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<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial">----- Original Message -----
<DIV style="BACKGROUND: #e4e4e4; font-color: black"><B>From:</B> <A
title=haynesc@michigan.gov href="mailto:haynesc@michigan.gov">Haynes, Carla
(LARA)</A> </DIV>
<DIV><B>To:</B> <A title=joeharcz@comcast.net
href="mailto:joeharcz@comcast.net)">joe harcz Comcast (joeharcz@comcast.net)</A>
</DIV>
<DIV><B>Cc:</B> <A title=cannonp@michigan.gov
href="mailto:cannonp@michigan.gov">Cannon, Patrick (LARA)</A> ; <A
title=LuzenskiS@michigan.gov href="mailto:LuzenskiS@michigan.gov">Luzenski, Sue
(LARA)</A> ; <A title=farmerm@michigan.gov
href="mailto:farmerm@michigan.gov">Farmer, Mel (LARA)</A> ; <A
title=turneys@michigan.gov href="mailto:turneys@michigan.gov">Turney, Susan
(LARA)</A> ; <A title=DuellE@michigan.gov
href="mailto:DuellE@michigan.gov">Duell, Elsie (LARA)</A> ; <A
title=jonesl2@michigan.gov href="mailto:jonesl2@michigan.gov">Jones, Leamon
(LARA)</A> ; <A title=gastond@michigan.gov
href="mailto:gastond@michigan.gov">Gaston, Diamalyn (LARA)</A> </DIV>
<DIV><B>Sent:</B> Friday, July 20, 2012 5:04 PM</DIV>
<DIV><B>Subject:</B> Amended Response to FOIA Response of 7-20-12 - State Plan
Meetings, Public Hearing Comments, Notes, Minutes</DIV></DIV>
<DIV><BR></DIV>
<DIV class=WordSection1>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">July 20,
2012<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Mr. Paul Joseph
Harcz, Jr.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">E-mail: <A
href="mailto:joeharcz@comcast.net">joeharcz@comcast.net</A><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">1365 E. Mt. Morris
Rd.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Mt. Morris, MI
48458<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Re: Amended
Response to FOIA - State Plan Meetings, Public Hearing Comments, Notes,
Minutes<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Dear Mr. Harcz,
Jr.:<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">This letter is an
amended response to our July 20, 2012 letter which was in response to your July
13, 2012, email request for copies of public records, received on July 16,
2012. Please be informed that the Department’s Michigan Commission for the
Blind (MCB) is processing this request under the state’s Freedom of Information
Act (FOIA), MCL 15.231 et seq.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">You have requested
information you describe as: “I am writing today to request all documents
related to the extremely illegal state plan hearings recently conducted. At a
minimum I am requesting all written or spoken public comments submitted to MCB
and, if any, the recordings and notes, or ‘minutes’ of these so-called ‘public
hearings’ on the state plan, which by the way very few people with disabilities
even knew about because MCB LARA made no proper and adequate notice
in any form except belatedly on its web site.” A copy of your email is
also attached.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Although the Michigan
Commission for the Blind did not conduct what you’ve described as “…</SPAN>
<SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">extremely
illegal state plan hearings,” MCB has conducted five public meetings on its
draft 2013 State Plan, July 9, 11 and 13, 2012 and can provide you with
information to those meetings, as these may be the meetings you intended to
identify and, as such, may be of interest to you. Your request is granted
as to existing, nonexempt records in the possession of this department
responsive to your request pursuant to MCL 15.235, Section 5(4)(b) of the
FOIA.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Attached are two
documents in regards to the State Plan Meetings which includes the verbal
comments at the meetings along with the written comments sent to us in regards
to the Draft State Plan.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">At this point in
time, all of the recordings of these meetings have not been formatted to be able
to place them on a flash drive. We will send these records once this
is accomplished.<SPAN style="COLOR: #1f497d"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Sincerely,<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Carla Miller Haynes,
FOIA Coordinator<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Michigan Commission
for the Blind<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Attachments:
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">1.
Email of 7/13/12<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">cc:
Patrick Cannon<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Mel
Farmer<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Susan
Turney<B><o:p></o:p></B></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Elsie
Duell<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Leamon
Jones<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10.5pt; FONT-FAMILY: Consolas; mso-fareast-language: EN-US"><BR
style="PAGE-BREAK-BEFORE: always" clear=all></SPAN>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10.5pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'">From: joe harcz Comcast <A
href="mailto:[mailto:joeharcz@comcast.net]">[mailto:joeharcz@comcast.net]</A>
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10.5pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'">Sent: Friday, July 13,
2012 12:33 PM <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10.5pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'">To: Cannon, Patrick (LARA)
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10.5pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'">Cc: Craig McManus RSA;
Carol Dobak; OCR Cleveland Office; MARK CODY; Elmer Cerano MPAS; Zimmer, Mike
(LARA); Larry Posont MCB Comm.; lydia Schuck MCB Comm.; John Scott MCB Comm.; <A
href="mailto:nfbmi-talk@nfbnet.org">nfbmi-talk@nfbnet.org</A>; Fredric Schroeder
(by way of David Andrews<<A
href="mailto:dandrews@visi.com">dandrews@visi.com</A>>); valarie Barnum
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10.5pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'">Yarger MISILC
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10.5pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'">Subject: request all info
related state plan mcb<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10.5pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10.5pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'">July 13 2012
Request MCB LARA All Information Related to State Plan
Hearings<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10.5pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10.5pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'">Paul Joseph Harcz,
Jr.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10.5pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'">1365 E. Mt. Morris
Rd.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10.5pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'">Mt. Morris, MI
48458<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10.5pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'">810-516-5262<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10.5pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10.5pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'">E-mail: <A
href="mailto:joeharcz@comcast.net">joeharcz@comcast.net</A><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10.5pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10.5pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'">Re: Public Hearing
Comments, Notes, Minutes Rehab Act, ADA, Etc.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10.5pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10.5pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'">Patrick D.
Cannon<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10.5pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'">CENTRAL ADMINISTRATIVE
OFFICE<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10.5pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'">Michigan Commission for
the Blind<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10.5pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'">201 N. Washington, 2nd
Floor<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10.5pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'">P.O. Box
30652<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10.5pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'">Lansing, MI
48909<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10.5pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'">Phone (voice): (517)
373-2062<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10.5pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'">Fax: (517)
335-5140<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10.5pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'">TTY (517)
373-4025<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10.5pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'">Toll-Free
Numbers:<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10.5pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'">1-800-292-4200 (voice,
answered in Lansing)<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10.5pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'">1-800-323-2535 (voice,
answered in Escanaba)<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10.5pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'">TTY
888-864-1212<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10.5pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'">(Sent via
e-mail)<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10.5pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10.5pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'">Dear Mr.
Cannon,<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10.5pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'">I
am a person who is blind, an advocate for those who are blind and those with
other disabilities. I am writing today to request all documents related to the
extremely illegal state plan hearings recently conducted. At a minimum I am
requesting all written or spoken public comments submitted to MCB and, if
any, the recordings and notes, or “minutes” of these so-called “public hearings”
on the state plan, which by the way very few people with disabilities even knew
about because MCB LARA made no proper and adequate notice in any
form except belatedly on its web site.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10.5pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10.5pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'">Make no mistake here I am
not making a Freedom of Information Act request! I invoke the very
Rehabilitation Act itself which funds and establishes the MRC to begin with. I
invoke the requirement to make all public meeting and hearing information
readily available and accessible to members of the public in a timely and
accessible manner including those of course, like myself who are blind. I also
invoke the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (Title II, subpart e,
communications, primary consideration), and the “auxiliary aids and services”
provisions of <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10.5pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'">Section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act here for as I am blind the printed word is not accessible. An
entity such as yours should be intimate with how to affirmatively comply
with this request and prohibitions against charging a surcharge or any Stallings
or delays.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10.5pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10.5pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'">Now I request the written
submissions as simple Word documents and/or e-mail attachments as my “computer
talks”. I use a screen reader. This information must be sent to my e-mail listed
above. Any responses, including inevitable stalling must also be sent in
accessible format.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10.5pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'">As per any recordings they
may be sent on a thumb drive to my mailing address as an mp3
file.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10.5pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'">Again under law you may
not charge me one dime for this any more than you can charge a deaf person the
cost of interpreter services at these bogus hearings. Which you didn’t have by
the way as that would violate the surcharge provisions of the ADA and
504.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10.5pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'">But you should and do know
of your substantial violations Mr. Cannon as you are the State of Michigan ADA
Coordinator, Director of the Michigan Commission for the Blind for crying
out loud and the former Chair of the United States Access
Board!<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10.5pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'">A
failure to timely respond to this let alone remit accessible information will
result in complaints to OCR, the US Department of Justice, and legal
action.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10.5pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'">Sincerely,<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10.5pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'">Paul Joseph Harcz,
Jr.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10.5pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'">Cc: National Federation of
the Blind, MI<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10.5pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'">Cc: ADAPT
MI<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10.5pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'">Cc: MCB
Commissioners<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10.5pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'">Cc: MRC
Members<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10.5pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'">Cc:
RSA<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10.5pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'">Cc: OCR,
Ed.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10.5pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'">Cc: Michael Zimmer,
Licensing and Regulatory Affairs<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10.5pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'">Cc: Michigan Protection
and Advocacy Services<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10.5pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'">Cc: D. Gaston as Comments
to State Plan Itself<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10.5pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10.5pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'; mso-fareast-language: EN-US"><BR
style="PAGE-BREAK-BEFORE: always" clear=all></SPAN>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Michigan Commission
for the Blind<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">State Plan Comments
from the Public Meetings Held on <o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">July 9, July 11 and
July 13, 2012<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">The guidelines of
receiving Public Comment were reviewed at the beginning of each meeting.
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Lansing Public
Comments:<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Attendees:<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 10pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2"><![if !supportLists]><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><SPAN
style="mso-list: Ignore">1.<SPAN
style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><![endif]><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Leamon
Jones, Chairperson<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 10pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2"><![if !supportLists]><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><SPAN
style="mso-list: Ignore">2.<SPAN
style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><![endif]><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Diamalyn
Gaston, Recorder – Meeting Secretary<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 10pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2"><![if !supportLists]><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><SPAN
style="mso-list: Ignore">3.<SPAN
style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><![endif]><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Elsie
Duell, Timekeeper<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 10pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2"><![if !supportLists]><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><SPAN
style="mso-list: Ignore">4.<SPAN
style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><![endif]><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Pat
Cannon, Director<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 10pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2"><![if !supportLists]><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><SPAN
style="mso-list: Ignore">5.<SPAN
style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><![endif]><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Bob
Robertson<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 10pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2"><![if !supportLists]><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><SPAN
style="mso-list: Ignore">6.<SPAN
style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><![endif]><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Elizabeth
White<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 10pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2"><![if !supportLists]><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><SPAN
style="mso-list: Ignore">7.<SPAN
style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><![endif]><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Susan
Turney<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 10pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2"><![if !supportLists]><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><SPAN
style="mso-list: Ignore">8.<SPAN
style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><![endif]><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Sue
Chinault<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 10pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2"><![if !supportLists]><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><SPAN
style="mso-list: Ignore">9.<SPAN
style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><![endif]><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Julia
Burdgick<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 10pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2"><![if !supportLists]><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><SPAN
style="mso-list: Ignore">10.<SPAN
style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><![endif]><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Carla
Haynes<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 10pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2"><![if !supportLists]><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><SPAN
style="mso-list: Ignore">11.<SPAN
style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><![endif]><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Fred
Schroeder<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">#1<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Hello, my name is Joe
Sontag, I’m a regular attendee of commission meetings and other commission
functions for quite some time and a long time participant of commission
activities and some time critic. I don’t have a whole lot to say,
particularly I read the state plan and the amendments and the attachments and I
gotta say to state that it was probably one of the most dry repetitious things
I’ve read in a long time but I do understand that there is a need for that
to happen. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Two points I wanted
to hit on the first one is that I realize that for bureaucratic reasons if
nothing else that there the State plan was written in such a way as to
anticipate the fallout from the most recent executive order regarding services
to blind people in Michigan. I know that this has been interpreted various
ways, and I think I understand why it’s being done it saves the hassle of having
to submit a whole bunch of stuff later on. However, I just wanted to point
out that I and others are aware that at this moment we still have a commission
board as constituted by PA 260 of 1978 as amended and other legislation and I
would much rather have seen a situation where the standing commission board had
a chance to weigh in on what turned out to be the final
draft.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">My second point
relates to the status of the Business Enterprise Program under the new proposed
or very likely to be executive order. My major concern is that the final
agency decision will be rendered by the director of the unit under which the
proposed bureau would exist and as a person who’s been in the business
enterprise program off and on since late 1989, as one who has served as an
advocate for operators with grievances as chair of Elected Operators Committee
several times, frankly this arrangement scares me to death and it does that
quite simply because the very individual who’s in charge of the office that
conducts our full evidentiary hearings for cases that get that far will be the
very same person who renders the final agency decision. That person is
getting input from sources that cannot be known or controlled about the status
of various cases with the present Business Enterprise Program and its management
and relationships that have developed between certain operators and certain high
level staffers in state government right now I find it almost impossible that a
person who is out of favor with any member of the business enterprise program
staff for any reasons particularly management I find it impossible to think that
that individual has a reasonable chance at justice which the person of course
has the ability to take it beyond but that implies deep pockets from of one kind
or another on the part any individual who take it beyond. I guess, I
can’t rest easy with it. I’m thankful that I have other options in
life. I’m not going to disappear if things get to a point where I find it
impossible to stick around; others are not in that situation and are not as
lucky, and I guarantee you that with things as they are currently the proposed
plans for handling final agency decisions is only going to lead to more trouble,
not less. Thank you for the opportunity to participate in this public
hearing.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">#2<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Good afternoon, my
name is Fred Wurtzel I’m with the National Federation of the Blind of Michigan
and I also would like to thank you for the opportunity to participate in this
hearing this afternoon. Like Mr. Songtag before me I have<B>
</B>significant concerns. One of the concerns that I have<B> </B>about
this plan is that this is a gigantic change in the relationship between
consumers and the agency has provider of rehabilitation services. There
will be no longer be a consumer driven board which sets policy for the
commission that will be more internalized into the structure of the
agency. I don’t think this plan adequately reflects a way to monitor that
consumers will continue to have a reasonable level of input into the decisions
and policy making of the agency. There’s a term that’s used
and I’m going to borrow it this doesn’t necessarily apply here exactly, it’s
called maintenance of effort that means if you do something at a certain level
at one point with regards to providing services that those services should
be maintained at that level through into the future. What I’m
anticipating here and maybe promptly so I hope is that this maintenance of
effort will see a decline in the ability of consumers’ actively participate in
the policy and development in ongoing management of the Michigan Commission for
the Blind or as it will be called the Bureau of Services for Blind
Persons. I would like to request in my comments that RSA consider some
sort of monitoring of the level of consumer involvement in this.
