[nfbmi-talk] College policy edited board draft for 8-27 meeting

Elizabeth lizmohnke at hotmail.com
Fri Aug 27 02:20:09 UTC 2010 

Well, I wasn't sure if you were planning on coming to the meeting or not. But yes, you've got a good point there. Personally I think it is wrong for them to make a final decision without hearing all of the public comment. Perhaps someone who is not coming to the meeting could send in a public comment via email with this vary same complaint. 
 
Elizabeth
 
> From: jj at bestmidi.com
> To: nfbmi-talk at nfbnet.org
> Date: Thu, 26 Aug 2010 21:22:45 -0400
> Subject: Re: [nfbmi-talk] College policy edited board draft for 8-27 meeting
> 
> Elizabeth,
> They would serve as an excellent public comment, but naturally the public 
> comments via Email are only being read after the policy is voted on. Hmmm, 
> is there something wrong with this picture?
> 
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Elizabeth" <lizmohnke at hotmail.com>
> To: "NFB Michigan" <nfbmi-talk at nfbnet.org>
> Sent: Thursday, August 26, 2010 8:55 PM
> Subject: Re: [nfbmi-talk] College policy edited board draft for 8-27 meeting
> 
> 
> 
> Hello J.J.,
> 
> You bring up a good point. While the policy states that individual time 
> lines can be established to account for personal circumstances including 
> employment situations, the proposed policy still requires students to take a 
> full course load as defined by the educational institution. The draft that 
> we submitted to the review committee did not mention how many credits a 
> student needed to take in order to receive services from the Michigan 
> Commission for the Blind. I believe your concerns here would serve as an 
> excellent public comment for tomorrow’s meeting.
> 
> Elizabeth
> 
> > From: jj at bestmidi.com
> > To: nfbmi-talk at nfbnet.org
> > Date: Thu, 26 Aug 2010 18:29:11 -0400
> > Subject: Re: [nfbmi-talk] College policy edited board draft for 8-27 
> > meeting
> >
> > I know this but 99% of people don't and will be told this by their
> > counselors.
> >
> >
> > ----- Original Message ----- 
> > From: "joe harcz Comcast" <joeharcz at comcast.net>
> > To: "NFB of Michigan Internet Mailing List" <nfbmi-talk at nfbnet.org>
> > Sent: Thursday, August 26, 2010 5:23 PM
> > Subject: Re: [nfbmi-talk] College policy edited board draft for 8-27 
> > meeting
> >
> >
> > > And yes, you still can do so inspite of whatever policy they have. For,
> > > again this is a function of the IPE.
> > > ----- Original Message ----- 
> > > From: "J.J. Meddaugh" <jj at bestmidi.com>
> > > To: "NFB of Michigan Internet Mailing List" <nfbmi-talk at nfbnet.org>
> > > Sent: Thursday, August 26, 2010 3:14 PM
> > > Subject: Re: [nfbmi-talk] College policy edited board draft for 8-27
> > > meeting
> > >
> > >
> > >> It seems like we lost any support for taking classes part-time in
> > >> combination with employment. Wasn't this something we were pushing for 
> > >> as
> > >> an organization and in the various stages of developing this policy?
> > >> There are many situations where taking classes part-time may be
> > >> appropriate, including career-related jobs, the need for additional
> > >> income during school, family/childcare commitments, etc.
> > >>
> > >>
> > >>
> > >> ----- Original Message ----- 
> > >> From: "Fred Wurtzel" <f.wurtzel at comcast.net>
> > >> To: "'Geri Taeckens'" <geri.taeckens at isahealthfund.org>; "'Elizabeth'"
> > >> <lizmohnke at hotmail.com>; <luzenskis at michigan.gov>; 
> > >> <alissa161 at gmail.com>;
> > >> <cannonp at michigan.gov>; <dcgorton601 at comcast.net>; 
> > >> <mohnked at hotmail.com>;
> > >> <wild-rose at sbcglobal.net>; <furtond at michigan.gov>;
> > >> <grace at menzelcoaching.com>; <debate912 at gmail.com>; 
> > >> <mpvi at intergate.com>;
> > >> <heibeckc at michigan.gov>; <jbrown at mpas.org>; <pilarskij at charter.net>;
> > >> <jonesl2 at michigan.gov>; <kisiell at michigan.gov>; "'Larry Posont'"
> > >> <president.nfb.mi at gmail.com>; <laury-johnsons at michigan.gov>;
> > >> <lovep at michigan.gov>; "'Lydia Schuck'" <laschuck at juno.com>;
> > >> <mcnealg at michigan.gov>; <mcvoys at michigan.gov>; <silveya at michigan.gov>;
> > >> <smithd11 at michigan.gov>; <martzvir at msu.edu>; <whitee2 at michigan.gov>;
> > >> <wilsond9 at michigan.gov>; "'NFB of Michigan Internet Mailing List'"
> > >> <nfbmi-talk at nfbnet.org>; <marywurtzel at comcast.net>
> > >> Cc: <brlbumps at sbcglobal.net>; "'John Scott'" <jcscot at sbcglobal.net>;
> > >> <margwolfe at usa.net>
> > >> Sent: Thursday, August 26, 2010 1:26 AM
> > >> Subject: Re: [nfbmi-talk] College policy edited board draft for 8-27
> > >> meeting
> > >>
> > >>
> > >>> Dear Commissioners and College Policy Team,
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>> I must say that this is a vastly improved document when compared to 
> > >>> the
> > >>> one
> > >>> presented at the Marquette Commission meeting. Thanks to Geri,
> > >>> Elizabeth
> > >>> and Gwen, strides have been made to make this much more humane and
> > >>> user/consumer friendly. There are, still, lingering artifacts from 
> > >>> that
> > >>> earlier document. There are pressures to reverse the progress that has
> > >>> been
> > >>> made. I have annotated the document posted on the MCB web site on
> > >>> 8/10/2010
> > >>> and included it below. Elizabeth Mohnke has composed a very good
> > >>> document
> > >>> that gives an in-depth review of the Rehabilitation Act regulations as
> > >>> they
> > >>> relate to this document. I have only covered this topic lightly. I
> > >>> strongly encourage you to review her document to assure full 
> > >>> compliance
> > >>> with
> > >>> the Rehab Act. She did a highly commendable job of research.
