<HTML xmlns="http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40" xmlns:v =
"urn:schemas-microsoft-com:vml" xmlns:o =
"urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" xmlns:w =
"urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:word" xmlns:m =
"http://schemas.microsoft.com/office/2004/12/omml"><HEAD>
<META content="text/html; charset=utf-8" http-equiv=Content-Type>
<META name=Generator content="Microsoft Word 15 (filtered medium)">
<STYLE>v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
w\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
.shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
</STYLE>
<STYLE><!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Wingdings;
panose-1:5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Arial Unicode MS";
panose-1:2 11 6 4 2 2 2 2 2 4;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Calibri Light";
panose-1:2 15 3 2 2 2 4 3 2 4;}
@font-face
{font-family:Calibri;
panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4;}
@font-face
{font-family:Tahoma;
panose-1:2 11 6 4 3 5 4 4 2 4;}
@font-face
{font-family:"\@Arial Unicode MS";
panose-1:2 11 6 4 2 2 2 2 2 4;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Monotype Corsiva";
panose-1:3 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Bodoni MT Black";}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;}
h1
{mso-style-priority:9;
mso-style-link:"Heading 1 Char";
margin-top:24.0pt;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:0in;
margin-left:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
line-height:115%;
page-break-after:avoid;
font-size:14.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;
color:#2E74B5;
font-weight:bold;}
p.MsoSubtitle, li.MsoSubtitle, div.MsoSubtitle
{mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-link:"Subtitle Char";
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;
margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;
color:#5B9BD5;
letter-spacing:.75pt;
font-style:italic;}
a:link, span.MsoHyperlink
{mso-style-priority:99;
color:#0563C1;
text-decoration:underline;}
a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed
{mso-style-priority:99;
color:#954F72;
text-decoration:underline;}
p.MsoPlainText, li.MsoPlainText, div.MsoPlainText
{mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-link:"Plain Text Char";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;}
p
{mso-style-priority:99;
mso-margin-top-alt:auto;
margin-right:0in;
mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
margin-left:0in;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;}
p.MsoNoSpacing, li.MsoNoSpacing, div.MsoNoSpacing
{mso-style-priority:1;
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;}
p.MsoListParagraph, li.MsoListParagraph, div.MsoListParagraph
{mso-style-priority:34;
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:0in;
margin-left:.5in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;}
p.msochpdefault, li.msochpdefault, div.msochpdefault
{mso-style-name:msochpdefault;
mso-margin-top-alt:auto;
margin-right:0in;
mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
margin-left:0in;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;}
span.emailstyle17
{mso-style-name:emailstyle17;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
color:windowtext;}
span.EmailStyle20
{mso-style-type:personal-reply;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
color:#1F497D;}
span.Heading1Char
{mso-style-name:"Heading 1 Char";
mso-style-priority:9;
mso-style-link:"Heading 1";
font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;
color:#2E74B5;
font-weight:bold;}
span.SubtitleChar
{mso-style-name:"Subtitle Char";
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-link:Subtitle;
font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;
color:#5B9BD5;
letter-spacing:.75pt;
font-style:italic;}
span.PlainTextChar
{mso-style-name:"Plain Text Char";
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-link:"Plain Text";
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;}
span.apple-converted-space
{mso-style-name:apple-converted-space;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
font-size:10.0pt;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
/* List Definitions */
@list l0
{mso-list-id:7800305;
mso-list-type:hybrid;
mso-list-template-ids:1597435436 67698689 67698691 67698693 67698689 67698691 67698693 67698689 67698691 67698693;}
@list l0:level1
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l0:level2
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:o;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:"Courier New";}
@list l0:level3
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Wingdings;}
@list l0:level4
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l0:level5
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:o;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:"Courier New";}
@list l0:level6
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Wingdings;}
@list l0:level7
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l0:level8
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:o;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:"Courier New";}
@list l0:level9
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Wingdings;}
@list l1
{mso-list-id:930822020;
mso-list-type:hybrid;
mso-list-template-ids:-105642600 67698703 67698713 67698715 67698703 67698713 67698715 67698703 67698713 67698715;}
@list l1:level1
{mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;}
@list l1:level2
{mso-level-number-format:alpha-lower;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;}
@list l1:level3
{mso-level-number-format:roman-lower;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:right;
text-indent:-9.0pt;}
@list l1:level4
{mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;}
@list l1:level5
{mso-level-number-format:alpha-lower;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;}
@list l1:level6
{mso-level-number-format:roman-lower;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:right;
text-indent:-9.0pt;}
@list l1:level7
{mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;}
@list l1:level8
{mso-level-number-format:alpha-lower;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;}
@list l1:level9
{mso-level-number-format:roman-lower;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:right;
text-indent:-9.0pt;}
@list l2
{mso-list-id:1180777740;
mso-list-type:hybrid;
mso-list-template-ids:-411539708 67698689 67698691 67698693 67698689 67698691 67698693 67698689 67698691 67698693;}
@list l2:level1
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l2:level2
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:o;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:"Courier New";}
@list l2:level3
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Wingdings;}
@list l2:level4
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l2:level5
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:o;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:"Courier New";}
@list l2:level6
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Wingdings;}
@list l2:level7
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Symbol;}
@list l2:level8
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:o;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:"Courier New";}
@list l2:level9
{mso-level-number-format:bullet;
mso-level-text:;
mso-level-tab-stop:none;
mso-level-number-position:left;
text-indent:-.25in;
font-family:Wingdings;}
ol
{margin-bottom:0in;}
ul
{margin-bottom:0in;}
--></STYLE>
</HEAD>
<BODY lang=EN-US dir=ltr link=#0563c1 vLink=#954f72>
<DIV dir=ltr>
<DIV style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri'; COLOR: #000000">
<DIV>Greetings to all!</DIV>
<DIV>My policy is to provide information that highlights education,motivation
and inspiration as we work together to make a difference!</DIV>
<DIV>Please read and share the following Commission Edition for May 2017.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>We care. We share. We grow. We make a difference<BR>Joe Ruffalo, President
<BR>National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey <BR>973 743
0075<BR>nfbnj1@verizon.net<BR><A
href="http://www.nfbnj.org">www.nfbnj.org</A></DIV>
<DIV>Your old car keys can be keys to literacy for the blind.<BR>Donate your
unwanted vehicle to us by clicking <BR>www.carshelpingtheblind.org <BR>or call
855 659 9314<BR></DIV>
<DIV
style='FONT-SIZE: small; TEXT-DECORATION: none; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri"; FONT-WEIGHT: normal; COLOR: #000000; FONT-STYLE: normal; DISPLAY: inline'>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt tahoma">
<DIV><FONT size=3 face=Calibri>****</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3 face=Calibri></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV style="BACKGROUND: #f5f5f5">
<DIV style="font-color: black"></DIV>
<DIV
style='FONT-SIZE: small; TEXT-DECORATION: none; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri"; FONT-WEIGHT: normal; COLOR: #000000; FONT-STYLE: normal; DISPLAY: inline'><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Bodoni MT Black",serif'>The Monthly
Newsletter of the NJ Commission for the Blind and Visually
Impaired<o:p></o:p></SPAN></DIV></DIV></DIV>
<DIV class=WordSection1>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 6pt; TEXT-ALIGN: center"
align=center><SPAN style='FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>May
2017 – Volume 5, No. 5</SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Monotype Corsiva"'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 9pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 9pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>Daniel B. Frye,
J.D.