<B><o:p></o:p></B></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Another aspect of
this is that we will be going from a separate Commission for the Blind board
which serves as the state rehabilitation council for the Commission for the
Blind and that will be taken over by a joint rehabilitation council which will
serve both Michigan Rehab Services and Michigan Commission for the Blind, again
diminishing, severely diminishing input of blind persons. As it is now,
three of five persons who make decisions, policy decisions for the agency must
be blind. There will be seventeen members, I believe it’s seventeen on the
state rehabilitation council and there is no provision on there at all for any
blind person to be there. That doesn’t mean that a blind person won’t be there,
that’s not my implication; however there is no requirement that any blind person
be represented on that rehabilitation council. So we go from 60% of
representation on the overall policy making board to potentially 0%. With
regards to staff training, staff training has been an issue of concern by
consumers. Our concerns are reflected in the off times repeated and as Joe
mentioned in the plan the fact that member of measurements on the, within the
state plan that the agency wasn’t able to meet its goals. In 2000, the
goal for placement was 200, it dropped to 170 then to 160 - next year it’s for
161. According to the Governor in his public comments there were seventy
thousand jobs available through Mi Jobs. It’s hard to imagine that with
the vast resources of the Commission for the Blind $25,000,000 or so much of
which went unspent that we couldn’t find 160 or 170 people jobs and I think this
is reflected due to staff training. We have a number of people who are CRC
eligible but don’t have CRC’s and so those are a number of issues that I think
are important. I will be providing written comments by next
Monday.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">#3<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">My name is Terry
Eagle and I’m from Lansing and I’m here as president and representing the
National Association of Blind Merchants of Michigan and an affiliate of the
National Federation of the Blind and we have some real concerns about this state
plan. First of all because of the fact that it comes out of the executive
order, it’s our position that the executive order over reaches the governor’s
authority and moves into that of the legislative body of the legislature and
therefore there will likely be challenges to that on a legal basis. With
respect of the State plan we believe that there is a great need for more
training among the staff of the Commission for the Blind. It’s been proven
that they are not in touch with the skills of blindness, what the abilities of
blind people are and their recommendations of things to be put into
individual plans and stuff just are not in sync with what blind people need in
this state.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">As a member of the
Merchants Division and our membership we are really concerned about the movement
of the abolition of the Commission for the Blind Board which has had judicially
the final agency decision on grievances, hearings and I was going to say
arbitrations, but they don’t have a final say on that, but hearings on the, in
the hearing system of grievances by blind licensees in the Randolph Shepherd and
Public Act 260 Business Enterprise Program. Our concern is that the
hearing office, we believe is corrupt, we believe that it is non-responsive to
the American with Disability Act in Section 504 of the Civil Rights provisions
of the Rehabilitation Act when it comes to accommodations for blind
persons they refuse to give us materials in a format that blind people can
readily use. They insist that all things be done by fax or paper or paper
- print paper and they refuse to even communicate with us other than print paper
and that’s a serious violation of both the ADA and the 504 provisions. We
also believe that since the director of LARA will be the chief individual to
make a final agency decision, we believe that there are some serious legal,
ethical, and moral issues having to do with that person making a final agency
decision considering that that individual is also the head of the Michigan
Administrative Hearings System. We think that that should probably also be
challenged legally and ethically. So, we believe that because of the lack of due
process that blind vendors are getting now, that this will continue and under
the new plan and that the fact that we’re not getting our needs met under the
law as it stands that that will be complicated and ongoing giving the powers
without that of individual blind persons being in the policy and review
process. So, I thank you for this opportunity and we will see how it
washes out.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">#4<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">I’m Mary Wurtzel with
the National Federation of the Blind and my first comment is: Is there
really someone in Washington DC that reads this thing? But anyway, no I’m
sorry. I always have to have a little levity. But well one thing I
noticed is there is a constant repetition of the fact that Michigan, we have a
very high unemployment rate so therefore blind people can’t get jobs
either. I understand that this is certainly true, but I just felt that,
and I’m no connoisseur of state plans, but it just seems that we should come up
with more creative ways to come up with strategies to do some of the things that
were mentioned in the plan. For instance, it’s true that blind males and
sighted males are not achieving as highly in school and it seems to me, I think
that it was 9.2 of African American or regular guys. I’m not sure. Oh that
didn’t sound right, but anyway, but that percentage was the highest percentage
that achieved employment.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Anyway, because a lot
of the failure starts to take place in school (especially for boys), it seems
that, I realize that the commission has authority, I mean the bureau when people
get to be 14 is that right, is that the age for transition, but it just seems to
me that somehow there has to be some cooperation even before that because boys
are failing in school, blind, sighted, or otherwise and it just seems to me that
we can be creative in what we can do to encourage especially the
boys. And also I was very interested in the whole; I heard this
before about reaching out to the minority groups in Michigan. And when I first
heard this, I was very happy that we did that but it seem to me that what we
said we were doing to reach out to the Native American community was the same
kinds of things that we have been doing and just seems to me that maybe we can
sit down and think of some other ways to reach the native American community,
and we have a very large of Arab community in Dearborn, and also the Hispanic
and African American communities. I would just like to see us develop even
more strategies and it just seems like, well when I was reading this, which I
was really glad the computer was doing this so that I didn’t go to sleep, but it
just seemed like it was pretty ho-hum, and so my comment is just can we jazz
things up a little bit in this whole government thing and get a little bit more
excited about what we’re doing with state plans and such likes. So that’s
my comment.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Escanaba Public
Comments</SPAN></B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">:<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Attendees:
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Leamon
Jones<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Diamalyn Gaston –
recorder and secretary<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Larry Posont and
driver<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Carol
Berquist<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Christine
Pada<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Ed
Haines<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"># 1
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Hello, my name is
Carol Bergquist from Escanaba Michigan. I’m making comment on behalf of
the Michigan Rehabilitation Council or the MRC.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">The MRC is the
federally mandated State Rehabilitation Council designated to work in strategic
partnership with the Michigan Rehabilitation Services or (MRS), the public
vocational rehabilitation VR program for the general population of people with
disabilities. With the signing of the Executive Order 2012-10 by Governor
Snyder, the MRC has been abolished. At the same time, the Michigan Council
for Rehabilitation Services (MCRS) has been created and will serve as the State
Rehabilitation Council for both the blind and general service bureaus. We
look forward to our new responsibilities as prescribed in the Rehabilitation
Act, as amended in Section 105. We anticipate the establishment of a
strategic partnership with the Bureau of Services for Blind Persons (BSBP)
pursuit to our roll of reviewing, reanalyzing and advising the BSBP
administration. Our intent is that our membership will serve as the voice
of customers with disabilities, ensuring that the VR system for persons with low
vision and blindness are receiving services that upholds the spirit and
prescriptions of the federal law as related to employment
outcomes.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Thank you for this
opportunity to make comment.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">#2<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">I’m Larry Posont
member of the Commission Board. The only comment that I have for today is
that #1 this building is accessible - proper signage and other things and #2
what was the announcement made for this meeting and how was it brought up and
where was it sent to? Thank you.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Kalamazoo Public
Comments:</SPAN></B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><BR><BR><B><o:p></o:p></B></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Carrie Martin –
recorder and secretary<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Lisa
Kisiel<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Shannon
McVoy<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Christine
Boone<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">#1<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Hello, my name is
Beth Childress. I am making comment on behalf of the Michigan
Rehabilitation Council or the MRC.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">The MRC is the
federally mandated State Rehabilitation Services designated to work in strategic
partnership with Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS), the public vocational
rehabilitation (VR) program for the general population of people with
disabilities. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">With the signing of
Executive Order 2012-10 by Governor Snyder, the MRC has been abolished. At
the same time, the Michigan Council for Rehabilitation Services (MCRS) has been
created and will serve as the State Rehabilitation Council for the blind and
general service bureaus.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">We look forward to
our new responsibilities as prescribed in the Rehabilitation Act, as amended,
Section 105. We anticipate the establishment of a strategic partnership
with the Bureau of Services for Blind Persons (BSBP) pursuant to our role of
reviewing, analyzing and advising the BSBP administration. Our intent is
that our membership will serve as the voice of customers with disabilities,
ensuring that the VR system for persons with low vision and blindness are
receiving services that upholds the spirit and prescriptions of the federal law
as related to employment outcomes.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Thank you for this
opportunity to make comment.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Detroit Public
Comments:<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Attendees:<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Leamon
Jones<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Diamalyn Gaston –
recorder and secretary<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Cathy Cove
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Gwen
McNeal.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">#1<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Hello my name is
Dennis Stanford. I’m making comment on behalf of the Michigan
Rehabilitation Council or the MRC. The MRC is the federally mandated State
Rehabilitation Council designated to work in strategic partnership with Michigan
Rehabilitation Services the public vocational rehabilitation (VR) program for
the general population of people with disabilities. With the signing of
Executive Order 2012-10 by Governor Snyder, the MRC has been abolished and at
the same time, the Michigan Council for Rehabilitation Services (MCRS) has been
created and will serve as the State Rehabilitation Council for the blind and
general service bureaus. We look forward to our new responsibilities as
prescribed in the Rehabilitation Act, amended, Section 105. We anticipate
the establishment of a strategic partnership with the Bureau of Services for the
Blind Persons (BSBP) pursuant to our role of reviewing, analyzing and advising
the BSBP administration. Our intent is that our membership will serve as
the voice of customers with disabilities, ensuring that the VR system for
persons with low vision and blindness are receiving services that upholds the
spirit and prescriptions of the federal law as related to employment
outcomes. Thank you for this opportunity to make
comment.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">#2<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">John C. Scott - I had
the opportunity to read most of the state plan and I supposed it was emailed to
me but I didn’t have the time to finish it. I have things that created questions
for me. First, there seems to be the assumption that it is now the Bureau
of Services for Blind Persons that apparently is going to be the new rubric that
will be called once the governor’s executive order, I think it is 20-10-4; I’m
not sure, goes through. But that is not the state of affairs at this
point. In the, and my guess is that it is being done because by the
time the commissioner of RSA approves the plan then maybe that’s what it
is going to be. That’s being, I think being a bit
presumptuous. I also concern is that there are a number of changes that
says where the bureau name is giving, this document has not been
changed or last changed by Leamon Jones, I forget the exact terminology; for
example April 20, 11 and I know of course that April 20, 11
there were no Bureau of Services for Blind Persons. I’m also took note of
what It appears to that the Michigan Commission for the Blind and the Michigan
Rehab Services are coming under a general umbrella of what they call a rehab
unit that is ultimately under LARA. It seems to be a joining of the two
indirect way so rather that a class 2 agency that is ?. The situation with
the advisory board of course is troublesome that is mixed in there in terms of
that its going to four blind and this and I guess I’m merging the executive
order along with this, it going to be four blind people and three sighted people
on this advisory board, but they have a personal voice advises means we tell you
what we think and then the executive does whatever he thinks needs to be
done. I also was a bit puzzled <A title="" style="mso-endnote-id: edn1"
href="#_edn1" name=_ednref1><SUP><SUP><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-language: EN-US">[i]</SPAN></SUP></SUP></A>in
that, Pat Cannon is named as, I think as assistant director I don’t that
just perhaps for the state plan or not. But I did not read anything
indicating what are the requirements for becoming the director. The
director sits on the state rehab unit as an exofficio non- voting member of that
board and the same goes for the person that is director of MRS so they really
have no authority other than perhaps some kind input so maybe they can give some
advice to this state rehab board. So we have essentially advisory board in all
of it comes under LARA so it seems like something that was concise, complete and
thorough is become really something that is very possibly a confuse
situation. I think since counselors and what is the teacher therapist
their responsibilities even though their credential are specified and I think
all the requirements for the management should be specified somewhere and I
don’t ask them to be under Civil Services but even if it is then of course Civil
Service will probably have to be amend it since this is a new creature being
created. But I think that the state plan as written is problematic. I also
didn’t pick up any enforcementees when this new bureau is not doing what it is
suppose to do in terms of providing services for the blind. The question I
have then is well what can a citizen do with enforcement. I notice some
kind of connection is the CAP. It does not have a stellar reputation
either from the experience I had in terms of referring folks to the client
advocacy program. So I think this, at least from my recommended reading,
partial reading of the state plan itself I think that there is some more that
needs to be done, hopefully by the meeting we have I think it is on the
24<SUP>th</SUP>. I will have a little bit more that I can say regards to
that but that is essentially my statement.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Gaylord Public
Comments:<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Attendees:
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Pat Cannon
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Bob Robertson
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Beth White
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Sue
Luzenski<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Sarah
Oberlin<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Larry Posont
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Ken Stucki- driver
for Larry <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">#1<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Larry Posont -
I just wanted it to be known on the record that I’m here.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-language: EN-US"><BR
style="PAGE-BREAK-BEFORE: always" clear=all></SPAN>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Michigan Commission
for the Blind<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">State Plan Written
Comments <o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Received by July 16,
2012<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">These are all of the
written comments submitted by the close of business on July 16,
2012.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Public Comment
#1<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">This is the official
position of the members of the National Federation of the Blind of Michigan
concerning the state plan and services to blind people.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Thank
you.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Mike
Powell<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">1<SUP>st</SUP>-Vice-President<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">National Federation
of the Blind of Michigan<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">July 16,
2012<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Mike
Powell<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">3253 Dolores
Avenue<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Warren, Michigan
48091<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">MPOWELL@WOWWAY.COM<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align=center><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">2013 MICHIGAN BLIND
STATE PLAN COMMENTS<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Although Executive
Order 2012-10 keeps intact the former commission as a discrete and separate
organization with responsibility strictly for blind persons, we are concerned
that the executive order may reduce the level of consumer control of vocational
rehabilitation and related services to blind citizens of Michigan. The
following comments contain our recommendations to maintain proper consumer
control of services to the blind.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">BACKGROUND
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Executive Order 2012
abolishes the Michigan Commission for the Blind Board. The board is a
five-person Commission, three members of which must be blind. Following
are some of the major functions of the Commission as mandated by
statute:<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Public Act 260 of
1978<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Following is a list
of broad powers and their foundation.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormalCxSpMiddle
style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; mso-add-space: auto"><![if !supportLists]><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><SPAN
style="mso-list: Ignore">1.<SPAN
style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><![endif]><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"> AN ACT to
revise and codify the laws relating to blind persons and visually handicapped;
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormalCxSpMiddle
style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; mso-add-space: auto"><![if !supportLists]><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><SPAN
style="mso-list: Ignore">2.<SPAN
style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><![endif]><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"> to create a
commission; <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormalCxSpMiddle
style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; mso-add-space: auto"><![if !supportLists]><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><SPAN
style="mso-list: Ignore">3.<SPAN
style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><![endif]><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"> to prescribe
its powers and duties and those of other state agencies relative to blind
persons; <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormalCxSpMiddle
style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; mso-add-space: auto"><![if !supportLists]><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><SPAN
style="mso-list: Ignore">4.<SPAN
style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><![endif]><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"> to provide
services, education, training, and assistance to blind persons;
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormalCxSpMiddle
style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; mso-add-space: auto"><![if !supportLists]><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><SPAN
style="mso-list: Ignore">5.<SPAN
style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><![endif]><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"> to regulate
concessions operated by blind persons; <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormalCxSpMiddle
style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; mso-add-space: auto"><![if !supportLists]><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><SPAN
style="mso-list: Ignore">6.<SPAN
style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><![endif]><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"> To transfer
powers, duties functions, and appropriations; and to repeal certain acts and
parts of Acts.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">In the above it is