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>> In the interest of time and space, I have limited my comments, with 1
> > >>> exception to those places where errors or shortcomings occur. This is
> > >>> not
> > >>> meant to be negative, as I said, this is a great deal better than the
> > >>> Marquette document that you wisely rejected. I simply wanted to keep 
> > >>> it
> > >>> short in order to help you get through it as quickly as possible.
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>> Thank you all for your patience and hard work. I understand there is
> > >>> pressure to get this done, however, it is most important to get it 
> > >>> done
> > >>> right.
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>> Thank you for your attention in this most important matter.
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>> Best Regards,
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>> Fred Wurtzel
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>> MCB College Policy Proposal
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>> Preamble
> > >>>
> > >>> The mission of the Michigan Commission for the Blind (MCB) is to 
> > >>> provide
> > >>> individuals who are blind and visually impaired the opportunity to
> > >>> achieve
> > >>> employment and independence. We believe in the capacity of each blind
> > >>> person to achieve their individual level of excellence, to be 
> > >>> productive
> > >>> and
> > >>> independent, and to be involved in their community.
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>> Statement of Fundamental Principles
> > >>>
> > >>> The Michigan Commission for the Blind believes rehabilitation is a
> > >>> cooperative venture between the agency and the individual, with the
> > >>> individual having primary responsibility for personal successes and
> > >>> failures, and that each individual is different with unique strengths,
> > >>> challenges, interests and aptitudes which require vocational
> > >>> rehabilitation
> > >>> counseling, planning and training specific to their individual needs.
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>> MCB values:
> > >>>
> > >>> . Empowering and enabling individuals to make their own choices
> > >>>
> > >>> . Enabling technology that helps consumers integrate into all
> > >>> aspects of
> > >>> society
> > >>>
> > >>> . A positive, respectful and effective partnership between
> > >>> consumers,
> > >>> MCB, its counselors-staff, and institutions of higher education
> > >>>
> > >>> . Supporting and empowering students to achieve their academic
> > >>> goals,
> > >>> consistent with their talent, skills, abilities, hopes, and dreams
> > >>>
> > >>> . The right of any consumer to advocate for themselves through due
> > >>> process if they are not satisfied with decisions made by MCB personnel
> > >>>
> > >>> A. Prerequisites for college and other post secondary training
> > >>>
> > >>> Establishing the Individualized Plan for Employment The
> > >>> consumer-counselor
> > >>> team shall establish the consumer's vocational goal through the
> > >>> Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE). (See section 361.48, Scope 
> > >>> of
> > >>> Services from the Rehabilitation Act PA 260.) When that goal includes
> > >>> the
> > >>> need for post secondary training-education, the consumer-counselor 
> > >>> team
> > >>> shall include in the IPE the following expectations:
> > >>>
> > >>> . a proposed time-line for completing training-education
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>> Commissioners: Strike "proposed". A timeline can be changed through an
> > >>> IPE
> > >>> amendment.
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>> . course load
> > >>>
> > >>> . supplies and equipment
> > >>>
> > >>> . location of training-education
> > >>>
> > >>> . types of certificates or degrees to be obtained
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>> Essential Elements/Procedures:
> > >>>
> > >>> 1) College Assessment
> > >>>
> > >>> Students shall participate in a college assessment to ensure that they
> > >>> have
> > >>> the skills necessary for college participation. Students shall
> > >>> demonstrate
> > >>> competent skills related to educational performance and independent
> > >>> living.
