[nfbmi-talk] summary of state plan comments from mcb web site

[Fred wurtzel]

Hello,

Though some pertinent commentary was included, this is quite watered down.  

Warmest Regards,

Fred

-----Original Message-----
From: nfbmi-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nfbmi-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org]
On Behalf Of joe harcz Comcast
Sent: Monday, July 11, 2011 12:10 PM
To: nfbmi-talk at nfbnet.org
Subject: [nfbmi-talk] summary of state plan comments from mcb web site

Summary of State Plan Comments

 

The Michigan Commission for the Blind's Commission Board reviewed the
agency's 2012 Draft State Plan Attachments.  The following comments were
made on the state plan:

 

.        Training for consumers and staff that would enable the agency to
meet its goals and objectives; specifically, references were made regarding
training that emphasize the importance of knowledge and awareness of
blindness as it relates to working with individuals that are blind and
visually impaired. Additionally, the commissioners stated that emerging
training for new staff should be comprehensive at MCB Training Center for 80
hours or more of sleep shade training. Vocational training should be
provided to enable consumers to meet their goals and objectives.  

 

.        Transition activities with intermediate school districts must be
expanded to include rural school districts within the state.  It must also
be expanded to provide these activities throughout the year.  

 

.        MCB must put greater emphasis on providing consumers with choices
that will enable them to develop skills to secure full time employment;
thereby, encouraging them to work full time and removing them from the roll
of public assistance.  

 

.        The Comprehensive Needs Assessment is required for state agencies
every three years.  The five member Commission Board wants to be involved in
the process to make sure that the assessment focus on needs of persons who
are blind and visually impaired.

 

.        MCB must be aware of the accessible buildings where meetings are
conducted in regards to the ADA compliances. 

 

.        The Commission Board also discussed the need for the agency to
become involved with innovation and expansion programs to assist blind
consumers with emerging types of training.

 

.        The Newsline was mentioned as a source that could be helpful to
consumers in seeking employment opportunities through the use of on-line
newspapers.

 

.        The Commission Board shared concerns in regards to consumer cases
being closed inappropriately with employment that is less than competitive.

 

Public Comments

 

.        There were four comments regarding accessibility of materials,
building and meeting locations stating that the agency is not in compliance
with 504 and ADA requirements.

.        Another individual made comments regarding the Newsline and the
importance of this media for blind individuals to have access to information
and that MCB should support Newsline.

.        Since 2000 the agency has reduced employment outcomes by 15%.

.        The agency conducts job clubs in various cities to assist with job
ready consumers; although the agency does not devote enough time
individually with job ready consumers.  

.        The agency provides staff with job placement training from various
professionals, again, the training does not focus on placing blind
individuals or working one on one with individuals.

.        The budget for MCB is adequate for providing MCB's consumers with
appropriate training and equipment; although, each year it is not spent on
those services, rather, it spends funds on other administrative services
such as rent, wages and salaries, and travel.

.        No public hearings since 1998

.        No plan on the website since 2004

.        Inadequate time to review the state plan

.        It's inappropriate to ask family members for funds for
rehabilitation services for training

.        Consumers are told that employers are responsible for access
technology and thus don't assist in job maintenance.

.        Even though -MCB has secured memoranda of understanding with
colleges and universities, these institutions do not always keep up their
end.  This results in delays in class completions or threatens the ability
of a student to successfully complete their course of study.  It is not
uncommon for systemic delays to slow down progress toward an employment
goal.

.        It seems that MCB has entered into a large number of agreements
that, each, serve very few people and militate against the development of
larger more robust programs that concentrate resources.  We recommend the
Commission focus on a few larger and proven programs rather than spreading
things so thin across the state.

.        More emphasis needs to be placed on recruiting and hiring blind
staff persons and reaching out to those institutions for recruitment that
provide college level training in blindness rehabilitation.  

.        The agency continues to encourage consumers to work with the CWICS
to receive appropriate information regarding work incentives that will allow
them to make informed choices regarding full-time employment. SORRY! The
agency cannot farm out responsibility.  

.        Case management system was not working properly in 2000. This state
plan fails to mention the on-going and unresolved problems with System 7. 

.        Overall comment:  I enjoyed reviewing the State Plan, it is very
clear and concise. The readability of the Plan is very much appreciated.  It
was also recommended that other agencies should follow MCB's pattern when
developing their State Plan because it is clear and has ease of readability.

 

 

 

 

 

 
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