American
Council
of the
Blind
of
Minnesota
July 2003
A QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF THE AMERICAN COUNCIL OF THE BLIND OF MINNESOTA
P O BOX 7341
MINNEAPOLIS MN 55407
The articles and comments stated in this newsletter are not necessarily the position of the American Council of the Blind of Minnesota, but rather are the position and opinion of the article's author.
Bert Morlock, Editor
4815 28th Ave. South, #217
Minneapolis, MN. 55417
Phone: (612) 721-9970
E-Mail: morlock@visi.com
Bob Lockwood
3625 Cardinal Road
Minnetonka, MN 55345
Phone: (952) 932-7269
E-Mail: Peggy_Bob@email.msn.com
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
A Note From Bonnie Elsey
News and Social Notes
Attitude
Remember the five simple rules to be happy
Family
ACBM 2003 Picnic and Auction
Go to the Movies, For FREE!!
ACBM State Convention
"People of Vision: a History of the American Council of the Blind"
Portable Reading Machine
"What???? You've got to be kidding"
"Finally, The Long Awaited Federal Review of SSB. Well, sort of..."
ACBM BOARD OF DIRECTORS
As I sit to write this first message as the new President of ACBM it is a beautiful and typical Minnesota summer day. The trees and plants are all in full bloom; the air is pleasant with that unmistakable scent of Lilac abundant and the temperature not too warm yet. It's the beginning of a typical Minnesota summer day!
We have a new Governor, many new Legislators in office and State Services for the Blind is still in the process of standing strong and tall amidst the many State Agencies that met our States' budgetary shortfall with a decisive blow to their financial security, not to mention the fact that many have been left struggling just to stay alive! This new season also begins with the recent news, from our Governor and his Leadership Team, with the long awaited news about where State Services for the Blind, as an Agency, will finally reside.
State Services for the Blind will now be housed in a new Department called, Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). SSB will now be within a Division called Workforce Services, along with 4 other agencies, Vocational Rehabilitation Services, Disability Determination, Job Service and Labor Market Information. Bonnie Elsey will be the Division Director, having overall responsibility for all 5 agencies.
Bonnie has made it clear that Rehabilitation Services and State Services for the Blind will remain dual entities. Each entity will have its own designated state unit Director. She plans on the following changes for State Services for the Blind:
So, from where I sit, it appears State services for the Blind has dodged the barrage of more than a few hits in the last few months! Under the strong and steady leadership and direction of Bonnie Elsey, SSB has been, in a few short years - although she might argue the years have seemed LONG, she has taken State Services for the Blind from its previously mostly crippled condition and turned it into an agency fully capable of standing fiscally strong and solid on its own! She has taken that mostly crippled agency and turned it into an agency that has not once, but three times, successfully and proudly emerged from Federal Reviews with written proof, and yes folks - it is in writing in its entirety later in this newsletter, proof that there were, and continue to be, absolutely no truth to those ugly rumors of "unfair management practices", even if the untrue accusations come from people with friends in Washington... Yes, it is no secret why Bonnie Elsey has been rewarded with her latest position!!
Now, to top this all off, ACBM has a new Board of Directors! Taking a little Presidential Prerogative", I have chosen to borrow a phrase from our web site to be the motto for ACBM's new leadership, which will shape everything we do: "Looking Forward . . . And Remembering the Lessons Of Our Past!" We stand ready, willing and completely able to serve! Could there be any better reasons why this is shaping up to, not , be just another typical Minnesota season?
Ken Rodgers, President
As you know, I have accepted a new position as the Director of Workforce Services. I will be reporting directly to Matt Kramer, Commissioner of Department of Employment and Economic Development.
If you reviewed the organizational chart, I will now be responsible for State Services for the Blind, Vocational Rehabilitation Services, Disability Determination, Job Service and Labor Market Information. I want to assure you that Rehabilitation Services and State Services for the Blind will remain dual entities. Each entity will have a designated state unit Director.
I am planning on the following changes for State Services for the Blind. I will be appointing, through a competitive process, a Director for State Services for the Blind. The Director will be a career civil service position and not an appointee. I am an appointee. The Director will serve as the point of contact with Rehabilitation Services Administration.
I will also be moving the staff that are located at 390 North Robert Street back to 2200 University Avenue. The Director of State Services for the Blind will be stationed at 2200 University Avenue. I believe this will allow greater access to everyday activities of SSB.
I am temporarily appointing Chuk Hamilton as the Acting Director of SSB until a competitive process can be completed. If you have any questions about these changes, feel free to e-mail me. I have thoroughly enjoyed serving as your State Director and am happy I will continue to have a role in your operations in the future as the Director of our new branch.
News and Social Notes
By Mike Vining
News Notes hopes that everyone is having a good summer. Hopefully, it is warm, sunny, and the crops and crab grass is growing.
Some ACBM people did win money at the Midwest Blind Bowling Tournament back in March. Some money winners, Gar Giddings finished in 7th place for singles, Elaine Vining and Gar's daughter, Annie Giddings finished 3rd place for doubles, and Mike Hally also won awards.
Minneapolis Blind Bowlers had some winners from ACBM, as well. Champions for the season were the team of Gar Giddings, Bob Lockwood, Mike Hally, along with Karen Hoepner, who is not an ACBM member, but still a champ. The second place team were Gail Drake, and Barb Bangsund. Mike Hally won most improved bowler for the season.
The National Blind Bowling tournament, ABBA, was held in Orlando, FL. Winners were, we think, Mike Vining with 651 with handicap, Gar Giddings with 615 with handicap, Elaine Vining with 671 with handicap.