> > >>> (See MCB College Assessment.) If students cannot successfully
> > >>> demonstrate
> > >>> competent skill levels in these areas, they shall work with their
> > >>> counselor
> > >>> to receive additional training at the Michigan Commission for the 
> > >>> Blind
> > >>> Training Center or another qualified vocational training center, or in
> > >>> another manner consistent with their Rehabilitation needs based on
> > >>> informed
> > >>> choice.
> > >>>
> > >>> 2) Prospective students may be asked to participate in vocational
> > >>> exploration which may include:
> > >>>
> > >>> . job shadowing
> > >>>
> > >>> . mentoring
> > >>>
> > >>> . labor market analysis
> > >>>
> > >>> . volunteer or paid work experience
> > >>>
> > >>> . others as defined by the IPE
> > >>>
> > >>> .
> > >>>
> > >>> 3) Prospective students shall provide a letter of acceptance to the
> > >>> institution of higher learning of their choice, a curriculum outline,
> > >>> and
> > >>> the financial documents identified below in the financial aid policy
> > >>> (Policy
> > >>> B) to their MCB counselor before financial sponsorship by MCB can be
> > >>> provided. Other documents may be identified by the consumer-counselor
> > >>> team
> > >>> which may be needed before entering a college or post-secondary 
> > >>> training
> > >>> program.
> > >>>
> > >>> 4) Timelines for completing a post-secondary training or college
> > >>> program
> > >>> is established by these training-educational institutions. Students
> > >>> should
> > >>> complete their training or degree within one additional year of these
> > >>> established timelines.
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>> Commissioners: Drop the "1 year" requirement. There is already a
> > >>> caveat
> > >>> and any other agreements regarding time can be agreed to between the
> > >>> client
> > >>> and counselor.
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>> Students with additional disabilities, medical issues, family
> > >>> situations,
> > >>> job duties, and or who are non-traditional students are encouraged to
> > >>> engage
> > >>> their counselor in developing a timeline for completion suitable for
> > >>> their
> > >>> needs.
> > >>>
> > >>> 5) If a student's attendance at training is interrupted for a period
> > >>> of
> > >>> time and they are unable to attend classes for one of the reasons
> > >>> referenced
> > >>> in Policy A - 4, the time period that they are not attending
> > >>> training-educational programs does not count against the identified
> > >>> timeline
> > >>> according to MCB. A written, dated, request, including the reasons for
> > >>> this
> > >>> break in attendance shall be submitted to the MCB counselor. Students
> > >>> should also be aware that the
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>> Commissioners: Strike "Students should also be aware that the". Add
> > >>> "Each"
> > >>> before "Training." The counselor can explain this if the college has
> > >>> not
> > >>> already done so. The rest of the sentence clearly states this point.
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>> training-educational establishment may have their own requirements 
> > >>> about
> > >>> timelines and that even if MCB approves a break in attendance; it 
> > >>> could
> > >>> jeopardize the attainment of a certificate or degree if the
> > >>> post-secondary
> > >>> institution requires a student to complete their program with in a
> > >>> specific
> > >>> time frame. Examples of programs that might require a continuum of
> > >>> attendance are those in which rapid advancements are common such as in
> > >>> computer sciences, medicine, and education.
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>> Commissioners: Examples are superfluous. They do not hurt, but are
> > >>> wordy.
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>> 6) The definition of a full course load is defined by each
> > >>> training-educational institution. MCB students are required to carry a
> > >>> full
> > >>> course load unless their individualized plan specifies otherwise.
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>> Commissioners: Above, "are required should be replaced with "shall".
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>> 7) The decision to participate in a community college, four year
> > >>> university, out-of-state training-educational program, correspondence,
> > >>> or
> > >>> home-study program shall be based on the individual student's needs 
> > >>> and
> > >>> interests. The MCB consumer-counselor team should refer to policies B
> > >>> and C
> > >>> of the college policy so that the requirements for utilizing 
> > >>> accredited
> > >>> and
> > >>> non-accredited institutions, in- and out-of-state institutions, and
> > >>> financial supports, are compatible with the student's institution of
> > >>> choice.
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>> Commissioners: Above, "team should refer" should be "team shall 
> > >>> refer".
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>> 8) The type of degree or certification a student is sponsored for
> > >>> will be
> > >>> based on the students' vocational goal and whether gainful employment 
> > >>> in
> > >>> that vocation requires associates, bachelors, master's degree, or 
> > >>> other
> > >>> type
> > >>> of certificate.
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>> Commissioners: Above, "will be determined" should be "shall be
> > >>> determined".
> > >>> This section is a little weak for consumers. It may be used to justify
> > >>> not
> > >>> helping a student attain the best degree, since the term "gainful
> > >>> employment" is included. The argument will be that if a person can get
> > >>> a
> > >>> minimum wage job with an associates degree, the Commission will not 
> > >>> help
> > >>> with a bachelors. I have heard counselors say exactly this.