clear that the five-person commission was to be responsible for services
specifically to blind persons. The list below sets forth duties of the
commission board.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">393.352 Commission
for blind; creation; appointment of members; chairperson;
appointment<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">and evaluation of
director of commission; terms, compensation, and expenses of
members;<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">officers;
quorum.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormalCxSpMiddle
style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo6; mso-add-space: auto"><![if !supportLists]><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><SPAN
style="mso-list: Ignore">1.<SPAN
style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><![endif]><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Three of the members
shall be blind persons.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormalCxSpMiddle
style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo6; mso-add-space: auto"><![if !supportLists]><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><SPAN
style="mso-list: Ignore">2.<SPAN
style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><![endif]><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">One of the members
shall be designated by the governor to serve as the
chairperson.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormalCxSpMiddle
style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo6; mso-add-space: auto"><![if !supportLists]><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><SPAN
style="mso-list: Ignore">3.<SPAN
style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><![endif]><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">The commission shall
recommend to the director of the department a person to serve as director
of the commission <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormalCxSpMiddle
style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo6; mso-add-space: auto"><![if !supportLists]><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><SPAN
style="mso-list: Ignore">4.<SPAN
style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><![endif]><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">from a list of
eligible persons certified and submitted by the department of civil service who
shall be classified as a civil service employee,<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormalCxSpMiddle
style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo6; mso-add-space: auto"><![if !supportLists]><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><SPAN
style="mso-list: Ignore">5.<SPAN
style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><![endif]><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Should that person be
rejected, the procedure shall be repeated until a director is
appointed.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormalCxSpMiddle
style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo6; mso-add-space: auto"><![if !supportLists]><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><SPAN
style="mso-list: Ignore">6.<SPAN
style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><![endif]><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">The commission shall
evaluate the performance of the director annually and submit its evaluation and
recommendations to the director of the department.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">RECOMMENDATIONS<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormalCxSpMiddle
style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo8; mso-add-space: auto"><![if !supportLists]><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><SPAN
style="mso-list: Ignore">1.<SPAN
style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><![endif]><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Appointment of a
blind person to serve as the chairperson of the Advisory
Commission:<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Executive Order
2012-10 replaces the current policy-making commission board with an advisory
commission for blind persons. The advisory commission will be comprised of seven
members, four of whom must be blind. Section II of the executive order states in
part:<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN-RIGHT: 24.75pt; mso-line-height-alt: 12.75pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">A.
The Commission for Blind Persons ("Commission") is created as an advisory
commission within the Department of Licensing and Regulatory
Affairs.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="mso-line-height-alt: 12.75pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">B.
The Commission shall consist of seven members appointed by, and serving at the
pleasure of, the Governor. Four of the members shall be blind
persons.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="mso-line-height-alt: 12.75pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">D.
The Governor shall designate a member of the Commission to serve as its
Chairperson. The Chairperson shall serve at the pleasure of the
Governor.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="mso-line-height-alt: 12.75pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; BACKGROUND: black; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-highlight: black"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Executive Order
2012-10 states that the governor will appoint a chairperson from the members of
the advisory commission; however, the executive order does not require that the
chairperson be blind. To maintain credibility of the advisory commission among
blind consumers, we believe that it is essential that the chairperson be blind.
For this reason we strongly urge the governor to name a chairperson of the
advisory commission who is blind.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormalCxSpMiddle
style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo8; mso-add-space: auto"><![if !supportLists]><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><SPAN
style="mso-list: Ignore">2.<SPAN
style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><![endif]><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Appointment and
supervision of the director of the Bureau of Services for Blind
Persons:<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; BACKGROUND: black; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-highlight: black"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">A major function of
the current commission board is the power to recommend an individual to serve as
the commission director and to evaluate his or her performance. The
executive order makes no mention of the process to be used in appointing and
evaluating the director of the Bureau of Services for Blind Persons. We strongly
recommend that the governor instruct the director of the Department of Licensing
and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) to consult with the advisory commission in the
appointment of a bureau director and consult with the advisory commission in the
ongoing evaluation of the bureau director.<SPAN
style="BACKGROUND: black; mso-highlight: black"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormalCxSpMiddle
style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo8; mso-add-space: auto"><![if !supportLists]><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><SPAN
style="mso-list: Ignore">3.<SPAN
style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><![endif]><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Randolph-Sheppard
Disputes:<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Another critical
function of the current commission board relates to the dispute resolution
process for complaints brought under the Randolph-Sheppard blind vending
program. Under current law, the commission board reviews the findings of an
administrative law judge and renders final agency action on behalf of the
commission. Section I of the executive order states in
part:<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="mso-line-height-alt: 12.75pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; BACKGROUND: black; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-highlight: black"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="mso-line-height-alt: 12.75pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">E.
Any authority, powers, duties and functions relative to final agency decisions
for cases arising under the Randolph-Sheppard Act, 20 U.S.C. 107 to 107f, the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Public Law 93-112, as amended, 29 U.S.C. 732, and
the Blind and Visually Disabled Persons Act, 1978 PA 260, MCL 393.351 to MCL
393.369, are transferred from the Commission for the Blind to the Director of
the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">We strongly recommend
that the governor instruct the director of LARA to delegate the authority to
render final agency action related to Randolph-Sheppard disputes to the advisory
commission.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormalCxSpMiddle
style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in; TEXT-INDENT: -0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo8; mso-add-space: auto"><![if !supportLists]><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><SPAN
style="mso-list: Ignore">4.<SPAN
style="FONT: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">
</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><![endif]><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">State Rehabilitation
Council:<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Under current law,
the consumer-controlled commission board carries out the functions of the State
Rehabilitation Council. The executive order sets up a single State
Rehabilitation Council to serve both the general agency and the agency for the
blind made up of 17 persons, a majority of whom must be persons with a
disability. Unlike the commission, there is no requirement that any of these
individuals must be blind. This is a troubling reduction in representation in
the policy-making and oversight activities of the agency for the blind. We
strongly recommend that the governor instruct the director of LARA to constitute
a separate State Rehabilitation Council for the Bureau of Services for Blind
Persons.<SPAN style="COLOR: white"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></SPAN></P><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-language: EN-US"><BR
style="PAGE-BREAK-BEFORE: always" clear=all></SPAN>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Public Comment
#2<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">1. To the best of my
knowledge and belief, MCB made no effort to publicize the state plan hearings
beyond posting notice on its web site, as if to ensure that only those blind
people who make it their business to track closely the activities of the
Commission would be aware of the locations, times, and strict rules set down for
these hearings.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">2. The hearing that I
attended was held at a location that did not meet accessibility requirements as
to proper signage on all permanent rooms and which has been the subject of
accessibility complaints for many years. The hearing that was conducted in
Detroit took place at a building that houses offices of the Commission and that
has become the focus of a lawsuit brought by a disabled individual who finds
many accessibility issues. Other reports that have reached me suggest
strongly that MCB and its director have failed to respond effectively to the
numerous ADA-based accessibility complaints, even as it continues to allege that
it holds all of its functions in accessible meeting
places.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">3. I am very
concerned by the fact that our Commission Board was shut out of any and all
activity relating to the development of the state plan document, as far as I
know.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">4. For reasons stated
above, I find it impossible to believe that any claims made by the Commission
may make regarding the representative nature of the public comments received at
these hearings to be credible.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">5. Our governor has
issued recently an executive order that will have far-reaching and potentially
destructive effects on services to blind people in Michigan. One effect of
this executive order was to cause MCB staff to write the state plan document in
future tense, hiding the fact that our agency is still a consumer-controled and
directed agency and will remain so at least until October first of this
year.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">6. The proposed state
plan reflects a provission of the Governor's executive order that places the
power of taking the final agency decission in grievances brought by operators in
our Business Enterprise Program in the hands of the director of the the Bureau
of Services to Blind Persons' parent department. The person named in the
state plan document, Mike Zimmer, is not the parent department's director, but
its chief deputy director. It is also true that Mr. Zimmer is in charge of
the Michigan Administrative Hearings System (MAHS), the very entity that
conducts the full evidenciary hearings required by the Randolph-Sheppard
Act. At present, these decissions are taken by the Commission Board,
which must act in accordance with Michigan's open meetings
act.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Given that the Bureau
director and BEP staff will have secret opportunities to introduce
off-the-record evidence in each case through undocumented communication with the
department director or their designee and given that the overseer of MAHS can
influence each grievance hearing, I find an unacceptible conflict of interest in
this proposed arrangement.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">7. Finally, given the
number of problems exposed that are the responsibilities of MCB management, the
deteriorating level of service received by Commission consumers, especially
those in the Detroit metro area and the contempt shown openly by MCB upper
management towards blind consumers generally and the Board that currently has
the power to direct it particularly, I hope that those at RSA who are
responsible for evaluating the proposed state plan and all related materials do
so critically and with a mindset that encourages the asking of searching
questions of the Agency and commenters alike.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Sincerely,<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Joseph
Sontag<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">1204 Morris
Avenue<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Lansing MI
48917<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">E-mail: <A
href="mailto:suncat0@gmail.com">suncat0@gmail.com</A>.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-language: EN-US"><BR
style="PAGE-BREAK-BEFORE: always" clear=all></SPAN>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-RIGHT: 17.15pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Public Comment
#3<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-RIGHT: 17.15pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-RIGHT: 17.15pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">July 15 2012 More
Comments and More Violations in State Plan <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-RIGHT: 17.15pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-RIGHT: 17.15pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Paul Joseph Harcz,
Jr.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-RIGHT: 17.15pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">1365 E. Mt. Morris
Rd.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-RIGHT: 17.15pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Mt. Morris, MI
48458<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-RIGHT: 17.15pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><A
href="mailto:joeharcz@comcast.net">joeharcz@comcast.net</A><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-RIGHT: 17.15pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">To: D. Gaston via
internet<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-RIGHT: 17.15pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-RIGHT: 17.15pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">All,<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-RIGHT: 17.15pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">I quote
from Executive Order 2012-10:<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-RIGHT: 17.15pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">“
Any<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.25pt"> </SPAN>authority,<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.05pt"> </SPAN>powers,<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.4pt"> </SPAN>duties,<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.45pt"> </SPAN>functions,<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.9pt"> </SPAN>records, property,<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.4pt"> </SPAN>unexpended balances<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: 0.2pt"> </SPAN>of<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.1pt">
</SPAN>appropriations,<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: -1.2pt">
</SPAN>allocations<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: 0.25pt"> </SPAN>or<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.35pt"> </SPAN>other<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.25pt"> </SPAN>funds,<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.4pt"> </SPAN>including<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: 0.4pt"> </SPAN>the<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.35pt">
</SPAN>functions<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: 0.25pt"> </SPAN>of budgeting<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.3pt"> </SPAN>and<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.7pt">
</SPAN>procurement<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: 0.75pt"> </SPAN>of<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: 0.2pt"> </SPAN>the Director<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.4pt"> </SPAN>of<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.5pt">
</SPAN>the<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.1pt"> </SPAN>Commission<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.05pt"> </SPAN>for<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.25pt"> </SPAN>the Blind<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: 0.1pt"> </SPAN>are transferred<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.6pt"> </SPAN>to<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.05pt">
</SPAN>the<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.1pt"> </SPAN>Director<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.35pt"> </SPAN>of<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: 0.15pt">
</SPAN>the<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: 0.4pt"> </SPAN>Department<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: -1.1pt"> </SPAN>of<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.2pt">
</SPAN>Licensing<SPAN style="LETTER-SPACING: 0.15pt"> </SPAN>and<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.1pt"> </SPAN>Regulatory<SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.15pt"> </SPAN>Affairs.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">“<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">These are clearly
non-delegable authorities to non VR entity under the Rehabilitation Act
and are an invalid exercise of the Designated State Agency cited
in:<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">“<U>TECHNICAL
ASSISTANCE CIRCULAR<o:p></o:p></U></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">RSA-TAC-12-03<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">DATE: April 16,
2012<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">“<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Specifically
here:<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">“In addition,
regulations found at 34 CFR 361.13(c) require that certain functions be reserved
solely to the staff of the DSU and that these functions may not be delegated to
any other agency or individual (34 CFR 361.13(c)(2)). At a minimum, these
“non-delegable” responsibilities relate to decisions
affecting:<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"></SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">
</SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">eligibility, the
nature and scope of services, and the provision of those services (34 CFR
361.13(c)(1)(i));<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"></SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">
</SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">the
determination that individuals have achieved employment outcomes (34 CFR
361.13(c)(1)(ii)); <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"></SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">
</SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">policy
formulation and implementation (34 CFR 361.13(c)(1)(iii));
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"></SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">
</SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">the
allocation and expenditure of VR funds (34 CFR 361.13(c)(1)(iv)); and
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"></SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">
</SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">the
participation of the DSU in the one-stop service delivery system in accordance
with Title I of the <I>Workforce Investment Act</I> (<I>WIA</I>) and the
regulatory requirements specified in 20 CFR Part 662 (34 CFR
361.13(c)(1)(v)).<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">“<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Bottom line here is
that the entire MCB State Plan and the Executive Order creating it are an
invalid abuse of federal law and an open knowing misappropriation of federal VR
funds to a non-vocational entity (DSA/LARA).<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Sincerely<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Paul Joseph Harcz,
Jr.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Cc: MCB
Commissioners<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Cc:
MPAS<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Cc:
MRC<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Cc: NFB,
ACB<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Cc:
RSA<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Cc:
several<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-language: EN-US"><BR
style="PAGE-BREAK-BEFORE: always" clear=all></SPAN>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Public Comment
#4<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Conflict of Interest
and Non -delegable Authorities<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">July 15,
2012<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Comments on MCB State
Plan<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Paul Joseph Harcz,
Jr.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">1365 E. Mt. Morris
Rd.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Mt. Morris, MI
48458<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><A
href="mailto:joeharcz@comcast.net">joeharcz@comcast.net</A><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">All,<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">note the following
from the ludicrous Michigan Commission for the Blind State
Plan:<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">“2.