If you like to bowl, and haven't done it in a while, or have not done it much, or have never done it, come on and join us. We bowl every Saturday starting Sept. 6th at 9:30am at Stardust Bowling Lanes. The league will have its organizational picnic on Saturday, Aug. 16th. Contact a bowler at the ACB PO Box.
Remember that we will have the ACBM anual picnic on Saturday, August, 16th, at Jim and Ann Olsen's home. Details follow later in this memo. You all come now, hear.
Wally Waranka, past President of ACBM found out that the tumor behind his heart is cancerous. It is treatable, and we all hope and pray for a speedy recovery for him, and for Sue, and friends and family. Below, is a note from Wally, explaining his condition and disease, a lot better than News Notes could ever do.
Hi friends:
To some of you this is new information and to some of you, you may know a little bit. But here is the information from my first meeting with the doctor that Sue wrote down for us. I want to share it all with you so everyone knows what is going on with me and I will keep you all updated. I will fight this and I ask of all of you to please keep me in your prayers and keep sending the positive energy to Sue and Me. Please feel free to share any of this information with anyone I may have over looked. Thanks for all of you being there.
Wally has Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma (SLL) that can also be referred to as a Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. It is a systemic disease-if found in one place but it can be found in other areas when further tests are performed. May not even need treatment right away if found to be at low stage and showing no symptoms.
A Statistic: 70-80% of people with low grade have a survival rate of 10-12 years after diagnosis.
The 92-year-old, petite, well-poised and proud lady, who is fully dressed each morning by eight o'clock, with her hair fashionably coifed and makeup perfectly applied, even though she is legally blind, moved to a nursing home today. Her husband of 70 years recently passed away, making the move necessary.
After many hours of waiting patiently in the lobby of the nursing home, she smiled sweetly when told her room was ready. As she maneuvered her walker to the elevator, I provided a visual description of her tiny room, including the eyelet sheets that had been hung on her window. "I love it," she stated with the enthusiasm of an eight-year-old having just been presented with a new puppy.
"Mrs. Jones, you haven't seen the room, just wait." "That doesn't have anything to do with it," she replied. "Happiness is something you decide on ahead of time. Whether I like my room or not doesn't depend on how the furniture is arranged. It's how I arrange my mind. I already decided to love it. "It's a decision I make every morning when I wake up. I have a choice; I can spend the day in bed recounting the difficulty I have with the parts of my body that no longer work, or get out of bed and be thankful for the ones that do. Each day is a gift, and as long as my eyes open I'll focus on the new day and all the happy memories I've stored away, just for this time in my life. Old age is like a bank account - you withdraw from what you've put in. So, my advice to you would be to deposit a lot of happiness in the bank account of memories. Thank you for your part in filling my Memory bank. I am still depositing.
Remember the five simple rules to be happy:
Are you aware that if we died tomorrow, the company that we are working for could easily replace us in a matter of days? But the family we left behind will feel the loss for the rest of their lives. And come to think of it, we pour ourselves more into work than into our own family, an unwise investment indeed, don't you think?
ACBM 2003 Picnic and Auction
By Mike Vining
Where in the month of August can you find good food, fun with good friends, and, of course, help raise money for your favorite blind consumer organization? The answer is the Annual ACBM Picnic and Auction. The date for this event will be on Saturday, August 16th, between the hours of 11:00am and 4:00pm. The location, this year again, will be at the home/yard of Jim and Ann Olsen. Their address is 6211 Sheriden Avenue South in Richfield.
You may, already know how to get there. However, if you do not, just read on. If you are taking the bus, take the #4 with the letters E. or K. bus from downtown Minneapolis to Penn and 62nd street. Walk from Pen to Sheriden and turn left and walk down the street. You will find Jim and Ann's house. The address, again, is 6211 Sheriden Avenue South.
Now for the rest of the details. The cost is $10 per person, for the picnic meal, which will be great. Bob Wells, who catered last year's picnic, will be back again this year. The committee is hard at work planning the menu, as we speak. Also, bring your wallet and checkbook, so you can bid on all the neat, wonderful, exciting items in the auction. Again, we will have Karl Kuhl auctioning, along with his assistant, Bert Morlock. Please donate new unused items or food items. As we all know, those are very popular. Also, if you would like to, many people have donated a service they could perform, etc. Come one, come all and bring your friends. We can use new money from new people too. Let's make this a big success.
PS. As per last year, and before, those who wish to bring dessert items for the picnic will be welcome to do so, again. Those yummy treats are very good too. Any questions? Please call Mike or Elaine Vining at 612 522 7678.
Go to the Movies, For FREE!!
By Ken Rodgers
Last December, a number of ACBM members attended a free movie, on ACBM, at the Crown Theaters at Block E in downtown Minneapolis, to see an audio described movie using the newly installed Descriptive Video System. If you missed that event, it is not too late!
Past President, Wally Waranka, strongly believed it important we all have the opportunity to experience and know about audio description and support our own downtown Crown Theatre at Block E for providing this equipment and making it possible for us to enjoy first run feature films in a format designed for us! At his request, and with the Boards support, the membership voted, and agreed.
The tickets have been purchased! Now all you have to do is claim your free ticket, get yourself up off the couch, get dressed and go see a movie at Block E!!
Here's how to get your tickets...