Pamela Gaston<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 9pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>Executive
Director
Editor<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<H1 style="MARGIN-TOP: 12pt"><U><SPAN style="COLOR: windowtext">From the
Director’s Desk <o:p></o:p></SPAN></U></H1>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-TOP: 6pt"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>May, this year, is
another month of preparation and action at the New Jersey Commission for the
Blind and Visually Impaired (CBVI or Commission). Our initiatives are multiple
in nature and transcend all of our program disciplines. When viewed
cumulatively, no question should exist that CBVI’s administration is working
hard, with the support of our 300-plus team members, to deliver high-quality
services to our consumers, in relation to our traditional, transition-oriented,
summer programs as well as our other year-round services; to offer new training
to our staff; to prepare for new organizational infrastructure; to engage in
organizational self-evaluation; and to identify and hire new mid-level
leadership and front-line professionals to help CBVI achieve its
mission.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>For the second time,
CBVI’s Independent Living Unit hosted another five-day, intensive training
retreat for qualified consumers of our Independent Living—Older Blind program
from May 7-12. On Friday, May 12, I joined with our consumers and staff to
celebrate the successful completion of another week-long training program that
focused on teaching travel, literacy and other communication techniques, tasks
of daily living, and other social skills, all using nonvisual approaches or
low-vision strategies to facilitate self-sufficiency and independence. In the
ideal setting of the Breakers at Spring Lake, blind and vision impaired seniors,
ranging in age from 55 to 93, learned that living with blindness or vision loss
could be managed gracefully and with relative ease, after having acquired
knowledge of alternative techniques for functioning with no or limited vision.
During the concluding ceremonies, consumers spoke of the transformative impact
that this week of instruction has, and will continue to have, in their lives. To
be sure, more retreat stories will be shared elsewhere in this
issue.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>Similarly, May sees our
Blindness Education Department preparing for the 2017 Student Hands-On
Alternatives Re-enforcement Program (SHARP) for our younger consumers to occur
later this summer. We have fulfilled our enrollment goal of 90 students. Clearly
SHARP, in its third iteration this summer, is emerging as a popular and
effective program for providing critical blindness skills. Additionally, leaders
at the Joseph Kohn Training Center (JKTC), in concert with our Transition staff,
are wrapping up final details for another Life 101 program this summer for
consumers in grades nine and ten. Finally, our Transition and other CBVI staff,
in cooperation with our partners at The College of New Jersey, are putting the
last touches in place for this summer’s Work Skills Prep (WSP) program and the
College Preparation program.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>As noted in March’s
Director’s Desk column, Amanda Gerson, Coordinator of Vocational Rehabilitation
and Transition Services, is leading the delivery of a series of trainings,
collectively known as our VR-101 course. On Thursday, May 11, Amanda presented a
seminar on the new quarterly reporting protocols and 911 procedures mandated
under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) to our Vocational
Rehabilitation Counselors, supervisors, and managers. Further, in compliance
with WIOA requirements, The Technical Assistance Center (TAC) on Blindness and
Low-Vision at Mississippi State University will present to this same audience a
four-day training seminar, from June 5-8, on strategies for employer engagement,
a new customer focus now expected to be serviced by Vocational Rehabilitation
agencies throughout the country.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>In terms of new
organizational infrastructure, CBVI has developed our First-Point-of-Contact
form which will guide those receiving in-coming calls from Commission consumers
as to the necessary data that they should collect, and information that they
should share, with individuals reaching out to us for resources or services.
This method of uniform customer engagement with callers to the agency is a
representation of the distilled best practices taken from our Welcome and
Evaluation (WE) Team pilot that ended last fall. Consistent with this new
protocol, CBVI has improved our existing toll-free number so that consumers will
be routed, during business hours, to the appropriate Service Center to initiate
supports. Finally, in terms of systems change, our strong and committed team
involved with the Stage Two migration process from Libera’s System Seven case
management system to Alliance’s Aware case management system has concluded, at
the beginning of May, a three-month dialogue with both vendors that will help to
develop our Differences List between the two case management products and should
enable us to progress to the next steps of procuring and implementing the Aware
system. While introduction and training on the new Aware system remains some way
in the distance, the month of May has proven a milestone in that we’ve concluded
our first significant round of conversations with both organizations,
guaranteeing a seamless transition from one system to the other. Marking this
journey in stages, given its length, seems helpful as a means of keeping us all
attuned to the steady progress being made to introduce this new and considerably
more efficient system.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>At three year intervals
the Commission is required to conduct a Comprehensive Statewide Needs Assessment
(CSNA), under the review of the Federal Rehabilitation Services Administration
(RSA), U.S. Department of Education, the entity in the Federal government that
monitors the performance of Vocational Rehabilitation agencies. The CSNA is
undertaken to evaluate how the Commission could better serve its consumers
overall and to identify any constituencies among our diverse consumer base that
may be unserved or under-served. Accordingly, CBVI is, and has been, undertaking
measures to evaluate comprehensively the performance of the agency in a variety
of areas. The administration has initiated a number of discrete projects, all
calculated to help develop a detailed narrative picture of how we are doing and
where we might improve.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>As previously noted in
the <I>Commission Edition</I>, we have been taking a deep look at the structure
and delivery of our services offered at the Joseph Kohn Training Center (JKTC).