The name of the designated state vocational rehabilitation unit
is:<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Bureau of Services
for Blind Persons (“BSBP”), under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, 29
USC 701 et seq. The Bureau of Services for Blind Persons serves as the
State Licensing Agency under the Randolph Sheppard vending facilities for blind
in federal buildings act, 20 USC 107 to 107f. Any authority, powers,
duties and functions relative to final agency decisions for cases arising under
the Randolph Sheppard Act, 20 USC 107 to 107f, the
Rehabilitation<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Act of 1973, Public
Law 93-112, as amended, 29 USC 732, and the Blind and Visually Disabled Persons
Act, 1978 PA 260, MCL 393.351 to MCL 393.369, lies with the Director of the
Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.”<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">First of all and once
again the signaturre on the pre-print is not the Director of LARA which isn’t a
Vocational Rehabilitation entity in the first place, but that of LARA Deputy
Director Michael Zimmer. Now, Michael Zimmer runs the Michigan Administrative
Hhearings System where Business Enterprise Operators and in fact VR clients can
take complaints. Currently the Michigan Commission for the Blind board under PA
260 and rules makes the final agency determination for the SLA as a safe guard
in due process and equal protection under law, all of which has been routinely
violated over the years by MAHS to begin with in documented fashion including
substantial violations under Zimmer’s direction of the Americans with
Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the very Rehabilitation Act all are
violating here.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Moreover, this is at
cross purposes for if the illegal Executive Order 2012-10 takes place it would
eliminate PA 260 which establishes the State Priority to begin with.
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">I know this sounds
confusing. That is because it is a mish mash of multiple violations of both
state and federal laws to numerous to count.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">But, clearly the
Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs cannot serve the interests of
blind folks here and their rights to fundamental due process and equal
protection under law when the self-same entity runs the quasi-judicial
proceedings and then also makes “the final agency determination”. There can be
no impartiality by any measure here. It is a codified conflict of interests
making the Designated State Agency judge and jury all wrapped up in the same
package.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">This is a VR program
for people who are blind after all.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">In addition,
regulations found at 34 CFR 361.13(c) require that certain functions be reserved
solely to the staff of the DSU and that these functions may not be delegated to
any other agency or individual (34 CFR 361.13(c) (2)). At a minimum, these
“non-delegable” responsibilities relate to decisions
affecting:<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"></SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">
</SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">eligibility, the
nature and scope of services, and the provision of those services (34 CFR
361.13(c)(1)(i));<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"></SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">
</SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">the
determination that individuals have achieved employment outcomes (34 CFR
361.13(c)(1)(ii)); <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"></SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">
</SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">policy
formulation and implementation (34 CFR 361.13(c)(1)(iii));
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"></SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">
</SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">the
allocation and expenditure of VR funds (34 CFR 361.13(c)(1)(iv)); and
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"></SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">
</SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">the
participation of the DSU in the one-stop service delivery system in accordance
with Title I of the <I>Workforce Investment Act</I> (<I>WIA</I>) and the
regulatory requirements specified in 20 CFR Part 662 (34 CFR
361.13(c)(1)(v)).<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Thus this is simply a
gross conflict of interest, institutionalized denials of blind in due process
proceedings that will be arbitrary and capricious, and more non-deligable
authorities over federal VR funds illegally sought by the Designated State
Agency.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Sincerely,<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Paul Joseph Harcz,
Jr.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Cc:
RSA<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Cc: NFB
MI<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Cc: Michigan
Protection and Advocacy Services<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Cc: Michigan
Americans with Civil Liberties Union<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Cc:
MRC<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Cc: several attorneys
at law<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-language: EN-US"><BR
style="PAGE-BREAK-BEFORE: always" clear=all></SPAN>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Public Comment
#5<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">To Whom It May
Concern:<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">On behalf of Western
Michigan University’s Rehabilitation Counseling/Teaching program, I am pleased
to comment on the Bureau of Services for Blind Persons FY 2013 State Plan.
The FY 2013 State Plan clearly demonstrates the long standing relationship
between Western Michigan University and BSBP for the development and continued
education of rehabilitation counselor/teachers to assure quality services for
Michiganders with the disability of blindness. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">As seen in the FY
2013 State Plan, BSBP is a collaborative partner with Western Michigan
University’s Rehabilitation Counseling/Teaching program. Both WMU and BSBP
are committed to assuring that Michigander's with the disability of blindness
are receiving the best possible services to meet their disability specific
training needs. In this regard, the State Plan demonstrates BSBP's
commitment to training "qualified" rehabilitation counsleors in accordance with
the Rehabilitation Act through it's active involvement on the rehabilitation
counseling/teaching admissions committee, Rehabilitation Counseling/Teaching
Advisory Board, instructor and guest lectures, and clinical supervision of
rehabilitation counseling/teaching interns.
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Given the impact of
blindness on the functioning of an individual without skills in blindness,
BSBP's state plan section on Comprehensive System of Personnel Development
assures that rehabilitation counselor/teachers are prepared to not only provide
needed vocational rehabilitation and counseling services, but also to understand
the training and psychological needs of persons with congenital or acquired
blindness. Michiganers with the disability of blindness are well served by
BSBP's ongoing dedication to assuring dually trained (specialization in
blindness) rehabilitaiton counselors as evidenced in the FY 2013 State
Plan. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Further, BSBP’s
commitment to Michiganders with blindness is demonstrated in the FY 2013 State
Plan by it’s ability to establish productive and ongoing relationships with
multiple agencies throughout Michigan. These relationships are included in
the FY 2013 State Pan and include, but are not limited to supported employment
vocational services, independent living services, and transition services.
Access to these partnerships is a key function to vocational rehabilitation
services in a public vocational rehabilitation program - BSBP has clearly
excelled and committed in this area.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Western Michigan
University’s Rehabilitation Counseling/Teaching program is committed to
supporting BSBP’s expressed commitment to working collaboratively toward the
goals of preparing qualified personnel in accordance with the Rehabilitation Act
requirements. Further, Western Michigan University’s Rehabilitation
Counseling/Teaching program fully supports BSBP’s efforts to recognize and
embrace the diversity of Michiganders both in service delivery and
personnel.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">If you have any
questions or concerns regarding the comments herein on the Bureau of Blind
Persons' FY 2013 State Plan, please feel free to contact
me.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Jennipher Wiebold,
Ph.D., CRC<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Rehabilitation
Counseling/Teaching Program Coordinator Associate Professor Western Michigan
University<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-language: EN-US"><BR
style="PAGE-BREAK-BEFORE: always" clear=all></SPAN>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"> Public Comment
#6<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">----- Original
Message ----- <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="BACKGROUND: #e4e4e4"><B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">From:</SPAN></B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"> <A
title=joeharcz@comcast.net href="mailto:joeharcz@comcast.net">joe harcz
Comcast</A> <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">To:</SPAN></B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"> <A
title=cannonp@MICHIGAN.GOV href="mailto:cannonp@MICHIGAN.GOV">Patrick Cannon MCB
Dir.</A> <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Cc:</SPAN></B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"> <A
title=Craig.McManus@ed.gov href="mailto:Craig.McManus@ed.gov">Craig McManus
RSA</A> ; <A title=Carol.dobak@ed.gov href="mailto:Carol.dobak@ed.gov">Carol
Dobak</A> ; <A title=Ocr.cleveland@ed.gov href="mailto:Ocr.cleveland@ed.gov">OCR
Cleveland Office</A> ; <A title=MCODY@mpas.org href="mailto:MCODY@mpas.org">MARK
CODY</A> ; <A title=ECERANO@mpas.org href="mailto:ECERANO@mpas.org">Elmer Cerano
MPAS</A> ; <A title=zimmerm@michigan.gov
href="mailto:zimmerm@michigan.gov">zimmerm@michigan.gov</A> ; <A
title=president.nfb.mi@gmail.com href="mailto:president.nfb.mi@gmail.com">Larry
Posont MCB Comm.</A> ; <A title=laschuck@juno.com
href="mailto:laschuck@juno.com">lydia Schuck MCB Comm.</A> ; <A
title=jcscot@sbcglobal.net href="mailto:jcscot@sbcglobal.net">John Scott MCB
Comm.</A> ; <A title=nfbmi-talk@nfbnet.org
href="mailto:nfbmi-talk@nfbnet.org">nfbmi-talk@nfbnet.org</A> ; <A
title=fschroeder@sks.com href="mailto:dandrews@visi.com%3e)">Fredric Schroeder
(by way of David Andrews<dandrews@visi.com>)</A> ; <A
title=valarie@misilc.org href="mailto:valarie@misilc.org">valarie Barnum Yarger
MISILC</A> <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Sent:</SPAN></B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"> Friday, July 13,
2012 12:32 PM<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Subject:</SPAN></B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"> request all info
related state plan mcb<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">July 13
2012 Request MCB LARA All Information Related to State Plan
Hearings</SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Paul Joseph Harcz,
Jr.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">1365 E. Mt. Morris
Rd.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Mt. Morris, MI
48458<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">810-516-5262<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">E-mail: <A
href="mailto:joeharcz@comcast.net">joeharcz@comcast.net</A><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Re: Public Hearing
Comments, Notes, Minutes Rehab Act, ADA, Etc.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Patrick D.
Cannon<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">CENTRAL
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Michigan Commission
for the Blind<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">201 N. Washington,
2nd Floor<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">P.O. Box
30652<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Lansing, MI
48909<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Phone (voice): (517)
373-2062<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Fax: (517)
335-5140<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">TTY (517)
373-4025<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Toll-Free
Numbers:<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">1-800-292-4200
(voice, answered in Lansing)<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">1-800-323-2535
(voice, answered in Escanaba)<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">TTY
888-864-1212<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">(Sent via
e-mail)<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Dear Mr.
Cannon,<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">I am a person who is
blind, an advocate for those who are blind and those with other disabilities. I
am writing today to request all documents related to the extremely illegal state
plan hearings recently conducted. At a minimum I am requesting all written or
spoken public comments submitted to MCB and, if any, the recordings and
notes, or “minutes” of these so-called “public hearings” on the state plan,
which by the way very few people with disabilities even knew about because
MCB LARA made no proper and adequate notice in any form except
belatedly on its web site.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Make no mistake here
I am not making a Freedom of Information Act request! I invoke the very
Rehabilitation Act itself which funds and establishes the MRC to begin with. I
invoke the requirement to make all public meeting and hearing information
readily available and accessible to members of the public in a timely and
accessible manner including those of course, like myself who are blind. I also
invoke the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (Title II, subpart e,
communications, primary consideration), and the “auxiliary aids and services”
provisions of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act here for as I am blind the
printed word is not accessible. An entity such as yours should be intimate with
how to affirmatively comply with this request and prohibitions against
charging a surcharge or any Stallings or delays.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Now I request the
written submissions as simple Word documents and/or e-mail attachments as my
“computer talks”. I use a screen reader. This information must be sent to my
e-mail listed above. Any responses, including inevitable stalling must also be
sent in accessible format.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">As per any recordings
they may be sent on a thumb drive to my mailing address as an mp3
file.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Again under law you
may not charge me one dime for this any more than you can charge a deaf person
the cost of interpreter services at these bogus hearings. Which you didn’t have
by the way as that would violate the surcharge provisions of the ADA and
504.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">But you should and do
know of your substantial violations Mr. Cannon as you are the State of Michigan
ADA Coordinator, Director of the Michigan Commission for the Blind for
crying out loud and the former Chair of the United States Access
Board!<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">A failure to timely
respond to this let alone remit accessible information will result in complaints
to OCR, the US Department of Justice, and legal action.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Sincerely,<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Paul Joseph Harcz,
Jr.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Cc: National
Federation of the Blind, MI<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Cc: ADAPT
MI<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Cc: MCB
Commissioners<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Cc: MRC
Members<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Cc:
RSA<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Cc: OCR,
Ed.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Cc: Michael Zimmer,
Licensing and Regulatory Affairs<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Cc: Michigan
Protection and Advocacy Services<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Cc: D. Gaston as
Comments to State Plan Itself<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-language: EN-US"><BR
style="PAGE-BREAK-BEFORE: always" clear=all></SPAN>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Public Comment
#7<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">July 13, 2012
Comments MCB Proposed State Plan<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Paul Joseph Harcz,
Jr.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">1365 E. Mt. Morris
Rd.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Mt. Morris, MI
48458<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><A
href="mailto:joeharcz@comcast.net">joeharcz@comcast.net</A><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">To: D. Gaston MCB
(and others)<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Dear Ms.
