NATIONAL COUNCIL OF STATE AGENCIES FOR THE BLIND
Fall Meeting
Nashville, Tennessee
November 11, 2004
Call to Order: Linda Mock, President
Ms. Linda Mock called the meeting to order.
Officer’s Reports:
President’s Report: Linda Mock
Motion was made, seconded, and approved to accept the spring 2004 NCSAB meeting minutes.
We have a quorum for the NCSAB fall meeting.
Update on Recruitment Announcement
- RFP process discussed
- Interviews will be conducted at the fall NCSAB conference
- Goal is to have person in place by January 2005
Dates for spring and fall NCSAB meetings
Spring 2005
April 20-22, 2005 in Bethesda, MD
Fall 2005 (proposed)
November 15-17, 2005 in San Diego
(CSAVR is scheduled for November 17-19, 2005)
Treasurer’s Report: Bill Palmer
2004 – January 1 beginning balance: $26,529.28
Balance effective November 11, 2004: $78,952.86
Members: As of November 11, 2004: Forty-three of the member agencies had paid and ten (four territories and six states) of the member agencies had not paid.
Year 2004 Expenditures
Spring 2004 Conference Costs (Bethesda) $10,067.40
Fall 2004 Conference Costs (Nashville) ($10,000.00 estimated, not yet paid)
University of Arkansas (website development) $1,500.00
Annual 501(C)6 Corporate filing fee $25.00
Contract for admin services from CSAVR $8,000.00 (encumbrance)
Phones $110.68
YTD 2004 expenditures: $19,703.08
2004 Revenue
Dues $50,210.00
Spring Conference Registration Fees $18,080.00
Fall Conference Registration Fees $2,825.00
Fall Conference Registration Fees not paid ($24,190.00)
YTD revenue for 2004: $71,115.00
YTD gain for the year 2004: $52,423.58
Secretary Report: Kay McGill
a. McGill asked to be informed of any member email, phone, and address, etc. changes.
b. McGill updated the members on the NCSAB Partners List. The point people received the NCSAB registration, directory and minutes when the notices were sent to the NCSAB members, resulting in timely notice of the NCSAB meeting. We think this process may have helped increase attendance for NCSAB this fall.
Committee Reports:
A. Employment Committee – David Eveland, Chair
1. Minutes of the Employment Committee were submitted. (See attachment A.)
2. A motion was made, seconded, and approved to accept the Employment Committee Report.
B. Independent Living Committee – Allen Harris, Chair
1. Minutes of the Independent Living Committee were submitted. (See attachment B.)
2. A motion was made, seconded, and approved to accept the Independent Living Committee Report.
C. Randolph-Sheppard Committee – Terry Smith, Chair
1. Minutes of the Randolph-Sheppard Committee were submitted. (See attachment C.)
2. A motion was made, seconded, and approved to accept the Randolph-Sheppard Committee Report.
D. Technology and Alternative Techniques Committee – Greg Trapp, Chair
1. Minutes of the Alternative Techniques Committee were submitted. (See attachment D.)
2. A motion was made, seconded, and approved to accept the Technology and Alternative Techniques Committee report.
Nomination’s Committee Slate of Officers – Brian Sigman
The nomination committee consisted of Sigman, Smith, Mock, Casto and Van Zandt.
Proposed slate of nominees submitted to the NCSAB members:
President Elect Allen Harris
Secretary Kay McGill
Treasurer Bill Palmer
Board members Pat Cannon
Greg Trapp
Bettye Odem-Davis
Dave Eveland
Michael Gandy
Motions were made, seconded, and approved to accept the Slate of Officers. The new executive committee will take office January 1, 2005.
By-Laws – Pearl Van Zandt
The committee consisted of Van Zandt – Chair, Terry Smith, Bill Casto, Sigman and McGill.
Van Zandt reviewed the proposed changes in the 18-page document.
Motion was made, seconded, and approved to accept the By-Law revisions.