Toward this end, I am expecting to receive a White Paper by the end of June with
detailed recommendations for program improvement. Additionally, the Commission
has been working closely with its State Rehabilitation Council (SRC) and the
experts at the Eagleton Institute at Rutgers University to develop and circulate
a survey to evaluate the efficacy and accessibility of the Assistive Technology
services provided through our contracted vendor, Advancing Opportunities. May
will see our consumers being able to respond to this survey, offered on-line, by
phone, or via the mail, and we anticipate preliminary results and
recommendations to be shared with CBVI’s leadership in early June. Finally, we
have reached an agreement with San Diego State University, known for its
expertise in the implementation of WIOA because of its role as one of the
coalition partners in the Workforce Innovation Technical Assistance Center
(WINTAC), to visit us in early June for the purpose of helping us undertake
other federally required assessments, prerequisite to submitting our CSNA report
in late summer. During San Diego State’s on-site visit, selected staff will be
interviewed, our written policies and procedures will be examined, and the
university will help us prepare a narrative for sharing with our Federal
partners. Should you be introduced to our partners at San Diego State University
during their visit, please warmly welcome them to CBVI.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-TOP: 12pt"><I><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>Daniel B.
Frye<o:p></o:p></SPAN></I></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>Executive
Director<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoSubtitle><B><U><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; COLOR: windowtext'>Learning Lunch
Reminder: <o:p></o:p></SPAN></U></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>As previously noted,
during each of these monthly sessions, I will meet with five CBVI staff and a
member of our Executive Management Team to receive feedback or suggestions on
what the Commission might do that is new and exciting. Please indicate
your interest in being part of such an up and coming forum by sending an email
with the subject line “Learning Lunch” to my assistant, Melissa Brown, at
</SPAN><A href="mailto:Melissa.Brown2@dhs.state.nj.us"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>Melissa.Brown2@dhs.state.nj.us</SPAN></A><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'> <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 8pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>***************************************************************************************************************************************************************<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<H1 style="MARGIN-TOP: 0in"><U><SPAN style="COLOR: windowtext">Program
Administration – John C. Walsh, Chief<o:p></o:p></SPAN></U></H1>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN-TOP: 6pt"
align=center><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>Collaborative
Impact<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>I recently read an
article called “Collective Impact” which resonated with me, in that the concepts
presented in the article align with many of the aspirational change initiatives
at CBVI. The basic premise of the article is that in order to deal
with any of the complex issues facing our society, a collaborative approach by
service providers offers the most promise of finding effective holistic
strategies to address them as opposed to isolated, parallel interventions by
individual organizations. As a braided rope is stronger than single
strands used simultaneously but individually, a cross-sector coordination of
agencies’ services toward a common goal allow for a greater overall impact for
those we serve. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>The authors, John Kania
and Mark Kramer, developed a framework to facilitate collaborative impact, which
includes five key elements. Underlying the five elements is the premise that
societal problems are becoming increasingly complex and no single organization
possesses all the resources or knowledge-base to solve these problems. In
addition, with less financial resources, and more requirements for
accountability data that shows defined outcomes, organizations need to find ways
to work collaboratively toward common goals. Related to the work of CBVI,
we know that the high unemployment rates for individuals with disabilities can
be linked to numerous societal issues; including broad misperceptions about
blindness or other disabilities by the general public, which tends toward having
lower expectations around ability to successfully compete in academia and the
labor force; inconsistent access to affordable healthcare, perceived
disincentives to work for beneficiaries of Social Security benefits including
the fear of losing healthcare and a measure of minimal economic security; a
fragmented public transportation systems; and the broad issues faced by
individuals with limited financial resources who experience insecurity in
multiple life areas including stable housing, access to affordable medications,
and food insecurity. CBVI cannot address all these alone, but must rely on
connecting our consumers who are experiencing these difficulties to multiple
agencies, which is often difficult for our consumers to navigate.
Therefore, we are looking for better ways to address these needs that we believe
will ultimately assist in our primary goal, helping our consumers move to a
career.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>The five key elements
of the Collective Impact Framework are:<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoListParagraph
style="TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1"><I><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'><SPAN
style="mso-list: ignore">1.<SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></I><B><I><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>Common
Agenda</SPAN></I></B><I><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'> – a shared
understanding of the problem and a joint approach of agreed upon actions to
solve it;<o:p></o:p></SPAN></I></P>
<P class=MsoListParagraph><I><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></I> </P>
<P class=MsoListParagraph
style="TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1"><I><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'><SPAN
style="mso-list: ignore">2.<SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></I><B><I><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>Measuring Results
Consistently</SPAN></I></B><I><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'> – measurements for
alignment and accountability;<o:p></o:p></SPAN></I></P>
<P class=MsoListParagraph><I><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></I> </P>
<P class=MsoListParagraph
style="TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1"><I><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'><SPAN
style="mso-list: ignore">3.<SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></I><B><I><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>Mutually Reinforcing
Activities</SPAN></I></B><I><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'> – each expertise is
leveraged as part of the overall change strategy;<o:p></o:p></SPAN></I></P>
<P class=MsoListParagraph><I><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></I> </P>
<P class=MsoListParagraph
style="TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1"><I><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'><SPAN
style="mso-list: ignore">4.<SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></I><B><I><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>Continuous
Communication</SPAN></I></B><I><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'> – the various actors
need to build trust, define objectives, and create a culture of collaboration;
and<o:p></o:p></SPAN></I></P>
<P class=MsoListParagraph><I><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></I> </P>
<P class=MsoListParagraph
style="TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1"><I><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'><SPAN
style="mso-list: ignore">5.<SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></I><B><I><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>Backbone Support
Organization</SPAN></I></B><I><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'> – dedicated staff with
a specific set of skills to serve the entire
initiative.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></I></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-TOP: 6pt"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>The agency’s leadership
is actively engaging community organizations to look for new partners, and
expanding the scope of work with current partners that will continue to have
that “collaborative impact” for our consumers. To learn more about the
Collaborative Impact Framework, I suggest reading the original article in the
Stanford Social Innovation Review at </SPAN><A
href="https://ssir.org/articles/entry/collective_impact"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>https://ssir.org/articles/entry/collective_impact</SPAN></A><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>. The authors
also developed a web page with lots of links and resources, beginning a
community of practice using this model. The Collaboration for Impact
web site can be found at: </SPAN><A
href="http://www.collaborationforimpact.com/collective-impact/"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>http://www.collaborationforimpact.com/collective-impact/</SPAN></A><SPAN
class=MsoHyperlink><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>.</SPAN><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<H1 style="MARGIN-TOP: 6pt"><U><SPAN style="COLOR: windowtext">Organizational
Logistics – Ines Matos, Chief</SPAN></U><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; COLOR: black; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'>
</SPAN><SPAN style="COLOR: black"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></H1>
<P><SPAN style='FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>Recently the Technological
Services Specialists (TSS) unit hosted the Annual Assistive Technology Vendor
Showcase at the JKTC. This event included 12 vendors who exhibited and
demonstrated the current technology and exciting tools for staff.
