[nfbmi-talk] Fw: MCB Commission meeting MCB Report September 15 & 16, 2011

[joe harcz Comcast]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: Luzenski, Sue (LARA) 
To: MCB2020-L at LISTSERV.MICHIGAN.GOV 
Sent: Friday, September 09, 2011 11:18 AM
Subject: MCB Commission meeting MCB Report September 15 & 16, 2011


MCB REPORT

 

September 6, 2011

 

 

 

NCSAB CONFERENCE

 

The National Council of State Agencies for the Blind (NCSAB) will host its annual Fall conference in Chandler, Arizona, October 26-28, attracting nearly 100 rehab professionals and administrators to address a variety of issues affecting rehab agencies and their clients.  The theme of this year's conference is "Challenging the Status Quo - Innovations that Work."

 

The three-day conference will feature presentations by state agencies which showcase their creative approaches to utilizing stimulus funds under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), promoting employment of individuals who are blind during difficult economic times and emerging technology benefiting blind persons.  There will also be a presentation by Commissioner Lynnae Ruttledge, Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA), the federal agency overseeing public rehabilitation programs in the country.  The Commissioner will discuss RSA monitoring of state agencies and continued attempts in Congress to re-authorize the federal Workforce Investment Act (WIA), which includes Title V, the federal Rehabilitation Act.

 

According to a report from NCSAB, efforts to finalize WIA reauthorization remain bogged down in Congress.  The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee had scheduled the markup of WIA reauthorization for Wednesday, August 3, 2011. Reaction to the Committee's draft released in mid June was mixed, resulting in prolonged negotiations with various stakeholder groups. 

 

In their comments on the proposed reauthorization, NCSAB asserted that it is generally pleased with the definition of Competitive Integrated Employment included in the bill. NCSAB believes that assisting individuals with disabilities to achieve integrated employment at a fair wage is the right policy for the VR program, but are concerned, however, with the bill's many references to subminimum wages (Section 511, "EMPLOYMENT OF INDIVIDUALS WITH SIGNIFICANT DISABILITIES AT WAGES BELOW MINIMUM WAGE.").

 

While allowable by law, NCSAB does not believe that subminimum wage employment is an appropriate goal for individuals served by the VR program. By including references to the Section 14(C) subminimum wage provision, the Congress will be reaffirming what is widely regarded as an antiquated and harmful federal policy that perpetuates the underemployment of people with disabilities.  As a result of stakeholder feedback, the markup of the WIA reauthorization has been postponed and with the current Congressional focus on spending, it seems unlikely that the Senate will take up WIA this fall.

 

Another major issue facing VR agencies throughout the country that will be addressed at the conference is the potential impact of the debt ceiling legislation in Congress.  The bill requires a bipartisan commission to make recommendations to reduce the federal deficit by the end of the year. Two members of Michigan's Congressional delegation, U. S. Representatives David Camp and Fred Upton, have been named to the Commission.  Under the plan, the House and Senate are to vote the recommendations up or down without amendments and if the recommendations are not accepted, serious cuts to discretionary programs become automatic, which could pose a very serious funding problem for federal programs such as vocational rehabilitation.

 

 

MICHIGAN REHAB CONFERENCE (MRC) IN GRAND RAPIDS

 

The 2011 Michigan Rehabilitation Conference (MRC) is scheduled for October 26-28 at the Amway Grand Plaza in Grand Rapids. The opening keynote speaker this year will be Commissioner Lynnae Ruttledge, Director of the Rehabilitation Services Administration in Washington, D.C.  There will be over 75 breakout sessions covering a wide range of topics such as employment, serving ex-offenders, social networking, diversity, micro-business development, and veterans' services. In addition, there will be special tracks for those interested in learning more about leadership, organizational transformation, team building, disability policy, and community inclusion. The MRC is the largest rehabilitation conference in the state with several hundred attendees and provides professional development for counselors, teachers, educators, managers, and others.

 

 

BLIND CONSUMER ORGANIZATIONS ANNUAL CONVENTIONS

 

Again this year, a number of MCB staff are looking forward to participating in the state conventions of the Michigan Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired (MCBVI) and the National Federation of the Blind of Michigan (NFBM).  MCBVI will hold its 38th Annual Convention October 6-9 in Lansing at the Causeway Bay Hotel & Conference Center.  On the first day of the convention, there will be a fundraiser 7:30-11:00 p.m. on the Michigan Princess Riverboat in Lansing.  The convention keynote speaker will be Mitch Pomerantz, President of the American Council of the Blind. More information on the convention is available from MCBVI President Joe Sibley at (616) 724-1650.  NFBM will hold its State Convention of the Michigan Affiliate of the National Federation of the Blind at the Clarion Hotel in Kalamazoo November 4-6.  A Parent's Seminar will be held as part of the state convention both Friday evening and Sunday afternoon.  More information is available from NFBM President Larry Posont at (313) 271-3058.

