[nfbmi-talk] {Spam?} cap rsa 227 report
joe harcz Comcast
joeharcz at comcast.net
Wed Feb 26 13:03:50 UTC 2014
FORM RSA-227 OMB NO. 1820- 0528
EXPIRES:
ANNUAL CLIENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (CAP) REPORT
Fiscal Year 2013
DESIGNATED AGENCY IDENTIFICATION
Name: Michigan Protection & Advocacy Service, Inc
Address:4095 Legacy Parkway, Suite 500, Lansing, MI 48911
E-mail Address (if applicable): bsabour at mpas.org
Website Address (if applicable): www.mpas.org
Phone: 517.487.1755
TTY: 517.487.1755
Toll-free Phone: 800.288.5923
Toll-free TTY: 800.288.5923
Fax: 517.487-0827
OPERATING AGENCY (IF DIFERENT FROM DESIGNATED AGENCY)
Name:
Address:
E-mail Address (if applicable):
Website Address (if applicable):
Phone: ( )
TTY: ( )
Toll-free Phone: ( )
Toll-free TTY: ( )
Fax: ( )
Name of CAP Director/Coordinator: Brian Sabourin
Person to contact regarding report: Brian Sabourin
Contact Person's phone: 517.487.1755
PART I. AGENCY WORKLOAD DATA
A. Information and Referral Services (I&R): (Multiple responses are not permitted.)
1. Information regarding the Rehabilitation Act
198
2. Information regarding Title I of the ADA
4
3. Other information provided
47
4. Total I&R services provided (Lines A1+A2+A3)
249
5. Individuals attending trainings by CAP staff (approximate)
175
B. Individuals served (An individual is counted only once during a fiscal year. Multiple counts are not permitted for Lines B1-B3.)
1. Individuals who are still being served as of October 1 (carryover from prior year)
35
2. Additional individuals who were served during the year
102
3. Total individuals served (Lines B1+B2)
137
4. Individuals (from Line B3) who had multiple case files opened/closed this year. (In unusual situations, an individual may have more than one case file opened/closed during a fiscal year. This number is not added to the total in Line B3 above.)
3
PART I. AGENCY WORKLOAD DATA (continued)
C. Individual still being served as of September 30 (Carryover to next year) (This total may not exceed Line I.B3.)
32
D. Reasons for closing individuals’ case files (Choose one primary reason for closing each case file. There may be more case files than the total number of individuals served to account for those unusual situations, referred to in Line I.B4, when an individual had multiple case files closed during the year.)
1. All issues resolved in individual’s favor
52
2. Some issues resolved in individual’s favor (when there are multiple issues)
9
3. CAP determines VR agency position/decision was appropriate for the individual
26
4. Individual’s case lacks legal merit; (inappropriate for CAP intervention)
2
5. Individual chose alternative representation
0
6. Individual decided not to pursue resolution
13
7. Appeals were unsuccessful
2
8. CAP services not needed due to individual’s death, relocation, etc.
0
9. Individual refused to cooperate with CAP
5
10. CAP unable to take case due to lack of resources
0
11. Other:
0
E. Results achieved for individuals (Choose one primary outcome for each closed case file. As stated in Section D, there may be more case files than the total number of individuals served.)
