[nfbmi-talk] Fw: May 2011 MCB Insight

Sat May 7 16:56:06 UTC 2011

Hi,

Thanks for the newsletter. I sent it to the volunteer so he could put it on Newsline.
I may be able to make it the board meeting. Will have to see how my dad is doing after his eye surgery.

Best,
Georgia

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: trising 
  To: NFBofMichigan List 
  Sent: Saturday, May 07, 2011 10:13 AM
  Subject: [nfbmi-talk] Fw: May 2011 MCB Insight

  Here is some MCB propaganda for you to read.

  MCB Insight
  Michigan Commission for the Blind, May 2011

  In This Issue:  

  Our Message to Employers

  By Pat Cannon, MCB State Director, Lansing

  Libraries Without Walls 2011; Furthering Our Digital Journey: Books Anywhere, Anytime

  By Scott Norris, Adaptive Technology Librarian, BTBL

  Announcing Camp Daggett

  By Julie Clark, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, Gaylord

  Lansing Employment Readiness Seminar

  By Christine Movalson, MCB Insight Editor, Lansing

  Michigan State Police Teach MCB Safe Driving Skills

  By Dave Bowden, Lee Greenacre, Marla McClure, & Gail Toda, MCBTC, Kalamazoo 

  MCB Safety Matters: Defensive Driving

  By Diamalyn Gaston, Administrative Assistant, Lansing

  Accessible Prescription Label Program Now Free for Americans with Vision Loss
  By Christine Movalson, MCB Insight Editor, Lansing

  My Day at Kaleidoscope Learning Circle

  By Janet McInnis, Rehabilitation Teacher, Saginaw

  Christine Movalson and Simone Give Presentation at Delta Gamma

  By Susan Turney, Communications & Outreach Coordinator, Lansing

  B E P Operator Profile: Greg Keathley and Dillon's Café

  By Josh Hoskins, B E P Promotional Agent, Lansing

  Having Fun Playing It Safe!

  By Debbie Wilson, Assistant Central Region Manager, Flint 

  Letters

  Staff News

  Staff Profile:  Carla Haynes

  By Christine Movalson, MCB Insight Editor, Lansing

  Our Message to Employers
  By Pat Cannon, MCB State Director, Lansing

  Promoting the employment of individuals who are blind is the cause of many entities in Michigan and throughout the nation, and clearly one to which we are committed and will continue to embrace.  Michigan's promotions formally began in the late 40s, and the "Investing in Ability" week observance started in 1988, while the federal government formally launched similar promotions in the mid-40s.

  I was pleased to see that the "Investing in Ability" theme has been adopted elsewhere, as recently demonstrated by the Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP), formerly known as the President's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities.  ODEP announced, April 28, the official theme for October's National Disability Employment Awareness Month: "Profit by Investing in Workers with Disabilities."  The theme honors the contributions of workers with disabilities and serves to inform the public that they represent a highly skilled talent pool that can help employers compete in today's global economy.

  "Return on investment means hiring the right talent," said Kathy Martinez, assistant secretary of labor for disability employment policy.  "Workers with disabilities represent all skill sets and are ready to get the job done.  This year's theme focuses on improving employment opportunities that lead to good jobs and a secure economic future for people with disabilities and the nation as a whole."

  Many of us in Michigan will recall that it used to be that the notion of employing a person with a disability was viewed as a kind or charitable thing to do, or perhaps even good corporate citizenship.  Thankfully, that rather custodial or patronizing theme is transforming into the growing recognition that employing a person with a disability makes good business sense.  Increasingly, employers we work with have learned the value of focusing on the ability of an individual, rather than on sight loss.

  Our state's job-ready blind consumers are not looking for a gift or a handout and are not asking for a job they cannot do, only wanting the opportunity to compete for a job on the basis of their ability and be evaluated on the basis of what they can do.  Employers in our state who employ our clients realize that they are capable, reliable and productive individuals who provide genuine value to the employer's bottom line.