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P><SPAN style='FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>We were fortunate to have the
opportunity to preview a new product that has not yet been released. The Taptilo
is a device created to help people learn braille. The Korea-based manufacturers
of Taptilo, OHFA TECH, spent a month traveling to different showcase events and
conventions to exhibit the prototype and get feedback from users and instructors
on how they can improve the device. The company’s website says, “OHFA Tech, Inc.
researches and creates innovative technologies to resolve social issues and
needs. The current challenge is to eliminate Braille illiteracy of 300 million
visually impaired people around the world. OHFA tries to tackle the challenge
with its proprietary actuator technology that can be mobilized into various
innovative Braille devices.” <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P><SPAN style='FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P><SPAN style='FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>Taptilo is designed to not only
make learning Braille easier, but also fun. The device focuses on learning the
Braille letters and words so that knowledge can be transferred to reading
Braille independently. It works with a mobile device app that functions
through five different modes. The device can be used with one student or
multiple students at the same time. The unique block with six pins automatically
refreshes making reading less complicated. The manufacturer’s goal is to
eventually use this new micro Braille cell technology to also introduce
opportunities to teach and learn arithmetic, mathematics, geometry, graphics and
more. The device can function for about a week before it needs to be recharged.
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P><SPAN style='FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'> <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>OHFA has provided CBVI
with a prototype of Taptilo with the request that we test it in a variety of
learning environments and provide feedback that will be used to implement
improvements. The device will be starting out at the JKTC in the Braille
department and will be potentially shared with others in the future.
Although we are excited about the opportunity to test and provide our feedback
for the continued development of this learning tool, <SPAN
class=apple-converted-space>CBVI is not endorsing this product at this
time. </SPAN><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>If you previewed the
Taptilo at the showcase and are interested in briefly testing it, please contact
TSS Supervisor, Colleen Faupel at </SPAN><A
href="mailto:Colleen.Faupel@dhs.state.nj.us"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>Colleen.Faupel@dhs.state.nj.us</SPAN></A><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'> .
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<H1 style="MARGIN-TOP: 0.25in"><U><SPAN style="COLOR: windowtext">Fiscal
Operations – Edward Szajdecki, Chief<o:p></o:p></SPAN></U></H1>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-TOP: 6pt"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>As the end of State
Fiscal Year 2017 approaches, there are some issues regarding the creation of
authorizations that should be noted by all staff. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-TOP: 6pt"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>Although we try to set
up the accounting side of FACTS to minimize using the wrong account in the
authorization process, it is sometimes not possible to eliminate that
possibility. Therefore it is important for staff to ensure that the correct
account is being used for authorizations. It is recommended that you become
familiar with the account(s) that are available in your program area. Please
take note when selecting the account and if it appears to be incorrect, notify
your supervisor and fiscal immediately before proceeding with the processing of
the authorization.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-TOP: 6pt"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>In some cases FACTS may
assign a secondary account choice incorrectly when funds are insufficient within
the primary account. This can easily be remedied by a fiscal staff member and
will save you the time and inconvenience of having to cancel and re-authorize
when the authorization is found to have an incorrect account later in the
process. If there is any confusion or need for clarification, please contact
your supervisor, manager and/or fiscal staff member for
guidance.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>Another concern is the
processing of Client Assistance (CA) requests/authorizations. The approval
process does not send a notification to the next individual in the approval
process. Therefore, if the request is urgent in nature, staff should immediately
notify the next person in the approval process of the urgency. This will
ensure the request will be reviewed promptly. If the CA request is approved,
then the originator can go back and complete and approve the corresponding
authorization. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>Look for the
traditional “End of the Fiscal Year End Guidelines” email in the coming weeks
for important deadlines and as always, thank you for your anticipated
cooperation. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<H1><U><SPAN style="COLOR: windowtext">Vocational Rehabilitation and
Transitional Services – Amanda Gerson, Coordinator<o:p></o:p></SPAN></U></H1>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN-TOP: 6pt"
align=center><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; COLOR: black'>EDGE 2.0
- A New Pre-Employment Transition Services Pilot
Program<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; COLOR: black'>With the
completion of another successful year of our Employment, Development, Guidance,
and Engagement (EDGE) program, I am excited to announce EDGE 2.0, a pilot
extension of our existing EDGE program, for full-time college undergraduates
(ages 18-21) who are blind or vision impaired and attending NJ colleges or
universities. We will be starting EDGE 2.0 with a pilot cohort of 20 students,
many of whom will have gone through the EDGE 1.0 program. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; COLOR: black'>This
pilot Pre-Employment Transition Services program was created in response to an
identified need within our transition population as they move from high school
to a college setting. High school typically provides a rather high level of
support for our transition-age youth, with the involvement of high school staff,
aides, case managers, teachers, parents, and CBVI Teachers of the Visually
Impaired and VR Transition counselors, all working together with the student to
ensure that all educational needs and accommodations are being attended to for
the highest level of student success. Suddenly, when a student transitions into
the college setting, this network diminishes significantly and students are
expected to be self-directed self-advocates, navigating an entirely new system
with new rules and expectations. Although supports do exist, from CBVI College
Counselors and the Disability Services Office at the college, the onus still
falls to the student to initiate action should questions or problems arise. It
is no wonder that many students, including many students without disabilities,
flounder during that first year as they adjust to this new world of adulthood.
