[nfbmi-talk] bsbp 2014 honor role

[David Robinson]

Terry,

   Amen to all you say.  This is nothing more then a public relations ploy 
by the agency.  The general public believes us to be limited in our ability 
to do anything, and when we achieve anything, it was only through the great 
and wonderful efforts of the agency. They put these awards out there to 
demonstrate how wonderful they are for blind people.  If the public only 
knew.

Dave
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Terry D. Eagle via nfbmi-talk" <nfbmi-talk at nfbnet.org>
To: "'joe harcz Comcast'" <joeharcz at comcast.net>; "'NFB of Michigan Internet 
Mailing List'" <nfbmi-talk at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Thursday, October 30, 2014 2:28 PM
Subject: Re: [nfbmi-talk] bsbp 2014 honor role


> Congratulations to those blind persons who attained their goals. 
> Certainly
> without diminishing the attainment of any blind persons' goal, it sees to 
> me
> that to parade and praise these persons  as extraordinary examples of
> achievers of that which a blind individual can do, only reinforces the
> public perception that blind and persons with disabilities are somehow
> extraordinary for attaining training and employment goals.  Is that not 
> the
> goal of the vast majority of we the blind, just like every responsible 
> adult
> citizen,  to attain training employability skills and employment as a
> taxpaying self-supporting citizen?
>
> To me, it simply demonstrates how the expectation bar is set so low for
> blind individuals.  If the BS4BP wanted to best utilize the success of 
> these
> blind persons, they would establish a mentor program; encourage these
> persons to participate in such a program, to encourage and inspire persons
> facing blindness, that there is a wonderful future notwithstanding
> blindness.
>
> What do you believe?
>
> Sounds like a mentor program would fit nicely in the NFB philosophy, eh?
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: nfbmi-talk [mailto:nfbmi-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of joe
> harcz Comcast via nfbmi-talk
> Sent: Thursday, October 30, 2014 10:46 AM
> To: nfbmi-talk at nfbnet.org
> Cc: bsbpcommissioners at michigan.gov; commissioner-hudson at outlook.com; Gary
> Gaynor
> Subject: [nfbmi-talk] bsbp 2014 honor role
>
> This is interesting. I'll sure have some comments on this later for 
> sure....
> But no mention of BADP here. Also dig the I can connect reference which
> Marcus Simmons and others will be interested in and in which BSBP has 
> opted
> out of and mismanaged.
>
> Also note the ref to Disability Advocates of Kent County and Rodgers 
> doesn't
> release info about those documented expenditures or answers with FOIA
> extortion and abuse.
>
> Joe
>
>
> Joe
> Bureau of Services for Blind Persons Presents Achievement Honor Roll 
> Awards
>
>
>
>
>
>    Source:
>
> http://michigan.gov/lara/0,4601,7-154-10573_11472-339782--,00.html
>
> LARA  Bureau of Services for Blind Persons Presents Achievement Honor Roll
> Awards
>
> Bureau of Services for Blind Persons Presents Achievement Honor Roll 
> Awards
>
> Contact: Jason Moon 517-373-9280
>
> Agency: Licensing and Regulatory Affairs
>
>
>
> October 21, 2014 - The Bureau of Services for Blind Persons (BSBP) 
> recently
> presented its Achievement Honor Roll Awards in Lansing. The awards are
> presented
>
> annually to BSBP consumers who are exemplary in achieving their goals for
> employment and/or independent living after vision loss; employers who have
> shown
>
> leadership in hiring people who are blind or visually impaired based on
> their abilities; and community partners recognized for their collaboration
> with
>
> the BSBP in increasing opportunities for people who are blind or visually
> impaired to achieve independence and/or employment.
>
>
>
> "Our Achievement Honor Roll winners have made a wide variety of
> contributions that have had a tremendous impact on our state's blind
> community," said BSBP
>
> Director Ed Rodgers. "The BSBP will continue to work with consumers and 
> our
> partners to provide a diverse set of quality services to ensure that blind
>
> individuals have the opportunities they need to achieve active 
> employability
> and independence."
>
>
>
> Achievement Honor Roll Award Winners
>
>
>
> CONSUMERS
>
>
>
> Gwendolyn Womack - Southfield
>
>
>
> Gwendolyn is a perfect example of how gaining independent living skills 
> can
> be completely empowering.  Although she was initially hesitant about
> independent
>
> living training, Gwendolyn spent four weeks at the BSBP Training Center
> where she gained confidence in herself and obtained new skills that will
> help her
>
> to continue to live independently. With her newly acquired independence, 
> she
> has resumed hobbies that she thought she could no longer participate in.
>
>
>
> Isabell Florence - Mount Morris
>
>
>
> Isabell "Izzy, is someone who has faced and overcome many challenges in 
> her
> life.  Many of her teachers, advisors and even family members discouraged
> her
>
> independence because she is visually and hearing impaired. She received
> training at the BSBP Training Center in Kalamazoo and continued her
> education into
>