Liaison Reports
American Council of the Blind (ACB)– Pamela Shaw
The ACB held their annual convention in Birmingham, AL in July 2004. It included a number of excellent speakers and presentations. Commissioner Joanne Wilson made noteworthy remarks. In addition, the organization passed a number of resolutions of interest to NCSAB members. Information on the ACB convention can be found at www.acb.org.
American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) – Pat Cannon
Mr. Cannon met with Carl Augusto, President and CEO of AFB and Gil Johnson, AFB liaison to NCSAB. Details of the AFB Jobs Program were discussed. AFB maintains an absolute commitment to retain separate state agencies for the blind and specialized services for the blind. AFB is also prepared to launch into action to help any state feeling threatened to consolidate or merge into a general agency. NCSAB will be well served by the strong alliance between AFB and NCSAB.
Consortia of Administrators for Native American Rehabilitation (CANAR) – Kay McGill
NCSAB President, Ms. Linda Mock and NCSAB Treasurer, Mr. Bill Palmer will attend the November 15 –17, 2004 CANAR conference in Seattle, WA.
Council on Rehabilitation Education (CORE) – Bettye Odem-Davis
CORE is having a mid-year meeting in Savannah, Georgia on January 13, 2005.
The purpose of this meeting is to review manual changes as well as to discuss the possibility of raising the fee for accreditation.
I spoke with Sue Denys of CORE and she informed me that shortly after the January meeting, a draft proposal will be sent out to members of the CORE’S board for review and other revisions. It is my intention to share the proposal with the Executive Committee of NCSAB for input.
The annual meeting for CORE has been scheduled for July 16 -17, 2005 in the Chicago metro area.
Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation (CSAVR) – Linda Mock
· Mock and Sigman are on the CSAVR Executive Committee
· NCSAB will continue the partnership with CSAVR to continue receipt of services from Kymberli Rand
· CSAVR will support protection of the Randolph-Sheppard program
National Association of Blind Merchants (NABM) –
Terry Smith
National Association of Blind Merchants (NABM) - Close contact has been maintained with this organization throughout the year. Terry Smith continues to consult with NABM President, Kevan Worley, on a number of issues. NCSAB worked closely with Mr. Worley when there were attempts in Congress to amend the law unfavorably, as it relates to NISH and military bases. Mr. Worley presented at the Randolph-Sheppard Committee meeting and also participated on a panel discussion at one of the general sessions. NCSAB will have representation (Terry Smith and others) at the BLAST Conference in Denver. NABM has developed an outstanding audio on customer service that focuses on Randolph-Sheppard managers. It has been shared with most state agencies.
Randolph-Sheppard Vendors of America (RSVA) –
Terry Smith
Randolph-Sheppard Vendors of America (RSVA) - This organization has proposed the idea of opening up the Randolph-Sheppard Act for possible revisions. They want NCSAB to be part of that process. We have told RSVA that we are willing to have dialogue, but NCSAB supporting opening up the Act may be unlikely. NCSAB has agreed to put on a panel discussion at the National Training Conference for Blind Vendors in Las Vegas in February. The fall meeting was the first time that RSVA President Richard Bird attended an NCSAB meeting, which speaks to the positive direction that relations with that organization are going. Mr. Bird presented at both the Randolph-Sheppard Committee meeting and participated on a general session panel discussion.
National Federation of the Blind (NFB) - Linda Mock
Vito DeSantis, Sigman and Mock held a conference call with Dr. Betsy Zaborowski and discussed:
1) The immersion-training concept - attend training at the Institute and return to the home state as a trainer. The training is conducted 3-4 times per year.
2) Identify individuals to go to the Institute to be trained in a particular skill and they will be guaranteed a job at the end of the training.
National Organization of Rehabilitation Partners (NORP) – Allen Harris
1. NORP has decided to "temporarily" cease doing business, as of October 2005.
2. Most NORP States have or will join CSAVR during the current year.
3. We worked with Carl Suter and the CSAVR Executive Committee to make a smooth transition and work to become a stronger and more effective organization representing programs from which persons with disabilities can benefit.
