[nfbmi-talk] Fw: November 2011 MCB Insight

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Mon Nov 14 22:27:11 UTC 2011


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From: Larry Posont 
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Subject: Fw: November 2011 MCB Insight



----- Original Message ----- 
From: Turney, Susan (LARA) 
To: MCB2020-L at LISTSERV.MICHIGAN.GOV 
Sent: Monday, November 14, 2011 2:30 PM
Subject: November 2011 MCB Insight


The November 2011 edition of MCB Insight, published today, is attached as a Word file and pasted below.



Susan Turney

Communications & Outreach Coordinator, Michigan Commission for the Blind

Michigan Department Licensing and Regulatory Affairs 

desk:  517-241-8631; cell: 517-243-3858; 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







MCB Insight

Michigan Commission for the Blind, November 2011





In This Issue:  



MCB Achievement Honor Roll Award Recipients and Investing in Abilities
By Pat Cannon, MCB State Director, Lansing



MCB Booth Draws Crowds at the U.P. State Fair
By Ed Haines, MCB Rehabilitation Teacher, Escanaba

Summer Youth Transition Programs 
By Leamon Jones, MCB Director of Consumer Services, Lansing



MCB Braille and Talking Book Library Update 
By Sue Chinault, MCB Braille and Talking Book Library Manager, Lansing



Investing in Abilities Month in Michigan October 2011
By Susan Turney, MCB Insight Editor, Lansing


B E P Profile:  Nathan Prater's The Crave  
By Josh Hoskins, MCB B E P Promotional Agent, Lansing



MCB Safety Matters
By Shawnese Laury-Johnson, MCB Assistant East Region Manager, Detroit



Former Commissioner J.J. Jackson Receives Volunteer Award
By Susan Turney, MCB Insight Editor, Lansing



Letters


Staff News


Staff Profile: Dan Mitchell 
By Cassaundra Bell, MCB Intern (through September 30, 2011)



Editor's Note
By Susan Turney, MCB Insight Editor, Lansing






MCB Achievement Honor Roll Award Recipients and Investing in Abilities
By Pat Cannon, MCB State Director, Lansing



October 2011 was proclaimed by Governor Snyder as Investing in Abilities Month in Michigan, and by President Obama as National Disability Employment Awareness Month.  MCB celebrated these important themes by honoring ten outstanding individuals and organizations with Achievement Honor Roll Awards on October 21.  Previously, this annual event had coincided with the December commission meeting, but it seems fitting to honor these award recipients with an event of their own during October, with its focus on investment in abilities and employment.  As most of you already know, these awards are presented to 1) MCB consumers who are exemplary in achieving their goals for employment and/or independent living after vision loss, 2) employers who have shown leadership in hiring people who are blind or visually impaired based on their abilities, and 3) community partners recognized for their collaboration with MCB in increasing opportunities for people who are blind or visually impaired to achieve independence and/or employment.  It is my pleasure to honor the 2011 award recipients in this edition of MCB Insight.  Photos of individuals who attended the October 21 event are also included here:



MCB Consumers:   



  Scott Davert (29) of Lake Orion (nominated by MCB DeafBlind Specialist Cindy Caldwell) is employed as a senior instructor at Helen Keller National Center (HKNC) teaching Braille and adaptive technology.  He was referred to MCB at the age of 15 by his intermediate school district's teacher consultant for the visually impaired.  He said, "One of the most difficult things for me was accepting that I had a hearing loss in addition to being congenitally blind.  Blindness was something I had known my whole life, and I had learned to compensate for this through the use of my hearing, but once I started losing my hearing, that was no longer possible. MCB, specifically Cindy Caldwell, pushed for me to go to the HKNC teen program in the summer.  I was very hesitant to go, but I was glad I did."  After graduating from high school, he attended the residential MCB Training Center in Kalamazoo.  With some support from MCB, he earned his BA degree from Saginaw Valley State University, was awarded a scholarship for an eight-week HKNC summer program of additional training, and earned his master's degree in rehabilitation teaching.  He was hired by HKNC in January 2011 as an instructor.  Since then, he's been promoted to his current position as senior instructor.  He's also very active in two organizations of and for individuals who are DeafBlind, and frequently volunteers to share his extensive technology skills in newsletters and presentations.  He said, "I would like to thank MCB for giving me the opportunity to both present my story, and for giving me the tools necessary to help me develop into the person I am today.  Facing life's challenges is a tough task for most people, even more so sometimes for those with disabilities, so it's great to have a game changer like MCB to help level the playing field." 