 

 

FCC VOTES TO RE-INSTATE AUDIO DESCRIPTION ORDER

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted 4-0 to reinstate TV video description rules, August 24, releasing the Report and Order the following day. Below is the statement made by FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn upon release of the FCC Vid Description Report and Order. 

"In restoring the video description regulations that the Commission previously adopted in 2000, we further expand access to video programming and take another step toward the fulfillment of the rulemakings sought by the 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010 (CVAA).  In providing video description, America's blind community will not only be able to enjoy the entertainment that video content providers offer, but they will also be part of the conversations around it."

Summary of the Regulations for Video Description

  a.. Video description is defined as the narrated descriptions of a television program's key visual elements inserted into natural pauses in the program's dialogue. 
  b.. Video descriptions improve access to television programs for millions of Americans who are blind or visually impaired. 
  c.. The video description rules require ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC affiliates in the top 25 market areas and cable and satellite television providers with more than 50,000 subscribers to provide video description. 
  d.. ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, USA, the Disney Channel, TNT, Nickelodeon, and TBS are each required to provide 50 hours of video-described prime time or children's programming per calendar quarter. 
  e.. Full compliance with the rules is required on July 1, 2012. 
Mignon Clayburn added, "The July 1, 2012 date of enactment will allow users of video description to enjoy the new TV shows of next fall from the beginning, which is an integral component of the social importance of this item. Further, with the 22nd anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act falling on July 26, 2012, I am ecstatic that the video description improvements we implement via this Order will be in place."

 

MINI ADJUSTMENT PROGRAM IN DETROIT 

 

MCB will conduct its third Mini Adjustment Program Workshop of 2011, September 11-16, in Detroit, with 62 MCB consumers expected to participate.  Commission clients attending the week-long Mini-Adjustment Program workshop are introduced to a variety of skills of blindness, such as cane travel, Braille, managing time and money, adaptive kitchen skills and other skills to enhance independence.

 

In conjunction with the workshop, the Commission will also conduct an Employment Readiness Seminar, September 15, for Commission clients who have advanced to the job-readiness stage of their rehabilitation program.  Consumers attending the seminars learn about various approaches to job searching, Michigan Works!, the Talent Bank, interview preparation and resume development.  They also participate in mock interviews and hear from local employers on their workforce needs.  Additionally, consumers receive information about social security benefits and work incentives, as well as information about the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and how it relates to employment of persons with disabilities.  Plans are also underway for the Commission's final Mini Adjustment Program and Employment Readiness Seminar this year in Gaylord, October 9-14.

 

 

CONSUMER SERVICES REPORT

 

During the last three months, the Consumer Services Division has been involved in an array of activities leading to expanded opportunities for the individuals who are eligible for services.  The staff has participated in outreach activities, summer transition programs, Mini Adjustment programs, collaborations with community mental health, Utah State Office of Rehabilitation and employers.  

 

Outreach

 

MCB staff shared a table with Michigan Rehabilitation Services and Hannahville Indian Tribe at the Escanaba Fair.  Staff were able to reach out to a large number of individuals who were potentially eligible for services and who could benefit from MCB's programs.  The staff collaborated with the Hannahville Indian Tribe who covered the cost and assisted in hosting the booth.  Pamphlets and brochures were dispensed along with staff explanation of agency's services and criteria for eligibility.  Another outreach activity that the staff participated in was a Back to School Informational Fair in Detroit.  This outreach activity shared information with a host of agencies that provides services to students and parents.  MCB exchanged literature with agencies that conducts vision screening for students. Through this agency, collaboration with MCB will lead to increased referrals through the school district for transitioning students.  This is the second year the MCB has participated in this fair with improved outcomes.  

 

Summer Transition

 

The staff of the Consumer Services Division provided an opportunity for students to acquire team work skills, socialization and soft skills necessary for one to be successful in an employment setting.  All eight of the summer transition programs emphasized the importance of working together and the utilization of technology in the areas of employment.  Some of the programs provided an opportunity for the students to work at the established agencies where they were able to employ the skills that they learned.  These transition programs will continue to work with the ISD to provide expanded opportunities to develop additional skills.  One of the summer transition programs, SWOP, is being reviewed to determine how the program can be expanded to provide work experience throughout the year.  The newest summer program, Camp Daggett, received rave reviews by the students who attended.  The camp emphasized teamwork in vocational exploration.  All of the attendees were pleased to have had an opportunity to participate in such challenging activities that increased their knowledge and awareness of teamwork and confidence building.  The College Prep Program provided an opportunity for fifteen students to receive an introduction to college life.  This was one of the largest College Prep programs in several years.  All of the students had an opportunity to receive information regarding financial aid as well as the rules and regulations regarding dormitory life and the importance of budgeting and the connection with the student disability office.  They all had to register for one academic class to experience the process of registering and the demands of the academic environment.  This program continues to assist transition students with the needed information that prepares one for college and college life.