1. Controlling law/policy explained to individual
41
2. Application for services completed
3
3. Eligibility determination expedited
6
4. Individual participated in evaluation
2
5. IPE developed/implemented
10
6. Communication re-established between individual and other party
31
7. Individual assigned to new counselor/office
14
8. Alternative resources identified for individual
1
9. ADA/504/EEO/OCR complaint made
0
10. Other:
1
PART II. PROGRAM DATA
A. Age (As of the beginning of the fiscal year.) (Multiple responses not permitted.)
1. 21 and under
7
2. 22 – 40
38
3. 41 – 64
89
4. 65 and over
3
5. Total (Sum of Lines A1 through A4. Total must equal Line I. B3.)
137
B. Gender (Multiple responses not permitted.)
1. Females
69
2. Males
68
3. Total (Lines B1+B2. Total must equal Line I.B3.)
137
C. Race/ethnicity
1. Hispanic/Latino of any race
3
For individuals who are non-Hispanic/Latino only
2. American Indian or Alaskan Native
1
3. Asian
2
4. Black or African American
73
5. Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
0
6. White
55
7. Two or more races
0
7. Race/ethnicity unknown
3
D. Primary disabling condition of individuals served (Multiple responses not permitted.)
1. Blindness (both eyes)
5
2. Other visual impairments
6
3. Deafness
3
4. Hard of hearing
3
5. Deaf-blind
0
6. Orthopedic impairments
25
7. Absence of extremities
0
8. Mental illness
53
9. Substance abuse (alcohol or drugs)
13
10. Mental retardation
2
11. Specific learning disabilities (SLD)
12
12. Neurological disorders
8
13. Respiratory disorders
1
14. Heart and other circulatory conditions
1
15. Digestive disorders
0
16. Genitourinary conditions
0
17. Speech impairments
1
18. AIDS/HIV positive
1
19. Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
3
20. All other disabilities
0
21. Disabilities not known
0
22. Total (Sum of Lines D1 through D21. Total must equal Line I. B3.)
137
E. Types of individuals served (Multiple responses permitted.)
1. Applicants of VR Program 20
2. Clients of VR Program
116
3. Applicants or clients of IL Program
0
4. Applicants or clients of other programs and projects funded under the Act
1
F. Source of individual’s concern (Multiple responses permitted.)
1. VR agency only 125
2. Other Rehabilitation Act sources only
0
3. Both VR agency and other Rehabilitation Act sources
12
4. Employer
0
PART II. PROGRAM DATA (continued)
G. Problem areas (Multiple responses permitted.)
1. Individual requests information
1
2. Communication problems between individual and counselor
49
3. Conflict about services to be provided
57
4. Related to application/eligibility process
22
5. Related to IPE development/implementation
10
6. Other Rehabilitation Act-related problems
0
7. Non-Rehabilitation Act related
0
8. Related to Title I of the ADA 0
H. Types of CAP services provided (Choose one primary service CAP provided for each closed case file. As stated above, there may be more case files than actual individuals served.)
1. Information/referral 43
2. Advisory/interpretational
9
3. Negotiation
52
4. Administrative/informal review
4
5. Alternative dispute resolution
1
6. Formal appeal/fair hearing
0
7. Legal remedy
0
8. Transportation
0
PART III. NARRATIVE (Attach separate sheet(s).) Refer to pages 16-19 of the instructions for guidelines on the contents of the narrative.
Within 90 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this report, mail one copy of this report to the RSA Regional Office and one copy to the RSA Central Office specified in the instructions.
Signature and title of designated agency official Date
Paperwork Burden Statement: According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this information collection is 1820-0528. The time required to complete this information collection is estimated to average 6.25 hours per response, including the time to review instructions, search existing data resources, gather the data needed, and complete and review the information collection. If you have any comments concerning the accuracy of the time estimate or suggestions for improving this form, please write to: U.S. Department of Education, Washington, DC 20202-2703. If you have comments or concerns regarding the status of your individual submission of this form, write directly to: OSERS/RSA, U.S. Department of Education, 550 12th, Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20202-2703.
PART III. NARRATIVE (Attach separate sheets.)
a. Type of agency used to administer CAP:
1) external -- P&A;
b. Sources of funds expended:
Source of funding
Total expenditures spent on individuals
Federal funds
238,830
State funds
0
All other funds (carryover)
43,951
Total from all sources
282,781
c. Budget for current and following fiscal years:
Category
Current Fiscal Year
Next Fiscal Year
Wages & Salaries
177,000
170,922
Fringe Benefits (FICA, unemployment, etc.)
73,200
67,172
Materials/Supplies
5,000
6,570
Postage
3,000
3,000
Telephone
2,000
2,000
Rent
24,000
24,003
Travel
10,000
7,155
Printing
1,000
1,750
Bonding/Insurance
5,500
6,030
Equipment Rental/Purchase
11,000
21,870
Legal Services
2,000
5,000
Indirect Costs
31,684
31,863
Miscellaneous
0
0
Total Budget
345,384
347,335
d. Number of person-years:
Type of position
Full-time equivalent
% of year position filled
Person-years
Professional
Full-time
2.9
100%
6
Part-time
Vacant
Clerical
Full-time
.40
100%
1
Part-time
Vacant
e. Summary of presentations made:
The Client Assistance Program (CAP) had the potential of reaching over 4,250 individuals this reporting period by writing articles for the Exchange (MPAS Newsletter) 2013 Winter Edition. This newsletter is distributed to consumers, professionals and other agencies throughout Michigan. It is also available via the MPAS website.
This edition of the Exchange included articles on:
· MPAS goes Public on Maggots Found in Michigan Nursing Home Residents' Trachea and Catheter
· Successes in Fully Integrated Community Employment for People with Disabilities
· Applying for State Vocational Rehabilitation Services
· The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission: a Guide to Filing a Charge in Michigan
· When will MPAS Represent Me?
· Understanding your Individualized Plan for Employment
· MPAS Helps Client Eliminate $20,000 in Disability Overpayments
· Services for Students with Disabilities Transitioning into Adulthood
· New Representative Payee Program Reveals Poor Record Keeping and Fraud
· Ask the Advocate: I have a letter from Social Security saying they paid me too much SSDI. What do I do now?
The Employment Team Director staffed an exhibit booth at the annual Re:Con Conference. All MPAS brochures and publications were made available to conference attendees.