Rehabilitation Services Administration – Pearl Van Zandt
We have had much communication between RSA and the organization, through our President, committees, and other officers. The organization is very pleased that two key positions were filled: Suzanne Mitchell, Blind Services Director, and Ray Hopkins, Randolph-Sheppard Director. It is especially good that the new-hires are former directors of state agencies for the blind, as well as being former Presidents of NCSAB. In addition to communication with our President throughout the year, the positive relationship between RSA and NCSAB is evident by the attendance of the Commissioner and her staff at our meetings. We appreciate their efforts and commitment!
New Business
None
ATTACHMENT A: Employment Committee Minutes
Submitted by Employment Committee Chair: Dave Eveland
EMPLOYMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES
11/10/04
The Employment Committee session was well attended with 22 people present during all or part of the meeting. Gil Johnson from the American Foundation for the Blind started off with a presentation on the CareerConnect website. CareerConnect can be reached by going to www.afb.org and then accessing the appropriate link. The service is now set up so that a VR participant can directly reach the people working in various types of jobs that are listed. The Rehabilitation Counselor can also log in to find out the different types of jobs blind people are doing around the country. There is an abbreviated version of CareerConnect available on CD. If help is needed with the computer search, people are available to assist and can be reached by calling 888-824-2184.
Peggy Anderson from Alabama discussed the recently held National Employment Conference and the VR-Business Network. At the Employment Conference 32 businesses participated in various sessions attended by over 500 people. The common message employers brought was that they want to partner with VR. These businesses are knocking on our door and the time is now for VR to work closely with them. Employers stated that they:
· expect a work ethic among the referrals sent to them,
· have other needs that VR can help with besides recruiting,
· will make accommodations,
· expect to be treated as a customer and, as such, VR should identify their needs,
· prefer a single point of contact rather than through a 3rd party,
· expect quality responsiveness in interactions and services provided,
· need our expertise on disability issues for both their employees and customers,
· want VR to commit to the partnership and not just occupy a seat,
· know the career paths in a company,
· respond quickly to their recruiting needs,
· want us to go on site and see the jobs they do, and
· be truthful with companies.
Peggy also talked about the development of the National VR-Business Network. CSAVR and RSA are working together to form the Network. NCSAB is encouraged to take part in the discussions and to be part of the Network. It is recommended that NCSAB has representation and take part in CSAVR’s Employment Committee. The Network is an opportunity to build relationships with businesses and to benefit VR participants.
The Employment Committee voted to recommend to the Executive Committee that NCSAB take an active role in the development of the Business Network.
ATTACHMENT B. Independent Living Committee Minutes
Submitted by Independent Living Committee Chair: Allen Harris
Independent Living Committee Minutes
November 10, 2004
Present: Chair, Allen Harris, Becky Criswell, Suzanne Mitchell, Kay McGill, Vito DeSantis, Mike Beck, Lea Grupen, Chuck Hamilton, Rita Houston, Elton Moore, Jim McCarthy, Jim Taylor, Pris Rogers, Melanie Bronson, Sheila Browning, Pat Cannon, Don Golembiewski
1. Mississippi State University – Rehabilitation
Research and Training Center (RRTC) on Blindness and Low Vision
Dr. Moore reported on the older blind consumer satisfaction survey conducted by MSU. All but two states were able to participate. The survey population totaled 1,016, which exceeded the “power level” needed to achieve a representative national sample. Consumers indicated a high level of satisfaction with services provided. For instance, 71% of respondents indicated that they were very satisfied with the quality of services received, and 22% indicated they were satisfied. A similar response rate was obtained related to the timeliness of services, with 60% indicating they were very satisfied and 22% indicating they were satisfied. Furthermore, 53.7% indicated they were very satisfied and 35% indicated they were satisfied with how the program helped them achieve their goals.
