[nfbmi-talk] mcb annual report posted

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Just posted on May 3, 2012....

2011 Annual Report

2011 Annual Report

Michigan Commission for the Blind

Changing Lives, Changing Attitudes, since 1978

Photo: Lisa Powells runs a Business Enterprise Program snack stand featuring both hot and cold foods and beverages.  Since taking over the business at her
current location, she has increased sales and established a loyal customer base.  In October 2011, she received an MCB Achievement Honor Roll Award.  Read
more about her in

this report.

Begin page 2.

More Than 30 Years of Serving With Excellence

The Michigan Commission for the Blind (MCB) is the state government agency that provides training, services, and other opportunities to individuals who
are blind or visually impaired, so that each person can achieve his or her own goals for employment and/or independence. A staff of approximately 115 serves
the state’s estimated 45,000 persons who are blind. Michigan Commission for the Blind services are available to blind and visually impaired residents of
all 83 counties of the state. Services may be provided in a person’s home, at Mini Adjustment Programs held at various locations around the state, at the
residential MCB Training Center in Kalamazoo, and/or other locations.

MCB was created under Public Act 260 of 1978. Federal guidance is provided through the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) of the United States
Department of Education. MCB programs are funded under various federal grants with matching state or local revenues, with a budget of $22 million during
fiscal year 2011. Specific programs and services include the Vocational Rehabilitation Program for individuals age 14 and over, Business Services for employers,
the Independent Living Program for individuals age 55 and over, DeafBlind Services, Youth Services, the Business Enterprise Program for training in food
service entrepreneurship, and the Braille and Talking Book Library. MCB has offices in Lansing, Detroit, Grand Rapids, Saginaw, Flint, Escanaba, Gaylord,
and Kalamazoo, as well as the residential MCB Training Center in Kalamazoo and the Braille and Talking Book Library in Lansing.

During 2011, the agency continued in the spirit of its mission and vision statements:

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

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

1. An excellent array of rehabilitation and education services are fully

accessible to blind people,

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

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

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

Begin page 3.

MCB Commission Board

Commission Chair Jo Ann Pilarski

(until July 2011)

Commission Vice Chair Larry Posont

(beginning March 2011)

Commissioner Lydia Schuck

(beginning March 2011)

Commissioner John C. Scott

Commissioner Geraldine G. Taeckens

(until March 2011)

MCB State Director

Patrick Cannon

Return on Investment

Dollars used for rehabilitation services are an excellent investment in Michigan’s future. In FY 2011, the Michigan Commission for the Blind successfully
closed 160 blind Michigan residents’ cases. Of these, 143 consumers were gainfully employed, with an average starting wage of $10.23 an hour. The state
and federal income tax paid by these individuals is projected to be $664,665.53 in FY 2012. The total investment made by MCB to assist these individuals
with employment ($2,074,947.00) will be “repaid” in approximately three years.

During fiscal year 2011, the Michigan Commission for the Blind served 426 individuals who are blind or visually impaired to assist them in becoming employed
and independent. In addition to the individuals mentioned above, 1,009 older individuals facing sight loss received independent living services from the
commission so they could remain in their homes and communities, and 293 blind youth in the K-12 system received low-vision evaluations and low-vision aids
to help them succeed in school and beyond.

Photo: A computer programmer who is deaf and blind using a computer and a refreshable Braille note-taking device.

Begin page 4

How New Clients Are Referred to MCB for Services

Self-referrals 56%

Medical agencies, physicians 12%

Public education 9%

Community rehab programs 3%

Social service agencies 2%

Postsecondary schools 1%

Michigan Works! less than 1%

Social Security Administration less than 1%

Other 14%

Of the telephone calls received by MCB during FY 2011 from or regarding new clients, these were the sources of information that prompted the call:

Family member 40.1%

Doctor/other health care professional 29.7%

Partner organizations 14.3%

MCB website 1.6%

Media (TV, radio, print, online) 0%

Other 14.3%

For the telephone calls above, 46.1 percent received Vocational Rehabilitation Program services, 48.6 percent of new clients received Independent Living
Program services, and 5.3 percent received other types of services.