Speaking of "what to see", how do you find out what is showing at Crown Theatre that is audio described and how do you find out what time it is showing? First, if you have Internet capability, try Crown's web page at: http://www.crowntheatres.com. You will need to put in Minnesota, then select Block E. There is a special section for Audio Described films with times. Plus, if you sign up for receiving occasional E-mail notices from Crown Theaters, you will get, in the confirmation notice, a free pop corn coupon you can print out on your home printer and take it with you to the movies and get a huge bag of pop corn FREE!! Plus, every so often, our downtown Crown Theater sends through E-mail, "2 for 1" coupons for admission for any show! Or you can call Crown by telephone direct: (612) 338-5900 - recorded info; (612) 338-1466 - voice, a live person at the box office. If you call, make sure you tell them you are interested in the audio described show for the blind or visually impaired. Make sure you identify yourself as blind or visually impaired. I honestly think most of the people who answer the phone do not understand the difference between audio description versus closed captioned, but they do know the difference between blind and visually impaired versus hearing impaired and deaf!!
You can also find out what movies are audio described and are being shown at Block E on the MOPIX FILES SHOWTIMES ON THE WEB by going to: http://ncam.wgbh.org/mopix/nowshowing.html. On this web site you will need to select your state then the movie theaters will appear with show times, etc.
If you have Internet capabilities, it is a good idea to double check with the Mope web site to double check the movie and if it is indeed audio described! You'll be glad you did, trust me on this one. What are you waiting for?? Go see a movie!!
ACBM State Convention
By Mike Vining
Well, it is almost time for the American Council of the Blind of Minnesota (ACBM) State Convention. This year's convention will be held on the weekend of Friday, October, 10th, through Sunday, October 12th at the Doubletree Hotel in St. Louis Park. The address is 1500 Park Place Blvd. In St. Louis Park, MN 55416. Phone is 952-542-8600.
A block of ten rooms has been set-aside for us, so you can call now to make reservations. Room rates are $95 per night. If cost is a problem, you can double up with friends. There can be up to four in a room. If we need more rooms, we can get them. The total cost for the convention itself, including banquet, two continental breakfasts, and three snacks is $75 per person. Well worth it.
This year's convention theme is "Focusing on the Future: An Intergenerational Approach". Themes that will be covered include post secondary education, employment, assistive technology, healthcare coverage, ADA employment issues, and a discussion of financial planning with Doug Psick, Financial Planner for TCF Bank. There will also be exhibits, a Chinese auction, and raffle, plus social activities for students and young adults.
Sessions start at 7pm Friday Evening, October 10th with a hospitality room, continues on Saturday and Sunday with discussion of the above topics. Saturday evening, we will have a banquet with a program, including Steve Speicher First Vice President of The American Council of the Blind (from the ACB National Office) who will be here in attendance, to speak with us and talk on the National perspective. The Convention will end at noon Sunday, October 12th.
There will be scholarships available for those who wish to attend and cannot afford the convention cost. Registration packets will be mailed out to ACBM members by Mid August. Reservations should be in to the committee by Sept. 15th. Come one, come all. Join the fun and get some information on important topics.
"People of Vision: a History of the American Council of the Blind"
The leadership of the American Council of the Blind (ACB) is pleased to announce the availability of "People of Vision: a History of the American Council of the Blind". " This is the history of the creation and development of the ACB begun in August, 1994.
"We have worked extremely hard to guarantee the availability of the hard back version in Pittsburgh on July 9, the time of our planned gala celebration of the book," explained Chris Gray, ACB President. "Many individuals on the history project have put in incredible hours to see this would happen." Gray said. "I am very pleased and surprised that within days after we signed off for the final gallies on Thursday, July 12, we learned that our publisher had already begun making the book available through wholesale distribution channels.
You can purchase the book today through the ACB website, http://www.acb.org. Purchase either a paperback or hardback edition, check the option for an accessible version, and you can begin reading our history today. Of course, you can also wait and pick up the book at the History gala to be held Wednesday, July 9 at the ACB annual convention in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Dr. Otis Stevens, Chairman of the History Committee, cautions all members to recognize that there are many in the blind community who will not agree with the conclusions of our history. "While we have worked tirelessly to print a true and accurate account of the events of the 1950's, the 1960's, and all other periods as shown through letters and other documentary evidence," he said "we do recognize that many blind individuals who grew up believing an alternative explanation of these events may well react emotionally to the release of this book." "All we can ask," he continued "is that they are willing and open-minded enough to let the record speak for itself."
Gray said: "I encourage ACB members to read the book and come to know the truth about the difficult years that led to the formation of ACB, and the equally difficult but ultimately triumphant times we have shared together since 1961".
To find out more about the new Optacon, visit: http://www.catechnology.net/index.html. Final design, manufacturing and marketing of the P2RD, a Portable Print Reading Device for the Blind and Visually Impaired is in progress. Blind individuals, who have been hurt by the disappearance of the Optacon, will recover with the P2RD Tactile Graphic Array, their ability to read printed objects by touch. The R&D phase of this Project has been funded in part by a Grant from the National Science Foundation.
To make Portable Print Reading accessible to the large number of users who cannot read by touch, Optical Character Recognition and Synthetic Speech Output will both be an integral part of the P2RD, beside tactile output. To free the users from the hassle of setting up a scanner and from the inherent slowness of scanner data acquisition, the P2RD uses a megapixel digital color camera, to capture in a single shot, an image of any document, book page or printed object.
Our newly developped Portable Book Reading Accessory will allow rapid reading of books without fear of damaging them, as they are when placed repeatedly in a conventional flat bed scanner. To keep the development and manufacturing cost of the P2RD low, and to protect the P2RD from rapid obsolescence, we will use whenever possible, "off the shelf" hardware and software, which will allow the P2RD to benefit almost instantly from their future improvements.