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; COLOR: black'>The goal
of EDGE 2.0 is to facilitate this transition with another level of support,
providing students with targeted knowledge and skills required to be successful.
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; COLOR: black'>The EDGE
2.0 program is based on competencies which have been shown to be vital to a
successful college experience for undergraduates who are blind or vision
impaired, and that were researched by our program partner, Learning Ally.
Undergraduates involved in this program will learn how to plan a focused and
targeted approach to getting the most out of their experiences with faculty, the
campus and surrounding communities, the Disability Services Office, course
materials, and technology. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; COLOR: black'>While
EDGE 1.0 taught high school students independence, self-advocacy, and workplace
skills, EDGE 2.0 is intended to take those skills to the next step by using them
to forge a new world of skills and relationships, all of which will contribute
to a portfolio of academic achievement and experience that will serve as a
foundation for building a successful career upon
graduation.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; COLOR: black'>In the
month before classes begin, EDGE 2.0 students will go through a Learning Ally
College Success Program curriculum via an accessible online course, with modules
addressing each of five critical competency areas:<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; COLOR: black'>1.
"Managing Your Professor"<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; COLOR: black'>2.
"Becoming a Part of the Community"<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; COLOR: black'>3.
"Leveraging the Disability Services Office”<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; COLOR: black'>4.
"Learning Effectively"<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; COLOR: black'>5.
"Making Technology Work for You"<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; COLOR: black'>Once
those classes are completed, an EDGE 2.0 staff member will work with each
student and his/her CBVI College Counselor to develop a customized campus
assessment, assimilation plan, and career plan, all of which will contribute to
a focused academic, experiential, and relational portfolio that will serve as a
superhighway to powerful career destinations. In the process, EDGE 2.0
will connect the students with a network of undergraduate peers and graduate
mentors who will be able to meet with them to support and challenge them during
the development and implementation of their plans. This support network
will be available via in-person meetings and an online portal, which also
provides access to Learning Ally’s library of useful academic resources,
including a catalogue of over 80,000 recorded audiobooks.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; COLOR: black'>The EDGE
program is administered by The Family Resource Network in partnership with CBVI,
and referrals are submitted by CBVI Transition Counselors (for graduating high
school seniors) and College Counselors (for college freshmen and
sophomores).<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; COLOR: black'>EDGE
Students “Fly” the Friendly Skies – Submitted by EDGE Employment Coordinator,
Patricia Ebel and Amanda Gerson:</SPAN></B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; COLOR: black'>
</SPAN><SPAN class=apple-converted-space><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>Back in November,
Patricia Ebel, one of the EDGE Coordinators, began the planning stages of a trip
to Newark Airport, working closely with the NY/NJ Port Authority, who were
instrumental in making this trip a huge success. There were many logistical
considerations and permissions to obtain to make this trip possible, and it was
all worth it! </SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
class=apple-converted-space><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN class=apple-converted-space><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>The main purpose and
goal of this activity was to provide the EDGE students with an opportunity to
expand and develop their confidence in traveling beyond local travel. This field
trip was designed to expose the students to the logistics of air travel,
including getting to and from the airport, navigating the airport including
going through security, and finally understanding the various accommodations
that are available to individuals with disabilities. </SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
class=apple-converted-space><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN class=apple-converted-space><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>The EDGE program
focuses a great deal on independence, both in travel and with other independent
living skills and self-advocacy. Parents report that this activity, as well as
the other field trips the group has taken to places locally in the New Brunswick
area and to further points including New York City, have greatly contributed to
the noticeable increase in the students’ self-reliance and proficiency in
traveling independently at home, in school and in the community.
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN class=apple-converted-space><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>EDGE program staff have
also observed the positive changes in the students’ attitudes, personalities,
and self-confidence. We look forward to continuing to expand EDGE
students’ breadth of experiences and knowledge as the basis for greater success
as they move toward their career goals.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN class=apple-converted-space><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>Below is a featured
article from the Family Resource Network’s Weekly Newsletter (May 5,
2017):</SPAN></SPAN><o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><I><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>“Participants in
FRN</SPAN></I><I><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>’</SPAN></I><I><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>s EDGE program are used
to unique and interesting trips, but a recent outing to Newark Liberty Airport
combined several modes of travel training.<SPAN
class=apple-converted-space> </SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
class=apple-converted-space><o:p></o:p></SPAN></I></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><I><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>First, students met at
one of two very busy train stations where they took the train to Newark. Once
they were there, they changed to the Sky Train which took them to the terminal.
</SPAN></I><o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><I><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>The group of 22
students, plus EDGE staff and CBVI staff, were met by TSA staff who explained
the various security procedures that travelers must endure today.
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></I></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><I><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>Then they proceeded to
board a United Boeing 757 and took their seats for “preflight”<SPAN
class=apple-converted-space> </SPAN>instructions. They toured the plane
including the cockpit and several got to sit in the captain</SPAN></I><I><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>’</SPAN></I><I><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>s
seat.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></I></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><I><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>After disembarking they
had lunch in the terminal, since there was no beverage served or packages of
nuts for the passengers. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></I></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><I><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>Thanks to United
Airlines personnel, TSA and NY/NJ Port Authority for their assistance in
providing a superior experience to the EDGE students, and kudos to the EDGE
staff for continuing to think outside the box.”<o:p></o:p></SPAN></I></P>
<H1 style="MARGIN-TOP: 6pt"><U><SPAN style="COLOR: windowtext"><o:p><SPAN
style="TEXT-DECORATION: none"> </SPAN></o:p></SPAN></U></H1>
<H1 style="MARGIN-TOP: 6pt"><U><SPAN style="COLOR: windowtext">Educational
Services – Eva Scott, Director of Blindness Education<o:p></o:p></SPAN></U></H1>
<P class=MsoNoSpacing style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><I><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>“When life gets you
down, here’s what you do: Just keep swimming.”<o:p></o:p></SPAN></I></P>
<P class=MsoNoSpacing style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>
Dory (Finding Nemo)<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNoSpacing><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNoSpacing><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>The quote above is not
intended to imply that life in Blindness Education is getting us down.