Dr. Moore also noted that the demographic data obtained on survey participants correlated positively with similar data provided by the 7-OB Report. All indicators show that the majority of individuals served by the program live alone, are female, and frequently have co-disabilities. Furthermore, the program is largely on target in terms of serving minority populations since the ethnic/racial profile of those served is very similar to the ethnic/racial profile of the country. He went on to say that the 2003 7-OB Report shows an increase of 2,000 in the number of individuals served, and an increase in the percentage of those served who are legally or totally blind (61%).
The issue of funding the collection and compilation of 7-OB data was discussed. RSA made valiant attempts to secure funding for the 7-OB Report, but OSERS adapted a policy of funding only congressionally mandated reports, effectively excluding the 7-OB Report. Mike Beck moved and Sheila Browning seconded that it be recommended that NCSAB fully support adapting language under Title VII, Chapter 2 of the Act to provide funding for training, evaluation and technical assistance to the Older Blind program. The motion passed unanimously.
2. RSA Report
Suzanne Mitchell presented the RSA report. Suzanne reported that the Older Blind program has been moved from the Independent Living Branch to the Blind and Visually Impaired Division in RSA. Suzanne is director of this division and has requested permission to hire a new program specialist for the Older Blind program. (Edna Johnson, who formerly held this position, has transferred from RSA to NIDRR.) In the interim, Suzanne remains the contact person.
Suzanne provided the following update on several pending issues:
A) An emergency re-instatement has been requested for the 7-OB Report instrument that has expired. Upon notification of approval RSA will distribute the report in hard copy and via email to states for the completion of the FFY 2004 report. Approval is expected in the very near future.
B) The new application for the Independent Living Services for Older Individuals Who Are Blind program has been approved and has been forwarded electronically to state agency directors with copies to the program managers.
C) The annual Program Managers Conference is scheduled for March 21-23, 2005 in Alexandria, VA. Input and suggestions may be forwarded to the steering committee, which is chaired by Rita Houston and Becky Criswell. Attendance at this conference is highly recommended, and Suzanne pointed out that Older Blind funds can be used to attend this conference. Training for new program managers was conducted this fall with seven states participating.
3. Update on Medicare Coverage
Lorraine Lidoff, Director of the National Vision Rehabilitation Association, and Jim McCarthy, Director of Governmental Affairs, National Federation of the Blind, spoke on the Medicare Prescription Act of 2003. This legislation included exploratory steps to determine the feasibility and advisability of Medicare coverage of Rehabilitation Services provided by orientation and mobility specialists, rehabilitation teachers, and low vision therapists. Services are to be provided by certified personnel under minimal supervision of a physician and can be provided in-home. The legislation calls for a one-year policy study and a five-year demonstration project.
The one-year study is near completion and should serve as an important background piece to the demonstration project. The demonstration project should be implemented in the spring of 2005. The project will be carried out in eight states. Details, such as which states will participate, have yet to be developed.
Lorraine described the legislation as away to increase access to Rehabilitation Services. She noted that because it is supported by a coalition of groups (including the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Optometric Association) more individuals will be referred for services, and Medicare coverage will provide the leverage and financial support to expand the availability of services.
The legislation also provides that Rehabilitation Services will follow the medical model. The National Vision Rehabilitation Association sees this as an advantage since it conforms to the existing Medicare system, and thereby more readily allows for expanded Medicare coverage of Rehabilitation Services.
Jim McCarthy, while supportive of the concept of expanded Medicare coverage as a way to increase access to Rehabilitation Services, raised several questions related to the legislation’s impact on these services. He noted that adherence to a medical model will be difficult to reconcile with rehabilitation’s emphasis on consumer choice. Jim also noted that the legislation requires certification of personnel, but these requirements are not defined. Finally, the issue of comparable benefits must also be considered. In other words, will it be necessary for consumers to first access services through Medicare before being served through the federal/state VR program? Jim believes that it is critical that these questions be addressed in the development of plans for the demonstration project.