The P2RD comprises two compact and lightweight units:
The P2RD provides all the functions required to capture the image of an object, recognize the text it contains, and convert this text into synthetic speech or Braille. The P2RD also provides the functions needed to store a document and navigate inside stored documents:
The P2RD provides audible clues to help the user frame precisely the image of a document. The P2RD can read text carried by an object located close by or far away, as long as the image generated by the zoom lens of its camera provides an adequate resolution for this particular text. The P2RD camera provides all the photographic capabilities found today in a typical high end digital color camera. Several accessories, including a portable Copy Stand and a portable Book Reader will also be available. When used with the Copy Stand, the P2RD provides audible clues to help the user place the tip of a pen precisely at a specific location on the document placed under the Copy Stand, allowing the user to add handwritten notes to the document, for example to fill a form. When used with the Book Reader, the P2RD allows the user to read and store rapidly several pages of any book placed on its reading surface, without damaging the books in any way, even if they are thick and hard covered. The user can easily center the P2RD camera on the page of any book smaller than the 9 by 12 inches reading surface. A flat tactile graphic array, will become available later as a part of, or to be added to the remote control unit. It will allow blind users to read by touch both text characters and graphic shapes, for example mathematical symbols. Its price is not known a this time.
The target price to the end user is, as of today, $1800. Delivery is expected to begin the second quarter of 2003. Advance orders can be placed immediately by mailing the order with a $600.00 deposit per unit ordered, to:
C.A.Technology, Inc.
9500 S. Ocean Drive
Jensen Beach, FL 34957, USA.
If you have questions, comments or suggestions, email us at p2rd@catechnology.net.
"What???? You've got to be kidding"
By Ken Rodgers
"What do you mean, anyone doing a Google search using only my phone number can give them a direct map to my home??" I received the following information from a neighborhood watch contact. I followed the instructions and, low and behold, up came my address and, not one, but two, map options to my home!! This may be a bit of paranoia, but I found it spooky that someone could just put my phone number in a search engine and end up with directions (and a map to my house).
Go to http://www.google.com and type in your telephone number. It will actually pull up directions and a map to your house !! See how easy it is by trying it out on your own phone number!
To check it out for yourself, go to www.google.com then in the search text field, type in your phone number, separated by hyphens, including area code. Then click on Google Search. If your phone number is listed, it will show your name and address and give you two map options. Yahoo and MapQuest. Click on one of them to see how accurate the directions actually are. Any person, be they friend or serial murderer, wishing to discover the physical location of any phone number, be it a home number or a business number, could use this feature to locate a physical street address, and receive directions on how to get there from anywhere in the country.
In the age of the internet communication we all know the value of the Internet, but there are dangers to consider, as well! Many people are unaware of this potential for danger. But, there is a way to have your number removed if you'd like to remove it. Google has made available an option that will allow anyone to REMOVE their telephone number from the database that is linked to the mapping feature, and I have instructions, for JAWS users, if you don't want just anyone to be able to get a map to your home! You will first need to check if your number is listed by following the directions above. If your number appears in the mapping database, an icon resembling a telephone will appear next to the first or second entry on the results page, which is the page that listed your search results. Go to the top of the page by using control and the home key together. Next, press the tab key until you hear the following listing: "images/phone_img" Which is actually highlighting the telephone image icon.
Press the tab key sixteen times to get this icon and to hear the phrase spoken. you may need to press the tab key more or less times. Clicking on this icon will take you to a page containing a description of the service, and a link to request your number be removed from the database. So far unlisted numbers and cell phone numbers, do not show up on the database. If searching for your number can give anyone direct maps to your home address, and this is something you do not want the world to have access to, you might turn this feature off. It is something to think about...
"Finally, The Long Awaited Federal Review of SSB. Well, sort of..."
By Ken Rodgers
The following is the exact reprinting of the electronic letter sent to Bonnie Elsey from the UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, Rehabilitation Services Administration, Office of the Regional Commissioner... Hope you enjoy reading it as well as I did.
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Rehabilitation Services Administration
Office of the Regional Commissioner
Region V - Chicago
111 North Canal Street -Suite 1048
Chicago, IL 60606-7204
Voice 312-886-8630
FAX 312-353-8623
May 20, 2003
Ms. Bonnie Elsey, Asst. Commissioner
State Services for the Blind
MN Dept. of Economic Security
390 N. Robert St., 5th Floor
St. Paul, MN 55101
Dear Ms. Elsey:
This letter is in response to a letter from Ms. Joyce Scanlan, dated March 8, 2002 to Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) Commissioner Joanne Wilson regarding concerns with the Minnesota State Services for the Blind (MN-SSB). Ms. Scanlan's letter stated her dissatisfaction with a previous report produced by the RSA Regional Office. At the direction of Commissioner Wilson, Dr. Douglas Burleigh, Regional Commissioner for RSA Regions V and VII (since retired), Mr. Joe Cordova, RSA Director of the Blind Division Branch, and Therese Manderino, RSA Region V State representative for Minnesota, conducted a review to determine whether the concerns expressed in your letter represented compliance issues with federal law or regulations.
Dr. Burleigh, Mr. Cordova and Ms. Manderino (the RSA team) determined that the majority of the review would be accomplished through the interview process. RSA has the authority to review and monitor the State agency's administration of the VR program according to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (the Act) and the interpretive regulations. Therefore the RSA team identified the applicable laws and regulations for each issue, identified appropriate policies required for compliance, and then developed interview questions for consumers and counselors to determine the practice of the MN-SSB in implementing policy.
The team traveled to Minnesota and conducted the interviews during the week of June 24-28, 2002. Eighteen consumers of the MN-SSB Self-Sufficiency Unit (SSU) and twenty-seven consumers of the MN-SSB Workforce Development Unit (WDU) were interviewed. Eighteen MN-SSB counselors were interviewed, as well as, the chairperson of the State Rehabilitation Council (SRC), one member of the SRC, and five persons recommended by you were also interviewed.