  Dr. Gena Harrison (33) of Detroit (nominated by MCB Rehabilitation Counselor King Nelson), is completing her residency in emergency medicine at Detroit Medical Center, with the goal of becoming an anesthesiologist.  Even as a child, she'd always wanted to be a doctor.  She started college at the University of Michigan.  She said, "I knew then that I wanted the medical track, and I wanted to go to the top of the tier to be a doctor."  She came to MCB when she was a student at the Wayne State University School of Medicine.  Just before starting medical school, she had promised her dying mother that she would graduate and become a doctor, but she was having difficulty with her class work only due to her vision loss.  After determining that she was legally blind and eligible for services, MCB provided low-vision devices.  During her surgery training, she showed a surgeon her low-vision magnifier, and the surgeon said that it was the same type of lens typically used by surgeons, which she found encouraging.  She graduated from medical school and successfully passed her board exam with a 94 percentile, ahead of all the other students in her class.  She said, "I appreciate the support I received from the staff at the Detroit MCB office.  I appreciated having MCB to back me up."  She added, "If you want to win the race, you have to get in it.  If you feel the need, ask for help.  King Nelson has been there from day one, throughout the entire process.  I can't be more appreciative."



Lisa Powells (42) of Lansing (nominated by MCB Rehabilitation Counselor Danielle Smith) runs her own food service business with a snack stand and vending machines at the Michigan Department of Corrections administrative office building in Lansing. In 2009 when she was first referred to MCB, she had experienced gradual vision loss over five years and then lost her job of 14 years as the regional manager of a chain of convenience stores.  She became unable to drive, and she was uncertain whether MCB would be able to help her.  Determined to try and do what she could, she attended a week-long MCB Mini Adjustment Seminar as a brief course in skills of blindness and an introduction to the residential MCB Training Center in Kalamazoo.  She later went to the training center, and said, "It was great.  I had some very good instructors."  She said of her counselor, Danielle Smith, "If she said she was going to do something, she did it.  I was really blessed to get her."  With her background in management and sales, and encouraged by her successful recent training, Powells decided to pursue the MCB Business Enterprise Program (BEP) to obtain training and credentials in food service.  She successfully completed the management training program and soon became a mentor for others.  She then successfully competed for her current location.  She has increased sales and created a loyal customer base who "are like family," perhaps due in part to her very popular, special-recipe spaghetti.  Reflecting on her own experience, Powells said she would recommend MCB to others experiencing vision loss, stating "Once you know the resources that are out there, it really helps you.  It makes the adjustment easier."  



  Quiana Willis (28) of Detroit (nominated by MCB Rehabilitation Counselor Phyllis Njoroge) is employed as the assistant manager of a children's daycare center.  Soon after completing her associate's degree in child care, she found that her vision was becoming worse.  A classmate told her about MCB, and she contacted the Detroit office.  As someone used to being independent and doing everything on her own, she said, "I was so depressed, wanting to give up.  The first person I spoke with was the receptionist, and she patiently listened and allowed me to cry-for over 30 minutes she stayed with me on the phone."  Her MCB counselor made arrangements for her to receive training to travel independently using a cane, use adaptive technology, and prepare meals.  MCB also provided her with a Braille writer, a laptop, and training. Willis worked hard learning the skills she needed.  Still, she was afraid of going back to work in her job at the daycare center, but her counselor encouraged her and continues to support her in her job.  Today, Willis says, "I give my kids 150 percent!  As assistant director, I strive to give them that every day.  When I first called MCB, it was to receive counseling, and I just needed someone to talk to.  I didn't know that MCB offered more.I thank my counselor, who encouraged me in pursuing my current employment, and I am very much grateful.My transition experience has been an amazing journey that has made me know that I can do anything."  