  In Michigan and across the country, we have to continue to promote and preach this truth, not only during the October observance, but throughout the year.  Early announcement of the theme helps communities nationwide plan a series of announcements, events and meetings to begin in October, as well as numerous on-going activities.  Such activities include proclamations, public awareness programs, job fairs that showcase the assets of workers with disabilities, and MCB's annual Achievement Honor Roll Awards.

  As background, Public Law 176, enacted by Congress in 1945, designated the first week in October each year as "National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week." President Harry S. Truman designated the President's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities to carry out the observance. In 1962, the word "physically" was removed from the week's name to acknowledge the employment needs of all Americans with disabilities. In 1988, Congress expanded the week to a month and changed its name to "National Disability Awareness Month," which eventually evolved to its current name. The Labor Department's Office of Disability Employment Policy took over responsibility for National Disability Employment Awareness Month in 2001.  The "Hire the Handicapped" theme was promoted in our state by the original Governor's Committee on Employment of the Handicapped, which came to be known as the Commission on Handicapper Concerns (that's how we talked in those days) and now it is the Michigan Commission on Disability Concerns (MCDC). 

  While we have and will continue to join agencies like ODEP and MCDC in promoting the Investing in Ability theme and related activities, we all must continue to make this our mantra every day - and I thank you for doing so.

  Libraries Without Walls 2011; Furthering Our Digital Journey: Books Anywhere, Anytime
  By Scott Norris, Adaptive Technology Librarian, BTBL

  The Michigan Commission for the Blind Braille and Talking Book Library will host Libraries Without Walls 2011, Wednesday, June 8, at the Library of Michigan.  This one-day conference focuses on access to books using a variety of adaptive technology.  

  After the keynote address, there will be 15 breakout sessions including screen reader technology from JAWS, Window-Eyes, System Access, and Apple; downloading books and magazines from the BARD (Braille and Audio Reading Download) web site; a comparison of screen enlargement programs Magic and ZoomText; and accessible GPS navigation.  

  The conference begins at 9:00 a.m. with registration and morning refreshments and runs to 4:00 p.m.  The cost is $10 per person, which includes lunch. 

  Announcing Camp Daggett
  By Julie Clark, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, Gaylord

  We are so excited to announce the first MCB camp in Northern Michigan for those who are blind. The summer camp will be held at Camp Daggett on beautiful Walloon Lake in Petoskey, Michigan. The week of August 15-18, 2011, visually impaired youth from all over the state of Michigan aged fourteen to nineteen will be learning new life skills with the help of MCB staff.  If you have a visual impairment and have an interest in meeting others with similar disabilities, and would like to have fun getting to know each other while gaining independence techniques and vocational skills that will last a lifetime, this camp is for you.  The four-day camp experience includes many fun activities such as a low and high ropes adventure challenge course, a 40-foot climbing tower, a safety component, a vocational transition component, a cultural experience, camp songs, horseback riding, Un-plugged, which is a reality shopping component, vendors, scavenger hunts, a prom, swimming, boating, a sandy beach, nature trails, hikes, and cozy campfires for reflection and relaxation.  Major buildings on the site include a nature study building, an arts and crafts building, a large recreational hall with a drama stage for indoor sports and theater, a state-of-the-art indoor challenge course, and the winterized main lodge consisting of a commercial kitchen, heated dormitories for 75, restroom/showers, and rustic cabins. Camp also offers a rustic dining hall with a massive field stone fireplace and whole white pine trusses supporting a 30-foot ceiling.

  If you are interest in attending or know someone that might be, please contact me (Julie Clark) in our Gaylord office at 989-732-5854 or your MCB counselor.

  Please help us make this a success!

  Lansing Employment Readiness Seminar
  By Christine Movalson, MCB Insight Editor, Lansing

  On Thursday, March 24, MCB hosted an Employment Readiness Seminar at the Causeway Bay Hotel in Lansing.  The seminar started at 9:00 a.m. with coffee and donuts and a welcome speech from the seminar coordinator, MCB Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Nichole Wright.  The morning continued with Steven Calley and Kathy Homan from the Social Security Administration, who gave a talk on working while collecting social security.  Many of the participants said they found this discussion to be extremely helpful.