 

Community Mental Health Agency

 

The Consumer Services staff is working in conjunction with community mental health to provide job fairs for consumers in various parts of the state.  At present, the Kalamazoo area has had a job fair where the community mental health agency provided a number of employers who had expressed interest in working with persons with disabilities.  MRS and MCB participated by providing consumers to be interviewed by the employers.  MCB was successful in obtaining a position for one of its job ready consumers.  A number of job leads were secured and the staff will follow up with them.  Other CMH job fairs are scheduled for Lansing and Detroit.  The Consumer Services staff will work with CMH staff to identify consumers who are job ready to participate in the job fair.  The agency continues to work with CMH and MRS regarding data on the number of individuals served throughout the state.  As the data is compiled and analyzed, the agency will be able to determine the effectiveness of the agreement between the agencies.  

 

Utah State Office of Rehabilitation

 

Three staff members visited the Utah State Office of Rehabilitation Vocational Rehabilitation program.  The Michigan Medicaid Infrastructure Grant supported MCB, MRS, and CMH staff to visit with the Utah State Vocational Rehabilitation program to discuss best practices in providing services to persons with disabilities in the mental health and vocational programs.  During this visit several ideas were shared between the agencies.  MCB's staff shared with them their practices of providing services to newly blinded individuals to the Mini Adjustment program, as well as the Employment Readiness Seminars and the College Prep program to name just a few of the activities.  The Utah Vocational Program shared their ideas regarding employer relations development and the importance of developing job fairs for perspective job ready consumers.  Many ideas were shared between the agencies that will be reviewed to determine ways to implement and/or integrate in MCB's programs.  This collaboration provided an opportunity to foster a relationship with another state vocational agency that will result in increased methods to enhance services.  

 

Employment Activities

 

Several staff members have been working diligently with a variety of employers within their geographic areas.  Contacts were made with Lowes, Home Depot, Meijer, Tank Command, Penske Automotive Group, State of Michigan, Sears, and New Horizons.  These employers are working with MCB in assisting job ready consumers to become gainfully employed.  Consumers are working with these companies in various capacities.  Staff continues to work with employers to enhance job ready consumer's opportunities to obtain employment when their application process is online.  It is an increasing challenge for job ready consumers to secure interviews when the companies main process of screening applicants is through the online process; although, staff have made contact with human resources to inform them of MCB's ability to provide assistance with accommodation issues that often is a concern of employers.  MCB strives to assist job ready consumers in order to eliminate unsuccessful rehabilitation.  

 

MCB's Client Internship program provides opportunities for job ready consumers to gain valuable work experience.  This Client Internship program has provided 37 students opportunities to experience what it is like to meet the demands of employment.  Several students received on the job training as another component part of the Internship program where these individuals were considered for employment upon the completion of their training.  As a result of the Client Internship program and on the job training, seven individuals obtained gainful employment.  Additionally, there are potentially three individuals in the Client Internship program that are being considered for employment within the State of Michigan.  

 

State Plan

 

MCB's State Plan 2012 amendments have been approved.  As a result of the approved State Plan the agency is looking forward to providing quality services to eligible consumers within the state.  The approved State Plan is posted on the MCB website.    

 

 

BRAILLE AND TALKING BOOK LIBRARY REPORT (BTBL)

 

Subregional Libraries

 

Macomb County Commissioners and the Clinton-Macomb Public Library (CMPL) have reached an agreement on transferring BTBL service from its current location on Hall Road in Clinton Township and oversight by the Suburban Library Cooperative to the CMPL, also in Clinton Township. An extensive plan has been submitted by CMPL to BTBL which outlines the library's intentions for meeting service standards. The transfer is expected to be completed by January, 2012.

 

Oakland County Commissioners are studying a similar change for the Oakland County Library for the Blind and Visually Impaired (LBVI) currently housed in Pontiac under the oversight of the Macomb County Law and Reference Library. A proposal has not yet been submitted for review which would move the subregional library to Oak Park under the oversight of the Oak Park Public Library.