Norm Wolff (71) of Jackson (nominated by MCB Rehabilitation Teacher Roberta McCall) has completed training in the MCB Independent Living Program to learn skills of blindness, and he's currently pursuing employment through MCB's Vocational Rehabilitation Program.  When he first heard about MCB, he quickly signed up for a week-long Mini Adjustment Program, and soon after attended the residential MCB Training Center.  He learned a lot from both, and in addition to becoming more independent and seeking employment, he's become active in local low-vision support groups and elsewhere in the community providing information on MCB programs and services.  He does so much volunteer outreach work that Roberta McCall refers to him as "Jackson's version of Johnny Appleseed."  Wolff describes MCB as "a very good outfit," and Roberta McCall as "a very fine lady-she really knows her stuff."



Employers: 



  Disability Connection West Michigan (DCWM) of Muskegon was nominated by MCB Rehabilitation Counselor Michelle Visscher, who said, "Director Susan Cloutier-Myers and the entire staff have excelled at being a community advocate for people with disabilities, setting up classes for MCB consumers, and providing employment mentoring."  DCWM has worked with MCB to provide community supports and employment development and placement services.  Over the past few years, DCWM has placed four MCB clients in jobs in the Muskegon community.  In addition, they've hired three MCB clients into their own organization in various positions.  They have also invited MCB to participate in their Quality Control Assurance meetings, community outreach fairs, transportation efforts, and other activities.  



  Walmart of Petoskey was nominated by MCB Rehabilitation Counselor Julie Clark.  Recently, Walmart hired an MCB client and then successfully collaborated with MCB to ensure the employee's success.   Store Manager Krystal St. John accepted the award on behalf of Walmart.   The Walmart corporate website states, "At Walmart, we believe that business wins when everyone matters, and that the true strength of diversity is unleashed when each associate is encouraged to reach their full potential."  Additionally, it states, "Our commitment to Diversity and Inclusion helps us serve our customers better. And, it helps us provide a positive work environment for our associates."



  Doug Williams (60) of Grand Blanc (nominated by MCB East Region Manager Gwen McNeal), is Oakland County Director of the Michigan Department of Human Services (MDHS).  He interviewed and hired several MCB clients as interns, and later hired five of the interns in new jobs in the department.  Reflecting on his experience hiring these individuals, he said, "If you want to find talent, you start with what people can do instead of what they can't do.  They've demonstrated that they can do the work.  They've shown their commitment to customer service, themselves, and their colleagues."  In addition, Williams has personally attended regional MCB staff meetings to answer questions and provide information about MDHS policies and procedures, and he has collaborated with MCB in other opportunities to enhance services to individuals served by both agencies.



Community Partners:



  Sara Lajavic (52) of Lake Orion was nominated by MCB Rehabilitation Counselor Dan Furton.  Lajavic provides training in assistive computer technology for MCB clients, always "going the extra mile" to help clients achieve the skills they need to reach their goals.  As an example, a student had been referred to MCB several weeks after graduating from high school, and needed accelerated training in audio screen-reading software before starting college in the fall.  Lajavic made it a point to meet the deadline and see that her student was prepared with the needed skills by the time fall classes started.  MCB clients have had only good things to say about her-she is personable, knowledgeable, patient, and has a great sense of humor.  Explaining her teaching methods, Lajavic says, "I try to approach everything with a sense of humor and the idea 'absolutely, you can do this.'  In the first session with the student, I try to get at least three exclamations of 'Wow, I didn't know that!'"



Gerry Niedermaier (68) of Gladstone, nominated by MCB Rehabilitation Counselor Christine Pada, provides training in orientation and mobility (white cane and related skills) to MCB clients in three intermediate school districts.  He works with both teens and adults.  As an example, he's worked with one MCB client this year to help him learn to safely cross streets, use public transportation to get to work, and go to the bank.  Niedermaier said, "I enjoy watching kids and adults get their confidence, coming and going when they want."  Christine Pada said, "I look forward to working with Gerry until he decides to retire, which unfortunately will be too soon."