  The day continued on with many other presentations.  Caleb Adams from Peckham Industries and staff made a presentation titled "Employment in Your Community."  From Michigan State University, Wendy Codut, PhD, discussed "Employment and Skills Needed."  Kellie Blackwell from the Capitol Area Center for Independent Living (CACIL) led a session titled "Advocating, Independence, and Staff Social Supports."  Capital Area Michigan Works held a session called "All-Inclusive Employment Services."  

  The afternoon wrapped up with mock interviews.  Participants sat down with MCB and Peckham staff and practiced going through the motions of a job interview.  MCB Regional Manager Beth White made the closing comments.  Overall, it was a productive, educational, successful day for everyone involved.

  Michigan State Police Teach MCB Safe Driving Skills
  By Dave Bowden, Lee Greenacre, Marla McClure, & Gail Toda, MCBTC, Kalamazoo 

  Photo: Mural of Michigan State Police safety patrol car displayed on the side of a trailer, parked on a wooden platform/bridge.

  April 1st was a wonderfully sunny day at the Michigan State Police Training Academy in Dimondale.  Twenty-seven staff from MCB were in attendance for the MSP safe driving program. 

  The day began with everyone in lecture for about an hour.  After the first hour the attendants of the precision driving class were directed to the driving course just north of the Training Academy.  The precision drivers were then informed the rest of the day would be on the course.  Five MSP cars were ready and waiting for their drivers.  Each of the cars had one MSP officer and two or three staff from MCB in them.  The amount of space did not allow for all of the cars to perform the same maneuvers at the same time, but all cars went though all of the tasks.  The tasks in the precision driving course included a serpentine driving course, off road recovery, controlled braking, collision avoidance, a precision driving course, simulator experience, and the skid control training.  Although all of the students completed all of the tasks, some still wanted more.  So, after a small amount of convincing, many of the MCB staff took a few hot laps around the course.  

  The group who stayed in the three-hour class session spent time reviewing techniques for defensive driving, especially the Smith System that some of us remembered from our own driver's training experiences. After that session we were given information and statistics about occupant protection devices, i.e., seatbelts and airbags. The three-hour class finished with a section on winter driving techniques, including skid control, correctly stopping and starting, and outfitting your car for winter. It was all very informative and presented in a way that encouraged class participation, so we had a good time. Some of us who attended only the lecture (Gail Toda) would like to try the actual driving course the next time!  

  Those that used the simulator found themselves in a small trailer next to the track, buckled into a bucket seat.  The simulator had a wrap- around screen that provided a panoramic view of the "road" on which you were driving.  You had to drive in different weather conditions and with numerous hazards, jay-walkers, emergency vehicles, and bad drivers that you shared the road with.  The "mirrors" were fully functioning, showing the scene you had just driven through and the cars behind you.  It was important to keep checking them because cars kept coming up into your blind spot, and you also had to watch for cars ramming you from behind when you stopped suddenly.  They were all situations that will likely confront you sometime in your driving career, just ramped up to happen in one drive!  Marla McClure shared, "It was very informative and fun, but I was glad that I took some Dramamine before I did it."  

  Every staffer left with a new-found appreciation for safe driving and a few new tricks to place in their driving bag.  The day was a marvelous success! 

  MCB Safety Matters: Defensive Driving
  By Diamalyn Gaston, Administrative Assistant, Lansing 

  The Lecture

  Several staff from the Michigan Commission for the Blind attended the Safety Driving Training on April 1, 2011.  We all participated in the lecture for about an hour and then staff that selected the on-track training, in which they drove real state police cars, left for that session.  The rest of us stayed to continue the lecture, which gave some very interesting points regarding defensive driving, safety belt and airbag release, child car seat laws and winter driving.  We also watched disturbing videos on road rage, driving fast at night and driving in inclement weather.  Below is the definition for defensive driving, information on seat belt and airbag release and child car seat laws: 

  Defensive driving is the ability to operate your vehicle in such a manner as to be able to avoid involvement in a preventable traffic crash no matter what the road or weather conditions.