But, we know that we need to keep going until our students reach their highest
goals in life, one academic year at a time. The latter half of April and the
first half of May has been a busy one for everyone in Blindness Education.
We are at the end of a successful 2016-2017 school year. Our teachers,
their supervisors, the Meyer Center staff, and the administration are looking
ahead to 2017-2018 and hoping that it will be the best year, yet. I would
like to express my thanks to everyone in Blindness Education, including our
diligent staff at the Meyer Center for your hard work and dedication to our
students and their families. Thank you all for staying strong and
continuing to “swim.”<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNoSpacing><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNoSpacing><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>SHARP 2017:
</SPAN></B><SPAN style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>As of
Friday May 12<SUP>th</SUP> there are 90 students who will be attending SHARP
2017. The program is now filled to capacity. The planning teams are
eager and ready for a full house in all three locations, Newark, Freehold, and
Cherry Hill.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNoSpacing><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNoSpacing><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>During April and May, I
interviewed a number of wonderful high school students from the EDGE
program. Several of these students will serve as interns in the SHARP
program. They will assist the SHARP staff during program activities, and
they will act as mentors to the younger students. I am looking forward to
having these successful high school students show our younger students what it
means to be independent and self-determined. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNoSpacing><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNoSpacing><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>An Increase in the
Number of Braille Readers Served by CBVI: </SPAN></B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>Literacy skills are an
important part of success in adulthood. Educators provide or foster
literacy skills in learners of all ages. As human beings, our capacity to
develop generative, whole-life literacy is unique to our species and has been a
contributing factor in our phenomenal success. Of the more than 1,700
students served through provider service agreements, approximately 220 students
are either learning or using Braille. This number represents a significant
increase in the number of students who are using braille as a primary learning
medium or in some combination of Braille and large print as dual media
learners. Braille is the “bread and butter” of what we do in Blindness
Education. Our collective ability to teach Braille is the most important
part of our skill set as teachers of blind and vision impaired students.
It is gratifying to know that the number of Braille learners in New Jersey is
increasing. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<H1 style="MARGIN-TOP: 0.25in"><U><SPAN style="COLOR: windowtext">Independent
Living & Clinical Services – Elizabeth DeShields,
Coordinator<o:p></o:p></SPAN></U></H1>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-TOP: 6pt"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; COLOR: black'>During
the Independent Living Training held in April, Kendra Farrow, CVRT from the
National Research and Training Center on Blindness and Low Vision at Mississippi
State University provided staff with learning opportunities and available
resources. The resource list titled, “Know Where to Go” contains
information useful for all staff and can be found on CBVI’s intranet
page.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<H1 style="MARGIN-TOP: 12pt"><U><SPAN style="COLOR: windowtext">Joseph Kohn
Training Center – Del Basha, Manager<o:p></o:p></SPAN></U></H1>
<P class=MsoNoSpacing style="MARGIN-TOP: 6pt"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>The JKTC students
recently attended the Pardon My Garden: Sculpture Show, and evening event at
Rutgers University. The show included several sculptures designed by the
students of the Mason Gross School of Arts which were placed for exhibit,
throughout the greenery of the university’s garden. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNoSpacing style="MARGIN-TOP: 6pt"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>This unique art show
offered JKTC students an opportunity to use and practice their Orientation and
Mobility skills. This activity was ideal because visitors were encouraged to
touch and experience the sculptures first-hand. The idyllic Rutgers Gardens
encompasses 180 acres and consists of designed gardens and natural habitats,
featuring a bamboo grove, a holly collection, an ornamental small tree
collection, tribute gardens and other horticultural collections.
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNoSpacing style="MARGIN-TOP: 6pt"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>Following the field
trip, JKTC O&M Instructors presented a group workshop on independent cane
travel and other O&M
techniques.
<SPAN style="COLOR: black"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></SPAN></P>
<H1><U><SPAN style="COLOR: windowtext">Human Resources – Hugo Ruiz, Esq.,
Manager<o:p></o:p></SPAN></U></H1>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 9pt; BACKGROUND: white; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto"><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; COLOR: #4d4d4d; mso-style-textoutline-type: none; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-dpiwidth: .75pt; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-linecap: round; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-join: bevel; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-pctmiterlimit: 0%; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-dash: solid; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-align: center; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-compound: simple'>
</SPAN></B><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; mso-style-textoutline-type: none; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-dpiwidth: .75pt; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-linecap: round; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-join: bevel; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-pctmiterlimit: 0%; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-dash: solid; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-align: center; mso-style-textoutline-outlinestyle-compound: simple'>The
New Jersey Conscientious Employee Protection Act (CEPA)
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>Whistleblower laws throughout the
country are meant to protect public and private employees from being retaliated
against for reporting illegal or unsafe activities occurring in their workplace
to the proper authorities. For example, an employee who reports embezzlement or
illegal dumping of industrial waste to the state may be protected by </SPAN><A
title="Details on State Whistleblower Laws"
href="http://statelaws.findlaw.com/employment-laws/details-on-state-whistleblower-laws.html"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>whistleblower laws</SPAN></A><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>, which means he or she may sue for any
retaliation that occurs as a result of having reported these illegal
activities.</SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style='FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>In
New Jersey, both public and private employees have protection under the
</SPAN><A title=CEPA href="http://www.nj.gov/health/irb/documents/cepa.pdf"
target=_blank><SPAN style='FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>New Jersey
Conscientious Employee Protection Act</SPAN></A><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>, commonly called New Jersey's
"whistleblower statute or act" or referred to by its acronym,
CEPA.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style='FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>The
statute prohibits not only adverse employment actions, such as </SPAN><A
title="Losing a Job, Wrongful Termination"
href="http://employment.findlaw.com/losing-a-job/wrongful-termination.html"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>wrongful termination</SPAN></A><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>, demotion or transfer in retaliation
for whistleblowing, but the statute also protects against "retaliatory
harassment." Retaliatory harassment would be conduct that is hostile, or
intimidating, or abusive, and which arises "because of" or has a nexus to that