Congratulations to all of the 2011 award recipients, and special thanks to the people who nominated them:  Cindy Caldwell, King Nelson, Danielle Smith, Phyllis Njoroge, Roberta McCall, Michelle Visscher, Julie Clark, Gwen McNeal, Dan Furton, and Christine Pada.  In the months ahead, let's all think about  the consumers, employers, and community partners that we would like to recognize in this way next October.





MCB Booth Draws Crowds at the U.P. State Fair
By Ed Haines, Rehabilitation Teacher, Escanaba





Photo:  Ed Haines at the MCB booth at the 2011 U.P. State Fair.  Approximately 60,000 people visited the fair this year.



During the week of August 15, the Escanaba field office collaborated with the Hannahville Tribe, Michigan Rehabilitation Services, our local CIL (Center for Independent Living) and Veterans Administration Vocational Rehabilitation to staff a booth at the Upper Peninsula State Fair, focusing on services to people with disabilities. 



It was a huge success. We literally ran out of business cards to hand out and had the opportunity to talk to so many people. A number of potential consumers surfaced that we never knew were out there, including a child in the Marquette school system. Also, lots of folks spoke to us who had some initial vision loss and were not sure about the future. Now they know where to go if their vision decreases. We were approached by many individuals who knew someone who had been helped by MCB, either here or downstate, who thanked us for our services and efforts. Two individuals came forward who have a CCTV not being used and want to donate it. One nice lady introduced herself, said she had a deceased relative who had a vision impairment, and offered to volunteer at our agency helping out with whatever we need. Additionally, we had the opportunity to connect with the Hannahville staff as well as the VR counselor for the Veterans Administration.  (Eleven hours together, and you get to know each other pretty well.)



All participants feel good about the collaboration and want to do it again next year. And we had a terrific location - right next to the 500-pound cow sculpted of butter!





Summer Youth Transition Programs
By Leamon Jones, Director of Consumer Services, Lansing


This year through eight Summer Youth Transition Programs, the staff of the Consumer Services Division provided opportunities for students to acquire the teamwork skills, socialization and soft skills necessary to be successful in an employment setting.  



All eight of the MCB summer transition programs emphasized the importance of working together and the utilization of technology in the areas of employment.  Some of the programs provided an opportunity for the students to work at the established agencies where they were able to employ the skills that they learned.  These transition programs will continue to work with the ISD to provide expanded opportunities to develop additional skills.  



One of the summer transition programs, the Summer Work Opportunity Program (SWOP) of the Business Enterprise Program, is being reviewed to determine how the program can be expanded to provide work experience throughout the year.  



The newest summer program, Transition Zone, at Camp Daggett, received rave reviews by the students who attended.  The camp emphasized teamwork in vocational exploration.  All of the attendees were pleased to have had an opportunity to participate in such challenging activities that increased their knowledge and awareness of teamwork and confidence building.  



The College Prep Program provided an opportunity for 15 students to receive an introduction to college life.  This was one of the largest College Prep programs in several years.  All of the students had an opportunity to receive information regarding financial aid as well as the rules and regulations regarding dormitory life and the importance of budgeting and the connection with the student disability office.  They all had to register for one academic class to experience the process of registering and the demands of the academic environment.  This program continues to assist transition students with the needed information that prepares them for college and college life.





MCB Braille and Talking Book Library Update
By Sue Chinault, MCB Braille and Talking Book Library Manager, Lansing



Here's an update on some projects and activities at the MCB Braille and Talking Book Library:  



Subregional Libraries:  Macomb County Commissioners and the Clinton-Macomb Public Library (CMPL) have reached an agreement on transferring Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (LBPH) service from its current location on Hall Road in Clinton Township and oversight by the Suburban Library Cooperative network of Macomb area libraries to the CMPL, also in Clinton Township. An extensive plan has been submitted by CMPL to BTBL which outlines the library's intentions for meeting service standards. The transfer is expected to be completed by January 2012.



Digital Deployment:  BTBL and subregional libraries have deployed digital machines to 74% of all active patrons in Michigan, excluding Wayne County, as of July 31, 2011. Nearly 2,775 individuals have not yet received a digital player.  