Begin page 5

Highlights of 2011 Accomplishments

Consumer Training for Employment and Independence

• MCB conducted four week-long Mini Adjustment Programs in Monroe, Lansing, Escanaba, and Detroit as an introduction to skills-of-blindness training for
149 MCB consumers. The participants attended introductory-level classes in the areas of orientation and mobility (cane travel), Braille, communications
(obtaining, relaying, and storing information), adaptive kitchen skills, use of adaptive equipment, adaptive (talking) computer software, and low-vision
aids (magnifiers). One important aspect of the program is the opportunity for participants to meet others who are blind, where they share information and
develop supports and friendships. In addition, staff members who are blind serve as role models and demonstrate a positive attitude toward blindness.

Photo: Participants at a Mini Adjustment Program try various types of writing guides.

Begin page 6.

Highlights of 2011 Accomplishments

Consumer Training for Employment and Independence (continued)

Photo: At an Employment Readiness Seminar, a guest speaker provides information to MCB clients regarding their upcoming job search and interviews.

• During four day-long Employment Readiness Seminars held in conjunction with the Mini Adjustment Programs, a total of 43 consumers participated in mock
interviews and learned about conducting a job search, Michigan Works!, the Michigan Talent Bank, interview preparation, resume development, Social Security
benefits and work incentives, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as it relates to employment.

• MCB’s projects with the Area Agencies on Aging and the Michigan Office of Services to the Aging have provided an additional five locations where seniors
can obtain technology training funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). These projects provide seniors with opportunities to learn
basic computer skills and screen reader and screen magnification software for the blind.

Begin page 7.

Highlights of 2011 Accomplishments

Providing Opportunities for Blind Youth

• MCB, in collaboration with various intermediate school districts and other community organizations, continued to provide transition opportunities, this
year for 115 blind and visually impaired youth. Through this collaboration, eight summer transition opportunities were strategically located in various
areas of the state. Youths received training in skills of blindness, pre-employment assessments, resume writing, and job shadowing. Some also received
actual work experience. Among these were the Business Enterprise Program Summer Work Opportunity Program, which is continuing to make work opportunities
available in the food service industry to youth ages 15-22.

• One MCB summer youth program held for the first time in 2011 was the Transition Zone camp program, a four-day summer camp experience in collaboration
with Camp Daggett in Petoskey. The program included wall climbing and a high-rope course as a means of teaching the team-building skills needed in employment
and social settings. The camp was both popular and successful, according to participant evaluations, and plans are under way for Transition Zone 2012.

• MCB’s collaboration with Detroit Public Schools and Michigan Works! provided paid work experience for 17 transition students. This joint effort has continued
for several years as the result of MCB staff collaboration with Michigan Works!

Photo: Students with white canes walk in the woods with camp counselors during MCB Transition Zone Camp 2011. The camp experience included activities designed
to build self-confidence, job-seeking skills, and the values and work ethic that employers expect.

Begin page 8.

Highlights of 2011 Accomplishments

Serving Michigan Veterans

• The Michigan Commission for the Blind agreement with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Michigan Rehabilitation Services has helped to develop
an effective process that has improved services to veterans. During the past year, MCB has met with the VA in one of their orientation and training seminars,
where MCB was able to expand upon the types of services for veterans, especially those with combat-related disabilities.

Developing Employment Opportunities for Consumers

• MCB’s Client Internship Program successfully provided paid work experience to 37 consumers in a variety of state and local government agencies and organizations.
As a result of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funding, individuals who were nearing the conclusion of their rehabilitation program were
able to participate in this internship program. The work experience gained by these individuals will enable them to seek employment in their chosen field
with current experience on their resumes. At the conclusion of their internships, four of the interns received employment with the State of Michigan, and
seven received permanent employment in the private sector.

• MCB’s Futuristic Team focused on connecting with the employer community. As a result, MCB established techniques to be a single point of contact for multiple
state employers. MCB has worked with community partners to identify future employment trends to share with consumers in the areas of agriculture, energy,
health care, information technology, and manufacturing.

Photo: MCB Client Intern Christine Movalson staffs the MCB information table at the Sparrow Hospital Community Resource Fair in Lansing, providing information
on how health care professionals can refer their legally blind patients to MCB for training and other services. During her internship, she worked as a
communications assistant at the MCB Central Office in Lansing.