Other resources used to respond to your stated concerns were the FY 2000 Standards and Indicators, the MN-SSB Annual Vocational Rehabilitation Program Cost Report (RSA-2s) for FY1999-2001, forty-six case file reviews, a satisfaction survey conducted by the Communication Center Staff, and Article 1 Section 1 of the Minnesota Appropriations Bill for 2000-2001.
Your letter identified several concerns regarding Informed Choice. The specific issues identified under Informed Choice are; 1) what written policies MN-SSB has on implementing informed choice, 2) was there any complaint from RSA to MN-SSB that written policies on informed choice were required, and 3) the refusal of MN-SSB to air an announcement of a seminar on "Writing Your Own IPE" on the Radio Talking Book.
The MN-SSB is in compliance with 34 CFR 361.45 (c) in that the MN-SSB provides information to each eligible individual or, as appropriate, the individual's representative, in writing and in alternative formats (Braille) regarding options for developing an IPE, including the option that an individual or the individual's representative may develop all or part of the IPE. Included in this information is a sample format that specifies all the necessary components of the IPE, a listing of the Client Assistance Project (CAP) contact information, and consumer organizations of the blind and deaf-blind with each organization's contact information. Consumers interviewed reported that they were aware of the options available to them but did not always remember the names of organizations and groups.
The MN-SSB policy manual also contains a written policy (Chapter 2) titled "Opportunities to Make Informed Choices". The policy states, "Opportunities to make informed choices throughout the rehabilitation process shall be provided to all individuals applying for or receiving rehabilitation services. These opportunities will, as appropriate, be provided to representatives of individuals applying for or receiving rehabilitation services." The policy specifies that information regarding informed choice will be given in the individual's preferred language and mode of communication. The policy adheres to and is in compliance with all aspects of 102 (d) Act, as amended, and 34 CFR 361.50, and 34 CFR 361.52.
The RSA review team looked at the MN-SSB 107 Reports from FY 2000 and FY 2001. The FY 2000 report states that the MN-SSB policy manual chapter XII, revised in April 1998, addresses informed choice, and staff has received training in this area. It also states that the MN-SSB SRC was involved in developing the policy on informed choice. During the FY 2001 review the RSA review team was informed that the MN-SSB was in the process of reviewing and revising all policies. The drafts of the new policies were shared with the SRC in February 2002.
Approximately Ninety-eight percent (98%) Self-Sufficiency Unit Consumers (SSU), college student consumers, and Workforce Development Unit (WDU) consumers responded positively to questions regarding Informed Choice and the opportunity to write their own IPE. Only three consumers interviewed who were aware of the opportunities, felt the process could have been explained more thoroughly or, were unsatisfied with the process.
Ninety-two percent (92%) of the WDU consumers reported that they developed their plan with their counselor. Of these, the vast majority indicated that they felt they were "in charge of the process" or "called the shots". One (1) SSU consumer reported that she wrote her plan independently. All of these consumers reported that they experienced open communication, and at the support and encouragement of their counselor. One consumer interviewed by RSA reported that their MN-SSB counselor would not sign the IPE the consumer had written. The reason given by the consumer was that the counselor requested more assessment information before signing the IPE. The consumer knew their due process rights and planned to appeal.
The RSA team interviewed counselors from each unit to determine how the counselors ensured consumers exercised informed choice throughout the VR process, including the development of their IPE. All of the counselors responded that they presented information regarding the option for the consumer to write their own IPE at application and eligibility. The information is presented orally, in writing and in Braille. Several counselors had consumers who attended a three-hour seminar on independently writing their IPE. All counselors reported that few consumers actually wrote their own IPE. One counselor indicated that approximately 10% of new consumers wrote their own IPE; another reported that two (2) out of fifty (50) wrote their own IPE. The majority of counselors interviewed reported that the materials and seminars offered are good. However the idea of writing their own IPE is still new to consumers. It is the opinion of the RSA team that the majority of consumers felt they were in control of their IPE even when the counselor assisted in the development of the IPE.
In regards to providing choice of services and service providers, the RSA review team asked counselors how they presented this information. Counselors reported that they had a variety of options, including oral information, tapes of programs provided by vendors, tours of facilities, and recently a group presentation by facility providers. Counselors were aware of their ability to send consumers to vendors and facilities for several days at a time. However, some counselors expressed concerns of uneasiness regarding referrals to BLIND Inc. due to the tension that exists between this particular service provider and MN-SSB. Counselors also noted that other issues influenced consumers' choice such as distance from home, flexibility of program, and/or a preference for individualized instruction.
In regards to the announcement for the seminar offered by the National Federation of the Blind of Minnesota, Inc. on "Writing Your Own IPE", Ms. Elsey agrees that she did not allow the announcement on the Radio Talking Book. In retrospect she feels this was a mistake and is willing to allow the announcement.
To review consumers informed choice in terms of services and service providers and whether consumers received the services they requested in support of their IPE, RSA prepared questions for consumer interviews and also reviewed forty-six (46) service records.
The vast majority of consumers from both service units, SSU and WDU, felt they received the services they requested in support of their IPE. The majority of consumers also felt that they were provided choice in the selections of those services. Consumers reported that they were presented options through information provided by their counselor or by "trying out" service providers. When the consumer chose their service providers based on counselor information, a follow-up question was asked as to whether they felt they had the option to "try out" or visit a vendor. Again, the majority felt they did have such options. Those consumers who lived in rural settings and chose not to travel away from the home area were aware that that decision usually limited the choices available.
