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MICHIGAN COMMISSION FOR THE BLIND

PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT AMENDMENT

May 1,2008

between

Michigan Commission for the Blind (hereinafter designated MCB)

and

Ingham Intermediate School District

(hereinafter designated the cooperating agency)

The agreement shall take effect May 1, 2008 and continue until such time as it is mutually canceled by the parties to this agreement. 

I.     A formal cooperative partnership is created and agreed to by the above parties in order to develop and deliver vocational rehabilitation services to persons who meet the eligibility criteria of MCB. 

II.   Eligible population are those persons who have physical and mental disabilities which constitute a substantial vocational handicap for the individual, and who are potentially employable. 

III.  Services provided under this agreement are not services of the partner agency, to which individuals with disabilities would be entitled if they were not applicants or clients of MCB. The services described in Attachment A represent new services or service patterns of the cooperating agency. Administrative procedures are also outlined in Attachment A. 

IV.    Local funds will be receipted as described in Attachment B. 

V.     Expenditures for vocational rehabilitation services and administration of these services are under the direct control, and at the discretion of, MCB. 

VI.    The Parties further agree: 

      A.     No persons shall be denied service solely on the basis of age, disability, race, color, creed, sex. national origin, marital status, religion, ability or inability to pay therefore. 

      B.     There will be no discrimination against any employee or applicant for employment with respect to tenure, terms, conditions or privileges of employment solely on the basis of age, race, disability, color, creed, sex, national origin, marital status, partisan considerations, residence, height, weight, or arrest record. 

      C.     There will be compliance with Federal Civil Rights Laws (Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964), and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1991, both in providing service to clients and in the employment of individuals. Individuals with AIDS, AIDS-related conditions or those who may be perceived as having AIDS or AIDS-related conditions cannot be subject to unlawful discrimination. 

      D. Provisions of this agreement may be amended by revision to Attachment B, with the approval of both parties, and such an amendment and its specification shall become a binding part of the original agreement. 

      E. Request for termination of the agreement shall be sent to the other party by certified mail, return receipt requested. Termination of the agreement shall be effective 30 days following the requester's receipt of approval by the other party (which approval shall also be sent via certified mail, return receipt requested). 

      F. All aspects of this agreement covered by confidentiality provisions of the law and respective agency policy shall be observed by both parties to this agreement. 

      G. If any provision of this agreement is found to be in conflict with federal or State law, that provision will be subordinate to the law. The other provisions of this agreement shall remain valid and binding until such conflicts are resolved by the parties to this agreement.

      H. Attachments to this agreement will be updated yearly to reflect changes in program goals and budgeting.

      I. It is understood by both parties that this agreement remains in force until such time it is either amended or terminated by either party. The full local contribution will be obligated during the fiscal year in which the agreement was originated, the MCB portion will continue to be obligated until completion of the agreement irrespective of the fiscal year. Funds forwarded may be redirected to other RS programs, per agreement between the parties. 

      J. In the event this agreement is terminated prior to completion, the obligated funds of both parties will be determined and the unobligated local portion will be returned to the partner within 30 days of the effective termination date. 

      K. Case service funds generated as a result of this resource sharing agreement will be directed by MCB, cannot be restricted to any one vendor, and will be utilized to purchase goods and services in support of a client's vocational objective identified in the Individualized Plan for Employment. 

      L. At the completion of the state fiscal year (or upon termination of this agreement), the parties agree to meet and evaluate actual program activities against the program goals specified in Attachment B. Effective performance under this agreement will be evidenced by completion of Attachment C, Annual Review, which will be forwarded to the MCB Regional Supervisor 45 days following the end of the State fiscal year. This attachment will become a part of the original agreement and will be binding on both parties. 

VII. Evidence of this agreement is reflected by the proper signatures on Attachment B. 

MICHIGAN COMMISSION FOR THE BLIND

PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT

ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES -ATTACHMENT A

Fiscal Year: 2008 

Date of Agreement: 5/1/08

I. PROGRAM NARRATIVE The Summer Transition Training Program brings together the resources of Peckham Vocational Industries (PVI), Ingham Intermediate School District (IISD), Eaton Intermediate School District (EISD), and Michigan Commission for the Blind (MCB) for the implementation and continuation of programs designed to facilitate positive and stable work experience or the intermediate school district students. A team approach will be utilized to place students in community settings where they receive paid employment and ongoing support. It is the goal of this program that these individuals be able to realize their full vocational potential. Other IISDIMCB eligible students will also receive the full range of transition rehabilitation services under this agreement based on the availability of resources. 