> college, eventually graduating with honors.  Isabell earned her master's 
> in
> Blind Rehabilitation from Western Michigan University, and now teaches 
> sign
>
> language at Mott Community College.  She recently became a 
> trainer/assessor
> for the National Deaf Blind Equipment Distribution Program.
>
>
>
> Marsha Katona - Oxford
>
>
>
> Marsha has had visual difficulties her entire life. She started at the 
> BSBP
> Training Center after leaving her job as a teacher's assistant following a
> parent's
>
> complaint about a blind person working around their small children.  At 
> the
> Training Center, Marsha learned a variety of skills including a diverse 
> set
>
> of computer skills. After returning home from the Training Center, she
> received extensive one-on-one technology training in JAWS (Job access With
> Speech)
>
> Victor Reader Stream and IPad. Marsha was then hired for an assistive
> technology position with the Rochester Hills Public Library.
>
>
>
> Kia Collier - Detroit
>
>
>
> Kia started with the bureau more than nine years ago determined to learn 
> how
> to be an independent mother, wife and student. In 2010, with BSBP's
> assistance,
>
> Kia graduated from Marygrove College with honors.  After graduation, she
> obtained a special education position at a small charter school on 
> Detroit's
> east
>
> side. Kia has worked hard over the past several years and she recently
> accepted a new position as a special education teacher.
>
>
>
> Sara Purvayn - Menominee
>
>
>
> Sara was struggling with her vision loss when she contacted the BSBP. 
> With
> training provided by the BSBP, she learned how to use household appliances
> with
>
> better efficiency by labeling the dials and buttons. Sara began enjoying
> talking books and writing letters using writing guides, and utilized
> magnifiers
>
> to aid her in reading printed information.  Through the Dazor 5D 
> Magnifier,
> Sara is now able to see her piano music so that she can play again.
>
>
>
> Sarah Kruger - Ypsilanti
>
>
>
> Sarah graduated from the accelerated Social Work program at the University
> of Michigan.  She has shown tremendous determination and hard work to 
> obtain
>
> her degree.  After graduation Sarah was hired at a non-profit 
> organization,
> providing professional mental health services to the community as a
> behavioral
>
> health therapist.
>
>
>
> George Johnson - East Jordan
>
>
>
> George has been working with wood since he was a child. As a person who 
> lost
> his vision gradually, he has been able to develop accommodations for his 
> low
>
> vision. To assist George in becoming self-employed in a career in wood
> working, the BSBP provided him with services including, a teacher
> assessment, skills
>
> of blindness training, low vision devices, mobility training, vocational
> training, adaptive technology training, and instruction in small business
> development.
>
> George has successfully demonstrated his ability to overcome barriers
> relating to his blindness and is now gainfully self-employed.
>
>
>
> Dolores Smith - Detroit
>
>
>
> Dolores is a perfect example of how independent living can empower an
> individual. Throughout her skills of blindness training, Dolores 
> maintained
> a positive
>
> attitude and was energetic and eager to learn.  The training has enhanced
> her independence in the home as well as in the community and she continues
> to
>
> apply her new skills in order to maintain a high level of independence.
>
>
>
> COMMUNITY PARTNERS
>
>
>
> Dr. Paul Gayeff - Escanaba
>
> Dr. Gayeff is the Upper Peninsula's only low vision specialist and has
> served in that capacity for decades.  His dedication to his patients and 
> his
> willingness
>
> to collaborate with the BSBP have made it possible for literally 
> generations
> of consumers - school children, working adults, and senior citizens to
> receive
>
> specialized eye care close to home.  Without his career-long contribution,
> countless Michigan citizens would have gone without a critical element of
> their
>
> successful vision rehabilitation.  Now, after long service to his 
> community,
> Dr. Gayeff is in the process of retiring.  Even at this juncture, he still
>
> honors his commitment to persons with visual impairments by working one 
> day
> per week to provide low vision evaluations.
>
>
>
> Disability Advocates of Kent County (DAKC) - Grand Rapids
>
> The BSBP has collaborated with DAKC on a number of initiatives including 
> job
> readiness, employment workshops, common disability agenda, assisting
> consumers
>
> seeking determinations from the Social Security Administration (SSA), and
> peer mentoring. DAKC has augmented their services to meet the needs of 
> BSBP
> consumers.
>
> BSBP consumers may receive services associated with transportation 
> advocacy
> through Concerned Citizen's for Improved Transportation. DAKC also helped
> BSBP
>
> consumers find affordable housing.
>
>
>
> Braille, English, Acculturation and Mobility (BEAM) Program - Troy
>
> As a result of a successful collaboration with the Chaldean Community
> Foundation and the BSBP, a mini-skills of blindness training program was
> established
>
> for persons within the Arabic-speaking community who need vocational
> rehabilitation. The Braille, English, Acculturation and Mobility (BEAM)
