[nfbmi-talk] check out call for illegal needs test and needs accessment back then

[joe harcz Comcast]

February 2003 Commission Meeting Minutes

MICHIGAN COMMISSION FOR THE BLIND

FEBRUARY 18, 2003

VICTOR BUILDING

LANSING, MI

MINUTES

COMMISSIONERS PRESENT

Ms. Jo Ann Pilarski, Chairperson

Ms. Peeti Greene, Vice Chairperson

Mr. Mr. Robert Adler

Mr. J. J. Jackson

Ms. Barbara Thomas

COMMISSIONERS ABSENT

None

MCB STAFF PRESENT

Mr. Patrick Cannon

Ms. Tish Kingaby

Mr. James Buscetta

Ms. Phyllis Marshall

Ms. Michelle Visscher

Ms. Melody Lindsey

Mr. Larry Best

Ms. Beth White

Mr. Bernie Kramer

Ms. Rosalind Byers-Lang

Mr. Bob Robertson

Mr. Ray Kirklin

FIA STAFF PRESENT

Ms. Jocelyn Vanda

Mr. Bob Wyckoff

GUESTS

Dr. Michael Leahy

Ms. Linda Stacey

Mr. Kelly M. Bernath

Ms. Mary Martin

Mr. Geer Wilcox

Ms. Valerie Yarger

Ms. Joann Wayburn

Mr. Michelle Mikaelian

Mr. Larry Wanger

Ms. Bonnie Weaver

Mr. George Carlton

Ms. Gillian Karas

Mr. Victor Getter

Ms. Marylee Alzner

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

The Committee of the Whole was called to order by Chairperson Pilarski at 9:10 a.m.

COMMISSIONER ACTIVITIES

Ms. Thomas attended the Mini-Adjustment Workshop in Sterling Heights on Thursday, January 23, 2003, and reported very good attendance and feedback.

Mr. Jackson attended the Cultural Diversity Committee meeting in Lansing on February 7, 2003. The team continued its effort to produce a letter to recruit
new members and Mr. Jackson said the letter was close to finalization and would be submitted to Mr. Cannon. The committee determined that it will send
future meeting dates for inclusion on the MCB Activity List and, starting in early spring, will submit a quarterly written report to Mr. Cannon regarding
its activities. Mr. Jackson reported a plan to reach out to Native American groups. Ms. Greene reported that two interns from the Michigan Commission on
Spanish Speaking Affairs, attended the meeting for input at the behest of the director, Ms. Mary Lou Olivarez-Mason, and were also in attendance at today’s
Commission meeting. The next Cultural Diversity Committee meeting is scheduled for April 3 in Detroit.

In response to queries from the commissioners, Mr. Cannon gave brief biographical data regarding the new director of the Family Independence Agency (FIA),
Ms. Nannette Bowler, and said that Ms. Bowler plans to attend the April meeting of the Commission.

The commissioners also asked whether the placement of the Michigan Commission for the Blind (MCB) under FIA had been addressed and Mr. Cannon reported conversations
with Mr. Tom Watkins, Department of Education, Mr. Dave Hollister, Department of Labor, Ms. Bowler, and Governor Granholm regarding this matter.

Mr. Cannon reported that President Bush had appointed four new individuals to the Access Board, and that Mr. Cannon’s term of eight years had ended.

The Committee of the Whole was adjourned at 9:25 a.m.

REGULAR MEETING

CALL TO ORDER, ROLL CALL AND DETERMINATION OF QUORUM

The regular meeting was called to order at 10:00 a.m. Roll call was taken and a quorum was present.

MR. JACKSON MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MS. THOMAS, TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 21, 2003 MEETING, AS PRESENTED. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

PUBLIC COMMENT

No public comment.

BOARD CORRESPONDENCE

There was no Board Correspondence.

DIRECTOR’S REPORT

Mr. Cannon called attention to his written MCB report previously distributed to the Commission, indicating that he wished to highlight a few sections of
the report.