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: The MI Connections Guidepost model highlights 4 areas of focus for evidence based activities that improve outcomes for youth. Each is listed below with the proposed program's initial activity suggestions at this local level. As this is the first summer for these activities, it is expected a more concrete program description will be provided by PVI for the next year's cash match.

Preparatory Experiences

-Assessment: Some vocational and computer assessment is currently being

provided for current MCB consumers at MCBTC. Initial assessments can be

done at the Mason Career Center using accommodated interest and aptitude

testing.

-Opportunity Awareness: Career Research will be a main component of the

summer outreach program. Local employers will be identified to match with

students' expressed vocational goals. Pre-planning activities during the school year will take place, such as finding online resources, educational requirements or necessary vocational training for specific careers, how to do an informational

interview etc. to prepare the students for an optimal employer learning

experience. Guest speakers on these activities will be encouraged to participate

(ie. Mark Refitt-employment analyst from DLEG).

-Work Readiness Skills: Group meeting topics will include soft skills, mock interviewing, resume development, etc. Activities in job search skills and interviewing are currently a part of MCB's Employment Readiness Seminar 

offered quarterly throughout the state. A session on job search skills can be arranged with our MICH WORKS! Partners in Lansing.

Work-Based Learning Experiences

-Job Shadowing Employer meetings arranged in advance specifically for each student participating in the summer transition program will include some component of job shadowing. We recognize that some employers, for purposes of liability, may not allow students into all areas of a job site, however, conversation about various jobs and duties as well as job shadowing for most areas is expected.

-Internships One possible outcome from the summer transition program is offers of possible internships from employer participants to qualified students. More exploration of internship sites can occur once a student has participated in the summer program. 

-Entrepreneurships MCB currently offers a summer work experience for students through our Business Enterprise Program. A school year session devoted solely to small business and self employment, with the Small Business Development center staff as guest speakers, would be needed as MCB supports these endeavors, even at a supported employment level. In addition, MCB uses experts in small business to provide assessments with recommendations. One such expert is Rick Weir with AACIL. Students should have a session with these experts as well.

-Other This is another area where we hope to expand as the program grows in future years to partner with the schools identifying employer sites for community-based instruction, co-ops as well as the current part time and summer job expectation from MCB. Washtenaw ISD is an example of a best practices location providing these experiences for students, regardless of their disability and not using employer liability as an excuse. We will encourage these experiences at a minimum of age 14 to enable a student to have a variety of work experiences and essential work history prior to graduation. This is key to their informed choice and career success beyond school.

-Youth Development & Leadership

-Supportive Adults Education for family members and matching of community role models are part of this program. The blindness community has 2 prevalent organizations in the state of Michigan-ACB-the American Council for the Blind and NFB-the National Foundation for the Blind. A session with guest presenters from both organizations can occur during the school year. Staff participation to locate adult mentors from within these organizations is needed. The American Foundation for the Blind has a website with many resources available to individuals who are blind, including an online mentor match program. This could be demonstrated during the MICH WORKS visits or during a vendor demonstration meeting. MCB does refer students to the Youth Leadership Forum held in Lansing each year.

-Peer Mentors In creating this program, our intent is to include all MCB students within the tri-county area. Student involvement alone will support peer 

connections and perhaps student leaders identified both within and outside of the tri-county area could develop their own session. Exposure to local college mentors can happen at on-campus sessions. Students will be prepared in advance on what questions to ask to gain the most from the experience. 

-Opportunities for Personal Growth Self advocacy and self determination can be a topic at one of the group meetings. MPAS and the Commission on Disability Concerns as well as state mediators could be possible guest speakers on conflict resolution.

-Goal Setting Current MCB students will already have experienced the goal setting process through the development of their IPE. Motivational presentations would be part of the school year sessions.

-Leadership Opportunities In addition to the YLF, student teams could provide leadership in sessions during the summer program after having some leadership coaching during the school year. Community leadership opportunities will also be identified and supported. The students who complete the summer transition program can also present their experience to MCB and the schools at a celebration meeting. 

Connecting Activities

Academic Tutoring Once school participation is verified, existing resources will be noted before creating duplications. MCB is able to provide this service to college students but not high school students due to prior established departmental responsibilities.

-Mentoring In addition to the above mentioned AFB resource & blind organization resources, MCB can offer to locate an individualized blind mentor match once the student participants are identified. Peckham's E-mentoring should also be explored for each student.