4. Hadley School for the Blind
Don Golembiewski, Outreach Program Director, provided information on the services and resources available through Hadley. Don reminded everyone that Hadley services are free of charge and can serve to support and augment services provided by state agencies. Hadley offers distance education, and course work can be completed on-line or in hard copy. Hadley offers classes in four core areas:
1) Adult continuing education for those aged 14 and older.
2) High school courses that qualify an individual to receive a diploma from Hadley or transfer credit to a local high school.
3) Courses in professional development that qualifies for continuing education credit.
4) Family courses designed to help adult caregivers, as well as courses for parents.
5. National Agenda on Aging
Pris Rogers, Consultant AFB National Aging Program, provided an update on the goals of the National Agenda on Aging. Much has been accomplished and reported on the goals related to public awareness and self-advocacy. Pris provided a handout on progress made toward the remaining four objectives. Efforts continue on the goal to increase public funding. The House has recommended an appropriation level of $35 million; the Senate has recommended level funding. Pris commented that Congressman Young and Senator Specter have been supportive and suggested that NCSAB send them letters of appreciation. It was agreed that this would be most appropriate.
Pris discussed the work done toward the goal of professional development. A curriculum has been developed to provide training to new program managers. The handout Pris provided gave an overview of the four training modules and the topics covered. Pris encouraged input from NCSAB.
Pris reported that the goal to increase employment of older blind individuals has been addressed through an online course, Successful Placement of Older Consumers with Visual Impairments. The course qualifies for 10 CRC and Academy credits. It has been well received and will be offered through Mississippi State. For more information contact Pris at prisrogers@bellsouth.net or http://www.blind.msstate.edu/onlinetraining.html
Pris concluded by reporting that work on the National Standardized Minimum Dataset (NSMD) has been completed. This instrument is web-based and provides a uniform method of collecting and reporting data necessary for the 7-OB Report. She encouraged NCSAB members to review the instrument and consider its use for their Chapter 2 programs. It is fully accessible, user friendly, and has the potential to grow to meet future data collection needs.
Pris also recommended that NCSAB members advocate for a program evaluation instrument to be developed that requires data beyond what is currently gathered in the 7-OB. Pris pointed out the value of a standardized method of conducting and compiling program evaluations as a necessary means of strengthening advocacy efforts for Chapter 2 programs. She further recommended that NCSAB collect this data if RSA is not able too, similar to what NCSAB did in the 1980s.
ATTACHMENT C: Randolph-Sheppard Committee Minutes
Submitted by Randolph-Sheppard Chair – Terry Smith
NCSAB Randolph-Sheppard Committee
November 10, 2004
Gaylord Opryland Hotel
Nashville, Tennessee
The agenda for the meeting is attached and made a part of these minutes. There were no action items that came out of the meeting. The following are the highlights of the presentations and discussions.
Suzanne Mitchell was introduced as the new Director of RSA’s Office for the Blind. She expressed a strong commitment to Randolph-Sheppard and to work cooperatively with this Committee. At NCSAB’s request, RSA will be looking at possible revisions to the RSA-15 Report. NCSAB will be putting together an ad hoc committee to provide and solicit input from the consumer groups.
There was lengthy discussion about the multi-state contracting (or bundling) concept being advanced by the Department of Defense (DOD). The four states in the Southeast (Mississippi, Georgia, Florida, and South Carolina) that could be affected by the Navy Exchange RFP for bases in their respective states have been talking about putting together a joint proposal if an RFP is actually issued. Terry Smith has been facilitating these discussions. Representatives from Sodexho discussed their experience with the multi-state concept with the U.S. Marines. It has been mostly positive and they believe that it is the way of the future in troop dining contracting.
Joe Blackstone, a teaming partner at several military bases, gave his perspective on the future of DOD Randolph-Sheppard operations. He suggested that there are many challenges that lie ahead.
