission for the Blind's DeafBlind 
Unit in 2000 after experiencing increasing problems at home and at work due 
to his hearing loss and vision loss.  Eventually, he was laid off from his 
job doing CAD design work in the automotive industry.  He attended the MCB 
residential Training Center in Kalamazoo and, with MCB assistance including 
a computer and new hearing aids, pursued vocational training.  With the 
encouragement of Cindy Caldwell, his MCB counselor, in 2009 he applied for 
and was accepted into the Lions World Services IRS training program.  He did 
very well, and he and his wife moved to Atlanta, Georgia, where he began 
work with the IRS in January 2010 as a tax examiner. He said, "I will never 
be able to express my gratitude for how much Cindy and the Michigan 
Commission for the Blind have done for me.  For nine years Cindy and MCB 
have been there, through the thick and thin of my life.  The only word I 
could use is 'Patience.'  MCB has supported me every step of the way, 
including a couple of detours, to finally have a full time job."

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