Mr. Cannon reported that according to information from the American Foundation for the Blind, the Instructional Materials Accessibility Act, House Resolution
490, had been introduced in Congress in late January. This bill requires improved access to printed instructional materials used by blind, or other persons
with print disabilities, in elementary and secondary schools. Additionally, Congress had taken steps to finalize its FY 2003 budget and has included additional
funding for the Older Blind Program. Funding for this program has increased over the last five years from about $8-9 million to $29 million.

Mr. Cannon reported attending the Governor’s Conference on Career Development in Grand Rapids on February 4, 2003. This 3-day conference was held to showcase
the working relationship between the educational and the workforce communities, including the rehabilitation community.

Over 50 people attended the Mini-Adjustment Program in Sterling Heights. The next programs are scheduled for March 16-21 in Cadillac, and May 18-24 in Lansing.
Mr. Cannon has been pleased that several commissioners have attended the mini adjustment programs in recent years and encouraged commissioners to do so,
especially when the programs are held in their home communities.

In early April, the National Council of State Agencies for the Blind will hold its Spring Conference in Bethesda, Maryland. Mr. Cannon reported that topics
will include the national Ticket to Work program, funding for the Older Blind program, and the reauthorization of the Rehabilitation Act.

Regarding the current, extremely difficult economic conditions for the State of Michigan, and the probability that cuts will be especially hard for all
aspects of state government for FY 2004, Mr. Cannon said that because MCB employees are about 80 percent federally funded and no significant GF/GP reduction
would be realized, MCB staff should not be affected by layoffs. Mr. Cannon reiterated that this was not a good time to promote new programs or initiatives
that required funding.

SERVICE RECOGNITION AWARD

Mr. Cannon presented Mr. Ray Kirklin, from the Saginaw Office, with an award recognizing his 30 years of service in state government.

NEW STAFF

Mr. Cannon introduced a new staff member from the Flint Office, Ms. Phyllis Marshall, who is the new Division Secretary.

MS. THOMAS MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MR. JACKSON, TO ACCEPT THE DIRECTOR’S REPORT, AS PRESENTED. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

CONSUMER SERVICES REPORT

Mr. Buscetta reported that the federal Ticket to Work activity continues to be very slow, and that the Social Security Administration (SSA) and Maximus
have been very poor in communications. There still has been no confirmation of a scheduled mailing in January. Staff is fully aware of the process and
has the necessary forms, but a follow-up MCB mailing to prospective providers is held up pending notification of the SSA mailing. Ms. Sherry Gordon, the
MCB liaison, is following up. Mr. Buscetta reported that MCB must now also complete a ticket for every case in order to be reimbursed, which further complicates
the process. About 50 tickets have been assigned to date in Michigan. Under one plan, payments to the provider are based on the savings of the social security
benefits for an individual over a five-year period of time. The provider must track a case for the five years, and the amount of expenses incurred in this
activity are not conducive to attracting providers. Mr. Buscetta said the program funding would need to be enhanced to attract more providers. Mr. Cannon
commented that without a Medicaid buy-in option in Michigan, this program’s continuance was not promising.

Mr. Buscetta attended a Task Force meeting for the RSA Region V area regarding recruitment of students for graduate rehabilitation programs and potential
employment with state agencies. Mr. Buscetta said that Mr. Bob Robertson would represent MCB at the next meeting in March in Chicago.

Mr. Buscetta reported participation in a strategic planning group for Older Blind Individuals with Dr. Mogk at Henry Ford Hospital. Two pilot projects will
be developed for the east and west sides of Michigan and Mr. Leamon Jones and Mr. Bernie Kramer will represent MCB on these respective projects.

Mr. Buscetta said that revisions have been completed in response to the RSA-107 technical review and will be presented for discussion at the April Commission
meeting.

Also at the April meeting, Mr. Buscetta said he intended to present a re-write of the Maintenance Payment Policy for approval by the Commission. This revision
will replace language in the Scope of Services and Commission Board Policies sections in the Policy Manual, in order to make a more uniform statement concerning
the maintenance payment policy.