person's status as a whistleblower.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>Under CEPA’s provisions, an employer
cannot discharge, suspend, demote, or take other retaliatory action against an
employee who discloses or threatens to disclose an activity, policy, or practice
of the employer or another entity with whom there is a business relationship, or
who testifies about, objects to, or refuses to participate in an action that
violates the law, a regulation, is fraudulent, criminal, or incompatible with a
clear mandate concerning public health, safety, welfare, or protection of the
environment. These protections are afforded to both public and private
employees.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>However, CEPA requires that the employee
first bring any perceived violation (the employee must believe in good faith and
under an objectively reasonable standard that a violation has occurred even if
it is determined later on that this was not the case) to the attention of a
supervisor and afford the employer a reasonable opportunity to correct or
remediate the violation, unless the violation is already known to the supervisor
or the employee reasonably fears physical harm as a result of disclosure and the
situation is of an emergent nature. Thus, unless these conditions exist,
normally an internal complaint must be made first before the employee can report
the situation to an outside agency. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN style='FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>In
terms of civil remedies, the employee can file a civil action within one year of
an incident of retaliation and receive all legal and equitable remedies
available in such actions, including injunction, reinstatement, restoration of
full benefits and seniority rights, back pay and benefits, reasonable court and
attorney's fees, and punitive damages. Civil fines consist of a maximum $1,000
for a first violation and a maximum of $5,000 for each subsequent
violation.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 9pt; BACKGROUND: white; TEXT-ALIGN: justify; mso-margin-top-alt: auto"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>As always, if you have
any questions regarding this subject or any other human resources issue, please
feel free to contact our Office of Human Resources for guidance and
assistance. We are always here to be of assistance to our valued
co-workers and colleagues. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN
style='FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<H1 style="MARGIN-TOP: 6pt"><U><SPAN style="COLOR: windowtext">Staff Development
– Kenya Whitehurst-Percell<o:p></o:p></SPAN></U></H1>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>Learning Management
System (LMS):</SPAN></B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'> DHS requires that all
state employees receive specific mandatory trainings using the Learning
Management System (LMS)<SPAN style="COLOR: #1f497d">. </SPAN>The frequency
depends on the trainings and they vary. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>The information is as
follows:<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoListParagraph
style="TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: symbol"><SPAN
style="mso-list: ignore">·<SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>State of New Jersey’s
Workplace Violence – <B>viewed every two years</B><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoListParagraph
style="TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: symbol"><SPAN
style="mso-list: ignore">·<SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>Security Awareness –
<B>viewed once a year</B><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoListParagraph
style="TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: symbol"><SPAN
style="mso-list: ignore">·<SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>State of New Jersey’s
Policy Prohibiting Discrimination in the Workplace – <B>viewed every two
years</B><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoListParagraph
style="TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: symbol"><SPAN
style="mso-list: ignore">·<SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>Ethics briefly-
<B>viewed annually</B>; except for the year you receive the in-person
training.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-TOP: 6pt"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>Staff interested in
registering for the classroom setting to view any of these mandatory
trainings online, please contact me at your soonest convenience.
<BR><BR><B>Tuition Reimbursement Program (TRP):</B> If you are unable to open
the TRP documents please email me and I will forward them to you. You can also
email </SPAN><A href="mailto:tuition.reimbursemet@dhs.state.nj.us"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>tuition.reimbursemet@dhs.state.nj.us</SPAN></A><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'> to request the
information. Please remember upon receiving all required signatures, you must
forward your application via email only to </SPAN><A
href="mailto:tuition.reimbursement@dhs.state.us"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>tuition.reimbursement@dhs.state.us</SPAN></A><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>.<BR><BR><B>Business
Development Skills:</B> All vocational rehabilitation staff attending this
training scheduled for June 5-8, please complete all surveys associated
with this project. In addition, remember to bring your laptopsand cellphonesto
all training dates.<BR><BR><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<H1 style="MARGIN-TOP: 0in"><U><SPAN style="COLOR: windowtext">Regional
Updates</SPAN></U><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'>
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></H1>
<H1
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 6pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: 12.0pt"><U><SPAN
style="COLOR: windowtext">Southern Region – Jack Thompson,
Manager</SPAN></U><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%'>
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></H1>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>Senior Hands On Retreat
Experience (SHORE) Thing Program – submitted by Susan Hickman: </SPAN></B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>During the week of
Sunday May 7<SUP>th</SUP> through Friday May 12<SUP>th</SUP>, twelve consumers
participated in CBVI’s second SHORE Thing Program, which was held at The
Breakers on the Ocean in Spring Lake. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P><SPAN style='FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>This week long retreat is an
all-inclusive program that provides real life experiential learning for the
participants who are all age 55 or older. While at the retreat, participants
received intensive independent living instruction in, safe travel, health and
wellness, assistive technology, communication and self- advocacy skills.
Consumers also participated in group discussions and activities geared towards
coping with vision impairment, maintaining independence, and living a full and
productive life, including leisure activity options. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>Planning and preparing
for this activity requires a great deal of attention to detail. Selecting the
location, ordering the teaching materials, staffing assignments and most
importantly vetting the consumer applicants and assessing their individual needs
are all critical for the success of this initiative.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>The consumers arrived
on Sunday afternoon and after check-in, received orientation to the site and
what to expect during the program. During the opening dinner in a private
dining room some participants attempted to interact with one another, almost
hesitantly exchanging small talk and pleasantries. However, as the program
progressed we observed a noticeable increase in the level of enthusiasm and
openness from all consumers during all activities and discussions.
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>Monday’s itinerary
included “Adjustment to Vision Loss and Empowerment Session” with Susan Vanino
for consumers, followed immediately by a separate session for their companions.
The consumers were invited to talk about the personal challenges experienced
with family and life in general since their vision loss. However, some sessions
did not require the participants to be as deep and introspective. The
interactive Drum 4 Life activity proved to be equally as much fun as
therapeutic. The consumers sat in a circle and took turns beating a
variety of drums and playing other percussion instruments, including a coconut.