Gaston,<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">I am commenting on
the following section of the Michigan Commission for the Blind’s draft state
plan:<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">“Attachment 4.2(c)
Input of State Rehabilitation Council<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Required annually by
all agencies except those agencies that are independent consumer-controlled
commissions.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Identify the Input
provided by the state rehabilitation council, including recommendations from the
council’s annual report, the review and analysis of<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">consumer
satisfaction, and other council reports. Be sure to also
include:<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">List of 2
items<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">• the Designated
state unit's response to the input and recommendations;
and<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">• explanations
for the designated state unit's rejection of any input or recommendation of the
council.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">list
end<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">*The BSBP functions
in accordance with the State Rehabilitation Council.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">This screen was last
updated on Jul 27 2009 9:31AM by Leamon Jones<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">“<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">First of all does
anyone look at the dates on this garbage? Mr. Jones hasn’t updated this for
three years which is a total admission in and of itself that the agency violated
this provision year in and year out.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Moreover, the current
MCB Board and it is still current has not done this or even had the time or
ability to do this.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Further as documented
elsewhere we’re referencing an SRC that does not exist and even the existing
Michigan Rehabilitation Council didn’t get notice of these substantial changes
to both state plans.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">By the way the
Executive Order 2012-10 is not in effect even if it is legitimate to begin with
as it won’t go into effect before August 27, 2012 if it
does.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Regardless this
documents past and present violations of both the Independent commission’s role
in State Plan development and that required of an SRC, let alone the utter and
gross incompetence of Mr. Jones paid in excess of $100,000 in these
regards.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">This is the most
Kafkaesque and ludicrous exclusion of consumers, and stakeholders from the
process and documented at that that I’ve ever seen.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Thus once again the
entire state plan is invalid on its face and I urge RSA Deputy Director Anthony
to not approve the state plan here or that of Michigan Rehabilitation Services
until it comes into compliance with all applicable portions of the
Rehabilitation Act including provisions for consumer control and input into the
functions of this agency.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Sincerely and Nothing
about Us Without Us,<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Paul Joseph Harcz,
Jr.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Cc: Craig McManus,
RSA<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Cc: Carol Doboc,
RSA<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Cc: Current
commissioners MCB<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Cc: MRC
Members<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Cc: National
Federation of the Blind<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Cc: Michigan
Protection and Advocacy Services<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Cc: Michael
Zimmer<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Cc: Patrick D.
Cannon<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-language: EN-US"><BR
style="PAGE-BREAK-BEFORE: always" clear=all></SPAN>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Public Comment
#8<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Complaint OCR RSA
Public Hearings Violate ADA/504<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">July 13,
2013<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Paul Joseph Harcz,
Jr.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">1365 E. Mt. Morris
Rd.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Mt. Morris, MI
48458<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><A
href="mailto:joeharcz@comcast.net">joeharcz@comcast.net</A><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">810-516-52612<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Re: Public Hearings
MCB Lack of Access<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">All,<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Note the following
location is being used for a public hearing on the bogus and illegal State Plan
by the Michigan Commission for the Blind today:<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">“Detroit<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">July 13, 2012, 2:00
p.m. - 6:00 p.m.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Cadillac
Place<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">3038 W. Grand
Blvd.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Detroit, MI
48202<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Room
L150”<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Now this facility
houses offices for the Michigan Commission for the Blind and other entities. It
was required to meet the program access requirements of the Americans with
Disabilities Act of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
Decades ago. It is also required to ensure that all public hearings especially
those as critical to people with disabilities are fully accessible. Yet, this
very building and the state actors are being sued for assorted violations of the
ADA/504.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Bottom line is this
facility does not meet the renovations and alteration requirements of the ADA
denoted in that suit.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Moreover, as I am
blind I will also note that this facility does not have required raised
character and Braille signage on every permanent room, including room numbers in
accordance with ADAAG Sections 3.40.1, 4, 5, 6 which is a program access
issue.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">In short this
Michigan Commission for the Blind is not accessible to the
blind.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Now this is a
complaint to the Office of Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education to
immediately start action against the Michigan Commission for the Blind and its
Director, Patrick D. Cannon for these and other chronic, and malicious
violations of ADA and 504 which I’ve documented here and over the
decade.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Sincerely,<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Paul Joseph Harcz,
Jr.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Cc:
RSA<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Cc: NFB
MI<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Cc:
MCB<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Cc:
MPAS<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Cc: Richard
Bernstein, Esq.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Cc: ADAPT
MI<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; COLOR: white; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-language: EN-US"><BR
style="PAGE-BREAK-BEFORE: always" clear=all></SPAN>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Public Comment
#9<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Complaint OCR RSA
Public Hearings Violate ADA/504<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">July 13,
2013<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Paul Joseph Harcz,
Jr.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">1365 E. Mt. Morris
Rd.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Mt. Morris, MI
48458<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><A
href="mailto:joeharcz@comcast.net">joeharcz@comcast.net</A><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">810-516-52612<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Re: Public Hearings
MCB Lack of Access<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">All,<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Note the following
location is being used for a public hearing on the bogus and illegal State Plan
by the Michigan Commission for the Blind today:<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">“Detroit<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">July 13, 2012, 2:00
p.m. - 6:00 p.m.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Cadillac
Place<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">3038 W. Grand
Blvd.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Detroit, MI
48202<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Room
L150”<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Now this facility
houses offices for the Michigan Commission for the Blind and other entities. It
was required to meet the program access requirements of the Americans with
Disabilities Act of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
Decades ago. It is also required to ensure that all public hearings especially
those as critical to people with disabilities are fully accessible. Yet, this
very building and the state actors are being sued for assorted violations of the
ADA/504.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Bottom line is this
facility does not meet the renovations and alteration requirements of the ADA
denoted in that suit.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Moreover, as I am
blind I will also note that this facility does not have required raised
character and Braille signage on every permanent room, including room numbers in
accordance with ADAAG Sections 3.40.1, 4, 5, 6 which is a program access
issue.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">In short this
Michigan Commission for the Blind is not accessible to the
blind.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Now this is a
complaint to the Office of Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education to
immediately start action against the Michigan Commission for the Blind and its
Director, Patrick D. Cannon for these and other chronic, and malicious
violations of ADA and 504 which I’ve documented here and over the
decade.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Sincerely,<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Paul Joseph Harcz,
Jr.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Cc:
RSA<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Cc: NFB
MI<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Cc:
MCB<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Cc:
MPAS<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Cc: Richard
Bernstein, Esq.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Cc: ADAPT
MI<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-language: EN-US"><BR
style="PAGE-BREAK-BEFORE: always" clear=all></SPAN>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Public Comment
#10<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">July 8 2012 ADA 504
Etc. Request<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Paul Joseph Harcz,
Jr.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">1365 E. Mt. Morris
Rd.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Mt. Morris
Rd.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Mt. Morris,
MI<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">To:<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Patrick D.
cannon<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Former Director
Michigan Commission for the blind<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Michael Zimmer
Current dictator Michigan commission for the blind<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Via
e-mail<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Mr. Cannon and Mr.
Zimmer,<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">I am writing you both
today to request all documents related to basic ADA and section 504 (Rehab Act)
compliance with the requirements to:<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">1. Make all
facilities used by the current Commission for the Blind fully compliant with the
program access, new construction and alteration requirements of both the ADA,
Title II and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of
1973.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">2. Ditto for all
requirements to make the facilities used for upcoming public hearings relative
to the State Plan fully accessible in accordance with the above mentioned laws
and the Americans with disabilities Act Accessibility
Guidelines.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">3. Ditto for meeting
affirmatively all requirements for notice including in “appropriate modes of
communications” the public hearings denoted and to begin with tomorrow, also all
affirmative provisions required to effectively communicate with the blind, deaf
and blind/before at such meetings including of course again notices. ((Re:
Tyler v. Manhattan, re: Title II, ADA, effective communications, re: “auxiliary
aids and services provisions of Section 504).<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">These public hearings
are invalid on their face as they violate fundamentals of the aforementioned
laws and the constitutional guarantees that they are based
upon.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Send me, a blind
person all of these things in accessible format (re: do it as a simple word
document which my screen reader can read prior to aforementioned
meetings.)<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Sincerely,<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Paul Joseph Harcz,
Jr.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Cc: NFB
MI<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Cc: OCR,
Ed.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Cc:
DOJ<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Cc: several attorneys
at law<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Cc:
RSA<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Cc:
MRC<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Cc: MCB
Commissioners<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Cc:
MCBVI<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Cc: several media
outlets<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-language: EN-US"><BR
style="PAGE-BREAK-BEFORE: always" clear=all></SPAN>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Public Comment
#11<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Request Recording MCB
State Plan Hearing July 9 2012<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"> And ADA/504
Complaint<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"> <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Paul Joseph Harcz,
Jr.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"> 1365 E. Mt.
Morris Rd.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"> Mt. Morris,
MI<BR><A
href="mailto:48458joeharcz@comcast.net">48458joeharcz@comcast.net</A><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"> <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">To<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"> <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Patrick Cannon,
Michigan commission for the Blind<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"> Michael Zimmer,
Michigan LARA<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"> <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Via
e-mail<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"> <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Sirs,<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">I am writing today to
request the recording of the State Plan Hearing held yesterday at the State
Library in Lansing. I make this request in accordance<BR>with known
responsibilities to make such recordings available under both the public
hearings requirements of The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Title I)<BR>and the
“auxiliary aids and services” provisions in Section 504 of that same
act.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"> <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">You may send this
recording as an mp3 file on a “flashcard” to my mailing address listed
above.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">By the way the
meeting violated the program access requirements of the Americans with
Disabilities Act of 1990, Title II, and similar requirements for
accessible<BR>meetings required by the Rehabilitation Act in that there was no
and I repeat no raised character and Braille signage in accordance with
the Americans<BR>with Disability Act Guidelines (3.40.1, 4, 5,
6).<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">I don’t understand
what this state doesn’t realize about the long standing requirement to have all
permanent rooms, including room numbers so identified<BR>and most especially for
agencies that offer vocational rehabilitation services and hold said public
hearings like the one yesterday. It is inexcusable<BR>that this facility which
houses the Braille and Talking Book library and was used for this public hearing
so egregiously and maliciously violates the<BR>ADA now nearly twenty two
years after it was enacted.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Thus this stands as a
complaint and documentation of a complaint for systemic, willful, and malicious
discrimination against the entire class.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">It also invalidates
these so-called public hearings!<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Yu Mr. Cannon as the
former head of the United States Access Board and State of Michigan ADA
coordinator should be ashamed for such ongoing acts of
discrimination!<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"> <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Sincerely,<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"> <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Paul Joseph Harcz,
Jr.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"> <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Cc: MCB
Commissioners<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"> Cc:
MCBVI<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"> Cc: OCR,
Ed.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"> Cc: DOJ Civil
Rights Division, Disabilities Rights Section<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"> Cc:
NFB<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"> Cc: Richard
Bernstein, Esq.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"> Cc: Mark Cody,
MPAS<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"> Cc: Great Lakes
“TAC”<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"> Cc:
RSA<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"> <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">_______________________________________________<BR>nfbmi-talk
mailing list<BR><A
href="mailto:nfbmi-talk@nfbnet.org">nfbmi-talk@nfbnet.org</A><BR><A
href="http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbmi-talk_nfbnet.org">http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbmi-talk_nfbnet.org</A><BR>To
unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
nfbmi-talk:<BR><A
href="http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbmi-talk_nfbnet.org/joeharcz%40comcast.net">http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbmi-talk_nfbnet.org/joeharcz%40comcast.net</A><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-language: EN-US"><BR
style="PAGE-BREAK-BEFORE: always" clear=all></SPAN>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Public Comment
#12</SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">All,<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"> <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">This building houses
daily Michigan Rehabilitation Services and Michigan Commission for the Blind
Offices. Program access to such facilities was required<BR>as of January 26,
1992. Yet they are not compliant to this day. Moreover, this facility is
required to have raised character and Braille signage on every<BR>permanent room
including room numbers (ADAAG 3.40.1, 4, 5, 6). It does
not.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Moreover all
Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies are required to hold public hearings in
accessible facilities. Both the Michigan Commission for the Blind<BR>and the
Michigan Rehabilitation Services are holding public hearings this very week on
its so-called, and highly illegal state plan in this very
inaccessible<BR>building.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">The ADA is a civil
rights law. We people with disabilities have the right to access our government
facilities!<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">It is incredible at
the amount of documentation I’ve given over the last decade on these
issues without any compliance!<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Sincerely,<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"> <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Joe HarczNational
Federation of the Blind<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"> <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">ADAPT<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"> <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Woman sues state,
says Detroit office building hinders handicapped | The Detroit News
|<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"> <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">July 11, 2012 at 1:00
am<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"> <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Woman sues state,
says Detroit office building hinders handicapped<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"> <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">List of 3
items<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"> • By Robert
Snell<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"> • The Detroit
News<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"> •
0Comments<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"> list
end<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"> <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Detroit— A Farmington
Hills woman sued the state in federal court Tuesday, alleging workers with
disabilities are denied equal access to a state office building in
Detroit.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"> <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Michigan Economic
Development Corp. employee Jill Babcock said wheelchair ramps are too steep
outside the Cadillac Place building on West Grand Boulevard, and the facility
lacks available handicap parking. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">The building, which
formerly served as General Motors Corp. headquarters, was renovated in 2002 but
failed to comply with the Americans with Disabilities<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"> <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Act, according to the
lawsuit. Babcock wants to force the state to comply with the disabilities
act.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"> <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><A
href="mailto:rsnell@detnews.com">rsnell@detnews.com</A><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"> <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">(313)
222-2028<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"> <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"> <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-language: EN-US"><BR
style="PAGE-BREAK-BEFORE: always" clear=all></SPAN>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Public Comment
#13</SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">July 12 2012 Request
Public Hearing Information Rehabilitation Act Etc<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Paul Joseph Harcz,
Jr.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">1365 E. Mt. Morris
Rd<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Mt. Morris, MI
48458<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><A
href="mailto:joeharcz@comcast.net">joeharcz@comcast.net</A><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">ToPatrick Cannon
Michigan Commission for the Blind<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Michael Zimmer,
Michigan Department Licensing and Regulatory Affairs<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">(Via-email)<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Sirs,<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">in accordance with
Relevant Sections of Title I and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
as amended I am writing to request in a timely and accessible format all notes,
“minutes” and recordings of the following public hearings on our State
Plan:<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">“Lake Superior
Room<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Escanaba<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">July 11, 2012, 2:00
p.m. - 6:00 p.m.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Escanaba
Office<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">State Office
Building<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">305
Ludington<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Escanaba, MI
49829<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Conf. Room 2nd
Floor<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Kalamazoo”<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">I request all notes
or “minutes” as simple Word documents sent to my e-mail address listed
above,.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">I also request any
recording be sent to my mailing address on a flash card as an mp3
file.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Aside from the above
referenced laws I, as a blind person also invoke The Americans with Disabilities
Act, Title II, subpart e, communications, primary consideration in these
regards.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">A failure to respond
in a timely and accessible format, or to not remit said documents and recordings
is actionable,.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">In addition an
attempt to use any state law to delay or deny the application of these
aforementioned federal civil rights laws is a violation of the general
provisions of both the ADA and Section 504. In other words federal civil rights
laws trump abused state laws.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Sincerely,<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Paul Joseph Harcz,
Jr.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Cc: MCB
Commissioners<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Cc:
RSA<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Cc:
OCR<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Cc: Michigan
Protection and Advocy Services<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Cc: MRC
Members<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Cc:
NFB<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Cc:
ADAPT<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Cc:
MCBVI<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Cc:
DOJ<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-language: EN-US"><BR
style="PAGE-BREAK-BEFORE: always" clear=all></SPAN>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Public Comment
#14<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">The Michigan
Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs does not even come close to
meeting this:<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><A name=OLE_LINK1></A><A name=OLE_LINK2><B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">UNITED STATES
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION</SPAN></B></A><B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">OFFICE OF SPECIAL
EDUCATION AND <BR>REHABILITATIVE SERVICES<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">REHABILITATION
SERVICES ADMINISTRATION<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">WASHINGTON, D.C.