Local Digital Recordings:  As noted in the summer edition of InFocus, the newsletter for library patrons, BTBL produced its first locally recorded, digital book in July. DBL 8262 The Lost Tiki Palaces of Detroit, by Michael Zadoorian. Since the summer edition went to print, a second title, DBL 8265 Al Kaline: The Biography of a Tigers Icon, by Jim Hawkins was released. Additionally, the first issue of Michigan History Magazine for 2011 has been circulated to Michigan subscribers in digital format.



InFocus Newsletter:  The fall edition of the InFocus newsletter was distributed in mid-October.  This edition includes a Patron Survey that we hope all will complete and return. Braille and audio copies are available upon request. InFocus can also be found on the MCB-BTBL website www.michigan.gov/btbl under the heading "News." 



Printing Projects:  With the change in department name, change in service name, and change in analog to digital media, BTBL has been rewriting the content found in informational brochures, magnets, and applications for service. New brochures are now available for shipment to field offices through Susan Turney.  Updated magnets are available for patrons. The application for service is under revision and will be available electronically in early 2012 followed by a print version shortly after. The electronic version will allow MCB consumers and staff to fill in the required information with the use of speech output, print the completed form, certify the qualifying disability, and mail to BTBL for processing.



Computer and Book Clubs:  Computer Club and Book Club meet on the second Saturday of each month in the BTBL public service area on the ground floor of the Michigan Library and Historical Center in Lansing, across from the elevators. Computer Club meets from 10:30-12:30 followed by book Club at 1:30. If you cannot attend in person, you may join either club via the BTBL Online Meeting Room by using this link:

http://www.conference321.com/masteradmin/room.asp?id=rs417aa6694fed

Users of the BTBL online room may enter any username they wish.  To enter the room as a participant, please leave the password field blank.  A software plug-in is required for full access to tcConference, the webconferencing software from a company called Talking Communities.  The entry page to the BTBL Online Meeting Room contains helpful information about the plug-in.  A no-plug-in-required web interface also is available for Mac, Linux, and MS users who cannot (or prefer not to) install the software plug-in.  Please note, however, that not all tcConference features are available through the web interface.   



Computer Club Schedule

Nov. 19:     To be announced.

Dec. 10:     Who's Talking? How Smart Are Those Smart Cell Phones? Panel discussion with moderator Scott Norris; Matt McCubbin and J.J. Meddaugh, both of A T Guys and ww.blindbargains.com; Steve Pollo, technology trainer; and Al Puzzuoli, MSU Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities.



Book Club Schedule

Nov. 19:     Thunder Dog: The True Story of a Blind Man, His Guide Dog, and the Triumph of Trust at Ground Zero, by Michael Hingson, DB73300; Michael Hingson, an executive who worked in the North Tower of the World Trade Center, recounts his escape after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Hingson, blind since birth, describes what he and his guide dog Roselle experienced as she led him down 78 flights of stairs to safety. 2011. 

Dec. 10:     Skipping Christmas, by John Grisham, DB/RC52929. Tax accountant Luther Krank calculates that a Caribbean cruise will cost less than what he and wife Nora spent celebrating the holidays last year. Since daughter Blair is in the Peace Corps, they plan to skip Christmas. Luther, however, doesn't anticipate the town's reaction. Some strong language. Bestseller. 2001. 





Investing in Abilities Month in Michigan October 2011
By Susan Turney, MCB Insight Editor, Lansing

As mentioned in Pat Cannon's article above, Governor Rick Snyder issued a proclamation designating October 2011 as Investing in Abilities Month in Michigan.  In the proclamation, Governor Snyder stated, "a growing number of Michigan employers recognize the abilities of people with disabilities and know that employing these workers makes good business sense."  A link to the complete text of the proclamation is on the governor's website under Proclamations, or at this direct link:  

http://www.mi.gov/snyder/0,4668,7-277-58031-263299--,00.html.  




B E P Profile: Nathan Prater's The Crave
By Josh Hoskins, B E P Promotional Agent, Lansing



As kids we all have the desire to be something when we grow up. We go as far as dressing up as firefighters, cowboys or princesses. But one of our operators knew from the beginning that he wanted to be a businessman. He even had his own briefcase that had his name embroidered on it by his grandma. By the age of 15 he had started his own gumball vending machine business with gumball machines that he bought at flea markets. He would put on a shirt and tie, then travel around his hometown and fill his machines and find new locations.



