[nfbmi-talk] Fw: more i can't connect questions

joe harcz Comcast joeharcz at comcast.net
Tue Nov 5 13:49:58 UTC 2013


----- Original Message ----- 
From: joe harcz Comcast 
To: Rodgers, Edward (LARA) 
Cc: nfbmi-talk at nfbnet.org ; Elmer Cerano MPAS ; BRIAN SABOURIN ; Christyne.Cavataio at ed.gov ; bsbpcommissioners at michigan.gov 
Sent: Tuesday, November 05, 2013 8:31 AM
Subject: more i can't connect questions


Nov.  5  2013 Rodgers We Can’t Connect

 

 

Paul Joseph Harcz, Jr.

joeharcz at comcast.net

 

To: Ed Rodgers, Director

Bureau of Services to Blind Persons (MI)

(via e-mail)

 

Dear Mr. Rodgers,

 

 

Your agency had the audacity of trying to charge Mr. Marcus Simmons in excess of $300 just to search for information related to what BSBP told RSA about what is commonly known as the “I Can Connect” program.

 

Yet, I found the following sent, of course to RSA in the belatedly released BSBP State Plan supplement:

 

“The bureau was instrumental in obtaining funds through the Federal Communications Commission to provide training and technology equipment for eligible deaf/blind individuals. The program is funded for two years. The participants will receive training in the use of the latest technology that enables them to be independent in their home and home environment. “

 

 

Moreover you have not even responded to my simple inquiry of you asking for two data elements about this program. Which was to simply tell me how many deaf-blind persons have been served under this program and how much was expended in actually deliverring services and equipment.

 

Moreover, you’ve stated over and over again in the public record at the NFB MI and to Mr. Simmons that BSBP has a contract with Perkins School for the Blind to “run” this program, but the above reference and other data shows that BSBP (formerly MCB) has the allocation from the Federal Communications Commission. Even as recently as yesterday Leemon Jones of BSBP at your behest contacted Mr. Simmons but has failed to remit this “infamous contract”.

 

 

Now, sir we are dealing with two Federall agencies here, RSA and FCC. The former in reporting the aforementioned segment from the State Plan and the latter being the allocator of Federal funds. False statements to either are as you know, being an officer of the court here could be construed as violations of the False Statements Act.

 

Now, sir you may think you can tell two different stories to blind folks and blithly deny through abuses of FOIA releasing public documents or even simple answers with supporting data, in accessible format of course. But, you cannot tell different stories to Federal agencies which fund BSBP.

 

So, I suggest forthwith that you answer the questions and supply the documents that both Mr. Simmons and I request and will continue to request about this vital program for the deaf-blind community here in Michigan.

 

Oh, in passing and of interest to RSA I am asking you this right now: Did BSBP use the FCC allocation for the purposes of “match” in order to secure additional Vocational Rehabilitation funds from RSA? In other words did BSBP count this as program income?

 

Sincerely,

 

Paul Joseph Harcz, Jr.

 

Cc: NFB MI

Cc: CAP/MPAS

Cc: RSA

Cc: several

 

 

 

 

 

 



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