Representatives from MSE Branded Foods, Inc. presented on the potential for the food court concept in Randolph-Sheppard facilities. The company operates the food court at the Opryland Hotel and was able to increase sales and profits significantly when they took over the operation.
The two consumer groups made presentations. Richard Bird, President of Randolph-Sheppard Vendors of America (RSVA), discussed the prospects of opening up the Randolph-Sheppard Act for possible revisions. He invited people to attend RSVA’s National Training Conference for Blind Vendors in Las Vegas in February. NCSAB will have members participating on a panel discussion. Kevan Worley, President of National Association of Blind Merchants (NABM), spoke and updated the group on activities of his organization. They have produced an audio presentation on customer service in Randolph-Sheppard facilities, which he thinks could be beneficial. He invited people to attend BLAST, which will be in Denver in April.
Dr. Elton Moore gave an update from the Mississippi State University Research and Training Center on Blindness. He said that they are working on a distance-learning program for Randolph-Sheppard staff.
Joseph D’Costa of Wisconsin updated the group on his state’s experience with the nominee agency concept. He reported that things are going generally very well.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
NCSAB
Randolph-Sheppard Committee
November 10, 2004
Introductions and Opening Remarks Terry Smith, Committee Chair
RSA Update Suzanne Mitchell, Director
RSA Office for the Blind
The Texas USPS Experience Michael Hooks, Director
Business Enterprises of Texas
An Update on NEXCOM’s MultiState Terry Smith
Plans in the Southeast
Multi State Contracting and the Thomas Finn, VP Business
the U.S. Marines Development, Sodexho
A Perspective on DOD and the Joe Blackstone, President
Future of Randolph-Sheppard Blackstone Consulting
The Food Court Concept and Jack Hough, President
Randolph-Sheppard MSE Branded Food Systems
Consumer Reports Richard Bird, RSVA
Kevan Worley, NABM
Mississippi State Update Elton Moore, Director
Mississippi State University RRTC on Blindness
An Update on Wisconsin’s Nominee Joseph D’Costa, Director
Experience Wisconsin Blind Services
Items from the Floor and Discussion
ATTACHMENT D: Technology and Alternative TechniquesPRIVATE Committee Minutes
Submitted by Technology and Alternative Techniques Chair -PRIVATE Greg Trapp
NCSAB TECHNOLOGY AND ALTERNATIVE TECHNIQUES
PRIVATE
Greg Trapp, Chair, called the meeting to order welcoming those present and asking for introductions. There were approximately nine persons in attendance.
Mr. Trapp reviewed the agenda and introduced Michelle Laramie for her presentation on technology training in Connecticut. Ms. Laramie gave a power point presentation on her training strategies. She said they were using a van to deliver technology training services and described specific standards and expectations for trainers. She said they were recycling old computers with typing software and distributing them as part of the training process. Discussion was held around various kinds of electronic prompting devices with persons sharing what was being done in other training programs related to prompting devices.
A lively discussion was held around touch screens and dynamic displays. Chairman Trapp said that he had recently met with representatives of a company that makes accessible products. Trapp explained that this company retrofits existing products, but
they had difficulty getting major companies interested in the technology. Also, major appliances posed special difficulty due to shipping and logistics. Jim McCarthy, NFB Assistant Government Affairs Director, described his problems associated with the purchase of an accessible oven. He shared the Braille Monitor article he wrote about the experience. Curtis Chong talked about problems associated with accessible point-of-sales machines and how solutions, such as, template overlays were not working. He also talked about the California point-of-sales machines legislation. Chairman Trapp noted that accessible design features made electronic devices easier to use by persons who did not have disabilities. Discussion was held around the proliferation of other products that were inaccessible and the difficulties posed by these products. It was agreed that the committee would continue to look for ways to enhance access. It was suggested that the AARP be brought into the discussion due to their influence and to the vision loss experienced by members of the aging population.