Begin page 9.

Highlights of 2011 Accomplishments

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

• The Business Enterprise Program (BEP) commenced two BEP Manager Training classes, preparing participating blind citizens to become independent BEP entrepreneurs
in the food service industry. The June class of three individuals concluded in October, and one person is already at work operating a BEP facility. The
second class commenced in late September. Those students became ready to assume responsibility for a food service business in mid-February 2012.

• Among the eight summer programs for youth offered by MCB in 2011, one was the Business Enterprise Program Summer Work Opportunity Program, in which a
growing number of BEP entrepreneurs across the state — 15 this year — offered to provide paid work experience in the food service industry.

• Using available ARRA funding, BEP supported the attendance of 11 current and active operators at the September 2011 Business Leadership and Superior Training
(BLAST) in Nashville, Tennessee. BLAST is a high-quality, high-energy training experience and a tremendous opportunity to network with operators and Elected
Committee members in other states, other State Licensing Agencies, and nationally recognized vendors and purveyors.

• BEP initiated several remodeling projects during FY 2011 to provide services in an updated and more appealing environment. As soon as approval of the
county Board of Commissioners is given, the Ingham County Human Services snack bar in Lansing will undergo a modest remodel. Late-year planning came to
fruition, and construction of a modern café facility in the Secretary of State building has commenced. This new café will include state-of-the-art equipment.
The ambiance is designed to reflect Michigan’s winter-water wonderland as employees seek an opportunity to briefly rest and refresh. The program looks
forward in 2012 to continued talks with the Michigan Department of Human Services in anticipation of renovation and enlargement of the existing facility
in Lansing.

• The BEP’s 81 blind entrepreneurs hired and paid employees, paid sales tax, purchased products from Michigan producers and suppliers, paid personal income
taxes, and purchased goods and services for their families, all supporting the state’s economy during FY 2011.

Begin page 10.

Highlights of 2011 Accomplishments

Providing Services of the MCB Braille and Talking Book Library

Photo: Shelves full of digital books at the MCB Braille and Talking Book Library.

• At the close of FY 2011, the MCB Braille and Talking Book Library was providing direct service to 3,955 Michigan residents in 53 counties and supplemental
services to another 6,900 residents of the remaining counties (excluding Wayne County). Ninety-four percent of BTBL patrons are now in possession of the
NLS (Library of Congress, National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped) digital player, primarily due to the efforts of two ARRA-funded
interns who worked at the library in FY 2010 and 2011.

• During FY 2011, the library circulated 3,442 Braille volumes, 131,327 digital books, and 104,191 cassette books. There are 7,386 digital titles available
for shipping from BTBL and more than 23,500 titles available for download through BARD (Braille and Audio Reading Download). At the close of FY 2011, 15
percent of BTBL patrons were downloading books as an alternative to US mail delivery.

Begin page 11.

Highlights of 2011 Accomplishments

Providing Services of the MCB Braille and Talking Book Library (continued)

Photo: A volunteer narrator records a book in the recording studio at the MCB Braille and Talking Book Library.

• The first two titles to be produced in digital format through BTBL’s volunteer narration program became available in 2011: The Lost Tiki Palaces of Detroit,
by Michael Zadoorian (DBL8262), and Al Kaline: The Biography of a Tigers Icon, by Jim Hawkins (DBL8265). Another digital milestone was the production of
Michigan History Magazine, which is being circulated to over 300 Michigan subscribers.

Photo: Digital player, book, and mailing case.

• Libraries Without Walls, BTBL’s biennial consumer conference, was held June 8, 2011, with 130 in attendance. Keynote speaker Dr. Norman R. Coombs discussed
the future of downloadable books. Participants chose up to three workshops from a selection of 10 offerings. Exhibitors were on hand to demonstrate accessible
technologies throughout the day.

Begin page 12.

Highlights of 2011 Accomplishments

Improving the MCB Training Center Building and Curriculum

Photo: Packing up the industrial arts room before the renovation.