  The most important characteristic the driver can possess is maturity.  In addition, the educated driver will need to posses the ability to remain cool, calm and collected in stressful driving situations, an accurate perception of their driving abilities and the performance capabilities of their vehicle, and the ability to successfully apply their actual driving skills to specific situations in the driving environment.

  The proper use of the safety belt is to have it low on the hips, not over the abdomen, snug and flat, not twisted.  How fast do airbags inflate?  200 miles per hour and it inflates in 1/25 of a second, which is faster than the blink of an eye.  When the airbag inflates it pushes out from the steering wheel or dash panel.  It can only inflate once and stay inflated for 1/20 of a second, then it deflates immediately.

  All children under age 4 years must be in a child safety seat.  Children ages 4 to 8 or 4'9" tall must be in a booster seat.  All persons must wear a safety belt when riding in the front seat of a motor vehicle.  There are no requirements for persons over 16 years of age to wear a safety belt in the rear of the vehicle.

  My Simulator Experience

  There were three staff, including me, that participated in the simulator activity.  I was excited to participate in the simulator driving.  We ate lunch (complimentary lunch coupons from the instructor) and he gave us 20 minutes to consume our food.  So, I snorted down my food as fast as I could and went back to the classroom.  He escorted us outside to a small trailer.  We stepped into the dark, stuffy, hot trailer and there it was, the SIMULATOR.  It was somewhat like a car video game and it had screens in the front with a rearview mirror and screens on the left and right side with the side mirrors.  The simulator portrays real-life driving experiences. 

  So, I was the first to volunteer.  I sat in the simulator car seat, started the engine, and pressed on the gas. Oops, I forgot to put on my seat belt, which the instructor pointed out.  This simulator makes you seem like you are moving, but you're not.  You can see other cars pull up on the side of you and some cars just pull right in front of you.  The simulator voice tells you to turn left or right. The turns were the worst because you can feel the motion.  I was trying to focus and drive this thing.  I started getting extra hot and feeling nauseated.  The food I ate was stuck in my chest and throat.  I didn't know how long I would be able to drive that thing. The motion was too much for me. The voice told me to turn right, so I did and I crashed!  I felt too sick to continue after the crash. It took me about two hours to get over the motion sickness.  The two other staff members were able to make it through the simulator driving routes TWICE. 

  Oh well, it was an experience and if I have another opportunity to participate in defensive driving, I'll choose on-the-track training and drive a state police car.  That will be real driving!

  Accessible Prescription Label Program Now Free for Americans with Vision Loss
  By Christine Movalson, MCB Insight Editor, Lansing

  En-Vision America has announced a new program to aid individuals who are blind and visually impaired in obtaining accessible prescriptions using ScripTalk Station.  ScripTalk Station uses radio-frequency identification (RFID) and text-to-speech (TTS) technologies to provide information access to those who are visually unable to read their prescription labels.

  Under the Pharmacy Freedom Program, eligible individuals may obtain a free ScripTalk Station patient reader. Participating pharmacies attach to each prescription a small RFID label that contains all printed information. The ScripTalk Station reads this information aloud to the patient. This system provides a safe, private, and independent way for blind and visually impaired patients to manage their medication regimen, and also helps pharmacies comply with ADA regulations in serving their patients.

  The ScripTalk Station system is used nationwide by the Veteran's Administration, and is currently the only product on the market to provide full label information in a manner that meets ADA, FDCA, and HIPAA regulations.