Mr. Buscetta said that an item under discussion for possible implementation for VR clients, especially in the current poor economic climate, is a needs
test, such as those developed by universities regarding student financial aid. Currently, the Michigan Rehabilitation Service (MRS) has a needs test for
college students which matches the university’s decisions and does not give financial aid if the university does not recommend it. MCB’s policy is that
students must apply for and use financial aid, however, students are still supplemented by MCB if the university denies them. Mr. Buscetta said a needs
test could also be applied for the Youth Low Vision Program, so that if a family had significant income, MCB would not share the cost of expenses. Currently,
the Rehab Act is very specific that a needs test may not be applied to social security recipients. Mr. Buscetta concluded that the needs test was a topic
for possible future consideration. Mr. Cannon said that such action, if pursued, would entail involvement by the Consumer Involvement Council and others,
beside MCB.

Mr. Buscetta called attention to three attachments to the MCB report concerning legislation. The first is state legislature Senate Bill 22, Medicaid Buy-in,
which has been re-introduced and gives an opportunity to individuals to purchase Medicaid benefits once they have gone to work, with a sliding scale premium
based on their income. The Mi-Jobs Coalition is assisting with the development of this bill and a report should be available for the next Commission meeting.
Ms. Sherry Gordon is the MI-Jobs Coalition liaison and will be following up on this proposed legislation.

Two pieces of federal legislation which have not been re-introduced in this year’s new legislative session are the Capuana and Frost Bills regarding services
to seniors who are blind. These bills differ in that the Capuana Bill concerns exclusive expansion of the medical role of ophthalmologists where the Frost
bill could be utilized through state agencies’ rehabilitation programs. Mr. Buscetta said that the rehabilitation model would not be as costly a program
to run as the medical model.

Regarding Transition Services, Mr. Buscetta said Ms. Beth White has been trained to present transition scenarios with the Transition Network in the state.
Ms. Sherry Gordon and Ms. Lisa Kisiel are working with their local Transition Collaborative groups. Mr. Buscetta will be meeting in March with Ms. Joanne
Winkelman, liaison with the Special Education Department, in MCB’s continued efforts to improve collaboration and identify blind students. Mr. Buscetta
said the Youth Low Vision Program should be an excellent tool for transition, and moving the program to the field is already paying dividends.

Discussion was held regarding methods to determine the number of blind students in schools. Mr. Cannon said Mr. Watkins, Superintendent of Public Instruction,
would be invited to a future meeting.

Mr. Buscetta said that at the April commission meeting, he plans to have Mr. Jones and Mr. Kramer make the Consumer Services Division report, as that meeting
will be his final before his retirement takes effect.

MR. ADLER MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MR. JACKSON, TO ACCEPT THE CONSUMER SERVICES REPORT,

AS PRESENTED. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

MICHIGAN COMPREHENSIVE STATEWIDE NEEDS ASSESSMENT REPORT

Mr. Buscetta introduced Dr. Michael Leahy, Ph.D., a professor at Michigan State University, to give a report on the Michigan Comprehensive Statewide Needs
Assessment, which was conducted by Abt Associates, Inc., of Massachusetts. Dr. Leahy was the onsite coordinator for this research project, which was conducted
for MCB and MRS. Dr. Leahy said that, in regard to identifying the number of blind students in Michigan, the scope of the assessment did not allow for
this; however, there are research methods which could be applied to determine this number. Dr. Leahy stated these were not inexpensive methods, although
this is a recommendation made in the assessment to facilitate planning.

