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

Terry D. Eagle terrydeagle at yahoo.com
Wed May 27 18:56:10 UTC 2015


The below quoted information is such that it should evoke a smile from every
Michigan blind citizen who believes in and hopes to attain independence in
society, especially if under age 55, and seeking training and employment
placement services through BS4BP.  Unfortunately, these statements are
laughable, as otherwise they will evoke weeping for the lack of the TRUTH,
unless one considers a connection a person has with BS4BP through family,
friend, intimate relationship, or sell-out with BS4BP.  

I view these statements the same way social media posts are viewed by
prospective employers, who see the internet social media good and goofy to
obscene posts of applicants and potential future employees; the folly of
posting of both the good and ugly leads to an undesired result that the ugly
posts are that which catch the attention, are noted and remembered, and
result in an undesired result for the poster of such goofiness.  It is my
hope that the following statements will be shown in the appropriate civil
and criminal forums to be FALSE, and the creators and babblers of such FALSE
STATEMENTS shall meet with a much deserved undesired result than that
intended by those who publish such UNTRUTHS.




[quote]  
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. 

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.
[end quote]

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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