The RSA team noted that throughout the interview process, several customers, counselors and even MN-SSB SRC members referred to the tension that exists between the Minnesota Chapter of the NFB and the administration of the state agency. Depending on their role in the process, each person expressed their concern differently. However it was clear to the RSA team that this tension or animosity that exists can affect, at some level, the ability of customers to exercise true informed choice. In order for the best possible services and true informed choice to be available to customers, it is critical that all key stakeholders communicate and plan in a manner that builds respect and trust.
The RSA team determined that MN-SSB has appropriate policy and practices in place regarding Informed Choice and is in compliance with section 100(a)(3)(C) of the Act and 34 CFR 361.45(c)(1). RSA will continue to monitor the practice of implementing informed choice, and all aspects of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, in order to ensure and protect consumers' rights, including rights to exercise informed choice.
Concerns related to Service Delivery revolved around four (4) specific issues; 1) Adjustment-to-Blindness training, 2) Braille and tape transcription for blind college students, 3) Order of Selection, and 4) Decrease in competitive closures.
In regards to Adjustment-to-Blindness Training (ATB), you state that 1) MN-SSB counselors are no longer advocating ATB training for their consumers, 2) Counselors are directed to promote 'job first' then adjustment to blindness training, 3) the MN-SSB administration has taken away the group model option.
The RSA team interviewed more than twenty (20) consumers of the Self-Sufficiency Unit, all of which were older blind. When asked if they had received ATB training, the majority responded that they had attended classes 1-3 days per week for 5-20 or more weeks. The classes they attended were described as learning to cook, Orientation and Mobility (O&M), computers, and cane use. The RSA team asked specifically if they had received O&M and under-the-blindfold training. The majority responded that they were not interested in that type of training although their counselors had offered it as an option. Most were interested in low vision aids and receiving assistive technology to use their remaining vision. Four (4) consumers indicated that they had received under-the-blindfold training. Consumers located in rural areas described counselors coming to their home for intake interviews and an overview of available services. Most of these consumers also reported having individualized instruction on self-care, O&M, assistive technology, and cooking in their homes. Each consumer reporting these services indicated that it was their preference to receive services in this manner. One hundred percent (100%) of consumers in the SSU reported receiving all the services they required and requested in a timely manner. All consumers reported that their counselors encouraged future contact if additional services were required.
Self-Sufficiency counselors were asked what options they offered their Older Blind consumers, whether those options were different than under the former Group Model, and whether counselors felt their consumers had more choice. Counselors reported that they present all the options available to consumers including a full array of low vision services, ATB training, facility based services, in-home services, or small group. Counselors in rural areas reported that few if any consumers were interested in residential programs due to the distance and the resistance to leaving their homes. Two counselors indicated that although they feel the Group Model is an excellent program and encourage consumers to attend, they also believed that consumers now have more choice. One counselor reported that under the Group Model consumers actually had less choice in that other options were discouraged. Three counselors reported that previously counselors had quotas for the Group Model; each of these counselors felt that system was contrary to choice. The majority of counselors emphasized the importance of individualizing services and allowing choice.
All counselors, Self-Sufficiency, Workforce Development and Transition Counselors, were asked the question, "When do you see ATB training best offered to your consumers in the rehabilitation process?" The vast majority responded that it is best to provide ATB as early in the process as possible. Counselors working with transition students noted that ATB had to accommodate the family and school schedules. Many used summer programs available for students. Service Record Reviews also reported that some schools provided O&M training during the school day throughout the year. Several counselors also discussed the "desire and capacity" of the consumer to receive training. Once again, these counselors emphasized the importance of listening to consumers and individualizing services. None of the counselors interviewed reported that they were directed to put job placement ahead of ATB training. However, if a consumer was not interested in obtaining employment, the consumer is referred to the SSU. Counselors reported that when a consumer is interested in obtaining employment and requires ATB training, that consumer is served through and provided ATB training by the WDU.
The RSA team concluded that all consumers interviewed received the ATB training they requested and reported being informed of all options available for ATB training. None of the counselors perceived that the administration advocates job placement prior to ATB training, or that administration discourages the provision of any service or service provider.
The specific issues identified were; 1) How does the current state plan address Braille and tape transcription services for blind college students, and does the current arrangement regarding fee reimbursement change the state plan, 2) Are college students being denied services or being offered reduced services identified in their IPE, 3) What regulations apply.
Federal regulations at 34 CFR 361.53 (a) states, "The State plan must assure that prior to providing any vocational rehabilitation services, except those services listed in paragraph (b) of this section, to an individual or to members of the individual's family, the State unit must determine whether comparable services and benefits, as defined in 34 CFR 361.5(b)(10), exist under any other program, and whether those services and benefits are available to the individual unless such a determination would interrupt or delay (1) The progress of the individual toward achieving the employment outcome identified in the individualized plan for employment;...". Comparable services and benefits as defined in 34 CFR 361.5(b)(10) means, "Services and benefits that are provided or paid for, in whole or in part, by other Federal, State, or local public agencies, by health insurance, or by employee benefits;"
The current Minnesota Unified State Plan that exists for the Minnesota Department of Economic Development does not state what services will be delivered through Services to Groups. It does specify that a goal of MN-SSB will be to Increase the availability of accessible information and technology to blind and visually impaired Minnesotans through the collaboration with other State agencies and other government and educational entities to implement and refine technology access standards. (emphasis added).