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>> MCB, in most cases, provides sponsorship for post-secondary training 
> > >>> to
> > >>> the
> > >>> level of degree or certificate which will facilitate gainful 
> > >>> employment.
> > >>> If
> > >>> it is clear that an advanced degree will be required for competitive
> > >>> employment, the student's IPE should reflect this and they may 
> > >>> continue
> > >>> their education uninterrupted until they obtain the degree identified 
> > >>> in
> > >>> their IPE.
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>> Commissioners: "in most cases," should be replaced with "may"
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>> 9) MCB's standard financial sponsorship is based on semesters held
> > >>> September through April. A POSSIBLE exception COULD BE two 16 week
> > >>> semesters, OR three 10 week quarters. MCB's ability to financially
> > >>> sponsor
> > >>> summer classes is considered an exception and a written, dated, 
> > >>> request
> > >>> must
> > >>> be submitted to the MCB Counselor. Approval will be determined with in
> > >>> 2
> > >>> weeks of the request based on the fiscal budget and availability of
> > >>> funds.
> > >>>
> > >>> 10) If a student decides that their vocational goal or plan to obtain
> > >>> their vocational goal needs to change, the student and their MCB
> > >>> counselor
> > >>> will discuss a new plan with possible guidance by the director of
> > >>> consumer
> > >>> services and an IPE amendment shall be developed.
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>> Commissioners: Above, "counselor will discuss" needs to be "counselor
> > >>> shall
> > >>> discuss".
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>> 11) MCB may provide financial support for up to 24 credit-hours of
> > >>> remedial study if it is not available free of charge. Additional hours
> > >>> may
> > >>> be considered if the consumer-counselor team agrees it is needed.
> > >>>
> > >>> 12) Prior to a student attending their training-educational program,
> > >>> the
> > >>> MCB counselor shall provide an explanation of DISABLED STUDENT 
> > >>> resources
> > >>> at
> > >>> their particular institution and encourage the student to contact the
> > >>> student assistance department to discuss any services or needs they 
> > >>> may
> > >>> have
> > >>> before or while attending that institution.
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>> The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is a written agreement between 
> > >>> MCB
> > >>> and
> > >>> some of the state universities and colleges which defines what MCB and
> > >>> each
> > >>> college or university will be responsible for in terms of supplying a
> > >>> student with materials, equipment, and services. The MCB counselor
> > >>> shall
> > >>> explain to a student, prior to their enrollment in a college or
> > >>> university,
> > >>> which institutions hold a MOU with MCB and what the student can expect
> > >>> from
> > >>> MCB and that educational institution. Students are encouraged to
> > >>> advocate
> > >>> for their needs by consulting with MCB counselors and the appropriate
> > >>> representative of their college or university, if there are questions
> > >>> related to the provision of these accommodations.
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>> Commissioners: What happened to the "hold harmless" clause. You need
> > >>> to
> > >>> know that the Rehab act provides for problem resolution on this point.
> > >>> Leaving it out here is a way to intimidate students and does not lead 
> > >>> to
> > >>> a
> > >>> friendly and positive working relationship, especially in view of the
> > >>> Rehab
> > >>> Act language to deal with this situation. This is fundamental and
> > >>> serious,
> > >>> if you wish to be consumer oriented and open.
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>> Policy B. Accreditation
> > >>>
> > >>> MCB cooperates with colleges, universities, and other degree-granting
> > >>> institutions, including correspondence, home-study and vocational
> > >>> training
> > >>> programs that are accredited by a regional accrediting body recognized
> > >>> by
> > >>> the U.S. Department of Education. Exceptions may be made where
> > >>> accreditation is pending or conditional and the course of study is
> > >>> sufficiently unique to justify use of the institution. Students and
> > >>> their
> > >>> MCB counselor should discuss the risks and benefits of attending a
> > >>> non-accredited training program or university as it could negatively
> > >>> impact
> > >>> a student's ultimate vocational goal.
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>> Commissioners: Above, "counselor should discuss" needs to be 
> > >>> "counselor
> > >>> shall discuss".
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>> Policy C. Financial Aid
> > >>>
> > >>> According to state and federal mandates, MCB is to provide financial
> > >>> sponsorship to a student who is eligible for post- secondary
> > >>> training-education to the amount that is not covered through other
> > >>> financial
> > >>> resources.
> > >>>
> > >>> Commissioners: Above, the mandated sections need citations. Also, " 
> > >>> MCB
> > >>> is
> > >>> to provide" needs to be "MCB shall provide"
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>> Other financial resources include, but are not limited to; grants and
> > >>> comparable benefits. According to Rehabilitation Act 361.48 F. MCB
> > >>> counselors are required to ask the parents-guardians of potential MCB
> > >>> students if they are willing to participate in the financial support 
> > >>> of
> > >>> their son-daughter's post-secondary training-educational costs.