20202-2800<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><U><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
CIRCULAR<o:p></o:p></SPAN></U></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">RSA-TAC-12-03<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">DATE: April 16,
2012<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">ADDRESSEES:</SPAN></B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">
STATE VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION
AGENCIES<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">STATE REHABILITATION
COUNCILS<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
& CONTINUING <BR>EDUCATION CENTERS<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">AMERICAN INDIAN
VOCATIONAL <BR>REHABILITATION PROGRAMS<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">CLIENT ASSISTANCE
PROGRAMS<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">CONSUMER ADVOCACY
ORGANIZATIONS<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">SUBJECT:</SPAN></B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">
Organizational Structure and
Non-Delegable Responsibilities of the Designated State Unit for the Vocational
Rehabilitation Program<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">PURPOSE:</SPAN></B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">
Through this technical assistance circular
(TAC), the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) provides guidance on the
federal requirements governing the organizational structure of, and the
non-delegable responsibilities to be performed by, the designated State unit
(DSU) for the vocational rehabilitation (VR) program, authorized under Title I,
Part B, of the <I>Rehabilitation Act of 1973</I>, as amended (<I>Rehabilitation
Act</I>). RSA has determined that clarification of the relevant statutory
and regulatory provisions is needed in light of inquiries from VR agencies and
the results of its recent monitoring activities. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">The guidance
contained in this TAC covers each of the federal requirements and further
explains:<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">·
</SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">the
meaning of the term “other rehabilitation” for the purpose of satisfying the
organizational requirements for the DSU within the designated State agency
(DSA);<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">·
</SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">the
calculation used to determine the percentage of DSU staff required to perform
the vocational or other rehabilitation work of the DSU; <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">·
</SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">factors
to consider when determining if the DSU is located at a level comparable to
other major components of the DSA; and<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">·
</SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">additional factors
related to the assessment of the DSU’s ability to perform its non-delegable
responsibilities.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">This TAC retires
prior guidance issued through RSA-PI-75-31, <I>RSA Policy Statement on
Interpretation of State VR Organizational Requirements of the Rehabilitation Act
as amended</I>, June 3, 1975; RSA-PI-77-26, <I>RSA Policy Statement of
Interpretation of State VR Organizational Requirements of the Rehabilitation
Act, as amended</I> July 26, 1977 (addendum to RSA-75-31); and <SPAN
style="LETTER-SPACING: -0.15pt">RSA-PD-96-02, <I>Special Education Programs as
"Other Rehabilitation" for Purposes
of the Application of the
Provisions of Sections 101(a)(1)(B)(i) and (2)(A)(i) of the Rehabilitation Act
of 1973, as amended</I>, November 7, 1995. These prior issuances contained
outdated citations, described regulations that are no longer in effect, or
included information that is restated in explanatory guidance to current
regulations. However, any still valid statements of policy found in these
older issuances are incorporated in this TAC.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; LETTER-SPACING: -0.15pt"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">FEDERAL
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">REQUIREMENTS:
</SPAN></B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Since 1920, when the
VR program was first authorized under the <I>Smith-Fess Act</I>, federal
requirements governing the organizational requirements for the VR program have
changed significantly. The <I>Smith-Fess Act </I>required that the VR
program be administered by State Boards of Vocational Education. The 1954
amendments to the <I>Vocational</I> <I>Rehabilitation Act </I>(<I>VR Act</I>),
the authorizing federal legislation for the VR program at that time, created
another organizational structure option for States in administering the VR
program. Specifically, those amendments permitted the VR program to be
administered by a state agency that was primarily concerned with VR and other
rehabilitation. In other words, an independent state agency could be
established to administer the VR program and other programs for individuals with
disabilities.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">The 1965 Amendments
to the <I>VR Act</I> contained the last significant change in the statutory
provisions related to the state administration and organization of the VR
program. In response to a perceived need for greater flexibility at the
state level, the 1965 Amendments also allowed the VR program to be administered
by a state agency that contained at least two other units administering a
program of education, health, welfare, or labor. Congress clearly intended
to achieve a balance between state flexibility in the administration of the VR
program, while at the same time preserving the integrity and autonomy of the
program by imposing the organizational unit requirements described below, which
were subsequently incorporated into the <I>Rehabilitation Act</I> and have been
maintained since that time. <B><o:p></o:p></B></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Section 101(a)(2)(A)
of the <I>Rehabilitation Act </I>and its implementing regulations at 34 CFR
361.13(a) require that the VR State Plan shall designate a state agency as the
sole state agency to administer the plan. The state agency designated to
administer the VR State Plan must be either: 1) a state agency primarily
concerned with VR, or VR and other rehabilitation, of individuals with
disabilities; or 2) a state agency that includes a VR bureau, division or other
organizational unit (Section 101(a)(2)(B) of the <I>Rehabilitation Act </I>and
34 CFR 361.13(a)). <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">If the state agency
contains a VR bureau, division or other organizational unit, Section
101(a)(2)(B)(ii) of the <I>Rehabilitation Act </I>and 34 CFR 361.13(b) require
that the VR bureau, division or VR organizational unit
must:<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">·
</SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">be
primarily concerned with VR, or VR and other rehabilitation, of individuals with
disabilities, and be responsible for the VR program of the
DSA;<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">·
</SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">be
administered by a full-time director;<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">·
</SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">employ
staff on the rehabilitation work of the organizational unit all or substantially
all of whom devote their full time to such work; and<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">·
</SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">be
located at an organizational level and have an organizational status within the
DSA comparable to that of other major organizational units of the
DSA.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">In addition,
regulations found at 34 CFR 361.13(c) require that certain functions be reserved
solely to the staff of the DSU and that these functions may not be delegated to
any other agency or individual (34 CFR 361.13(c)(2)). At a minimum, these
“non-delegable” responsibilities relate to decisions
affecting:<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">·
</SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">eligibility, the
nature and scope of services, and the provision of those services (34 CFR
361.13(c)(1)(i));<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">·
</SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">the
determination that individuals have achieved employment outcomes (34 CFR
361.13(c)(1)(ii)); <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">·
</SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">policy
formulation and implementation (34 CFR 361.13(c)(1)(iii));
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">·
</SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">the
allocation and expenditure of VR funds (34 CFR 361.13(c)(1)(iv)); and
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">·
</SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">the
participation of the DSU in the one-stop service delivery system in accordance
with Title I of the <I>Workforce Investment Act</I> (<I>WIA</I>) and the
regulatory requirements specified in 20 CFR Part 662 (34 CFR
361.13(c)(1)(v)).<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">TECHNICAL<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">ASSISTANCE:
</SPAN></B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Although RSA can best
determine whether a state is complying with the organizational requirements for
the DSU and DSA through the conduct of monitoring (Final Regulations 62 Fed.
Reg. 6308, 6316 (February 11, 1997)), it is important that state officials and
personnel responsible for the administration of the VR program understand each
federal requirement to ensure that the state has in fact created the proper
organizational structure that enables the DSU to exercise its non-delegable
responsibilities for the VR program. Therefore, in an effort to assist
States outside of the monitoring process, this TAC first provides guidance on
each of the organizational requirements and then addresses the non-delegable
responsibilities of the DSU. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Administration of the
VR Program and “Other Rehabilitation” <o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">The DSA or the DSU,
in those States where there is a DSU, must be primarily concerned with VR, or VR
and other rehabilitation, of individuals with disabilities (Section 101(a)(2)(B)
of the <I>Rehabilitation Act </I>and 34 CFR 361.13(a)(1) and (b)(1)(i)).
According to these requirements, the primary function of the DSA or the DSU, if
one exists, must be the delivery of VR or VR and other rehabilitation services
to individuals with disabilities. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Although the statute
and regulations permit the DSA or the DSU to administer programs other than the
VR program that assist with the rehabilitation of individuals with disabilities,
the relevant provisions themselves neither define nor describe the meaning of
the term “other rehabilitation.” However, the preamble to the 1997 final
VR program regulations clarifies that “other rehabilitation” “includes, but is
not limited to, other programs that provide medical, psychological, educational,
or social services to individuals with disabilities” (Final Regulations 62 Fed.
Reg. 6308, 6316 (February 11, 1997)). The preamble to the Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) for these final regulations also contains examples of
programs or services that constitute “other rehabilitation,” including
independent living services, programs for individuals with developmental
disabilities, services for individuals who are deaf or hearing‑impaired,
services for individuals who are blind or visually impaired, Social Security
disability determinations, or another type of program related to individuals
with disabilities (NPRM 60 Fed. Reg. 64476, 64481 (December 15,
1995)).<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">In light of this
regulatory guidance, the determination whether programs located within, or
services provided by, the DSU constitute “other rehabilitation” for purposes of
the VR organizational requirements is dependent on the provision of services or
supports provided by those other programs to individuals with disabilities, as
well as the linkage between those services and supports and the VR
program. For instance, a DSU may be located within a DSA that provides
human services. Although the concept of “other rehabilitation” is very
broad as described above, not all human services can be considered to come
within its scope. For example, the provision of medical, psychiatric, or
social services to individuals with developmental disabilities, mental illness,
or with alcohol and drug addictions would fall within the scope of “other
rehabilitation” because the primary purpose of those services is to benefit
individuals with disabilities. On the other hand, the provision of other
types of human services, such as those for the aging, child welfare, child care
licensing, and crisis/emergency response would not fall within the scope of
“other rehabilitation” for purposes of the VR organizational requirements
because the primary focus of each of these programs is not the provision of VR
or other rehabilitation services to individuals with disabilities. The
fact that these programs may, on occasion, benefit individuals with
disabilities, does not alter the fact that the primary focus of these programs
is to benefit a wider population. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Consequently, the DSU
must determine the primary purpose of the other programs that fall within its
purview to ascertain if those programs constitute “other rehabilitation” within
the meaning of VR organizational requirements. Only then can the DSU
ensure that substantially all of its staff are engaged in the provision of VR or
other rehabilitation services, despite the inclusion of these other human
service programs under its purview. As explained further below, an
understanding of whether the scope of the programming administered by the DSA or
DSU, if one exists, indicates that it is primarily responsible for the provision
of VR and other rehabilitation services is critical for determining if all, or
substantially all, of the DSU’s staff are employed full-time on the VR and other
rehabilitation work of the unit. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Full-Time Director
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Section
101(a)(2)(B)(ii)(II) of the <I>Rehabilitation Act </I>and 34 CFR
361.13(b)(1)(ii) require that the DSU, if one has been established within a
larger DSA, employ a full-time director. Pursuant to this requirement, the
DSU director must devote his or her full time to the work of the DSU, which
would include the VR program and any other program under the purview of the
DSU. While the director is not required to devote his or her full time to
the VR component of the DSU’s work, title I funds must be used only to support
the work of the director as it relates to the VR program.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Although this
statutory and regulatory provision is as important to the proper organizational
structure and administration of the VR program, its language is clear and RSA
has received no inquiries or encountered any issues of non-compliance during the
monitoring process with respect to its implementation. Thus, no further
explanation or guidance concerning this specific requirement is warranted at
this time.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Staff Performing VR
or Other Rehabilitation Work <o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">The DSU, where one
exists, must have “a staff employed on the rehabilitation work of the
organizational unit all or substantially all of whom are employed full time on
such work” (Section 101(a)(2)(B)(ii)(III) of the <I>Rehabilitation
Act</I>). VR program regulations clarify the meaning of “substantially
all” by requiring that the DSU have “a staff, at least 90 percent of whom are
employed full time on the rehabilitation work of the organizational unit” (34
CFR 361.13(b)(1)(iii)). <B><o:p></o:p></B></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">The <I>Rehabilitation
Act </I>recognizes the state’s flexibility regarding the manner in which it
organizes the DSU and allows for the centralization of its administrative
functions. Nonetheless, it remains consistent and clear that the DSA and
the DSU, if one exists in the state, must be primarily concerned with the VR or
VR and other rehabilitation needs of individuals with disabilities.