 

Digital Deployment

 

BTBL and subregional libraries have deployed digital machines to 74% of all active patrons in Michigan, excluding Wayne County, as of July 31, 2011. Nearly 2,775 individuals have not yet received a digital player.  Staff availability is the primary factor accounting for differences. The following list displays the individual percentage deployed per site:

 

BTBL (Lansing) - 93% (293 Remaining)

Ann Arbor District Library - 95% (20 remaining)

Oakland County Library (Pontiac) - 35% (1,544 remaining)

Genesee County Library (Flint) - 85% (60 remaining)

Kent District Library (Wyoming) - 65% (414 remaining)

Grand Traverse Area Library (Traverse City) - 84% (122 remaining)

St. Clair County Library (Port Huron) - 91% (32 remaining)

Muskegon Area District Library (Muskegon) - 77% (108 remaining)

Macomb Library (Clinton Twp) - 79% (180 remaining)

 

Braille and Audio Recording Download (BARD)

 

July 2011 statistics show that 525 individual BTBL patrons are using BARD to download books. That equates to thirteen percent of the patrons served directly by BTBL. During the month of July, this group downloaded 2,519 books and magazines. 

 

Scott Norris and Nancy Verburg will present teacher in-service training on downloading from BARD on September 22 at BTBL.  Participants will come from local school districts and ISDs. The training will be taken on the road if demand arises. By training teachers to download, the reading needs of elementary and secondary school students can be met without waiting for popular titles to become available for circulation or the need to return books that will be used repeatedly year after year.

 

Local Digital Recordings

 

As noted in the summer edition of InFocus, BTBL produced it's first, locally recorded digital book in July. DBL 8262 The Lost Tiki Palaces of Detroit by Michael Zadoorian. Since the summer edition went to print, a second title, DBL 8265 Al Kaline: The Biography of a Tigers Icon by Jim Hawkins was released. Additionally, the first two issues of Michigan History Magazine for 2011 have been circulated to Michigan subscribers in digital format.

 

InFocus Newsletter

 

The summer edition of InFocus was shipped to patrons in late July. The fall edition is due to ship in late September.  Braille and audio copies are available upon request. InFocus can also be found on the MCB-BTBL website www.michigan.gov/btbl under the heading "News". 

 

Printing Projects

 

With the change in department name, change in service name, and change in analog to digital media, BTBL has been rewriting the content found in informational brochures, magnets, and applications for service. New brochures and magnets will be available in September. The application for service is under revision and will be available electronically in early 2012 followed by a print version shortly after. The electronic version will allow MCB consumers and staff to fill in the required information with the use of speech output, print the completed form, certify the qualifying disability and mail to BTBL for processing.

 

An updated Braille and Talking Book Library brochure has been printed and was delivered in late August.  The brochure is on the MCB website in multiple formats, and, as with all MCB publications, additional formats are available upon request. 

 

 

 

Software upgrade

 

The library catalog, patron and circulation management software used by BTBL was upgraded in July. As with all data conversions, there were a few weeks of working out the glitches and retraining staff. Major issues have been resolved and services are being provided more efficiently as a result of the change. This software holds data for BTBL and all subregionals within the BTBL region, with the exception of Oakland County. A conversion for Oakland is scheduled for later this fall.  

 

 

TRAINING CENTER REPORT

 

Building Renovation Update 

 

The month of September begins the construction at the MCBTC on Oakland Drive moving from framing work, placement of heat pumps and completion of concrete work, to the running of telephone wire and internet cable, installation of computer drops  and finally, on to the dry-wall phase.  The members of the Center staff have become more involved in the process of shaping the new facility into a showcase of excellence.  Aggie Carter served as color coordinator, and along with the rest of the administrative staff worked with all TC and regional office staff to select each person's color choices for office chairs, and with the contractors to select the color scheme for the entire facility. She assisted in reviewing furniture plans, noting several oversights which were speedily corrected.  Dave Bowden poured over plans for computer drops, designs for classroom lay-outs and specifications for computer tables.  Dan Grover continued to serve as the Center's eyes and ears on the ground, working inside the Training Center each day.  Dan, Randy and intern Ricky Musser have begun painting, in the basement shop area.  They are using up the old white paint while awaiting the release of money to purchase colors that will match the rest of the building.  

 

The end date for this renovation project is presently in a state of flux.  Originally slated for late October, it has been moved as far back as December 21 by the primary contractor.  All of the parties involved are working together to coordinate the remainder of the painting, carpeting, wiring, telephone installation, and the installing of modular furniture; in order to expedite the TC and Regional Office's relocation back into that building.  