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>> COMMISSIONERS, COMMISSIONERS!: This is not true. The Commission is
> > >>> required
> > >>> to find all possible grant funding and the student is required to seek
> > >>> financial aid. There is no, no I say, requirement to ask parents for
> > >>> participation. This statement undermines the credibility of the policy
> > >>> since it is not true and undermines the relationship between the 
> > >>> parent
> > >>> and
> > >>> the agency, since the counselor can judge when it is appropriate to 
> > >>> ask.
> > >>> This is very important to create a trusting and consumer oriented 
> > >>> policy
> > >>> and
> > >>> program administration. This is not "warm and fuzzy" talk, it is sound
> > >>> public policy..
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>> There is no requirement for parents-guardians to provide financial
> > >>> support.
> > >>> Students are required to apply for specified grants identified in 
> > >>> Policy
> > >>> C-
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>> Commissioners: " Students are required" needs to be "Students shall
> > >>> apply".
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>> 3. Students are not required to apply for or utilize training or
> > >>> educational loans.
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>> Essential Elements:
> > >>>
> > >>> 1) Rehab Act 361.5.10, defines comparable services and benefits as
> > >>> any
> > >>> related service, financial benefit, or assistance available to a
> > >>> consumer to
> > >>> partially or fully pay for the required cost of vocational
> > >>> rehabilitation
> > >>> services.
> > >>>
> > >>> 2) Students who receive a merit scholarship which has a specified
> > >>> purpose
> > >>> shall use that scholarship as designated to defray educational 
> > >>> expenses.
> > >>>
> > >>> 3) Other comparable benefits that shall be used towards the cost of
> > >>> post-
> > >>> secondary training or education include financial aid, grants, 
> > >>> stipends
> > >>> administered through the student's college or university, employer
> > >>> benefits,
> > >>> workers compensation, health insurance if applicable, and similar 
> > >>> public
> > >>> benefits.
> > >>>
> > >>> 4) Comparable benefits do not include Social Security benefits such
> > >>> as
> > >>> Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI,) Supplemental Security
> > >>> Income
> > >>> (SSI), or unrestricted awards or scholarships based on merit.
> > >>>
> > >>> 5) According to Rehabilitation Act, 361.42 a4 students requesting
> > >>> college
> > >>> sponsorship are required to apply for federal financial aid by
> > >>> completing
> > >>> the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA.)
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>> Commissioners: " sponsorship are required to apply" needs to be
> > >>> "sponsorship, shall apply".
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>> 6) MCB counselors shall utilize the DELEG/MCB Statement of Financial
> > >>> Need
> > >>> Resources and Authorization form as a budgeting tool to help determine
> > >>> the
> > >>> amount of MCB financial support that is needed for the student's
> > >>> post-secondary training-educational program.
> > >>>
> > >>> 7) The student shall annually submit to their counselor all necessary
> > >>> documents, including the Student Aid Report (SAR) to their counselor 
> > >>> by
> > >>> July
> > >>> 1 in order to attend college in the fall, or by November 1 for
> > >>> winter/spring
> > >>> attendance. Consumers who are unable to meet either deadline may be
> > >>> considered for college training starting the following semester.
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>> Commissioners: Item 7 needs to be stricken. Our opinion is that 6, 7
> > >>> and 8
> > >>> should all be stricken, however, if the MCB is determined to have this
> > >>> policy, they need to take full responsibility and not hold the student
> > >>> hostage to the whims of college financial aid offices who have no 
> > >>> legal
> > >>> obligation to cooperate with this superfluous form.
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>> 8) The student's MCB counselor shall submit the signed copy of the
> > >>> DELEG/MCB Statement of Financial Need, Resources and Authorization 
> > >>> form
> > >>> to
> > >>> the financial officer at the college or university. The completed form
> > >>> shall be returned to the student's MCB counselor. The student's MCB
> > >>> counselor shall share the information on the DELEG/MCB Statement of
> > >>> Financial Need, Resources and Authorization form with the student and
> > >>> shall
> > >>> give the student a copy of this document.
> > >>>
> > >>> 9) MCB contributions toward college-related costs may include the
> > >>> following:
> > >>>
> > >>> . tuition and fees for required curriculum courses including
> > >>> electives,
> > >>> as long as the electives fall within the requirements for certificate 
> > >>> or
> > >>> degree. Electives that might fall outside the scope of these
> > >>> requirements
> > >>> may be considered by MCB if a student and their MCB counselor agree, 
> > >>> in
> > >>> writing, to this exception.
> > >>>
> > >>> . required textbooks and course materials defined in the course
> > >>> syllabus.
> > >>>
> > >>> . reader services related to course work and/or activities related
> > >>> to
> > >>> expectations for obtaining the identified certificate or degree
> > >>>
> > >>> . text books services such as Braille, enlarged print, audio
> > >>> recordings,
> > >>> computer scanned, or other modified materials leading to course work 
> > >>> and
> > >>> or
> > >>> activities related to expectations for obtaining the identified
> > >>> certificate
> > >>> or degree
> > >>>
> > >>> . any costs for room and board that exceed the normal living costs
> > >>> as
> > >>> defined by, (34CFR361.53).