Although the work of the DSU can encompass activities that extend beyond VR and
other rehabilitation, the <I>Rehabilitation Act </I>and the VR implementing
regulations prescribe that "all or substantially all staff" – e.g., 90 percent
-- of the DSU must devote their full time to the rehabilitation work of the
unit, i.e., VR or vocational and other rehabilitation. This intention is
further supported by guidance contained in the preamble to the 1995 NPRM, which
reads as follows:<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-RIGHT: 27pt; TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">This requirement
means that if the organizational unit provides other rehabilitation services, in
addition to vocational rehabilitation, the 90 percent staffing requirement
applies to all unit staff providing rehabilitation services, not to just the
vocational rehabilitation staff (NPRM 60 Fed. Reg. 64476, 64481 (December 15,
1995)). <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">In other words, no
more than ten percent of the DSU staff can devote any portion of their time to
other programs and activities carried out by the DSU that do not constitute VR
or other rehabilitation, as described above. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">To determine that the
DSU employs a staff at least 90 percent of whom are working full-time on the
rehabilitation work of the unit, RSA considers the entire DSU, as defined by the
state in the VR State Plan, and all of its activities. RSA then determines
which of those activities constitute the VR and other rehabilitation of
individuals with disabilities. Once this determination is made, RSA then
takes into account the total staff employed by the DSU and the manner in which
they are apportioned to each of the DSU’s activities to determine the percentage
that work full-time on the rehabilitation work of the DSU, as opposed to the
percentage that are engaged, full- or part-time, on the non-rehabilitation work,
if any, of the DSU.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">The Federal
requirement refers to 90 percent of the staff, not 90 percent of the staff’s
work hours, that must be devoted to the performance of matters related to VR or
the other rehabilitation work of the DSU. This distinction is important
when considering DSU staff who expend any time working on the provision of
services or activities that do not constitute VR or other rehabilitation, such
as universal and core service activities within Workforce Centers. The DSU
must maintain careful time distribution records for any staff, again no more
than ten percent, who spend any time working on matters that are not related to
the VR or other rehabilitation work of the DSU. These time records are
essential to ensure that this requirement is satisfied, as well as compliance
with cost allocation requirements under the federal cost principles found
at 2 CFR Part 225. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"> <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">For example, a DSU’s
staff may be co-located in the state’s one-stop centers and it may meet its cost
sharing obligations, in part, by paying for a proportionate share of the
reception services provided by one-stop staff, or by assigning DSU staff to
perform reception duties while again ensuring that the time of these staff is
properly allocated to the VR program. Because the receptionists in the
one-stop centers perform “universal” activities for all individuals served by
the centers, not only individuals with disabilities, they cannot be considered
to be engaged in the provision of VR or other rehabilitation services.
Therefore, if the DSU chooses to assign its staff to assist with the reception
duties at the one-stop centers, it must be careful that the number of staff
assigned to these or other such duties, even on a part-time basis do not exceed
ten percent of its total staff.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Furthermore, RSA
recognizes that staffing of a state agency is a dynamic process in which the
number of staff or full-time equivalent (FTE) positions can change on a frequent
basis. In an environment where funding may be limited, it is not uncommon
for hiring freezes and budget concerns to result in vacant FTE positions that
may not be filled or that may be eliminated. Consequently, when reviewing a
DSU’s compliance with this requirement, RSA only considers staff who are
actively employed at a specific point during the review and does not consider
vacant positions or FTEs assigned to the DSU, as those positions are not
actively contributing to the provision of VR or other rehabilitation services
within the DSU. The language of Section 101(a)(2)(B)(ii)(III) and the
regulations at 34 CFR 361.13(b)(1)(iii) supports this approach through the use
of such words as “staff” and “employed.” Additionally, when discussing
this requirement, the preambles to both the 1995 NPRM (60 Fed. Reg. 64475,
64481(December 15, 1995)) and the 1997 Final Regulations (62 Fed. Reg. 6307,
6316 (February 11, 1997)) refer to “all unit staff <B><I>providing
rehabilitation services</I></B>” (emphasis added). Therefore, when making
the determination that a DSU is in compliance with the requirement that 90
percent of its staff work full-time on VR or other rehabilitation activities,
only staff actually employed by the unit will be taken into consideration.
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Finally, some DSUs
include within their structures community rehabilitation programs (CRP) that
employ both staff who provide rehabilitation services to individuals with
disabilities and staff who engage solely in the production and manufacturing
activities of the CRP. When determining whether substantially all of the
DSU’s staff are engaged full-time in the provision of VR and other
rehabilitation services, only those individuals employed within the CRP who
provide rehabilitation services are considered to be performing VR or other
rehabilitation activities, and not those individuals engaged in its production
work. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Organizational Level
and Status of the DSU<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Section
101(a)(2)(B)(ii)(IV) of the <I>Rehabilitation Act </I>and 34 CFR
361.13(b)(1)(iv) require that the DSU, where one exists, must be “located at an
organizational level and [have] an organizational status within the designated
State agency comparable to that of other major organizational units of the
designated State agency.” This particular requirement has remained
unchanged since its inclusion in the 1965 amendments to the <I>VR Act</I> and,
along with the other requirements discussed above, affirms a cardinal principle
concerning the organization of the VR program – that the VR program is an
integral categorical program, not to be merged with other organizations of state
government. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">The requirement that
the DSU be located at a level and have a status comparable to that of the other
major units of the DSA, in effect, places constraints upon the alternatives
available to the State in designating an agency to administer the VR
program. As clearly articulated in the Congressional Oversight Hearings of
November 30 and December 10, 1973, the objective of these constraints is to
prevent the submersion of the VR program within the structure of the DSA, which
could reduce the program’s scope and effectiveness. The requirements have
been consistently interpreted to mean that the VR unit must have clear, direct
supervision of VR staff with regard to program policy, operations, and related
program matters.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">When evaluating
whether the DSU is at a comparable level to other major organizational units
within the DSA, it has been the long-standing policy of RSA that such an
evaluation will take into consideration such factors as:
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">·
</SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">the
directness of the reporting line from the VR director to the head of the
DSA;<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">·
</SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">the
title, status, and grade of the VR director, as compared with those of the
heads of other organizational units within the DSA;<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">·
</SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">the
extent to which the VR director can determine the scope and policies of the VR
program; and<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">·
</SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">the kind
and degree of authority delegated to the director of the DSU for the
administration of the VR program.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Each of these factors
should be considered when determining if the DSU is located at a level
comparable to other major units of the DSA, and not submerged within the
organizational structure of the DSA to such an extent that the DSU director is
limited in his or her ability to have input into legislative and other matters
affecting the VR program in a manner that is more restricted than that of other
directors of comparable programs. However, with respect to the
consideration of the title, status, and pay grade of the DSU director, RSA has
not historically been involved in providing direction to the states regarding
personnel matters, except as they relate to the requirements for a comprehensive
system of personnel development. Absent a functional impact, differences
in title, status and pay grade between the DSU director and other directors in
the DSA may not raise concerns in connection with the federal requirements at
Section 101(a)(2)(B)(ii)(IV) of the <I>Rehabilitation Act </I>and 34 CFR
361.13(b)(1)(iv). On the other hand, if such differences reflect a
devaluation of the DSU, this factor should be considered, along with the others
mentioned herein, to determine the state’s compliance with the federal
organizational requirements for the DSU and the ability of the DSU to carry out
the non-delegable responsibilities specified in 34 CFR 361.13(c).
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Ideally the DSU
director reports directly to the head of the DSA. However, given the complexity
of some state government structures, the head of the DSA may find it necessary
to require that the DSU director report to a deputy within his or her office
instead. Such an organizational structure is permissible within the
requirements of Section 101(a)(2)(B)(ii)(IV) of the <I>Rehabilitation Act
</I>and 34 CFR 361.13(b)(1)(iv), so long as the DSU director and the directors
of the other major components are treated similarly. Under such
arrangements, the deputy within the DSA’s office typically functions as a
conduit of information and facilitator of communication between the DSU director
and the head of the DSA, as well as with the heads of the other major
units.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Unlike the
above-described organizational structure, some state government structures
include a level of organization outside the head of the DSA’s office that
incorporates the DSU within its own structure, thus creating an additional
organizational layer between the head of the DSA and the DSU. While
additional organizational layers between the DSA and the DSU may be permissible,
their presence can complicate the determination of the proper placement of the
DSU. When evaluating this intervening organizational level in light of the
factors listed above, especially that of the directness of communication between
the head of the DSA and the DSU director, RSA considers the role of the head of
the intervening organization in terms of the administration of the VR and other
programs located within the intervening level. Specifically, RSA considers
whether this individual’s role interferes with the DSU director’s ability to
perform the non-delegable functions listed at 34 CFR 361.13(c). For
example, RSA will examine the involvement of the head of the intervening
organization in decisions related to legislative, budget, strategic planning,
policy development, and the allocation of resources (including staff) of the VR
program, particularly as compared to the involvement of the heads of intervening
levels in matters administered by the directors of other major components within
the DSA. Under circumstances where the DSU director does not provide input
on such matters directly to the head of the DSA, but rather does so through the
head of the intervening organization, RSA will consider whether the input
provided by the VR director is marginalized prior to being transmitted to the
head of the DSA. The marginalization of such input could have a negative
affect on the ability of the DSU director to carry out the non-delegable
responsibilities for the VR program set forth at 34 CFR 361.13(c).
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">In summary, RSA
considers many factors when analyzing whether the DSU is located at a level
comparable to other major components within the DSA. Except for the factor
pertaining to the VR director’s ability to carry out the non-delegable functions
required by 34 CFR 361.13(c), none of these factors are dispositive on their
own. Instead, they all work together to help RSA determine whether the
organizational structure established by the state meets the spirit and intent of
the federal requirements. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Non-Delegable
Responsibilities<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">As stated earlier in
this TAC, Section 101(a)(2)(B)(ii)(I) of the <I>Rehabilitation Act </I>and 34
CFR 361.13(b)(1)(i) require that the DSU be responsible for the administration
of the VR program. The statute does not describe the nature and scope of
this responsibility or how it is to be carried out by the DSU. However,
the VR program implementing regulations, found at 34 CFR 361.13(c)(1), require
that certain functions be reserved solely to the staff of the DSU and that these
functions may not be delegated to any other agency or individual (34 CFR
361.13(c)(2)). These “non-delegable” functions relate to decisions
affecting:<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">·
</SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">eligibility, the
nature and scope of services, and the provision of those
services;<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">·
</SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">the
determination that individuals have achieved employment outcomes;
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">·
</SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">policy
formulation and implementation; <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">·
</SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">allocation and
expenditure of VR funds; and <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">·
</SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">participation in the
One-Stop service delivery system in accordance with Title I of the <I>Workforce
Investment Act</I> (WIA) and the regulatory requirements specified in 20 CFR
Part 662.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN lang=X-NONE
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">RSA has long
interpreted these provisions to require that the specified functions and
activities be carried out by the DSU’s own staff (NPRM, 60 <I>Fed. Reg.</I>
64475, 64482 (December 15, 1995) and Final Regulations, 62 <I>Fed. Reg.</I>
6307, 6316 (February 11, 1997)). In addition, the VR unit must have clear
and direct supervision over VR program staff with regard to program policy,
operations, and related program matters. </SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN lang=X-NONE
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN lang=X-NONE
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">The non-delegation
provisions are intended to, “[strengthen] the role of the State unit by
requiring that the unit have a substantial role in all decisions affecting the
administration of the VR program whenever management functions within the State
agency are centralized” (60 <I>Fed. Reg.</I> at 64482). Retaining these
non-delegable functions within the DSU:</SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN lang=X-NONE
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN-RIGHT: 27pt"><SPAN lang=X-NONE
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Ensure[s] that State
agencies that consolidate staff to administer multiple State and federally
funded programs do not entrust these key VR programmatic decisions to
individuals who lack experience in meeting the needs of individuals with
disabilities…[T]he benefits derived from DSU retention of these functions –
enhanced program efficiency and effectiveness – outweigh any costs that may be
associated with the non-delegation requirements in the final regulations (62
<I>Fed. Reg.</I> at 6316).</SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">When certain
functions, such as human resource development or financial management, are
placed at the DSA or departmental level, it is important to assess the manner in
which the DSU exercises a strong voice or provides effective input into the
policy, planning, operations or similar program decisions made in these
areas. While certain purely administrative functions may be performed by
personnel outside the DSU, centralization of functions on the state agency level
is impermissible if it results in interference with the decision-making capacity
of the administrator of the DSU to direct the VR program in the state, given
that the DSU has been designated as the entity responsible for administering the
VR program under the VR State plan (34 CFR
361.13(b)(1)(i)).<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">The following program
management activities are among those that typically are carried out by an
organization that is responsible for the day-to-day operational administration
of a public VR program:<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">·
</SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">development of
legislative proposals and regulations regarding VR program funding and
services;<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">·
</SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">program
planning and evaluation;<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">·
</SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">personnel
management;<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">·
</SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">implementation and
use of management information systems; and<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">·
</SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">fiscal
and statistical reporting.</SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN lang=X-NONE
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">When centralization
of these or other functions occurs, questions may arise as to whether the DSU
has retained an effective voice in the making of key policy decisions to ensure
that the DSU has sufficient responsibility for the administration of the VR
program, as required by 34 CFR 361.13(c). </SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">In making judgments
about the nature and degree of DSU involvement in these activities for the
purpose of assessing compliance with the non-delegable functions, RSA recognizes
that the <I>Rehabilitation Act </I>provides considerable flexibility to the
state in the administration of the VR program and that the responsibility for
the administration of the state Plan rests with the DSA in accordance with 34
CFR 361.13(a). However, the DSU is responsible for the administration of
the VR program under the State Plan (34 361.13(b)(1)(i)), and for the operation
of the VR service delivery system (34 CFR 361.13(c)(1)(i)). In assessing
the nature and extent of the DSU's authority in carrying out its responsibility
to administer the VR program, RSA will determine whether the DSU director indeed
has the authority to administer the VR program and, if so, the extent of that
authority, i.e., if it affords the DSU adequate input with respect to the
administration of the centralized functions. RSA will review the degree of
authority and involvement of all of the DSU’s functions taken together, and not
with respect to one or more of the functions alone.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Regarding the
allocation and expenditure of VR funds (an area where questions concerning the
DSU’s authority are more likely to arise), RSA will determine whether the DSU
has responsibility for the approval of expenditures, the development and
approval of contracts, budgeting for the program, development of the cost
allocation plan and the procurement process. As the head of the DSU, the
entity solely responsible for the expenditure and allocation of VR funds
pursuant to 34 CFR 361.13(c)(1)(iv), the DSU director must be privy to all
financial information about the VR program, not just informed of such
information by the DSA, and should be in direct control of the decisions
affecting the VR program. Decisions regarding staffing levels, priority
setting, and the awarding of contracts fall within the scope of the expenditure
and allocation of VR funds. Therefore, decisions related to these matters
require the DSU to determine where to spend its resources for the benefit of the
program and to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities within the
state. As such, these decisions must ultimately be made by the DSU.