 

Technology Center

 

Rose Beville is working with Elsie Duell to capture sufficient ARRA funding to enable the TC to purchase as much access technology as possible, while Dave Bowden and Shig Toda have identified the access technology that will outfit this tremendous new facility.  The new technology center will consist of one very large room which can handle 36 computer stations at once, arranged at 18 tables that are set in classroom style.  Each table is wired to allow 2 computers to be connected to power and the internet.  There are 3 regular sized classrooms inside the technology center, with a 4th and smaller classroom directly across the hall outside.  This new facility should enable the Center staff to prepare MCB customers for employment in ways that have not been possible before.  Additionally, plans are underway to purchase some sophisticated audio and visual recording equipment that will enable the Center to host webinars and training sessions for customers and staff across the state.  Further information will be forthcoming in future reports.  

 

Staffing

 

After gaining 4 new teachers, the Center lost 2 staff members.  The ARRA funded receptionist, Michael Curl, accepted a position with Envision, a Javits Wagner O'Day agency that operates a base service store at the Midsouth Navy Service Station in Millington, Tennessee.  Rehabilitation Instructor Ian Shadrick accepted a position as an instructor at the Missouri State University in Springfield.  Before he left, Ian had volunteered to work as half time counselor after Karen DeVera moved from her counseling job into a teacher/counselor position as the Center's Career Development Instructor.  With Ian's leaving, Karen has resumed some counseling responsibilities herself, working exclusively with VR clients whom she already has in career class.  Faith Meadows serves as counselor to the majority of Center students, and will continue to do so as the Center's only full time counselor.

 

Amber Willard, Chuck Denaway and Jenny Doane have completed their two-week employee in-service training and are instructing full time, while finishing the remainder of their new employee training under the direction of Bruce Schultz. 

 

Shig Toda, who was promoted in March to replace a 4th rehabilitation instructor, has completed his transition from the Kalamazoo field office into the Training Center, and is full-time at the TC as of September 6, 2011.  

 

Customer Training

 

One Center student has been accepted into the customer service training program at MCTI (Michigan Career & Technical Institute) in Plainwell.  He will begin his program there in mid-September and Training Center and MCTI staff are working together to ensure a smooth transition.  This experience will help to strengthen the partnership between MCB and MRS as staff at MCTI learns about appropriate accommodations for this Commission customer. 

 

This year's summer college assessment program took place during the last 2 weeks in June.  While customers may complete the assessment at the TC any time during the year, these 2 weeks each summer are dedicated exclusively to college assessment students, with additional recreational programming in the evenings to accommodate these high-energy young people.  Since October 1, 2010, the beginning of fiscal year 2011, 39 students have completed their college assessments at the TC.  Twenty-one participated in this year's two-week program, 5 of whom went on to the college prep experience.  The last of the summer's college assessment students completed the program on September 1st.     

 

Karen DeVera continues to develop and expand the Vocational Exploration & Career Planning class, which is required for all Center students who are participating in a vocational rehabilitation program.  By the time a student completes this class, they possess a working resume, and have experienced some mock interviews.  These students also take part in informational interviews with people who are employed in whatever field of study the customer intends to pursue.  Karen uses a wide variety of interest and aptitude testing tools to assist students in discovering their strengths, talents and interests, and this process helps MCB's customers to exercise informed choice in the selection of a career goal.  

 

Though not housed at Oakland Drive, the Center continues to maintain its garden spot for the 3rd year in a row.  Located in the Five Senses Garden next door to the Center building, the site has 2 long, raised boxes filled with soil, which serve as the garden spot.  Because they are raised, the vegetables and flowers planted there can be accessed and tended by students who use wheelchairs as well as those who prefer to stand while working.  Students have enjoyed the produce from this year's crops, and several individuals are involved in drying herbs for use in the TC kitchen throughout the year.  

 

In closing, this manager extends heart-felt thanks, congratulations and kudos to every member of the Training Center staff for the excellent work that has been done during the past 18 months.  Under the able direction of Sherri Heibeck, this entire program has vacated its home and moved its operations across town to the confines of a hotel building.  In spite of this challenge, and the host of other usual wrinkles that are a part of life in any workplace, especially one that serves the public, this training center has remained customer focused and dedicated to the provision of quality rehabilitation training to Michiganders who are blind or visually impaired.  

 

 

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES REPORT

Budget
 

The MCB Budget through August is in good shape at $23,443,485 spent at the end of 11 months or 92% of the fiscal year, out of a total budget allocation of $31,026,580.  MCB has been under a hiring and spending freeze since June, 2011.  There is sufficient match for federal grants, and MCB is planning on allowing Vocational Rehabilitation to pay for fall tuition for the next fiscal year out of the FY11 allocations.

 

ARRA expenditures and project statuses are coming to a close.  Eight additional individuals were identified as MCB Interns for the remainder of the fiscal year.  This was one of the VR ARRA projects designed to give MCB clients work experience through on-the-job training.  ARRA expenditures are at 85% spent and it is projected that all ARRA funds will be spent or encumbered by September 30, 2011.  Between October 1 and December 31, all ARRA expenditures must be invoiced and paid.  Staff will be working with all contractors, vendors, and offices to ensure that the total MCB budget will balanced at year end closing.