This project was conducted primarily by Ray Glazier of Abt, Dave Vandergoot of the Center for Essential Management Services, Inc. of New York, and professors
at Michigan State University. Dr. Leahy shared the principal findings of the assessment, which were reported to MCB and MRS in July 2002, including a full
methodology of the research. The purpose of the initiative was to develop a descriptive study of the needs of individuals with disabilities, particularly
the VR needs of (a) individuals with most significant disabilities, (b) individuals with disabilities who are minorities, (c) individuals with disabilities
who have been unserved or under-served by the state VR programs and (d) individuals with disabilities served through other components of the statewide
workforce investment system. Dr. Leahy clarified that unserved typically means a number of individuals not being served at the proportion expected for
the total population, and under-served relates to individuals receiving services but not achieving anticipated results.

Dr. Leahy itemized the project methodology, including use of case records; key informant interviews with various agencies, organizations and experts; focus
groups with unserved or and under-served groups; in-person individual interviews, including homeless and others; direct mail consumer surveys with MCB
and MRS consumers; and a supplemental hand-out survey to other consumers, all of which were carried out during fiscal year 2001. Dr. Leahy described the
interview, research and survey questions and gave specific breakdown statistics for all the categories.

Regarding MCB, overall gender rates were comparable to statewide proportion; for successful closures, a greater percentage of women than men were closed,
all ethnic groups were served proportionally or better; blacks were under-served in terms of achieving successful outcomes, Hispanic and younger groups
were slightly unserved and under-served.

Dr. Leahy stated that the needs identified for consumers to obtain employment included training and education, support services, employer development, and
accommodations. Other employment needs identified included counseling, transportation, health care, assistive technology, financial assistance, loss of
benefits, and housing assistance.

Dr. Leahy specified that fear of discrimination and transportation issues were two barriers identified as needing special attention.

In conclusion, findings appeared to represent and confirm the validity and usefulness of the services currently offered to the consumer and identified a
set of needs that MCB and MRS can address in their strategic planning processes. Dr. Leahy said investment in ongoing and routine needs assessments was
encouraged.

Discussion was held regarding the assessment. Specific mention was made that the findings of 46 percent of people wanting to work was much lower than the
66-75 percent determined in most national surveys, and that health care was the highest concern for people who wanted to work, rather than the usual issue
of transportation. About half of those who participated felt that their needs were met through the services. Mr. Cannon said the Assessment information
would be used in an ongoing way in focus design and service design groups.

Regarding the fear of discrimination, which was identified in the assessment, MCB is setting up training with Ms. Robin Jones from Chicago on the Americans
with Disabilities Act. This training will cover changes in new interpretations, case law, etc., to update staff to better counsel their clients as to their
rights. Another issue raised was sensitivity, and Mr. Cannon announced four new Discovery Learning training sessions had been scheduled for staff which
have been very effective in developing awareness. Ms. Greene also stated that cultural training was another area that has been discussed on many occasions,
especially in the Cultural Diversity Committee meetings.

The Commission thanked Dr. Leahy for his work on the Assessment. Mr. Bob Robertson said that copies of the report were available to anyone who wished to
have a copy.

MR. JACKSON MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MS. THOMAS, TO ACCEPT THE NEEDS ASSESSMENT RESULTS AS A PORTION OF THE CONSUMER SERVICES REPORT, AS PRESENTED. THE MOTION
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

FAMILY INDEPENDENCE AGENCY UPDATE

Ms. Jocelyn Vanda reported that the new director of the Family Independence Agency (FIA), Ms. Bowler, is scheduled for confirmation during the day. Ms.
Vanda gave some brief biographical information on the new director, who plans to attend the April meeting of the Commission in Kalamazoo.

Regarding the current budget situation for FY 2003, Ms. Vanda said that FIA took a one percent cut in General Fund dollars, however, conditions are expected
to worsen as the economy is still poor. Regarding FY 2004, evaluations and projections are ongoing, but the budget has not yet been announced. It is expected
that the scheduled 3 percent cost of living increase for state employees will be retracted in order to avoid staff layoffs. Ms. Vanda said that currently
MCB’s staff count is still at 91.

Regarding the transportation and housing issues raised in Dr. Leahy’s report, Ms. Vanda encouraged continued communication with the Department of Transportation
and the Michigan State Housing Development Authority.