> > >>>
> > >>> . rehabilitation technology services and equipment as identified in
> > >>> the
> > >>> IPE; refer to "Scope of Services"-letter R. Rehabilitation Technology,
> > >>> in
> > >>> the MCB Policy Manual, for further details.
> > >>>
> > >>> 10) MCB does not pay for the cost of college applications, required
> > >>> entrance exams or testing fees. MCB counselors may assist consumers 
> > >>> with
> > >>> pursuing financial resources to pay for the costs of applications,
> > >>> entrance
> > >>> exams and or testing fees if the consumer requests such assistance.
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>> Commissioners: This section is illegal under the Rehab Act. MCB may
> > >>> not
> > >>> pick and choose services like this. All planning is required to take
> > >>> place
> > >>> in the IPE.
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>> 11) MCB may pay for the cost of preparation classes or materials for
> > >>> entrance exams if determined appropriate by the consumer-MCB counselor
> > >>> team.
> > >>>
> > >>> 12) MCB may assist with the cost of professional certification exams
> > >>> and/or fees.
> > >>>
> > >>> 13) If a consumer is in default of a student loan, no financial aid,
> > >>> including Pell Grants, will be available to the consumer.
> > >>>
> > >>> 14) MCB is prohibited from paying for any training or related services
> > >>> at
> > >>> an institution of higher education for an individual who owes a refund
> > >>> on a
> > >>> grant or is in default of a student loan unless the individual makes
> > >>> maximum
> > >>> effort to resolve the default. Maximum effort means that the consumer
> > >>> must
> > >>> work out a satisfactory payment plan with the Higher Education 
> > >>> Services
> > >>> Corporation (HESC), lending institution, or grantor, and re-establish
> > >>> eligibility for financial aid.
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>> Commissioners: according to an attorney we consulted on this policy,
> > >>> this
> > >>> is not true. This rule applies to colleges, but according to the Rehab
> > >>> Act,
> > >>> not to Rehab agencies. Such decisions fall under the concept of
> > >>> individualized services as suggested by the "I" in IPE., so the MCB 
> > >>> may
> > >>> pay
> > >>> for college costs even if there is a student loan default. Again, such
> > >>> errors undermine the agency credibility and weaken the client oriented
> > >>> goal
> > >>> of the Commission.
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>> 15) Private college attendance, whether in-state or out-of-state, can
> > >>> be
> > >>> sponsored by MCB if the consumer-counselor team agree that attending 
> > >>> the
> > >>> intended program will enhance their goal for employment. The
> > >>> contributions
> > >>> for tuition at a private college shall not exceed the highest amount
> > >>> required for tuition for Michigan residents attending a state 
> > >>> supported
> > >>> college or university in Michigan.
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>> Commissioners: in 15 and 16 " out-of-state, can be" Needs to be
> > >>> out-of-state, may be".
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>> Commissioners: Again, as above, the idea is that the MCB may pay 
> > >>> higher
> > >>> tuition if the course of study is not offered at a State supported
> > >>> institution.
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>> 16) Out-of-state college attendance can be sponsored by MCB if the
> > >>> student's identified program is not available in Michigan or the
> > >>> consumer-counselor team agree that attending an out-of-state college
> > >>> will
> > >>> enhance their goal for employment. The contributions for tuition at a
> > >>> comparable program shall not exceed an amount greater than the highest
> > >>> tuition rate for Michigan residents attending a state-supported 
> > >>> college
> > >>> or
> > >>> university in Michigan.
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>> Commissioners: Same as above. Can needs to be "may" and tuition may be
> > >>> paid if no comparable course of study is available in-state.
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>> 17) Out-of- country study (study abroad) shall be funded if it is part
> > >>> of
> > >>> an approved course of study for a student's approved vocational goal.
> > >>> MCB
> > >>> shall support the cost in an amount no greater than the highest 
> > >>> tuition
> > >>> rate
> > >>> for Michigan residents attending a state-supported college or 
> > >>> university
> > >>> in
> > >>> Michigan.
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>> Commissioners: Same as above. Out of Country should be covered if not
> > >>> available in Michigan.
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>> 18) A student may request assistance from their MCB counselors to help
> > >>> them in locating financial resources if participating in an 
> > >>> out-of-state
> > >>> or
> > >>> abroad program or private college will enhance the attainment of their
> > >>> vocational goal.
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>> Commissioners: There needs to be some kind of requirement that the
> > >>> counselor
> > >>> does, in fact, provide assistance. The mere fact that a student
> > >>> requests
> > >>> assistance does not assure the counselor will do anything.