 

 

Technology

 

Concerning technology and System 7, all backlogged System 7 updates have been installed bringing MCB current with all required updates.  Staff have been working closely with the new Libera Project manager to define the problems related to IL federal reports, accounting problems, and closure issues, and determine the best solution and plan for implementation.  Staff will be working together to implement the solutions before the end of the fiscal year for accurate accounting purposes.  MCB program staff have been included in Libera meetings to provide perspective on issues, problems and solutions for the field.

 

Finally, improving the sound quality for audio streaming of Commission meetings has continued to be a number one priority for Internet participants, telephone participants, and participants in the audience.  MCB will continue to contract out the streaming service until such time that staff feels the in house skills have developed to provide quality streaming services to all participants.  Instructions for remote participants were read at the June Commission meeting, but will be distributed each quarter along with the Commission agenda for all future meetings.

 

HR

 

There has been no new activity in terms of filling vacant positions because of the current hiring freeze put on MCB. There are currently about a dozen vacancies in the agency awaiting approval to be filled. It is unclear at this point when the agency will be given the okay to begin posting job notices.

 

A total of 37 MCB clients have been placed in ARRA-funded positions since the program was implemented in 2010. Work locations have included DHS, Department of Education, Office of Retirement Services, Michigan State Police, Braille and Talking Book Library, the MCB Training Center, and MCB Central Office. These individuals have proven to be valued employees providing a great deal of benefit to the office where they work. Unfortunately, funding for these positions will end on September 30, 2011. Hopefully, the experience and skills obtained while being a part of the intern program will help them find permanent, regular employment. 

 

The MCB Blindness Training Group has been working the past several months on developing and refining a survey designed to be given to all new employees as soon as they start working at MCB and again after they've been on the job for about 12-14 weeks. The survey will hopefully give an indication of how well the new employee orientation process is working. It will ask the new employees to identify their knowledge in a number of different areas. The feedback obtained from the new employees will show what areas need to be emphasized further and what areas are being handled adequately. Using the quality management principle of Plan-Do-Study-Act, the content of the survey will be evaluated and changed, as needed, in order to get a good indication of the effectiveness of the new employee orientation process.  The final update of the survey will be sent to all employees hired within the past 6-9 months to see how they respond to it and to get the initial feedback to determine if further changes need to be made. Participants in the Blindness Training Group are Dan Furton, Crystal Gorton, Tami Hough, Leamon Jones, Shannon McVoy, Shawnese Laury Johnson, Pat Cannon, Bruce Schultz, Joe Sibley, Larry Posont, Danielle Smith, and Bob Robertson.

 

Training

 

A two-day training program focusing on ex-offenders in the rehabilitation system was held in early August in Lansing. Approximately, 25 MCB staff attended the session presented by the Great Lakes TACE Center. The purpose for this training was to increase the skills and knowledge of counselors, teachers, and managers in working with this population. While the size of the ex-offender population is relatively small, it provides significant challenges to the agency when attempting to provide training, independent living skills, and especially, job placement assistance. 

 

Also in August, two separate meetings were held - one for counselors and one for teachers - to address the needs of those employees. Information was provided on new agency policies and procedures. These in-service sessions provided an opportunity for staff in similar situations from all parts of the state to get together and compare notes, exchange ideas, and identify some best practices. 

 

Additional training opportunities for staff have been a finance training program sponsored by RSA in Washington DC. Three MCB staff attended that program. The Michigan Medicaid Infrastructure Grant supported MCB, MRS, and CMH staff to visit with the Utah State Vocational Rehabilitation program to discuss best practices in providing services to persons with disabilities in the mental health and vocational programs.  Finally, future training programs for staff include a quality assurance program in Tampa, Florida and a job training/job placement conference in Arlington, Virginia - both partially sponsored by RSA. Approval will be sought from the department to allow staff to attend these programs.  

 

Third Annual Braille-A-Thon Held June 21

 

The third annual Braille-A-Thon on the State Capitol lawn on June 21st was well-attended, and participants and passers-by stopped at the MCB information table to ask questions and pick up publications in Braille and print.  Participants who competed in the Braille events, gave testimonials, or gave musical performances during the day appeared enthusiastic about the day's activities and appreciative of lead organizers Geri Taeckens and Gwen Botting.  MCB has participated in all three of the Braille-A-Thons held to date by hosting an information table and providing equipment and Braille materials.