Nathan Prater's initiative and ambition has continued as he has moved from gumball machines into the Business Enterprise Program (B E P). Nathan came to the B E P in 2005 after he lost his vision due to a complication with diabetes. He said that when his rehabilitation counselor told him about the B E P, he knew that was what he wanted to do. He dove in head first and when he finished his training he took his first site, the Toeller Building in Battle Creek. 



He developed that business successfully in the 18 months that he was in that location. He then wanted to move into something different, and he took over the Mt. Pleasant Vending Route. He felt that the vending route gave him more flexibility with his schedule so that he would have time to spend with his other passion, his family. He has a wonderful fiancée, Renee, and their three children ages 3, 9, and 12. 



To go along with his vending route with the B E P, Nathan and his fiancée were able to move into the private sector of vending and develop 11 sites on their own. This aggressive attitude explains not only Nathan but the name that he has given his business:  The Crave. When asked about the name, Nathan said, "Everyone thinks that it's about having a craving and going to get a snack as it is to them. But to me the crave is that burning I have deep down in my stomach to be successful."



Nathan has come a long way from riding his bike wearing a shirt and tie to fill his gumball machines. But the person with the embroidered briefcase is still working hard to be a successful business person. He takes his job very seriously, even though he doesn't consider it work but just a project that he is working on to make himself and his family more successful. 





MCB Safety Matters
By Shawnese Laury-Johnson, East Region Assistant Manager, Detroit



Kids are well into the school year now, and safety is important for both parents and students in many aspects.  We would like to focus on safety with regard to packed lunches that we send to school daily for our children and the importance of always keeping their hands clean.  



It is important to take note of how long a food item can stay out of the refrigerator before it spoils.  Keep in mind that most, if not all students, will have to leave their lunches in their lockers or backpacks until it is time to eat.  Potato salad, egg salad, or tuna are probably not a good choice due to the amount of hours it will have to sit before it is consumed.  Parents who have younger children should make it a habit of checking lunch bags, lunch boxes, and thermoses to insure that they are emptied on a daily basis.  



There are many food items that would be great suggestions to pack for lunch.  For example, PB & J needs no refrigeration.  Deli meat and lunchables, which should be carried in an insulated lunch bag with an ice pack, are popular choices for lunch, especially for smaller children.  Parents may also choose to allow their children to purchase lunch daily from school to avoid having prepared lunches sitting out and not being refrigerated.  



As a parent of a small child who chooses to take lunch to school, I make sure that her lunch is packed in a paper bag and all items are packaged in Ziploc bags or containers that can be thrown away once she is done with lunch to avoid the possibility of finding something perishable in a lunch box days later.  It is a good practice to ask your child if they ate the lunch that was prepared for them just in case there is a sandwich that they did not eat.  If the answer is no you, want to ask where the uneaten items are.  It is easy to get caught up with busy schedules, extra curricular activities, homework, and housework, and before you know it your child or my child could have leftover milk in a thermos overnight or parts of their lunch from the day before that should have been thrown out.  



The last important factor that we would like to mention with regard to children and lunch is the importance of hand washing prior to eating.  Just as eating something spoiled can cause your child to become ill, so can eating with germs on their hands.  Parents please stress the importance of washing hands and, if it is possible, provide your child with a small bottle of hand sanitizer and strongly encourage that they use it from time to time throughout the day.  



We do know that not all parents have small children to which this information will apply.  However, it can be passed on to grandchildren, nieces, nephews, etc.  Pretty soon the snow will be falling, and the temperatures will continue to drop.  No matter what the season, the tips provided can be used no matter if the days or nights are cold or warm.  





Former Commissioner J.J. Jackson Receives Volunteer Award
By Susan Turney, MCB Insight Editor, Lansing 



In Lansing on Sunday, August 21, at Cooley Law School Stadium just before the Lugnuts game, Sparrow Hospital presented former MCB Commissioner J.J. Jackson with a Super Hero Award for being outstanding volunteer of the year.  