• From December 2010 to February 2012, the MCB Training Center underwent a major renovation, thanks to a generous gift of $750,000 from an anonymous Kalamazoo
donor, matched by $2.8 million in federal funds and additional MCB funding. These funds were designated for the establishment of a technology center within
the MCB Training Center and for renovating the rooms to have private rather than shared bathrooms. In addition, a $750,000 grant was secured through the
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) for the installation of an energy-efficient heating and cooling system. The newly renovated MCB Training
Center opened its doors to students in March 2012.

Photo: A worker prepares underground pipe for installation.

Begin page 13.

Highlights of 2011 Accomplishments

Improving the MCB Training Center Building and Curriculum (continued)

• The Training Center has developed a completely new curriculum for its Vocational Exploration Career Planning (VECP) class, which matches the students’
skills, aptitudes, interests, and informed choice with a potential career. The class, formerly known as the Jobs Class/World of Work Class, is now part
of the core curriculum for all vocational rehabilitation consumers attending the center. Every vocational rehabilitation consumer who completes the VECP
class will leave with a clearer idea of his or her vocational goal, a plan to reach this goal, a personal data sheet, a networking contact list, a professional
resume, samples of cover letters and thank you letters, effective interviewing skills, information about resources to use for job searches, effective job
search methods, information regarding disclosing a disability, and information about the ADA and how to request a reasonable accommodation.

• During FY 2011, the MCB Training Center expanded opportunities for students to participate in volunteer work in the community. These volunteer activities
have included preparing mailings, sorting and folding clothes, assisting day care staff, doing maintenance and janitorial work, preparing and serving lunches
at a homeless shelter, and more. Through these activities, MCB Training Center students have educated the Kalamazoo community about the capabilities of
people who are blind or visually impaired, and the students have developed future employment skills and gained work experience.

• The MCB Training Center again set aside a two-week block in June that was dedicated to the provision of college assessments. During this time, 23 young
people traveled to Kalamazoo and completed a series of exercises designed to assist them and their vocational rehabilitation counselors in determining
whether the pursuit of a college degree would assist them in reaching their employment goals. An additional 20 individuals completed their college assessments
at various other times throughout FY 2011, for a total of 43 college assessments this year.

Begin page 14.

Highlights of 2011 Accomplishments

Staff Training to Improve Consumer Services

• Training activities for MCB staff this past year specifically related to rehabilitation included attendance at the Michigan Rehabilitation Conference
(the largest vocational rehabilitation conference in the state), the annual MAER (Michigan Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and
Visually Impaired) conference, a program focusing on working with ex-offenders who are blind presented by the Region 5 TACE (Technical Assistance and Continuing
Education) Center, the annual conventions of Michigan’s two largest consumer organizations (Michigan Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired, and National
Federation of the Blind of Michigan), and numerous other smaller training opportunities identified by staff.

• Ten new MCB employees received two weeks of training in skills of blindness under sleep shades at the MCB Training Center as part of their new employee
orientation. The purpose of this training, which is required of all new staff, is to promote a heightened understanding of the challenges consumers face
and how acquiring the skills of blindness can pave the way toward independent, full participation in society.

• In December 2010, a program titled “Culture and Race in Rehabilitation Services” was presented to about 30 MCB employees by Dr. John Lee, the coordinator
of the Multi-Ethnic Counseling Center Alliance at Michigan State University. According to all participants, it was an excellent program. One of the attendees,
J.J. Jackson, a former MCB Commissioner who had previously worked as an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) coordinator for a national corporation, said
this diversity program was the best he had ever attended.

• The MCB Safety Team has been involved in a variety of activities designed to make MCB locations safer for all consumers, employees, and visitors. Safety
monitors have been identified in all offices, and training has been provided to monitors on safety issues and evacuation procedures. Online training from
the Department of Homeland Security has been made available to all staff to increase their awareness of potential security threats to consumers, staff,
and visitors in the workplace. Approximately 30 MCB employees participated in a driving safety program offered by the Michigan State Police (MSP), including
a three-hour lecture on various safety matters and an optional hands-on experience driving the obstacle course at the MSP Training Academy.

Begin page 15.