> program provides
>
> an opportunity for small groups of students to rotate one hour classes of
> Braille, English, mobility and computers. The major focus of acculturation
> has
>
> been on the Americans with Disability Act and resources for persons with
> disabilities.
>
>
>
> The Chaldean Community Foundation, Macomb Literacy Partners and Women In
> God's Services - Macomb, Oakland Counties
>
>
>
> The Chaldean Community Foundation, Macomb Literacy Partner and Women In
> God's Services (W.I.N.G.S) have been key community partners in providing 
> 11
> individuals
>
> in Macomb and Oakland counties who are blind or visually impaired an
> opportunity to gain independence. The Chaldean Community Foundation 
> arranged
> for a
>
> training site at St. Joseph Chaldean Catholic Church in Troy. The church
> provided transportation for those students and found a resource for 
> donated
> desktop
>
> computers. Macomb Literacy Partners facilitated a group of English as a
> Second Language (ESL) tutors, and W.I.N.G.S. provided additional
> interpreting support.
>
> A significant amount of successful organization, planning, communication 
> and
> teamwork between volunteers and the BSBP has made this endeavor a success.
>
>
>
> EMPLOYERS
>
>
>
> Natasha Maxwell, Owner, Make Your Dreams Come True, Inc. - St. Clair 
> Shores
>
>
>
> Ms. Natasha Maxwell trains and provides opportunities for people to work 
> at
> home.  Make Your Dreams Come True, Inc. contracts with various companies
> around
>
> the country to provide customer services workers to trouble shoot issues
> from the general public as well as sales. Make Your Dreams Come True has
> given
>
> BSBP consumers who have families and transportation issues, the 
> opportunity
> to work from home. By offering online training and job placement 
> assistance,
>
> and with the BSBP providing computer equipment,  Make Your Dreams Come 
> True
> has given blind individuals employment opportunities with such companies 
> as
>
> Itrum, Inc., Sears, Apple, and others.
>
>
>
> Tom Werkema,  Owner, Werkema Machine Shop - Grand Rapids
>
>
>
> Mr. Tom Werkema, hired a BSBP consumer as a computer numerical
> control/machine operator. In order to meet the needs of the consumer, Tom
> used devices provided
>
> by BSBP such as a White Cane, Talking Tape Measure, and Talking Caliper.
> Tom, who is also a pilot, also gives rides to children and transition
> students
>
> at camps for the visually impaired all over the Midwest.
>
>
>
> Catholic Social Services - Ann Arbor
>
>
>
> Catholic Social Services of Washtenaw County (CSSWC) in Ann Arbor, made it
> possible for BSBP consumer Steve Sheldon to gain full-time employment.  By
> combining
>
> duties from various positions, Steve is now successfully employed at 
> CSSWC.
>
>
>
> The Bureau of Services for Blind Persons provides training and other
> services for individuals who are blind or visually impaired to achieve
> employment and/or
>
> independence in the careers of their choice.
>
>
>
> The BSBP programs and services include:
>
> List of 3 items
>
> . The BSBP Business Enterprise Program (BEP) that provides blind 
> individuals
> with opportunities for employment.  The BEP operates vending routes and
> cafeteria
>
> facilities in state and federal government facilities as well as in a
> limited number of private sector buildings. The role of the BEP is to 
> guide
> and assist
>
> the operator in achieving upward mobility.
>
> . The BSBP Vocational Rehabilitation Program helps blind citizens become
> employed in a career that suits their current or abilities. The program
> provides
>
> diagnostic evaluations and vocational counseling at no cost.
>
> . The BSBP Braille and Talking Book Library serves people with visual
> impairments and offers a diverse set of materials.
>
> list end
>
>
>
> The BSBP also has services that can help the blind and visually impaired
> access cutting-edge technology and provides training on the accessibility 
> of
> the
>
> iPhone, iPad and Android operating system, and the capabilities of many
> screen reader programs.
>
>
>
> For more information about BSBP visit
>
> www.michigan.gov/bsbp
>
> or call toll-free: 1-800-292-4200, TTY 888-864-1212
>
>
>
> The Bureau of Services for Blind Persons is a part of the Michigan
> Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA).
>
> For information about the Bureau of Services for Blind Persons go to:
>
> www.michigan.gov/bsbp
>
> For more information about LARA, please visit
>
> www.michigan.gov/lara
>
> Follow us on Twitter
>
> www.twitter.com/michiganLARA
> _______________________________________________
> nfbmi-talk mailing list
> nfbmi-talk at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbmi-talk_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> nfbmi-talk:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbmi-talk_nfbnet.org/terrydeagle%40yahoo.
> com
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> nfbmi-talk mailing list
> nfbmi-talk at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbmi-talk_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for 
> nfbmi-talk:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbmi-talk_nfbnet.org/drob1946%40gmail.com
>