Recessed for lunch at 12:15 p.m.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Chairperson Pilarski reconvened the meeting at 1:05 p.m.

CONSUMER INVOLVEMENT COUNCIL REPORT

Mr. Geer Wilcox, the new chair of the Consumer Involvement Council (CIC), reported that the Council met on January 6 to work on revisions for a consumer
handout and the MCB Agency Report Card, both of which would be provided to Mr. Cannon for his review upon completion.

Mr. Wilcox stated that a collaborative high school transition forum, sponsored by the National Agenda for Students with Visual Impairment, Michigan Chapter,
is planned for mid April. The purpose of this forum is to gather various people involved in transition services, to clarify expectations, and define roles
and responsibilities of the collaborative partners. The group will work on developing strategies for disseminating information, an equitable dispute resolution
plan, training for assistive technology services, an outline for a continuous improvement plan, and possible tasks for subcommittees. Mr. Wilcox distributed
a fact sheet on the forum goals, listing possible partners and resource documents.

Ms. Michelle Visscher, MCB’s staff liaison to CIC, said CIC was improving a consumer handout packet that was developed some time ago, to provide more consistent
information for MCB counselors and teachers to distribute throughout the state. This handout would include local and community resources, and brief information
about blindness and services.

Ms. Visscher introduced Mr. Larry Wanger, the new Vice Chair for CIC, who is an employee of Disability Advocates of Kent County, a Center for Independent
Living, in Grand Rapids. Mr. Wanger is on the CIC as a representative for the centers for independent living across the state, and works to increase involvement
with MCB among visually impaired people in independent living. Mr. Wanger also coordinates Concerned Citizens for Improved Transportation, a transit advocacy
group in Kent County, of which most members are visually impaired.

Ms. Visscher stated that MCB, the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, and Disability Advocates of Kent County represent a successful Grand
Rapids area tri-partnership group working on employment issues with monthly meetings of the Employment Assistance Group.

Mr. Cannon congratulated Mr. Wilcox and Mr. Wanger on their elections.

MCB TRAINING CENTER (MCBTC) REPORT

Ms. Melody Lindsey said that evaluations from the November 2002 Albuquerque conference showed that 78 percent of the responses stated the conference met
or exceeded expectations, with Ms. Lindsey and Ms. Bonnie Betz receiving 4.5, out of a possible 5, rating on their individual presentations. It was recommended
that this conference should be held every two years, and moved among different states where residential training centers are operated.

Ms. Lindsey said that Mr. Roger Yake had been contacted to provide training on adaptive computers for the blind by the Michigan Works! office in Alpena,
so that their employees are able to assist blind customers.

Ms. Lindsey stated that she will be attending the Eastern Regional staff meeting on February 19, and will be accompanied by Mr. Roger Yake and Ms. Wendy
VanElk, in order to comply with suggestions that a teacher and a counselor be present to answer questions from field staff.

Ms. Lindsey reported that on January 30 Mr. Cannon led discussion at the weekly group meeting with students held each Thursday at MCBTC.

Two new staff, Russ Sheehan and Tish Kingaby, have completed the two-week in-service training, attending the same classes as students, and two more staff
have completed the first week of training.

Ms. Lindsey reported that the scheduled performance audit by the Office of the Auditor General for the week of February 10 was canceled due to bad weather
and rescheduled to February 25, 2003.

On February 2, 2003, Ms. Lindsey was invited to participate in an Orientation Mobility (OM) conference that occurred in Washington, DC, to give a perspective
on private and public agencies that hire OM grads. About 100 people attended.

On March 12, Ms. Lindsey said the Services Design team meeting will be held at MCBTC and will relate directly to services provided by the center.