There was much laughter while the facilitator encouraged the consumers to use
the instruments to express themselves from their hearts. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>The other structured
activities addressed a variety of topics including orientation and mobility,
personal care, community integration, diet and nutrition, stress reduction,
relaxation skills and emergency preparedness. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>Another highlight was
the dinner/dance on Thursday evening. The small talk and pleasantries over
Sunday’s dinner were contrasted by animated conversations and lots of laughter,
conveying that the participants had connected. One consumer, a talented
musician, graced us with a few Big Band selections on his clarinet. As the
evening progressed more hidden talents emerged with two participants doing their
own rendition of Ike and Tina Turner’s “Proud Mary’ and an impromptu stand-up
comedienne.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>Friday’s closing
ceremony included another thought provoking recounting of life events. Our
Executive Director, Dan Frye, was a true source of inspiration and
encouragement, speaking to consumers, companions, and staff about his amazing
life story. Many participants commented how Director Frye’s story
encouraged them and how his closing remarks summarized the whole week for
them. The participants stepped out of their comfort zone and
CBVI staff presented a well planned and executed program that earned their trust
and hopefully changed lives during this 6 day event. There were phone numbers
and addresses exchanged and even some tears as we all departed.
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>Although this is only
our second time presenting this program, we already know it’s a SHORE Thing that
the skills and experiences the consumers took away with them will transfer to
their home environment and promote independence.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<H1><U><SPAN style="COLOR: windowtext">Northern Region – John Reiff,
Manager<o:p></o:p></SPAN></U></H1>
<P class=MsoListParagraph
style="MARGIN-TOP: 6pt; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: symbol"><SPAN
style="mso-list: ignore">·<SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>IL Supervisor Vacancy
in Newark:</SPAN></B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'> A posting to replace
our good friend Solange Curry has been circulated with the final response date
of May 23<SUP>rd</SUP>. Interested candidates will be interviewed during
June and we hope that a replacement will be identified by
July.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoListParagraph style="MARGIN-TOP: 6pt"><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoListParagraph
style="TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: symbol"><SPAN
style="mso-list: ignore">·<SPAN
style='FONT: 7pt "Times New Roman"'>
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>Vocational Assistant
for IL Unit:</SPAN></B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'> Interviews for a
Vocational Assistant to work in the IL Unit in the Newark Service Center have
been scheduled for the week of May 22<SUP>nd</SUP>. All applicants are on a
Civil Service list for that title.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText style="MARGIN-TOP: 6pt"><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>Employment Training
Seminar Update: Consumer Session 1 Completed – Submitted by Fanny Mendoza and
Yesenia Carrasquillo: </SPAN></B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>We want to extend our
gratitude to those VR counselors who have referred consumers to the Employment
Preparation Training Seminar. The first workshop that took place at the NSC on
April 26<SUP>th</SUP>, led by Yesenia Carrasquillo and Fanny Mendoza was a major
success as evidenced by the positive feedback received from the <SPAN
style="COLOR: black">four </SPAN>consumers who were referred.
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>All group members were
on time, engaged, and contributed valuable work experiences and advice to one
another. This activity provided networking, interviewing, and goal setting
opportunities for the participants. A special thank you goes out to Katie
Donnellon and Madelaine Garcia for the support provided during this training
seminar.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>We hope that this
initiative continues to evolve as a viable strategy in our mission to help
consumers gain and maintain employment. Workshop dates have been scheduled for
consumers who may be interested in attending. The next scheduled Employment
Seminar is on June 13<SUP>th</SUP> and will be led by Andrea Matos and Carolina
Gonzalez. A listing of the tentative dates with the lead VRC will be
distributed soon.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<H1 style="MARGIN-TOP: 0in"><U><SPAN style="COLOR: windowtext">New or
Noteworthy<o:p></o:p></SPAN></U></H1>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-TOP: 6pt"><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>A Note from Vocation
Rehabilitation Counselor, Jenna Finley:</SPAN></B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'> I wanted to take
a moment to thank you all for the wonderful opportunity I was able to take part
in at Mississippi State University, over the past three weeks. I am quite
grateful for the experience, as I was able to learn a tremendous amount about
the rehabilitation process of blind persons. One event in particular that
had a huge impact on me was one, of a few tasks I had to complete with sleep
shades on. I was required to wear sleep shades and go out for lunch in
town, amongst my classmates and professors. I was sight-guided to my seat,
however, I was able to experience ordering, eating and paying for my lunch with
minimal assistance. I was a bit taken back, as this was my first time
having this type of training. Unbeknownst to me, I could not believe how
my other senses responded to this experience, and the physical and mental
draining I felt. As a counselor who works with individuals who are blind
and vision impaired, this task was truly enlightening.
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>I learned a lot of
valuable information from BJ and her team, as well as from rehabilitation
counselors from various states. Something I am sure you will all enjoy
hearing is the fact that our educational, transitional, low vision services,
nursing staff, and the agency as a whole, were referenced and complimented
numerous times. Compared to other states that were represented, (Montana,
Alabama, Colorado, Mississippi, Georgia, Michigan, West Virginia, Virginia) New
Jersey seems to be a state that is looked upon as a trailblazer by other
states.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>Thank you again for the
wonderful opportunity!<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="BACKGROUND: white; PAGE-BREAK-AFTER: avoid; TEXT-ALIGN: center; LINE-HEIGHT: 18pt"
align=center><A
href="http://www.nj.com/monmouth/index.ssf/2016/06/nj_girl_to_compete_in_national_braille_competition.html#comments"><B><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; TEXT-DECORATION: none; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; BACKGROUND: #0582ff; COLOR: windowtext; LETTER-SPACING: 0.15pt'>comments</SPAN></B></A><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif; LETTER-SPACING: 0.15pt'>
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<H1 style="MARGIN-TOP: 0.25in"><U><SPAN style="COLOR: windowtext">The Last
Words<o:p></o:p></SPAN></U></H1>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-TOP: 6pt"><I><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>“You are never too old
to set another goal, or to dream a new dream.” </SPAN></I><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'>– C.S.
Lewis<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<DIV
style="BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 3pt dotted; PADDING-BOTTOM: 1pt; PADDING-TOP: 0in; PADDING-LEFT: 0in; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 0in; mso-element: para-border-div">
<P class=MsoNormal
style="BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in; PADDING-TOP: 0in; PADDING-LEFT: 0in; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 0in"><I><SPAN
style='FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></SPAN></I> </P></DIV>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; COLOR: black"><o:p></o:p></SPAN> </P></DIV></DIV></DIV></DIV></BODY></HTML>