  Interested individuals may contact En-Vision America to get a free reader and provide pharmacy details. Pharmacies concerned with meeting the needs of their special needs patients may also contact the company for more information about the program.  For additional information, contact Dave Bode or John Moretto at (800) 890-1180 or frontdesk at envisionamerica.com.

  My Day at Kaleidoscope Learning Circle
  By Janet McInnis, Rehabilitation Teacher, Saginaw

  On Friday, April 8th, I had a last-moment opportunity to participate in a program offered at no cost by Kaleidoscope Learning Circle, LLC, or "KLC," in Birch Run, Michigan.

  KLC provides specialized training in communications, self awareness, and interactions with others that involve working with horses.  This type of training is known as Equine Assisted Learning or "EAL."

  I have been interested in this program for a few years now, and was very thrilled to be included in an e-mail mailing that contained an invitation to attend a one-day program.  I was there with about 15 other participants.  In attendance were a few college students from Northwood University, a few therapists, social workers, and some business people.

  The morning presentation was given by Jamie Remsberg, of Next-Element, out of Kansas.  She presented on aspects of the Process Communication Model, which included much talk about conflict and drama and ways to recognize, embrace, and grow from it.  People assume different roles in "drama," she noted, because certain needs are not being met.  We also discussed a Drama Triangle, made up of Persecutor, Rescuer, and Victim, and the better alternative of being part of a Compassion triangle, which allows you to focus on being resourceful, open, and/or persistent.  

  I know that that sounds all weird psycho-babble and such, but this company presents to big-time corporations and CEOs, who at times, are not wanting to listen to such stuff.  The presentation was so interesting and I think we all could have listened to Jamie talk for a while longer.  It was amazing to learn of the different personality types and work needs or preferences that are present, and to recognize that each personality type brings certain gifts to a work relationship.  The better we all can learn and recognize them, the better the work flow, productivity, and satisfaction gained.

  The first afternoon session was given by Judy Ringer, from New Hampshire, who shared how principles of the martial art Aikido can be used in situations where conflict and drama exists.  I dislike having to do an activity in a setting I am unfamiliar with, and especially dislike anything that makes me feel as if I will have to perform in front of strangers, but simple demonstrations and hands-on activities highlighting how resistance causes resistance and how focusing on a goal makes you stronger seemed so meaningful and relevant.  If I start talking about using your energy and my energy and wanting us to be "centered," I have taken this quite far, but, hey, who am I to argue with a martial arts expert?

  The final session took us all to the heated indoor paddock, where we worked as a team to get the horses to do a task or two.  At one point, I had my palms outward, fingers laced together and elbows locked at the 9 and 3 position, to make myself appear bigger as a giant horse came racing at me (actually, he was probably not exactly racing...maybe a brisk trot) trying to break out of the circle of us woefully inept horsemen!!  The feelings and thoughts of our actions and how we could have changed the outcomes were discussed at length in debriefing sessions. 

  Most of the programs involve much more equine interaction and working with your peers.  I can imagine that some sessions just might be life changing.  The staff are beautiful facilitators and so adept at getting people to share their thoughts and interact in positive ways.  It was almost like a dance the way they could get everyone interacting. 

  Dr. Tracy Weber, who created KLC, was the most gracious of hosts and provided everyone with wonderful breakfast treats and a generous lunch.  Her staff was about as down-to-earth and likeable as one can get.  Judy and Jamie were amazing communicators.  

  I know that it seems difficult to carve out some time for oneself to learn something new, or read about new technologies or try out new devices.  However, just taking this one day to interact with others and not having to talk about computer issues, budgets, or closures was a breath of fresh horse-y air.  I recommend that all of us take some time to find a program that speaks to you in some new way. 

  I hope to get more information on the Process Communications Model, but the web site of Jamie Remsberg can provide some information for a basic idea of what is out in the world beyond MCB.  If you would like any resources, let me know.  I wrote a few things down and hope to follow up soon.