MPAS continues to provide all Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS) and the Bureau of Services for Blind Persons (BSBP) offices, as well as the Centers for Independent Living (CIL) with CAP brochures to give to individuals they serve. The agency brochure, which mentions CAP, is also provided upon request. MPAS provided 9,952 brochures to the agencies listed above, and to anyone requesting CAP and other agency brochures.
f. Involvement with advisory boards:
Employment Team Director, Brian Sabourin, represents CAP on the Michigan Council for Rehabilitation Services (MCRS) and currently holds the position of Vice-Chairman. The MCRS is a consumer driven, governor appointed, statewide organization as mandated in the federal legislation, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. The general mission of the council is to be the voice for people with all types of disabilities in Michigan seeking or being provided services by MRS or BSBP. The council provides advocacy and advise, on how effective their policies, programs, and services are in meeting the needs and desires of persons with disabilities.
CAP continues to attend the Statewide Independent Living Council meetings. The council promotes a philosophy of independent living and the integration and full inclusion of people with disabilities into their community. The Council is composed of members that represent a broad range of individuals with disabilities from diverse backgrounds, and are knowledgeable about independent living services. Although CAP does not hold a seat on the council, we are able to provide advocacy and advisory information concerning the services the council and the CIL network provide.
g. Outreach to unserved/underserved populations:
Elham Jahshan, CAP advocate, who is proficient in English, Arabic, and Hebrew, is a member of the Bureau of Services for Blind Persons. Ms. Jahshan is a member of the committee to provide consultation with bureau staff members on how to better engage their Arab American customers.
MPAS participated in two Project Homeless Connect events during this reporting period in both Bay and Wayne County. These events are attended by individuals who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, as well as other professionals from human service agencies throughout the counties.
One of the goals of the Employment Team this year was to provide information about MPAS services and activities, including CAP services to Centers for Independent Living. These presentations include information segments on the history of protection and advocacy and the structure of MPAS. Although the presentation includes all areas of the agency, there is a heavy emphasis on CAP since CAP can provide advocacy assistance to individuals having concerns with CILs.
The Employment Team completed outreach presentations to the following CIL’s during this past fiscal year:
• Blue Water CIL
• Disability Advocates of Kent Co.
• Disability Connections, Muskegon
• Disability Network, Southwest
• Mid-Michigan Disability Network, Midland
h. Alternative dispute resolutions:
One individual’s case went to alternative dispute resolution. All issues were resolved in individual's favor. The VR agency involved agreed to pay for both the requested class to prepare for the Michigan bar examination and to pay for the bar examination fee.
i. Systemic advocacy:
Throughout the year, CAP has worked on issues related to identifying and tracking problems within the vocational rehabilitation process. CAP identified numerous instances in which clients were having difficulties. These difficulties included, but were not limited to: counselors not returning calls or being available to clients; counselors not meeting required timelines; and counselors closing cases rather than transferring the client to another office. As a result of identifying these issues, data has been collected and recommendations for change will be addressed with the Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS).
j. Interesting cases:
[Case #1 – SR 1305272] - Systemic/Policy Making Issue
Individual contacted CAP with concerns regarding clothing and transportation her counselor and the site manager had agreed to purchase for her. CAP advocate assisted client in contacting MRS advocating that the client’s Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) be amended to include these services. After employment verification was received, MRS agreed to provide client with a clothing voucher and a bus pass.
[Case #2 – SR 1274164] - Systemic/Policy Making Issue
Individual had been working with MRS for a couple of years. Her former counselor encouraged her to sign up for driver’s education which she finished and was provided with a driver's license. Previous counselor also said as soon as she got her driver's license, MRS would consider assisting with obtaining a loan to purchase a van and to assist in purchasing the necessary modifications. Client’s case was then transferred to a new counselor who stated that MRS would not help with either the modifications or, assisting the client in getting a loan to purchase a van. The counselor said the client could use public transportation or rely on her parents who have an older modified van to drive her to school, doctors’ appointments and to her place of employment.
Speaking with the MRS district manager, CAP was informed that this case has not been handled correctly from the start and that she would be taking over the case. Over the course of several months working together with the client and the district manager, making sure the client completed any necessary assessments and provided all necessary information to the district manager, MRS agreed to the purchase and complete modifications to a new van for the client
[Case #3 SR1350017] - Systemic/Policy Making Issues:
Individual contacted MPAS to assist her with the denial of MRS to provide dental services and job placement services in preparation for her future employment. CAP advocate assisted the clients through the provision of the following services:
• Researched and provided client with copies of MRS Policy information pertaining to provision of the following MRS services: dental assistance, transportation assistance, college training assistance, and job placement assistance.
• Consulted with the MRS district manager and site manager to investigate the status of the services agreed upon in the Clients Individual Plan for Employment (IPE) and to address the issues and service delays resulting from the lack of communication with the client by her MRS counselor regarding these services.
As a result of the assistance of CAP, client signed her amended IPE to include dental services and job placement services upon graduation from college. Client’s dentist verified that MRS had fully authorized payment for all of the dental services requested, including the making and fitting of her dentures.
k. On-line information/outreach:
Although CAP does not have its own website, MPAS recently updated its website and electronic social media capacity to provide faster and more accurate information. Information regarding CAP is included on the agency’s new website. Since launching the new website in July of 2013, there have been 6797 visitors and the MPAS Facebook has accumulated 798 MPAS .
More information about the NFBMI-Talk
mailing list