In February 2000, the Minnesota Department of Economic Security Rehabilitation Services Branch, State Services for the Blind, and Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, and the University of Minnesota signed an agreement regarding their responsibilities to individuals with disabilities who are jointly clients of the vocational rehabilitation system and enrolled students in higher education. Under the section titled "Provision of Services and Reimbursement" it states, "Under the workforce Investment Act, 29 U.S.C. 721(a)(8)(C), the Department of Economic Security, through Rehabilitation Services or the State Services for the Blind, may provide or pay for services or accommodations for students with disabilities and may seek reimbursement from the institution of higher education for providing such services or accommodations." This agreement also specifies that the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities and the University of Minnesota will determine and provide appropriate and reasonable accommodations for students with documented disabilities.
In April 2001 a correspondence from Ms. Elsey, Assistant Commissioner, State Services for the Blind to Steven Frantz, Systems Director Student Life/Disability, documented a telephone conversation regarding MN-SSB's implementation of a fee for service cost reimbursement method for the transcription of ink print documents into tape and Braille. The letter delineates a gradual cost reimbursement fee structure over two years.
Nine college students were interviewed. The RSA team asked the following questions regarding the Braille and tape transcription services they require for their classes: 1) What college are you attending, 2) Do you require transcription services for your textbooks? If so, can you explain the process you follow to obtain these services, and 3) do you know who pays for the services and are they provided in a timely manner? The consumers attend various schools including St. Paul Technical School, University of Minnesota, Community College, Winona State, and Cancordia University. Eight of the nine students used some combination of Braille, talking books, and reader services. One student did not require these services, using low vision aids. One student reported that the process of receiving these services was cumbersome. Most students reported that both the school and MN-SSB shared in the costs for services with MN-SSB providing textbooks and paid reader services. Three students reported that MN-SSB paid for all services. One student stated that the college is now providing taping of material but it does not have toned indexing which helps with a high volume of material. The RSA interviewer asked if the consumer had informed their counselor of the problem, and the student answered "no". That consumer was encourage to inform their counselor and request the toned indexing be provided to her. One student reported that she had experienced difficulty in obtaining needed accommodations earlier in her program. However, the situation had greatly improved within the last two years.
The MN-SSB's Communication Center designed and implemented a survey of 146 post-secondary, blind or visually impaired students. Objectives of the survey were to gain information about the impact on students of the recent move to fee-for-service for higher education, to determine how students desired to receive accessible materials and to learn how satisfied higher education students are with Communication Center services.
Of those consumers in school and responding to why they are no longer using communication Center services, 15.6% responded, "The school is not willing to pay for Communication Center Services", 5.2% responded, "School wants me to use reader services", 15.6% responded, "School provides a scanner for my use", 14.3% responded, "Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic fills all my needs", 20.8% responded "I am using magnification aids", and 18.2% responded "other" as a reason. Of the 104 that responded to the survey, 13% who had previously used the Communication Center services but were not currently using them cited "the school is not willing to pay for Communication Center Services" as the reason. As a result of the survey findings the MN-SSB has reduced the charge for tape transcription services to $5.00 per tape.
RSA concludes that MN-SSB is taking meaningful and responsible measures to ensure that Braille and tape transcription services are made available to blind college students. The MN-SSB has communication with their consumers, the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities and The University of Minnesota regarding the provision of these services. The State has also established an Interagency Coordination Committee to enhance the coordination and streamlining of the service provision. The majority of consumers interviewed agreed that services were being provided and in instances when consumers were dissatisfied they were encourage to contact their counselors for resolution.
The issue identified is the time it took to come off OOS after adequate funding was secured. MN-SSB began OOS in December 1998. In November, 1999 category A was opened. When Ms. Elsey began her tenure in February 2000, she began the process of opening other categories. Article I of the FY 2000 Appropriation Bill enacted by the legislature of the State of Minnesota states, "The appropriation in the second year is not available until the commissioners of finance and economic security have reviewed the operation of the state services for the blind, determined why a budget deficiency occurred in Fiscal Year 1999 and what steps should be taken to prevent a future deficiency and reported their finding to the legislature."
Prior to being allowed to open other categories MN-SSB was required by Minnesota Department of Finance to develop a five year plan that projected anticipated case service costs and staff costs. MN-SSB lacked an automated case service system and manual case reviews were conducted to project case service and staff costs. Category B was opened in June 2000. After a similar process Category C was opened in September 2000. MN Department of Finance requirements were time consuming and out of the control of MN-SSB. The entire process took nine months to complete. It appears that MN-SSB did what was necessary in as timely a manner as possible to open all categories and end OOS.
The issues regarding a decrease in competitive closures also deals with the timeliness of services and consumers awareness (or lack of awareness) of the Client Assistance Program (CAP). This year the RSA 107 review targeted the State Designated Unit's responsiveness at the following critical stages of the VR program - processing applications when an individual requests VR services or is referred to the VR program (34 CFR 361.45(e)); determining eligibility of the individual once an application is made (34 CFR 361.41(b)); developing the IPE (34 CFR 361.46(a)(3)); and delivering VR services expeditiously. Timeliness issues were evaluated through the assessment of forty-six (46), randomly selected, case service records. The findings of this part of the review will be reported. The decrease in competitive closures will be reported from the results of the Standards and Indicators from FY 1998 to FY 2000 and preliminary outcome reports for FY 2001 and FY 2002. The RSA team also interviewed consumers for their perspectives on these issues and their awareness of the CAP program.