 

 

 

Media Coverage of MCB Summer Youth Programs

 

In response to MCB's May 17 summer youth program press release, which was sent to all print and broadcast media statewide and posted on the LARA Facebook and Twitter pages, two of the commission's nine summer youth programs have received significant media coverage.  On August 16, an Associated Press story on the Transition Zone program in Petoskey led by MCB Rehabilitation Counselor Julie Clark was carried by dozens of newspapers and print and broadcast media websites throughout the Midwest, including the Lansing State Journal, Battle Creek Enquirer, and Chicago Tribune.  A story was broadcast on NPR radio stations throughout northern Michigan, and the TV channel 9 & 10 evening news, also broadcast throughout northern Michigan, featured interviews and footage of the teens on the high ropes course and zooming down the zipline.  On August 17, photos of the teen participants were on the front page of the Petoskey News-Review, with the story "above the fold."  This type of publicity is important to help make Michigan residents aware of MCB's programs and services, and to increase awareness among the general public of the capabilities and work skills of teens who are blind and visually impaired.

 

Investing in Abilities Month in Michigan, October 2011

 

Governor Rick Snyder has issued a proclamation designating October 2011 as Investing in Abilities Month in Michigan.  In the proclamation, he states, "a growing number of Michigan employers recognize the abilities of people with disabilities and know that employing these workers makes good business sense."  A link to the complete text of the proclamation is on the home page of the MCB website at www.michigan.gov/mcb.  As part of the observation of Investing in Abilities Month, the MCB Achievement Honor Roll Awards will be presented in Lansing on October 21, and a Business Enterprise Program operator has been confirmed to cater the luncheon.

 

Consumer Involvement Council Update

 

At the May 12 Consumer Involvement Council meeting, guest speaker Luke Patterson, Chief of Blind Rehabilitation Service at the Battle Creek Veterans Administration Medical Center, gave a presentation on the center's services.  Chair Crystal Gorton stated that she had presented the CIC's recommendations for the Small Business Policy, which were voted on and approved by the Commission Board.  Guest speaker Sherri Heibeck, who was then the MCB Training Center Director, provided an update on the center renovations and program activities.  In August, Crystal Gorton stepped down from her position as CIC Chair due to her current internship with the Veterans Administration and their Vocational Rehabilitation department, as well as her husband's upcoming military deployment.  MCB appreciates Crystal's years of dedicated work on behalf of current and future MCB consumers.  CIC Vice Chair Phyllis Magbanua will be Acting Chair for the next CIC meeting in Lansing on September 8.  The complete packet of CIC meeting materials will be posted on the MCB website as soon as the materials are available.

 

MCB Image & Identity Team Update

 

The MCB Image & Identity Team met on June 16. In addition to MCB staff on the committee, Commissioner John Scott participated in the teleconference as the Commission Board representative.   Among the topics discussed were the newly-completed DeafBlind brochure, the electronic format of the next MCB annual report (which will also be available in alternative formats), and the nearly-completed MCB PowerPoint presentation for use by staff.  The next meeting of the Image and Identity Team has been rescheduled and will take place by teleconference on September 13.  The agenda and notes from the previous meeting will be posted on the MCB website along with the teleconference call-in number and passcode.

 

Publications Update

 

MCB Insight editor Christine Movalson is completing her final edition as editor of this publication with the conclusion of her internship at the end of September.  Beginning with the November edition, Susan Turney will return as editor.  MCB appreciates Christine's hard work and improvements to MCB Insight as well as her many other contributions to MCB's communications and outreach activities.

 

MCB Website Highlight-MCB Documents and Reports

 

A new link titled "MCB Documents and Reports" is on the home page of the MCB website.  Many of the items included have been available elsewhere on the MCB website for a long time, and they can still be found in their original locations.  The main headings in the new listing are in alphabetical order, with sub-headings listed alphabetically, chronologically, or by importance depending on the topic.  At the time of this writing, these are the main headings and a brief description of the contents:

 

·     MCB Budget Information, April through June, 2011, including Vocational Rehabilitation, Youth Low-Vision, the Braille and Talking Book Library, and American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funding.

·     Commission Board meeting archived audio, agendas, and approved minutes.

·     MCB Committees, including documents from the most recent meetings of the Consumer Involvement Council, Cultural Diversity Committee, Image and Identity Team, Planning and Quality (PAQ) Team, and Service Delivery Design Team.

·     MCB Policy Manual.

·     RSA-Related Documents, including the 2011 MCB Draft State Plan as submitted to RSA with all public comments, and links to documents on the Rehabilitation Services Administration website including the draft state plan, 2009 Annual Review Report,  RSA-2 Annual Vocational Rehabilitation Program/Cost Report for 2010, RSA-7 Annual Report on Independent Living Services For Older Individuals Who Are Blind through September 2010, RSA-15 on the Business Enterprise Program, RSA-113 Quarterly Cumulative Caseload Report 4th quarter, RSA-722 Annual Report on Appeals Process for 2010, and Performance Measures.