Highlights of 2011 Accomplishments

Outreach to Potential Consumers and Employers

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

• MCB continues to partner with the Michigan Optometric Association (MOA), the Michigan Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons (MiSEPS), and individual
eye doctors and other eye care professionals to ensure that their patients facing vision loss are aware of MCB services. Activities include hosting MCB
information booths at professional conventions, guest columns in professional publications, and the director’s annual presentation to senior students at
the Michigan College of Optometry at Ferris State University.

• Signature guides with the MCB toll-free phone number and website are being distributed on a continuing basis to Michigan Secretary of State offices, to
be given to citizens who are blind or visually impaired requesting state identification cards. The guides are also available to other organizations and
individuals upon request for distribution to potential MCB clients.

• In September 2011, MCB produced an employer testimonial radio spot featuring Jim Stelter, CEO of Vanerum-Stelter, who said of the MCB client he hired,
“Because we focused on her abilities, we got the best person for the job. If you haven’t considered candidates who are blind or visually impaired, think
what you might be missing.” The spot aired on WJR radio Detroit and all Michigan Public Radio stations during October 2011.

• On a continuing basis, MCB staff at offices throughout the state host information tables and make presentations at health fairs, disability-related events,
school district educational events for staff and parents, and community resource fairs. Through these events, individuals who are blind or visually impaired
learn directly or through others about MCB services that can help them to reach their goals for independence and employment. As one example, in August
2011, staff at the Escanaba field office collaborated with the Hannahville Tribe, Michigan Rehabilitation Services, the local Center for Independent Living,
and Veterans Administration Vocational Rehabilitation to staff a booth at the Upper Peninsula State Fair, focusing on services for people with disabilities.
Approximately 60,000 people visited the fair, and those visiting the MCB booth included new consumers requesting services, community partners, people inquiring
about volunteer opportunities, and individuals with low-vision equipment to donate.

Begin page 16.

Photo: Escanaba MCB Rehabilitation Teacher Ed Haines helps host an information booth at the U.P. State Fair. This was the first time MCB has hosted a booth
at this annual event.

(MCB logo)

Begin page 17.

Michigan Commission for the Blind

2011 Achievement Honor Roll Award Recipients

Photo: On October 21, MCB presented its 2011 Achievement Honor Roll Awards to 10 consumers, community partners, and employers. The award presentation was
followed by a luncheon in honor of the award recipients and their achievements. These awards are presented annually to 1) MCB clients 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. These are the 2011 MCB Achievement Honor Roll Award recipients:

Begin page 18.

MCB Clients

(individuals who are blind or visually impaired)

Photo: Scott Davert (center), his mother (left), and Cindy Caldwell (right)

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.”

Begin page 19.

MCB Clients

(individuals who are blind or visually impaired)

Photo: Dr. Gena Harrison

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.”

Begin page 20.

MCB Clients

(individuals who are blind or visually impaired)

Photo: Lisa Powells

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 Program
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.”

Begin page 21.

MCB Clients

(individuals who are blind or visually impaired)

Photo: Quiana Willis (center), her husband, and Phyllis Njoroge

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.”

Begin page 22.

MCB Clients

(individuals who are blind or visually impaired)

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.”

Begin page 23.

Employers

Photo: Susan Cloutier-Myers (left) and Michelle Visscher

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.

Begin page 24

Employers

Photo: Krystal St. John and Julie Clark

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.”

Begin page 25.

Employers

Photo: Doug Williams and Gwen McNeal

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.

Begin page 26.

Community Partners

Photo: Dan Furton and Sara Lajavic

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!’”

Begin page 27.

Community Partners

Photo: Gerry Niedermaier & Christine Pada

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.”

The Michigan Commission for the Blind congratulates all of the 2011 Achievement Honor Roll Award recipients.

For more information about the Michigan Commission for the Blind and its programs and services, contact:

Michigan Commission for the Blind (Central Administrative Office)

Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA)

P.O. Box 30652, 201 N. Washington Square, Lansing, MI 48909

Fax: 517-335-5140 Toll free: 1-800-292-4200; TTY: 1-888-864-1212

www.michigan.gov/mcb

This publication is available online in PDF and Microsoft Word formats at
www.michigan.gov/mcb,
and additional formats are available upon request. MCB/LARA is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids, services, alternative formats, and
other reasonable accommodations are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.