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>> Policy D. Academic Progress
> > >>>
> > >>> All students shall perform at least at the minimal performance 
> > >>> standards
> > >>> set
> > >>> forth by the training or educational institution. For under-graduate
> > >>> college students, this typically means minimum cumulative grade point
> > >>> average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale, equaling a C average. For graduate
> > >>> students,
> > >>> this typically means a 3.0 grade point average equaling a B average.
> > >>> Students should be knowledgeable of their training or educational
> > >>> institutions requirements for performance so they can avoid 
> > >>> probationary
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>> Commissioners: " Students should be knowledgeable " needs be" Students
> > >>> shall be knowledgeable
> > >>>
> > >>> to status. Students shall provide their grades or performance
> > >>> evaluations to
> > >>> their MCB counselor within two weeks of the end of each semester or
> > >>> training
> > >>> period.
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>> Essential Elements:
> > >>>
> > >>> 1) The student's chosen curriculum has requirements, as determined by
> > >>> the
> > >>> academic program and/or by the college or university that should be
> > >>> followed
> > >>> by the student unless exceptions are approved by both the student's 
> > >>> MCB
> > >>> counselor and the academic program director to attain their goal to
> > >>> re-establish good academic standing with MCB.
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>> Commissioners: #1 above is intrusive and paternalistic. The
> > >>> student/college relationship should be between those parties. The MCB
> > >>> does
> > >>> not need to approve changes agreed to by the college.
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>> 2) An MCB counselor shall hold an evaluation consultation with a
> > >>> student
> > >>> to assess their educational-training performance for any of the 
> > >>> reasons
> > >>> listed below. A written plan for correction for an identified area of
> > >>> struggle shall be established between the student and their MCB
> > >>> counselor.
> > >>>
> > >>> . Classes are dropped for a reason other than "good cause," when MCB
> > >>> has
> > >>> already paid for the cost of tuition and fees. Good cause may include
> > >>> problems related to obtaining agreed upon materials, equipment, and or
> > >>> services, or other influences that disrupt students performance that 
> > >>> are
> > >>> clearly not the fault of the student and are communicated and agreed
> > >>> upon
> > >>> between the student and the MCB counselor.
> > >>>
> > >>> . Dropping a class puts the student at less than their identified
> > >>> course
> > >>> load status defined in the IPE.
> > >>>
> > >>> . A grade of "Incomplete" is taken in a class. The student shall
> > >>> resolve the "Incomplete" grade during the next semester enrolled.
> > >>>
> > >>> 3) In the case when a student has failed or dropped a class and when
> > >>> MCB
> > >>> has paid for the cost of this class, the student shall be required to
> > >>> pay
> > >>> that amount. The student should make arrangements with their MCB
> > >>> counselor
> > >>> to pay this fee by the end of the following semester.
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>> Commissioners: First the above section should be changed to give the
> > >>> opportunity for a repayment plan if the student cannot repay the cost 
> > >>> in
> > >>> the
> > >>> required time. People on SSI may not be able to cover that kind of
> > >>> repayment plan. Again, a reasonable policy must take into 
> > >>> consideration
> > >>> the
> > >>> student's ability to pay. If the goal is to move the student through
> > >>> college as expeditiously as possible, a delay due to a repayment plan 
> > >>> is
> > >>> not
> > >>> consistent with the goal.
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>> 4) If there is failure by the educational institution or MCB to
> > >>> provide
> > >>> agreed upon quality materials or services in a timely manner, the
> > >>> consumer
> > >>> shall not be held responsible by MCB for failed or incomplete grades.
> > >>>
> > >>> . The term, "quality materials" means usable, workable materials
> > >>> that
> > >>> allow a student to access and produce information in a reasonable 
> > >>> manner
> > >>> that promotes successful performance and does not unduly hinder their
> > >>> efforts to meet course expectations. Example readable Braille or large
> > >>> print
> > >>> text, correct text editions, accessible up-to-date maps, tables,
> > >>> formulas,
> > >>> etc.
> > >>>
> > >>> . The term, "timely manner," means MCB students receive
> > >>> instructional
> > >>> materials in specialized formats at the same time that their student
> > >>> peers
> > >>> receive their instructional materials. Specialized formats shall be
> > >>> provided in a medium that is usable by a student and may not always be
> > >>> available in the student's preferred format. Example: an audio version
> > >>> of a
> > >>> text may be provided in full or in installments, if Braille or large
> > >>> print
> > >>> is not available in a timely manner. In situations such as Math or
> > >>> Science
> > >>> where Braille or large print is essential to learning, such 
> > >>> specialized
> > >>> formats shall be provided.
> > >>>
> > >>> . Students are encouraged to initiate early preparation for
> > >>> obtaining
> > >>> course syllabi and/or communicating with class instructors to obtain
> > >>> text,
> > >>> equipment, and other required materials. Students should then
> > >>> communicate
> > >>> their needs to the appropriate resources in charge of providing
> > >>> accommodations-materials.
