[nfbmi-talk] Fw: how's this going for blind in mi?

Wed May 27 14:19:49 UTC 2015

----- Original Message ----- 
From: joe harcz Comcast 
To: eleanor canter 
Cc: Darma Canter ; BRIAN SABOURIN ; David Robinson NFB MI ; terry Eagle ; Mark Eagle ; Timothy Beatty RSA 
Sent: Wednesday, May 27, 2015 8:13 AM
Subject: how's this going for blind in mi?

Not very well and certainly no one is accountable for implementing this for we who are blind....

MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT (MOA)

Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Services for Blind Persons (BSBP)

& 

Disability Network/Michigan (DN/M)

GENERAL PURPOSE:

In the spirit of offering services to enhance the independence of individuals with disabilities who are blind and visually impaired, BSBP and DN/M agree to work cooperatively to facilitate access to high-quality independent living services. 

Both BSBP and the DN/M commit to upholding and promoting the values and principles contained in the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. BSBP and the DN/M will meet all required obligations and responsibilities as provided in applicable federal and/or state laws and regulations. 

This MOA represents the cooperation, coordination, and collaboration necessary to create an effective service delivery partnership designed to increase employment and independent living opportunities for those served by both our programs.

ROLE OF EACH PARTY

Bureau of Services to Blind Persons

The mission of BSBP is to provide individuals who are blind or visually impaired the opportunity to achieve employment and independence.  We believe in the capacity of each blind person to achieve excellence, to be productive, independent and to be involved in the community.  We value each person as an individual and believe that everyone has a right to be treated with dignity and respect.  We value activities that include, empower and enable individuals to make their own choices. 

Disability Network/Michigan

The role of the DN/M is to promote a philosophy of independent living, including a philosophy of consumer control, peer support, self-help, self-determination, equal access, and individual and system advocacy, in order to maximize the leadership, empowerment, independence, and productivity of individuals with disabilities, and the integration and full inclusion of individuals with disabilities into the mainstream of American society. (Title VII, Part A, Section 701 of Rehabilitation Act). DN/M’s Centers for Independent Living (CIL) receive federal and state funding to provide core independent living services, pursuant to the Rehabilitation Act, that support a person’s desires for self-sufficiency.

BSBP agrees to:

1.      Collaborate with the DN/M member CIL’s to ensure that services are available to blind and visually impaired consumers. 

2.       Provide in-kind contributions, including office space, as part of collaborative initiatives 

3.      Share with DN/M member CILs initiatives, programs and services created for individuals with visual impairments, i.e. participation at BSBPTC, mini adjustments, VHS, support groups etc.

4.      Designate Leamon Jones as the primary BSBP staff person assigned for coordination of this MOA.  

5.      Provide referrals to the DN/M member CILs to provide technical assistance and support for older blind and visually impaired individuals.

6.      Include the DN/M in BSBP sponsored workshops, trainings/meetings for the purposes of enhancing services to individuals with visual impairments.

7.      Provide DN/M with referrals for people who need IL services and supports not offered through the BSBP.

8.      Include DN/M as a partner in verbal and written presentations, including publications, testimonials, speeches, presentations and discussions in meetings related to IL services with external parties.

DN/M agrees to:

1.      Ensure core IL services are available for all individuals with disabilities, including people who are blind or have visual impairments.

2.      Designate a staff individual to be the primary contact with BSBP and for coordination of services and supports. (See Addendum)

3.      Make an effort to participate in BSBP sponsored workgroups, training/meetings for the purposes of enhancing services to individuals with visual impairments

4.      Ensure all DN/M produced pamphlets, brochures and training materials are accessible to individuals who are blind or have visual impairments, including DN/M website.

5.      Provide BSBP with referrals for individuals seeking employment services and/or people needing services under the Older Blind Program. 

6.      Include BSBP as a partner in verbal and written presentations, including publications, testimonials, speeches, presentations and discussions in meetings related to IL services with external parties.            

This agreement does not in itself authorize the expenditure or reimbursement of any funds. Nothing in this agreement shall obligate to expend monies, or enter into any contract or other obligation.

This MOA is effective _____start date____until DN/M and BSBP agree to modify or terminate it.  The MOA may be modified in writing by mutual consent of both parties at any time.

The MOA may be terminated by either party, with 30-days written notice to the other party.  

SIGNATURES:

Sara Grivetti, CEO Disability Network of Michigan (DN/M)

Leamon Jones, Consumer Services Director, Bureau of Services for Blind Persons (BSBP)

Ed Rodgers II, Director, Bureau of Services for Blind Persons (BSBP)

Addendum: Michigan CILs

BSBP Offices

      Leamon Jones, Director of Consumer Services
     Elizabeth White, Central Regional Manager

      Lansing Office
     Gwen McNeal, East Regional Manager 

      Wilda Haney, Assist. Manager

      Detroit Office

      201 N. Washington Sq. 2nd Floor P.O. Box 30652
     201 N. Washington Sq. 2nd floor, P.O. Box 30652
     3038 W. Grand Blvd., Suite 4-450 Cadillac Place

      Lansing, MI  48909
     Lansing, MI  48909
     Detroit, MI  48202-6038

      (517) 373-2062
     (517) 373-6425
     (313) 456-1646

      (517) 335-5140 (Fax)
     (517) 335-0254 (Fax)
     (313) 456-1645 (Fax)

      Jonesl2 at michigan.gov
     Whitee2 at michigan.gov
     McNealg at michigan.gov

      Kalamazoo Office
     Flint Office
     Grand Rapids Office

      Lisa Kisiel, West Regional Manager
     Debbie Wilson, Central Region Assistant Manager
     Shannon McVoy – West Region Assistant Manager

      1541 Oakland Drive
     Flint State Office Bldg.
     State Office Bldg.

      Kalamazoo, MI  48008
     125 E. Union, 7th Floor
     350 Ottawa Ave., N. W.

      (269) 337-3875
     Flint, MI  48502
     Grand Rapids, MI  49503

      (269) 337-3872 (Fax)
     (810) 760-2030
     (616) 356-0180

      kisiell at michigan.gov
     (810) 760-2032 (Fax)
     (616) 356-0199 (Fax)

     Wilsond9 at michigan.gov
     McVoys at michigan.gov

      Saginaw Office
     Gaylord Office
     Escanaba Office

      Jerome T. Hart Bldg.
     209 W. First St. Ste. 102
     State Office Bldg.

      411 E. Genesee
     Gaylord, MI  48735
     305 Ludington

      Saginaw, MI  48607
     (989) 732-2448
     Escanaba, MI  49829

      (989) 758-1765
     (989) 731-3587 (Fax)
     (906) 786-8602

      (989) 758-1405

     (906) 786-4638 (Fax)

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