-Transportation MCB does not support driver's education for obvious reasons, and the ISD does provide Orientation and Mobility instruction at the student's request. Students can also learn this skill at MCBTC. An informal assessment of O&M skills will occur as a part of the program. College students and adult mentors are another great resource on resolving transportation concerns. Transportation during the summer program will be paid for by MCB and scheduled by the students & PVI.

-Workforce Training and Postsecondary Education All of these options are already a part of the transition program as listed above (ie. MICH WORKS!, colleges, voc. rehab., employment options) -Accomodations/Assistive Technology MCBTC offers this resource and a separate session during the school year is possible. A mini technology fair specific to blindness and the latest & greatest technology available could be a group meeting. Team members will also provide a session on how to talk with an employer about an accommodation.

-Other Independent Living services, housing, physical and mental health services, recreation, benefits planning, substance abuse prevention, parenting classes-many of these services are offered either through the CIL or MICH WORKS! Or Social 

Security. Experts will be invited to come and present to the students during the program. A "Sample of Life" component will include fun community activities like dinner out, a comedy show, a baseball game, a zoo trip, etc. demonstrating from beginning to end how to plan for and participate in these activities. Make-a- lunch day, crafts and other independent living skills can be provided by both the ISD VI consultants as well as MCBYs rehabilitation teachers. 

II. RESPONSIBILITIES (REFERRAL PROCESS):

Describe the roles and responsibilities of MCB and collaborative agencies. 

IISD AGREES:

A.     To provide State and local funds to the Michigan Commission for the Blind in accordance with the Program Description. 

B.     To assign a staff person through whom the MCB counselor works in the liaison capacity as described in the Administrative Procedure (Attachment 

A). 

C.     To make every effort to provide a regular flow of appropriate referrals to maintain a rate equal to the minimum number of intakes for MCB established in the Program Description. 

D.     To provide or aid in obtaining educational diagnostic and clinical information and to provide educational services. 

E.     To participate with MCB staff in all activities necessary to carry out this agreement. 

MCB AGREES: 

A.     To assign sufficient staff as called for in the Program Description. 

B.     To make every effort to reach the Activity Goals as stated in the Program Description. 

C.     To fund services as identified in the Individual Plan for Employment (IPE) for the clients serviced as a result of this agreement. 

D.     To ensure program and administrative staff visits with IISD on a regular basis for the purpose of executing the conditions of this agreement. 

E.     To provide a written report annually (billing) to IISD that will describe:

1) Progress toward the agreement objectives; and 

2) Budget expenditures to reach those objectives. 

III. JOINT PLANNING & DOCUMENTATION OF COOPERATIVE EFFORTS 

A. SUMMER TRANSITION TEAM 

The clinical team consists of a professional from IISD, EISD, a VI instructor from both IISD, EISD, MCB, PVI and identified Orientation and Mobility (O&M) consultant(s). 

B. REFERRAL 

A formal referral must be made to the PVI through MCB for program consideration. Either the individual's case manager, school district representatives, or a team member can complete a Summer Transition Referral Form. Upon receipt of the referral, the team will review eligibility and make recommendation (see referral procedure). Upon acceptance, the individual's name will be entered as "referred" and placed on a waiting list. Each May, the team will review the waiting list to determine the status of referral for summer participation.

C. PLACEMENT 

All applicants who fulfill the above requirements and have been formally referred and screened by the Team will be considered for placement. If placement occurs as a process of the Summer Transition Program, additional placement fees will not be imposed. 

D. MONITORING PROCESS

A monthly Team Meeting will serve as the mechanism to monitor the process of placing individuals. The team will review referrals and outline specific responsibilities or needs that may effect a job placement. Individuals already placed will be monitored through weeklylmonthly evaluation reports from the employment service coordinator. The team will document diEculties the individual may encounter and devise a plan of intervention as needed. 

E. EMPLOYMENT TRAINING 

Job coaches may be used to facilitate the adjustment of the individual and the employer. As needed, reasonable accommodations will be provided to the individual or employer. This may include modified equipment, jigs, fixtures, or other techniques to maximize the person's potential. This service will be

 provided as needed to individuals as a part of the comprehensive services provided in the Summer Transition Training Program. 

F. FUNDING 

Referrals to the Summer Transition Program will be accompanied with an authorization for the program cost. This cost will include identified vocational activities determined by the Team and Management of all parties at the initial set up of the program & cash match. The program description is listed below. When placement is involved, Michigan Commission for the Blind will provide the funds for starting up (individually identified as agreed upon) or the intensive training portion of a placement. Michigan Commission for the Blind will continue to be the primary funding source until the individual becomes stabilized on the job. The time period for this SE funding is generally not less than six months, however, cannot exceed eighteen months (per Federal guidelines). MCB will bill the respective parties for their portion of the cash match before Oct. lst of the fiscal year. 