MS. GREENE MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MR. JACKSON, TO ACCEPT THE TRAINING CENTER REPORT, AS PRESENTED. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES REPORT

Mr. Larry Best reported that the agency was at 29 percent of spending, at approximately one third through the fiscal year. The Youth Low Vision program
required coding which inadvertently was not entered at the start of the fiscal year and $40,000 of funds were improperly coded. Mr. Best said this would
be corrected shortly.

Mr. Best reported that the federal government has come up with a final appropriation bill for the current fiscal year. While it has not yet been signed
by the President, it appears to contain an additional $3 million for Older Blind and MCB should receive a share of this increase. There is also about a
2 percent increase in Title I funding. On the state level, Mr. Best reiterated that MCB has taken a cut of $7,100 for FY 2003, and, currently, three state
cars have been turned in.

For FY 2004, Mr. Best said the budget is still being worked on and cuts are expected to be severe. Traditionally, MCB tries to avoid cutting state matching
funds for the Title I $10 million grant and the Independent Living programs. Mr. Best requested that consensus be given that the Youth Low Vision program
would be the first area considered if MCB must cut state dollar funding in order to avoid losing federal dollars.

MR. ADLER MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MR. JACKSON, TO ACCEPT THE RECOMMENDATION THAT YOUTH LOW VISION PROGRAM FUNDING BE CUT, IF NECESSARY, TO COMPLY WITH STATE
GOVERNMENT DIRECTIVES. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

Mr. Best said that no hiring freeze has yet been announced, so MCB is continuing to fill its vacancies. One position in Detroit is currently being filled
in Detroit, and two more vacancies in Lansing will also be pursued. Plans are being developed to hire nine additional staff in the event that approval
is given to raise MCB’s FTE level.

MS. THOMAS MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MR. JACKSON, TO ACCEPT THE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES REPORT, AS PRESENTED. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

MCB IMAGE & IDENTITY TEAM REPORT

Mr. Bob Robertson introduced Ms. Rosalind Byers-Lang, MCB Independent Living Specialist, and Mr. Bob Wyckoff, FIA Communications representative. Mr. Robertson
said the Committee is currently involved in a number of activities to improve MCB’s accessibility and exposure around the state. One proposal is to add
a phone listing in about 20 major phone books around the state. A free listing is allowed in the government section and an additional listing in the yellow
pages would cost about $2,500 a year.

Another proposal is to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Commission for the Blind in regional offices and Central Office. The committee is seeking input
for this. Several educational items that identify MCB have been purchased for handout.

Ms. Byers-Lang reported work on a speakers bureau which would provide a list of about 30 potential people who could speak about MCB at different communities,
and which would keep a record of presentations. This list includes Mr. Cannon, Ms. Greene and Mr. Jackson. Ms. Thomas also volunteered to speak in the
Oakland County area.

Mr. Wyckoff announced that the two quality recognition awards bestowed on MCB were featured in the current issue of the FIA Icon, which is at the printers.
Mr. Wyckoff said this publication is under consideration for future budget cuts.

Mr. Wyckoff introduced the new descriptive video about MCB, "Changing Lives, Changing Attitudes," featuring narration by Mr. Ernie Harwell who provided
his time free of charge. The 5-minute video was presented to the group.

The viewing was followed by a videotaped interview by Channel 53, Lansing, featuring Chairperson Pilarski and Mr. Cannon, which the station aired in November
and has run three times since during their 6:00 p.m. news segment.

MS. GREENE MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MR. JACKSON, TO ACCEPT THE MCB IMAGE & IDENTITY TEAM

REPORT, AS PRESENTED. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

PUBLIC COMMENT

There was no public comment.

ADJOURNMENT

MS. THOMAS MOVED, SUPPORTED BY MR. JACKSON, TO ADJOURN THE MEETING. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

The meeting was adjourned at 2:20 p.m. The next meeting will be on Monday, April 21, 2003 at the Michigan Commission for the Blind Training Center in Kalamazoo.
The Committee of the Whole meeting will begin at 9:00 a.m. and the regular meeting will start at 10:00 a.m.

Jo Ann Pilarski, Chairperson

Date