> > >>>
> > >>> . Time frames for MCB to provide services, equipment and materials
> > >>> may
> > >>> be discussed by the consumer-counselor team and put in writing with 
> > >>> the
> > >>> agreed upon date that those services, equipment, or materials are to 
> > >>> be
> > >>> delivered.
> > >>>
> > >>> . Quality materials and timely services can be disrupted if there is
> > >>> a
> > >>> last minute instructor or material change. Such occurrences that 
> > >>> result
> > >>> in
> > >>> a student falling behind or taking an incomplete would also exempt a
> > >>> student
> > >>> from any financial burden and allow more time for the student to reach
> > >>> required expectations in performance.
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>> Commissioners: The above section is excellent! This is a balanced and
> > >>> positive statement that supports students and expects a respectful and
> > >>> cooperative working relationship. Bravo! For this.
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>> Commissioners: " incomplete would also" needs to be " incomplete shall
> > >>> also
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>> Policy E. Exceptions and Complaints
> > >>>
> > >>> The policies contained in this section on post-secondary education are
> > >>> designed to assist students in achieving ultimate success in their
> > >>> endeavors. Though they are designed to address the needs of all
> > >>> potential
> > >>> student consumers, MCB recognizes that there may be particular
> > >>> circumstances
> > >>> which will require a non-traditional approach to education. The 
> > >>> process
> > >>> for
> > >>> addressing these variations is as follows:
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>> Essential Elements:
> > >>>
> > >>> 1) Students needing clarification or adjustments in these policies
> > >>> are
> > >>> encouraged to engage their counselors in constructive communication to
> > >>> most
> > >>> effectively meet individual needs.
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>> Commissioners: "are encouraged to engage their counselors in
> > >>> constructive
> > >>> communication to most effectively meet individual needs. " is wordy,
> > >>> unclear and could be replaced with encouraged to negotiate changes 
> > >>> with
> > >>> their counselor.
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>> 2) The MCB counselor may consult with the MCB director of consumer
> > >>> services regarding clarification policies/practices.
> > >>>
> > >>> 3) Students are encouraged to document, in writing, those services
> > >>> and
> > >>> items that they feel have not been provided in a satisfactory manner 
> > >>> and
> > >>> actively communicate their needs with their MCB counselor.
> > >>>
> > >>> 4) If resolution is not reached through verbal and/or written
> > >>> communication in regards to a complaint or disagreement with a
> > >>> consumer's
> > >>> MCB counselor, MCB encourages consumers to advocate for themselves and
> > >>> utilize due process as outlined in the agencies grievance protocol. 
> > >>> MCB
> > >>> Policy Manual - II. GENERAL POLICIES - Conflict Resolution
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>> CONCLUSION:
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>> The ultimate goal of this policy is to guide the relationship between
> > >>> the
> > >>> Michigan Commission for the Blind and the prospective student who is
> > >>> blind
> > >>> or visually impaired. Through this process all qualified MCB consumers
> > >>> can
> > >>> obtain a post-secondary certificate or degree and become employed at 
> > >>> the
> > >>> level of their greatest capacity. In order to realize this goal:
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>> Commissioners: " consumers can obtain" needs to be " consumers may
> > >>> obtain"
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>> 1. The MCB Counselor will assist MCB students in their efforts to
> > >>> become
> > >>> self-empowered so that by the end of the post-secondary
> > >>> training-educational
> > >>> process, the student is functioning at their maximum capacity and is
> > >>> prepared to be independent and enter the work force at the level of
> > >>> their
> > >>> capability.
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>> Commissioners: " Counselor will assist" needs to be " Counselor shall
> > >>> assist"
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>> 2. The MCB counselor and student will communicate with each other at
> > >>> least once mid-semester unless the consumer and counselor both agree
> > >>> such a
> > >>> meeting is not required.
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>> Commissioners: " student will communicate" needs to be " student shall
> > >>> communicate
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>> 3. The MCB student will exercise self-determination in obtaining
> > >>> their
> > >>> post secondary degree or certificate through:
> > >>>
> > >>> . Learning to communicate needs and information in a positive,
> > >>> assertive, self-advocating style
> > >>>
> > >>> . Actively communicate needs to their MCB counselor, appropriate
> > >>> representatives of their chosen educational institution, and other
> > >>> significant professionals involved in post-secondary activities
> > >>>
> > >>> . Learning and utilizing networking skills
> > >>>
> > >>> . Identifying and utilizing accommodations and resources
> > >>>
> > >>> . Exercising their greatest capacity for learning and achievement.
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>> Commissioners: " student will exercise" needs to be " student shall
> > >>> exercise"
> > >>>
> > >>> To me this is a little patronizing and paternalistic. There is no role
> > >>> for
> > >>> the MCB counselor in this process. There ought to be, at least 1
> > >>> sentence
> > >>> or phrase added to commit the Counselor to assisting in this growth 
> > >>> and
> > >>> transformation.
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>>
> > >>> _______________________________________________
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> > >>
> > >>
> > >> _______________________________________________
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