G. CASE CLOSURE

Cases can be closed successfully if the following minimum criteria have been met: 

        1) After 90 days on the job. 

        2) Job compatibility to the individual. 

        3) The individual is stabilized on the job. 

        4) Worker satisfaction. 

        5) Ongoing support/funding is in place. 

        6) Team and referral source concurrence in an exit staffing. 

The Team will conduct an exit staffing to address the above issues, as well as the permanency of the placement in light of an individual's potential to work in a higher functioning, more independent setting (ie. Supported employment cases). 

H. LONG TERM FUNDING/FOLLOW-UP SERVICES 

Long term services will continue to be the responsibility of the school district until the individual is independently employed and graduated, or has reached the age of 26. For those students who have graduated or have aged out of special education services, follow-up services will be the responsibility of Community Services for the Developmentally Disabled (if the individual is eligible). A transition meeting will occur with the purpose of determining follow up services and long term supports. 

IV. EVALUATION OF PROGRAM OUTCOMES

The MCB Regional Office Manager and IISD Special Education Director will meet minimally annually to review program performance against goals.

This session will be focused on current year goals & with establishing goals and budget for the forthcoming fiscal year.

V.     PROCESS FOR RESOLUTION OF CONFLICTS (Description of the process and responsible individuals for resolving conflicts) 

Resolution of conflicts will be the joint responsibility of the MCB Regional Manager and the IISD Director of Special Education. They will arrange a resolution meeting within 14 working days of written request by consumer or any member of the Summer Transition team. 

MICHIGAN COMMISSION FOR THE BLIND

PARTIVERSHIP AGREEMENT

PROGRAM & BUDGET -ATTACHMENT B

Agreement originated on May 1,2008

1.     IDENTIFICATION 

MCB Regional Office: Lansing

Partner: Ingham Intermediate School District

Dates of Service: 510 1/08 -9/30/08 

2.     PROGRAM ACTIVITIES/OUTCOME NARRATIVE: 

Intakes 4- 11 

 Rehabilitations potential of 2 

 Carryover Cases 0 

3.     RESOURCES 

A. Local (27 % of Total)                               $5000 

B. Michigan Commission for the Blind (73% of Total) $13500 

C. Total                                               $18500 

4.     PAYMENT SCHEDULE 

MCB will bill Ingham Intermediate School District (IISD) by July lst, 2008 in the amount of $5000. 

The local contributions should be sent to:

Department of Labor and Economic Growth

Michigan Commission for the Blind 

Attn. Cheryl Heibeck 

201 N. Washington Square, 2nd Floor 

P.O. Box 30652

Lansing, MI 48909 

5.     COOPERATING AGENCY INFORMATION

Name: Ingham Intermediate School District 

Address: 2630 West Howell Road, Mason, MI 48854 

Telephone: (517) 244-1213

Fax: (517) 244-9510 

Federal ID #:

Attention: Roberta Perconti  

6.  SIGNATORIES  

Signed by 

Roberta Perconti, Ingham Intermediate School District Special Education Director                                  Date 5-21-08

Signed by

Elizabeth White,

MCB Vocational Rehabilitation Manager 14  Date 5-30-08

Signed by

Greta Wu, Peckham Vocational Industries  Date  5-22-08

MICHIGAN COMMISSION FOR THE BLIND 

PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT 

ANNUAL REVIEW -ATTACHMENT C 

Cooperative agreement between Ingham Intermediate School District & Michigan Commission for the Blind 

Per the cooperative agreement dated 5/01/08, the undersigned have jointly reviewed the program objectives outlined in Attachment A, dated 5/01/08, and agree that the program has been operated in compliance with the requirements of the written agreement. It is further agreed that the program goals have effectively been met to the satisfaction of all parties. 

The amount used per student will vary according to their individual needs. 

The Summer Transition Program is prorated depending on when a student participates. Optimally, permanent job outcomes could occur. 

A permanent job is defined as a job for which the student continues as a co-op during the school year or after graduation from high school. Fee schedule will be (PVI?) 

As for seasonal or temporary jobs for work experience only one fee will be paid by Michigan Commission for the Blind and Eaton Intermediate School District. 

Reviewed and Approved by: 

____________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

Date of Review:____________________________________________________ 