According to Sparrow News, the hospital's employee newsletter, one Super Hero Award was presented in each of 12 categories including outstanding volunteer of the year, and the award recipients were nominated by their peers for extraordinary caring and devotion to their jobs. 



Upon learning that he was chosen for this award from among more than 3,000 Sparrow Hospital volunteers, Commissioner Jackson said, "I am honored beyond my imagination."  He also said, "I know I would never be capable of conducting myself in a manner which would capture the attention of those who nominated me for this award without the support of friends like you."




Letters


This letter was sent to Gwen McNeal, East Region Manager, Detroit.



Dear Mrs. McNeal,



On behalf of the students of the Summer Fest Camp, we would like to thank you and the Commission for supporting this camp financially.  We have all benefited from these experiences.  It is good to be around other visually impaired people to exchange knowledge.  We have all learned something new.



For example, we have learned how to reformat files on our Note Takers so that way they can be printed right from a flash drive.  We have also learned how to use Bookshare.  It is good to know how to download and play books on a computer.  I have never done that before.  Even a friend of mine learned what Shepherd's Pie was.  To tell you the truth, I did too.  When we made Shepherd's Pie, we had gotten to try it for the first time along with my friends.



Thanks to this camp, we also learned what a Mobile Manager was.  I didn't know that it was a smaller version of the Braillenote.  Sounds like a new device I have to play with one of these days.  We are always in the mood to learn something new.  This camp has been a real help to us all.



Sincerely,



[signed by all camp participants]





The letter below was sent to Julie Clark, Rehabilitation Counselor at the Gaylord office.



Dear Julie, 



Thank you for planning the transition program at Camp Daggett.  I had a lot of fun and learned some things.  I really liked the presentation from Kelly Services about job interviews.  It gave me good information and was a review also.  Something I didn't know until the presentation was an employer couldn't ask about your age or if you're married.



I liked horseback riding and the ropes course.



I was very nervous when I was riding, at first.  Once I relaxed myself, I had a good time.  I only did one thing on the ropes course.  There were a few times I felt like I was going to fall, but I was able to finish! . . . Thank you again for coordinating the transition camp.  I  would like to come back next year.  I enjoyed meeting new friends and spending time with ones I know.  If possible, could you make the camp longer?  I had a great time, but it was too short.



[signed by Transition Zone camp participant]





Danielle Smith, a Rehabilitation Counselor at the Flint office, received this note.



Dear Danielle,



Wanted to take a moment to thank you again for everything you are doing and have done for me.  I know you will say it's my job but if it wasn't for compassionate, caring people such as yourself life would be harder for people like me.  . . .



Dr. Gena Harrison, a 2011 Consumer Achievement Honor Roll Award recipient nominated by King Nelson, sent a card to all MCB staff that reads in part.



Dear Michigan Commission for the Blind,



Words cannot express the gratitude I feel for being chosen as one of 10 Achievement Honor Roll Awards.  As a new intern I will be unable to attend this beautiful luncheon.  I have attached an individual "thank you" letter that will be read by King Nelson.



Staff News


Please join the East Region Office in welcoming Kris Harrison to MCB. He is a Rehabilitation Assistant providing transition services to students in Oakland County, working primarily with Tami Hough and Alicia Lurry.  Kris comes to us as a graduate of Central Michigan University with a bachelor of science in psychology and philosophy. He is currently set to begin work on his master's in mental health counseling at Oakland University. Previously Kris worked as a substitute Connections Coach at Mid Michigan Industries where he provided a wide array of services to persons with developmental, physical, and mental disabilities.  You can reach Kris at (313) 456-1641 or HarrisonK2 at michigan.gov. 



Ian Shadrick has accepted a position at Missouri State University as part of the Visual Impairment faculty. He shares, "I have really enjoyed working at MCB, and have greatly enjoyed getting to provide services to the consumers of Michigan. I wish all of you the best in the future."  Good luck, Ian!! 