For example, while the DSA may centralize contracting processing, decisions
involving whether to contract for a service, the amount to be contracted, and
the service to be procured, must be retained by the DSU since those decisions
pertain to the allocation and expenditure of VR funds and the provision of VR
services, both of which are non-delegable functions of the DSU (34 CFR
361.13(c)(1)(i) and (iv)). <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN lang=X-NONE
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN lang=X-NONE
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">In addition, the
director and staff of the DSU must have sufficient information regarding the
fiscal resources available for use in the VR program, especially in those
states where the DSA has centralized the payment and fiscal reporting processes
for the entire agency. Because the DSU is solely responsible for the
allocation and expenditure of VR funds pursuant to 34 CFR 361.13(c)(1)(iv), the
DSU remains responsible for ensuring the accuracy of financial reports and the
satisfaction of all fiscal requirements, including match and maintenance of
effort. Furthermore, the DSU must have sufficient information about the
financial resources available to the VR program in order to avoid the
inadvertent and unnecessary reallotment of funds, or, most significantly, the
return of funds to the U. S. Treasury -- actions that could occur if the DSU
does not maintain control over the expenditure and allocation of VR funds.
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN lang=X-NONE
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Finally, the VR
program regulations at 34 CFR 361.23 and Section 121(c) of <I>WIA</I>, along
with <I>WIA</I> implementing regulations at 20 CFR 662.300, require that a
memorandum of understanding governing operations of the One-Stop service
delivery system in a local area be developed and executed between the Local
Workforce Investment Board and the One-Stop service delivery system
partners. Because the DSU is solely responsible for its role as a partner
in the one-stop system (34 CFR 361.13(c)(1)(v)), it must negotiate its own
contracts with the other one-stop partners. This responsibility may not be
delegated to another individual or agency, including the DSA (34 CFR
361.13(c)(2)).</SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN lang=X-NONE
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">SUMMARY:
</SPAN></B><SPAN lang=X-NONE
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">The federal
requirements governing the organization of the VR program provide considerable
flexibility to the states in recognition of the wide variety and complex nature
of the programs and services within their purview, while establishing a
framework in which VR services are delivered through an autonomous and distinct
unit. This framework enables the officials and personnel of the DSU to
conduct those non-delegable functions critical to the administration and
operation of the VR</SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN lang=X-NONE
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">program. It is
these persons who possess the knowledge and experience necessary to make
decisions regarding the effective and efficient use of VR program resources to
address the unique needs of individuals with disabilities as they engage in the
pursuit of quality employment.<B><o:p></o:p></B></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">CITATIONS:</SPAN></B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">
<I>Rehabilitation Act of 1973, </I>as amended<I>,
</I>Section 101(a)(2) <BR>Vocational Rehabilitation Program Regulations, 34 CFR
361.13 </SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">INQUIRIES:
</SPAN></B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">
Carol Dobak, Chief<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Vocational
Rehabilitation Program Unit<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">(202)
245-7325<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><A
href="mailto:Carol.Dobak@ed.gov">Carol.Dobak@ed.gov</A><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<DIV
style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 0in; BORDER-TOP: windowtext 1pt solid; PADDING-LEFT: 0in; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; PADDING-TOP: 1pt; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; mso-element: para-border-div">
<P class=MsoNormal
style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 0in; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 0in; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; PADDING-TOP: 0in; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none"><SPAN
lang=X-NONE style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Edward
Anthony, Ph.D.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P></DIV>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN lang=X-NONE
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Deputy
Commissioner <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">cc:
Council of State Administrators of Vocational
Rehabilitation<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">National Council of
State Agencies for the Blind<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">National Disability
Rights Network<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-language: EN-US"><BR
style="PAGE-BREAK-BEFORE: always" clear=all></SPAN>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Public Comment
#15<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">July 12 2012 Comments
relative to public hearings MCB and MRS<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Paul Joseph Harcz,
Jr.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">1365 E. Mt. Morris
Rd.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">MT. Morris, MI
48458<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><A
href="mailto:joeharcz@comcast.net">joeharcz@comcast.net</A><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">To Several including
RSA<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">All:<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">There are
requirements for adequate notice and accessability of required public hearings
relative to major revisions of VR State Plans. This was not
done.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">There was no
“adequate notice” of public hearings on either the Michigan Commission for the
Blind State Plan or that of Michigan Rehabilitation
Services.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">In fact members of
the MCB Board did not get timely notice. And members of the Michigan Rehab
Council got worse. There were no conventional media
notices<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">in any newspaper or
radio let alone the varieties of media in advance recommended here. In short
both were shams. Dog and pony shows.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Moreover, MOST of
these meetings were held in facilities that did not meet even Americans with
Disabilities Act or Section 504 basics for program access, and effective
communications, <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">thus continuing to
violate the civil rights of consumers and advocates with disabilities; the very
people both MRS and MCB are to serve with this federally<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">funded sham of a
program here!<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">For the reasons
mentioned above these public hearings are invalid upon their
face.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">I protest them and
urge RSA to withold all funding and not to approve either state plans until they
actually follow this and, indeed all aspects of the<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Rehabilitation Act of
1973 as amended.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">(See this
from:<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Technical Assistance
Circular<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">RSA-TAC-12-02<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">DATE: February 21,
2012)<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">“Public Hearings and
Substantive Changes”<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">As required by
Section 101(a)(16)(A) of the Rehabilitation Act and 34 CFR 361.10(d) of the
implementing regulations, prior to the adoption of any substantive policies or
procedures (or any substantive amendment to such policies and procedures)
governing the provision of VR or SE services under the State Plan or the
supplement, the VR agency must conduct public meetings throughout the state,
after giving adequate notice of the meetings, to provide the public, including
individuals with disabilities, an opportunity to comment on the policies and
procedures contained in the proposed FY 2013 State Plan. The VR agency
also must actively consult with the director of the Client Assistance Program
and, as appropriate, with Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native
Hawaiian organizations, when adopting new policies or amending current
policies.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Substantive changes
to VR and SE program service policies and procedures, as distinguished from
those that are typically considered administrative in nature, are those that
directly impact the nature and scope of the services provided to individuals
with disabilities, or the manner in which individuals interact with the VR
agency, particularly as it pertains to communication with the VR counselor or
the delivery of VR services. Examples of substantive changes include, but
are not limited to:<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">·
any changes to policies or procedures that fundamentally alter the rights and
responsibilities of VR consumers in the VR process;<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">·
proposed organizational changes to the VR agency that will likely effect the
manner in which services are delivered;<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">·
any changes that affect the nature and scope of VR services
provided;<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">·
changes in formal or informal dispute procedures;<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">·
the adoption or amendment of policies instituting an order of selection;
and<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">·
changes to the VR consumer financial participation
policies.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Examples of
administrative changes that would not necessarily generate the need for public
hearings include, but are not limited to:<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">·
internal procedures that do not directly impact individuals receiving VR
services, such as payment processing, or personnel
procedures;<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">·
changes to the case management system that only impact VR
staff;<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">·
administrative changes in the relationship with the designated state agency,
such as indirect cost allocations, internal fiscal review
procedures,<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">or routine reporting
requirements;<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">·
changes to RSA’s routine reporting requirements;<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">·
minor revisions to VR procedures or policies to fix production errors such as
typos and grammatical mistakes; and<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">·
changes to contract procedures that do not impact VR service
delivery.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Consultation with
Stakeholders and Substantive Changes<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Section 101(a)(16)(B)
states that VR agencies, “shall take into account, in connection with matters of
general policy arising in the administration of the plan, the views of” a
variety of stakeholders of the VR and SE programs, including individuals and
groups of individuals who receive VR services, as well as their representatives
if appropriate; personnel from organizations that provide VR services; providers
of VR services; the director of the Client Assistance Program; and the
SRC. RSA considers changes in the general administration of the State Plan
within the meaning of Section 101(a)(16)(B) to include, but are not limited
to:<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">·
any change in policies and procedures requiring the conduct of a public hearing
in accordance with Section 101(a)(16)(A);<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">·
any changes that necessitate amending the approved State Plan in accordance with
the Rehabilitation Act, implementing regulations and RSA
procedures;<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">·
the development of new goals and priorities for the VR agency under the State
Plan;<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">·
the manner in which the order of selection is implemented;<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">·
the inclusion of new or additional information in the State Plan as a result of
the completion of the comprehensive statewide needs
assessment<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">in accordance with
the requirements of 34 CFR 361.15; and<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">·
changes in personnel or staffing described in the State Plan that may
significantly impact the delivery of VR services.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">VR agencies may find
public hearings to be an effective and efficient method of notifying
stakeholders of such changes and obtaining their input, as required by Section
101(a)(16)(B).<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">In circumstances in
which there is uncertainty with respect to whether a change in the VR program is
substantive and hence requires a public hearing or outreach to stakeholders, RSA
strongly encourages VR agencies to err on the side of conducting public hearings
and forums to maximize awareness of the VR program and promote transparency of
the agency’s policies and procedures. Additionally, VR agencies should
utilize as many avenues for disseminating information regarding changes to the
VR program and to maximize participation by community stakeholders in public
hearings. Whenever possible or appropriate, state agencies should exploit
both traditional and non-traditional media to advertise up-coming public
hearings and solicit input from the community. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Websites, social
media, phone trees, and other forms of raising awareness, apart from traditional
media such as radio, newspapers, and television, should be employed to the
maximum extent possible and appropriate, and in accordance with the requirements
of the regulations governing public hearings found at 34 CFR
361.20.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Sincerely,<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Paul Joseph Harcz,
Jr.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Cc: National
Federation of the Blind<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Cc:
ADAPT<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Cc:
SILC<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Cc: MCB
Commissioners<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Cc:
MCB<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Cc: MRC and MRC
Members<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Cc: Office of Civil
rights (ED.)<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Cc: Michigan
Protection and Advocacy Services (including CAP()<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Cc: several media
outlets<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-language: EN-US"><BR
style="PAGE-BREAK-BEFORE: always" clear=all></SPAN>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Public Comment
#16<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Gov. Snyder's
executive order 2011 –2<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">candelaria jelinski
<A href="mailto:cande28j@me.com">cande28j@me.com</A><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Hello Gov. Snyder's
this is in regards to the Executive Order for the michigan commission for the
blind. I would like to see the board stay intact and the commission for the
blind stay the way it is ran now! My name is Candalaria Jelinski and my son
& I both have retinitis pigmentosa and glaucoma, conditions that will
not get better and someday we will both be completely blind ourselves , as this
is a genetic condition that will affect my family's far far into the future. The
commission has helped us both accept this transition from a life with
sight to now a life living with blindness. We both are currently active clients
of the Commission that are now pursuing higher education. And your
executive order directly affects us and so many others , like our war vets
returning home blind . , my son . my family and our future as contributing
citizen's in our society. The only ones to know the true needs of blind people
are the blind themselves . Thank you <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Sent from Candelaria
& Aretha my guide dog<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10.5pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Courier New'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal>Carla Miller Haynes<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal>LARA Michigan Commission for the Blind<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal>201 N. Washington Square, 2<SUP>nd</SUP> Floor<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal>P.O. Box 30652<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal>Lansing, MI 48909<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal>Telephone: 517-373-2063 or Toll-Free
1-800-292-4200<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal>Fax: 517-335-5140<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal>www.michigan.gov/mcb<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></P></DIV>
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