·     Satisfaction Survey, December 2008 MCB Vocational Rehabilitation Consumer Satisfaction Survey.  

 

 

 

 

 

BUSINESS ENTERPRISE PROGRAM REPORT

 

Training

 

B E P Manager Training

While 4 students began the classroom portion of the June 2011 B E P Manager Training class, one student left class due to an injury and the 3 remaining students completed classroom training in early August.  Also known as "Total Eclipse", the students catered a buffet luncheon for about 14 guests.  Now, they have commenced eight weeks of O J E training and are expected to successfully complete this portion of the training to be qualified to bid on available facilities in mid-October.  

 

The B E P trainer position has yet to be filled and B E P arranged for McVety and Associates to update the curriculum and conduct the operational portion of the June training.  Students provided weekly feedback to the trainers, and provided feedback at the end of classroom training.  Student responses were positive and enthusiastic over the classroom training portion of the program.  A follow-up evaluation will be conducted about 90 days after these students have been in their first vending facility.  

 

Plans are progressing for another B E P Manager training class to commence on September 26th. Five students are expected to participate in this class. The classroom training will follow the same format as the June class, incorporating the feedback of the June class.

 

Operator Training

 

B E P is happy to relay it is supporting the attendance of 11 current and active operators at the September 2011 Business Leadership and Superior Training in Nashville, Tennessee.  Using available ARRA funds, B E P has registered these 11 operators for the training, will cover the cost of double occupancy lodging and will reimburse them for other identified travel expenses.  BLAST is a high quality high energy training and a tremendous opportunity to network with operators in other states, E O C members from other states, S L As from other states and nationally recognized vendors and purveyors.  Program staff look forward to hearing about their experiences.

 

Facilities

 

New Operator

B E P is happy to announce Robert Jordan, a recent graduate, has been offered and accepted the Kent County Department of Human Services facility in Grand Rapids.

 

Military Contracts

The Program currently has contracts with 2 Michigan National Guard bases.  The current nature of the economic and the status of military deployments have caused the Program to re-evaluate the viability of these facilities.  The contract for the Combat Readiness Training Center in Alpena will expire December 31, 2011 and will not be renewed.  And, the contract for the Fort Custer Education Center will be terminated as soon as the Army National Guard can secure a replacement food service provider.   

 

Facility Remodeling

B E P has initiated several remodeling projects this fiscal year.  Pending approval of the county Board of Commissioners, the Ingham County Human Services snack bar in Lansing will undergo a modest remodel.  Upon approval, the facility will go back on the bid line and the remodel will commence as soon as the Commission has the spending authority.  Planning and preparation for the Secretary of State remodel continues to proceed.  The Program recently learned the existing cafeteria can remain in operation during the construction of the new café.  The café is similar in design to the Michigan State Police Headquarters and is expected to open about March 1, 2013.  Subsequent to the change in administration, talks with Department of Human Services management regarding the Grand Tower facility expansion resumed.  It is hoped agreement can be reached early in the fiscal year to permit the project commencement yet in fiscal year 2012.

 

Future Remodeling

At present, promotional agents are completing the summer 2011 facility evaluations and master plan development.  The master plans are the road map for identifying the future need for equipment and facility upgrades.  Completed master plans are compiled, evaluated and prioritized in light of 2012 available funding and future expected funding.  During 2012, at a minimum, the Ingham County Human Services upgrade and the Secretary of State remodel will be completed.  And, expecting a successful collaboration with the Department of Human Services, the Grand Tower facility remodel will commence.    

 

EOC Active Participation

 

The Program, the Committee and its Subcommittees have been diligently working on establishing the Operator Selection System identified by the Commission Board at its March 18, 2011 meeting.  Operators who had questions about their points history had the opportunity to request points they believe the Commission omitted from their record.  The Promotions and Seniority Subcommittee reviewed all such requests and made recommendations for points which were approved by the Committee.  The resulting March 18, 2011, baseline points have been transmitted to all the operators and the March 18, 2011 operator selection system is in use.  

 

The Ad Hoc Committee comprised of representatives from the Agency, the E O C and the Board continues to meet to discuss issues and concerns and develop positive and creative solutions.  Past discussions revolved around the role of the Agency and the kinds and level of support the Licensees want and need from the Agency; the role of the Promotional Agents in monitoring licensees and methods to successfully complete this obligation while still allowing for independent business operation for licensees; and the role and responsibilities of the licensees.  The group's next meeting will consider issues identified initially that have still not yet been discussed.  

 

 
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