  In the event that MCB could ever take advantage of this unique program, the sessions are geared to the unique needs of the audience.  You must sign a waiver to interact with the horses.  There was one moment when I was thinking I had put myself in a position to be knocked down, but that was my fault.  Maybe, if I were lucky enough to go to KLC in the future, I would see about working with littler beasts!

  Christine Movalson and Simone Give Presentation at Delta Gamma
  By Susan Turney, MCB Communications & Outreach Coordinator, Lansing

  On April 28, Christine Movalson and her Guide Dog, Simone, gave a presentation on Guide Dogs for the Blind to about 30 women of Delta Gamma sorority at Michigan State University.  All of the women are majoring in or otherwise involved with special education or a healthcare-related field.  As a sorority, they actively participate in volunteer services for people with disabilities.

  Christine's two-hour presentation included a PowerPoint and videos covering the mission of Guide Dogs for the Blind, history, statistics, training of the dogs and the human/dog teams, puppy raising, volunteering, and how to behave when meeting a guide dog team.  She also discussed causes of blindness and shared some personal stories.  Simone demonstrated her excellent Guide Dog skills.  

  After the presentation, everyone in the audience complimented Christine and Simone.  Several said that Christine was a "great speaker" and noted that the presentation was "very interesting."  One person said that she learned things about accessibility in buildings that will be helpful in her future career.  There were many comments that Simone is "such a cute dog."  The women of Delta Gamma have invited Christine and Simone back for another visit.  In addition, since the presentation, they've made a personalized water bowl for Simone and a supply of hand-decorated water bowls to be sent to Guide Dogs for the Blind.

  It's not surprising that Delta Gamma was pleased with the presentation, considering the presenters' outstanding credentials.  Last year, Christine Movalson was selected by Guide Dogs for the Blind to be a member of their official volunteer Speakers' Bureau.  Of course, Simone has credentials of her own, having completed a year of socialization training and eight weeks of intensive Guide Dog skills training.  Together, Christine and Simone have successfully completed the Guide Dog three-week intensive team training course.  In addition, they're both an important part of the MCB team!

  Photo: Christine and her guide dog Simone sit surrounded by the members of Delta Gamma.

  B E P Operator Profile: Greg Keathley and Dillon's Café
  By Josh Hoskins, B E P Promotional Agent, Lansing

  Greg Keathley has developed himself into a strong presence in the Business Enterprise Program. He first started in the program around 2004 when he was working with his brother, who was already an operator in the program.  After two years of working with him, Greg went on to complete the classes to become an operator himself in 2006. From there he took on his first location at the EPA in Ann Arbor. He then moved on to the Austin Treasury Building in Lansing and then to the Port Huron Vending Route. 

  Greg has taken those experiences and has placed them into his current venture in Constitution Hall in Lansing. He has developed quite the rapport with the employees and visitors alike. He has even honored his current stand with the name of Dillon's Café in remembrance of his son who passed away in 1994 from SIDS. 

  Greg recently took on the challenge of the annual event of Earth Day on April 21. Thousands of kids, teachers and parents invaded Constitution Hall to learn about all kinds of activities that can help preserve the earth and its ecosystems. Greg took this challenge head-on and went as far as making sure that all of the products that were being used were made from recycled or earth-friendly products. This included recycled paper for napkins, Styrofoam made from clam shells, and silverware made from potatoes. 

  Greg has gone beyond just being an operator. He is a member of the Elected Operators Committee and every sub-committee, and is the chairperson for the Resolutions and Repairs Committee. He is also an advocate representative for operators with grievances and sits on arbitration panels. Every year Greg goes to Washington, D.C., to help promote the programs and lobby for new and continued legislation to help develop the program. He has even worked hand in hand with Senator Carl Levin. When asked how he would like to see the program grow, he stated, "I would like to see the program grow beyond just food service. I want to see the program move into other aspects of business including but not limited to computer technology, janitorial and maintenance. I see great things for this program in the future, and I want us as a group to move into other ventures and show that the visually impaired can do more than just food service." 