The assessment of service records disclosed the following related to timeliness:
Evaluation Standard 1 - Employment Outcomes - As required in 34 CFR 361.86(b)(1)(ii), the DSU must assist any eligible individual, including an individual with a significant disability, to obtain, maintain, or regain high-quality employment. During FY 1999, 984 individuals exited MN-SSB with an employment goal compared with 599 individuals in FY 2000. This represents a decrease of 385 individuals, or a 39.1% decrease. Discussions with MN-SSB staff disclosed that contributing to the decrease in this performance indicator included that in 1998 the agency went to an OOS and in FY 2000 MN-SSB reorganized into four (4) units; 1) WDU, 2) SSU, 3) Administrative Unit, and 4) Business Services Unit. Prior to the reorganization all positive closures were counted as employment outcomes. Subsequent to the reorganization consumers seeking competitive employment were referred to the WDU and those who sought increased independence outcomes, including that traditionally aligned with the outcome of Homemaker, were referred to the SSU. In FY 1998, the year OOS was put in place, applicants determined eligible for services equaled 589; in the 2 subsequent years eligible applicants equaled 156 in FY 1999 and 137 in FY 2000. In FY 1998 closures (both paid and unpaid) equaled 582, and 403 in FY 1999. In FY 2000, after the reorganization 196 consumers exited the WDU and 114 in FY 2001. Initial figures for FY 2002 are 179. At the same time exiters of the SSU, who accomplished all of their communication and self-care goals, equaled 740 in FY 1998, 859 in FY 1999, 957 in FY 2000, and 1024 in FY 2001.
The vast majority of consumers interviewed were satisfied with the timeliness of the services they received from MN-SSB. Three consumers noted that technology services (installation of software, repair of computer) were slow. One consumer noted that she waited six months for services between 1999 and 2000 during OOS; however, once her plan was developed services were delivered in a timely manner. One consumer noted that when working with one particular counselor it was difficult to "get things done" however, since a change in counselors all services have been received and in a timely manner.
Consumers were asked if they were aware of the Client Assistance Program (CAP) and their right to appeal decisions, made by counselors, regarding their IPE. All but one (1) consumer responded that they knew they had the right to appeal decisions however, only eight could definitely name the program, three could not recognize the name of the program and the remainder of the consumers said they vaguely remembered the name or knew they could appeal but could not remember the name of the program. The majority of consumers stated they knew that the contact information for appeals was in the initial information they received from their counselor.
Regulations regarding Comprehensive System of Personnel Development (CSPD) are found at CFR 361.18. They delineate the requirements of CSPD for the State agency. MN-SSB has an approved CSPD plan that addresses those requirements. The issue of counselors receiving ATB training was address through the interview process.
All but two (2) of the counselors interviewed stated they had received six weeks of ATB training at one facility and one week at each of the other two facilities. Two counselors stated they had never received ATB training; both of these counselors had more that 15 years of service. When asked, all counselors responded that if they requested additional training, their supervisors would approve their request.
The issues identified under expenditure in One-Stop Centers are moving expenses and the staff cost required for attending meetings related to the workforce system and staff time spent at the workforce centers. The Department of Labor provided a grant that paid for the physical move of staff offices to the One-Stop Centers. There was no cost incurred by MN-SSB for the move. The issue of staff costs related to the workforce system.
Several financial administration issues are identified, 1) does RSA distinguish between administrative and case services expenditures, 2) the expenditure of funds on computer systems instead of services to consumers, 3) carry forward funds being used for administrative purposes.
The expenditures of title I, section 110 funds are reported on the RSA-2. Administrative and service costs are identified on this form. There is no cap on administrative costs. The section 110 funds carried forward in FY 1999 equaled $782,359; in FY 2000 section 110 funds carried forward equaled $1,472,639. In FY 2001 expenditures increased in both administration and services to individuals categories. The increase in administration costs is in part, a onetime cost for the purchase of a computer system. The amount of Title I, section 110 funds spent on the computer system was $201,328. The amount of Title I section 110 funds spent on services equaled $2,157,734 in FY 2000 and $3,147,162 in FY 2001.
The Review Team found no compliance issues on the financial administration questions raised in your letter. MN-SSB's administrative expenditures are consistent with VR law, regulations, and OMB Circular A-87 (cost principles for State, Local and Indian Tribal Governments). The administrative costs meet the test of being necessary, reasonable, and allocable to the program in accordance with relative benefits received.
Should you have any further concerns please contact me at (202) 205-9902.
Sincerely,
(signed) Joe D. Cordova,
Regional Commissioner
Ken Rodgers, President
3941 12th Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55407
Phone: (612) 825-0248
E-mail: kgr@isd.net
Becky Kragnes, Vice-President
3515 Pleasant Avenue South #4
Minneapolis, MN 55408
Phone: (612) 827-2132
E-mail: rebeccak@tcq.net
Marian Haslerud, Secretary
232 W. Franklin #205
Minneapolis, MN. 55404
Phone: (612) 870-8761
E-mail: marian.haslerud@ssa.gov
Bob Lockwood, Treasurer
3625 Cardinal Rd
Minnetonka, MN 55345
Phone: (952) 932-7269
E-mail: peggy_bob@msn.com
Linda Oliva, Director
4001 BlazedaleAvenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55409
Phone: (612) 827-1033
E-mail: Linda.Oliva@allina.com
Mike Hally, Director
530 South Saratoga Street
St. Paul, MN 55116
Phone: (651) 690-0011
E-mail: mike_hally@hotmail.com
Jane Lund, Director
8848 Nicollet Avenue South #206
Bloomington, MN 55420-2850
Phone: (952) 888-4397
E-mail: jane.v.lund@healthpartners.com
Marilynn Highland, Director
3532 Bryant Avenue South #316
Minneapolis, MN 55408
Phone: (612) 824-9492
E-mail: mari@mninter.net
Joseph Sorenson, Director
111 Marquette Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55401
Phone: (612) 339-2360
E-mail: jsorenson3@mn.rr.com
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