Jules Brown, Job Placement Specialist for the Central Region, has accepted another position with Kaplan University, and September 22 was her last day with MCB.  In an email to all staff, she said, "Working at MCB has been a wonderful experience for me.  I know that I will leave here with some long lasting friendships and many good memories. MCB is an awesome organization and my hat goes off to all those that work so hard to assist Low vision/Blind individuals.know that you are making a big difference in many lives.  I would like to personally thank Pat, Leamon, Deb, and Beth for the opportunity to work at MCB. I know I am walking away from here a better person because of it. I have worked with some dedicated co-workers and Management has treated me with respect and valued my opinions. For that I am grateful. I will miss all of you that I have had the chance to get to know and work with. . . .





Staff Profile:  Dan Mitchell  
By Cassaundra E. Bell, MCB Intern (through September 30, 2011), Grand Rapids



On June 8 of this year, the Michigan Commission for the Blind welcomed a new Rehabilitation Counselor, Dan Mitchell.  He received both his undergraduate and graduate degrees from Western Michigan University. He graduated in 2007 with a bachelor's degree in Behavior Analysis with a social work minor, and this past May he completed his master's in Rehab Counseling and Vision Rehab Therapy.  Previously, Dan worked for a year with the Low Vision Clinic at Western Michigan University.



Dan is excited about his new position with the commission.  He said, "I love working with clients and being part of a community which helps empower people with disabilities."  "I'm excited about helping consumers make informed decisions to help them gain employment that suits their chosen vocational goals."



As a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, Dan says, "My job is about giving folks with a visual impairment a fair shot, and it's about looking at their skills and talents that could be utilized in a position." He also lends them the support they need, either by phone or on client visits. These client relationships are an essential part of Dan's job. He added, "I hope that I will help provide them with guidance and support and finding a position that fits each client."



In addition to meeting with consumers and discussing the next step of their vocational plans, Dan also completes case notes and meets with various employee networks and other partner organizations around West Michigan.  He also meets with employees at MichiganWorks! in order to assist consumers who are seeking employment opportunities.  This is all part of the process in helping clients find the best vocational path. 



Though these agencies are excellent resources, Dan admits that navigating through the resources can be a difficult process.  He said, "I want to find the best fit for my clients, and sometimes that's a challenge." 



Helping people has always been a dream of Dan's, and this passion stems from his mother's role as a social worker. He witnessed how she helped people in her career, and wanted to do the same.  He said, "I've always known I've wanted to help people, but I didn't know how until this job.  It's been apparent to me how important employment is to people with disabilities in order for them to be independent." 



Ultimately, Dan says that his career as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor is all about advocacy and helping every single one of his clients flourish in their vocational goals. He said, "A lot of people don't understand folks who have a visual impairment. If more people with disabilities are working, more people are going to see less of the disability, and more of the talents, gifts, and passions this individual brings to their work and to society."  




Editor's Note
By Susan Turney, MCB Insight Editor, Lansing


For those of you who read the "credits" at the end of each MCB Insight, you'll notice that I'm back in the editor's chair.  With the end of MCB's two-year client intern program on September 30, Christine Movalson completed her internship and her term as editor, and I have to say that the Lansing Central office isn't the same without her-and Simone.  Some of you may remember that Christine worked for MCB since November 2008, first as a volunteer Communications Assistant, and then as MCB's first client intern beginning in October 2009.  She was promoted (albeit without a raise in pay) to MCB Insight editor in May 2010, and she'd still be here if her employment were based on her work and her talents alone rather than on the funding expiration date.



Christine, thank you for all your excellent work on this publication and many other projects large and small.  We miss your cheerful voice, both in person and in writing, and we hope you'll do a guest article for MCB Insight now and then.  Best wishes in all your future opportunities, and keep in touch with your colleagues at MCB!







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 Susan Turney at turneys 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, Cassaundra Bell, Sue Chinault, Julie Clark, Patrick Duthie, Ed Haines, Carla Haynes, Josh Hoskins, James Hull, Leamon Jones, Lisa Kisiel, Shawnese Laury-Johnson, Roberta McCall, Marla McClure, Christine Movalson, Scott Norris, Bob Robertson, Jim Shaw, and Constance Zanger.



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, 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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