  In his short time in the B E P Greg has completely immersed himself into all different aspects of the program. He does all these different jobs with great ambition, pride and honor. His great dedication to the promotion of individuals who are blind and visually impaired can only be surpassed by his dedication to his family and his son Dillon.

  Having Fun Playing It Safe!
  By Debbie Wilson, Assistant Central Region Manager, Flint

  Photo:  Janet McInnis and Tamieka Hall pose for the camera in their DMB orange safety vests.

  Tamieka Hall, Saginaw State Office Building 4th Floor Safety Monitor, and Janet McInnis, Saginaw State Office Building 4th Floor BACK UP Safety Monitor, take their new assignments seriously.  They know that the others who work on or visit the 4th floor are counting on them.

  Each morning, at the crack of dawn, or when they get to the office, whichever comes first, they don their DMB Safety Monitor vests and check out the 4th floor for potential hazards and safety violations.  Some days, it may be as simple as crushing a spider with Tamieka's high-heeled boots, while other days, it could involve chasing down a state worker and ordering him to tie a loose shoelace, lest he fall and become a tripping hazard to his coworkers.

  "No, we are not heroes," remarked Tamieka when supervisor Debbie Wilson commented that she seemed like one.  "No.  We are just two safety monitors who want to make the world a better place."

  The adorable Janet McInnis, vigorously nodded in agreement.  "I think it is our calling." said Janet.  "Safety is so important.  If you are not safe, you are in danger." 

  The MCB Safety Team is made up of very serious and dedicated individuals.  The story you have just read was a brief moment of fun before getting down to business.  A recommendation from the Safety Team that is currently being implemented is the purchase of "car safety kits" for all state vehicles. These kits will include items such as a flashlight, reflective triangles, and Life Hammers. Many of these recommendations came from the safety consultant at DTMB who has been working closely with the MCB Safety Team. A brief orientation in the proper use of some of this equipment and other roadside situation procedures will be planned for staff in the near future. 

  Other items on the Safety Team's radar include training on blood-borne pathogens, emergency evacuation procedures in all state offices, and identification of safety monitors in each office.

  Letters

  Below is a letter sent to Phyllis Njoroge by a grateful MCB consumer:

  "I want to take a moment and express my thanks and appreciation for the purchase of the Focus Braille Display.  This piece of equipment has proven to be very useful in my medical transcription job.  The quality of work I am able to produce has risen because of the introduction of the display into my work station.  

  I have been a client with the Michigan Commission for the Blind for many years now.  I have continually received excellent service from the Commission ever since I was a student in grade school.  It is because of your organization's willingness to go the extra mile that I have been able to be a productive employee and able to perform equally or even to exceed in work quality to my sighted counterparts.  

  Thank you once again for providing this equipment so that I can remain a viable employee."

  Staff News

  MCB welcomes the following people:

  Felecia Sheldon and Clarissa Cram are new student assistants at the MCB Braille and Talking Book Library and can be reached at the library at 517-373-5353.

  Antoinette Huling, Chad Riddle, Melanie Robinson, and Corinne Grasso are new student assistants at the Department of Human Services (DHS) at Cadillac Place in Detroit as part of the MCB Client Internship Program.  Here's how you can contact each of them:

  Antoinette, HulingA at michigan.gov

  Chad, RiddleC at michigan.gov

  Melanie, RobinsonM15 at michigan.gov

  Connie, 313-456-1247 or GrassoC at michigan.gov 

  Photo: James Hull cradles and nuzzles his infant daughter.

  James Hull has a new daughter!  Her name is Avani Celest, and she has a lot of blond hair!  Congratulations to James and Heather!

  Staff Profile:  Carla Haynes
  By Christine Movalson, MCB Insight Editor, Lansing

  Photo:  Carla Haynes

  It wasn't easy to get Carla to sit down to talk.  Nonetheless, here is Carla Haynes. 

  Carla has been with the Commission for the Blind for 17 years (about how long it took to get her to do this interview)!  Carla came to MCB from a similar job elsewhere because she thought she'd be happier here, and she says she was right.  Carla serves many roles, best summed up as the Departmental Analyst of Administrative Services of MCB.  Carla does everything from coordinating FOIAs and hearings to making travel arrangements and dealing with telephone or copier issues.  Her list of tasks is far too long to copy down, and most certainly, something would get left out!  Carla shares, "every time someone has a question, they come to me.  Contrary to popular belief, I don't know everything!"  A neighboring colleague responded by saying, "Yes you do, we don't believe you."  Sorry Carla, it looks like you're still on the hook.

  Carla's favorite part of her job is dealing with so many different people.  She explains, "My day is so varied, it's never boring."  Carla points out, "There is such an array because I communicate with all of the Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) staff, not exclusively with MCB."  On the contrary, her least favorite part of her day is doing paperwork and keeping track if deadlines.  

  Enough about the office, though.  Carla has been married for 25 years this year.  Congratulations, Carla!  She has a son who very recently graduated from Michigan Tech and a daughter who is a junior in high school.  Carla is very proud of her kids and shared that her daughter is a straight-A student and that she is thrilled that her son has already found a job.  She exclaims, "My kids are awesome!"

  Carla spends her spare time being quite active.  Besides singing in her church's choir, Carla can be found biking, canoeing, and kayaking with her family.  They have a cottage on little Crystal Lake, near Carson City.  They like to spend their summer weekends there on the lake together.  Last summer, Carla joined her kids for the last few days of a two-week camping/canoeing trip called the Grand River Expedition 2010.  Carla already has this summer mapped out too!  She plans to do a bike tour around the Grand Traverse area, as well as go sailing on Grand Traverse Bay.  Carla hasn't been sailing in a few years, but she used to love to sail Lake Michigan.

  Carla thinks you'd be surprised to hear that she was voted class clown in high school.  She says, "I don't know where my humor went.  I think I must have lost it somewhere.  My younger sister was the really crazy one.  We had such a great time together growing up!" Carla may be a closet comedian, but at least a few of us have caught glimpses of the comic inside who claims to have lost her humor!

  If you have a question about "anything" for Carla; or would like to discuss sailing, biking, or canoeing; or wish to try to get the comedian out of the closet, you can contact her at 517-373-2063 or haynesc at michigan.gov. 

  MCB Insight is a bimonthly e-mail newsletter published by the Michigan Commission for the Blind (MCB) and distributed to MCB staff during the first week of odd-numbered months.  If you have articles or ideas for MCB Insight, please send them to Christine Movalson at movalsonc at michigan.gov anytime.  Your suggestions and comments are welcome.  This publication is available in alternative formats upon request to persons with disabilities.

  Contributors and others assisting with this issue: Pat Cannon, Julie Clark, Patrick Duthie, Carla Haynes, Sherri Heibeck, Connie Henshaw, James Hull, Lisa Kisiel, Shawnese Laury-Johnson, Roberta McCall, Marla McClure, Janet McInnis, Scott Norris, Bob Robertson, Jim Shaw, Gail Toda, Susan Turney, Debbie Wilson, and Nichole Wright.

  Editor:  Christine Movalson, Communications & Outreach Intern, Michigan Commission for the Blind, LARA.

  Associate Editor:  Susan Turney, Communications & Outreach Coordinator, Michigan Commission for the Blind, LARA.

  Associate Editor:  Bob Robertson, Manager of Organizational Development, Michigan Commission for the Blind, LARA.

  The Michigan Commission for the Blind, a part of the Michigan Department of Licensing & Regulatory Affairs (LARA), is an equal opportunity employer/program.  

  Michigan Commission for the Blind

  Michigan Department of Licensing & Regulatory Affairs

  201 N. Washington Square, 2nd floor

  P.O. Box 30652

  Lansing, MI 48909

  Voice (toll-free) 1-800-292-4200

  TTY (toll-free) 1-888-864-1212

  www.michigan.gov/mcb

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