State Rehabilitation Council for the Blind Public Meeting Kansas City MO October 28, 2010 SRC Member Present: Mary Kay Savage, Donna Borgmeyer, Brady Clevenger, Ceil Callahan, John Thompson, Beverly Kaskadden, Brian Wekamp, Clay Berry, Gene Fleeman, RSB members present – Kathy Wright, Rachel Labredo, Nicole Hanlin, Patty Lieberg, Kelly Bradley, Christie Wears, Michael St. Julien, and Mark Laird Non-members present – Helen Bishop, Jeremiah Well, Anita, Kathy Foster, Randy, Rhonda, Mr. and Mrs. Bruntz, Angie, Dr John Metzger Introductions Clay Berry chairman of the SRC, introduced the public speaker for this meeting Helen Bishop the Area Coordinator for the Business Enterprise Program (BEP). Helen Bishop introduced employment opportunities through the Business enterprise program. On Oct 26, 1996 MO BEP celebrated 60 years of continuous services. BEP is a partnership with Rehabilitation Services for the Blind (RSB), LIONS Business Opportunities for the MO Blind and Blind Vendors of MO. Helen explained the qualifications and training it takes to be a BEP manager. Helen discussed characteristics to become a successful self employed person. We had two individuals share their personal stories with successful employment through the business enterprise program and Jeremiah Wells shared his experience in ownership. He added his 28 years in the program was great. There was hard times and disappoints. But looking back it was fantastic. Helen further explains the different types of opportunities available to a manager of a retail food operation, full cafeteria, C-store, a vending or a route. Clay ended the discussion with talking about the Randolph Sheppard act how it got started back in the depression. Stating how to this day it is still relevant. Then thanked Helen for coming. Public Comment Portion Clay started the public comments with explaining the SRC primary responsibility and the respect for confidentiality. Rachel Labardo, DS for KC north asked Nicole Hanlin to speak about her responsibilities as a Children’s Specialist Nicole discussed outreach efforts to the youngest age groups and the importance of resource and information services. Clay Berry asked RSB to explain the scope and purpose, functions that a Children’s specialist serves. Mark Laird discussed the focus of the program: 1. Early identification and intervention 2. Strengthening a positive sense of self, regardless of vision loss 3. Facilitating access to community services related to the individual needs of the blind/visually impaired child 4. Enabling families to find the answers they need. Kathy Wright added our effort is to work with school districts, teachers, parents and students to help them to be successful in school as well as to begin looking at goals for the future. The earlier can get a child the earlier we can establish a relationship with that child and look at the future, college, employment. As the student gets older we help with transition. Clay asked Kathy to explain the strategy in attending IEP meetings, what is the role of the RSB children’s specialist. Kathy answered, we work with a child from the time they start school, to be a resource to the child, family, and school. Mary Kay responded IMPACT is there to help the parent become the advocate for the child. They have 3 levels of assistance for the parents. They provide one on one training or group training, workshops and help parents develop an IEP for that child. Parents advisors and parent mentors which helps parents prepare to advocate for the child. IMPACT is support to the parent. Ceil Callahan from MO Protection and Advocacy Services, commented our agency works with the special education process. Issues of inclusion in the community, especially in school are very important for families, especially in rural area. The first answer may be to send them away to a blind school. It is the schools responsibility to teach that child at that school. RSB RT helps schools understand and explains what the process is about and empowers both parents and school. One other resource is the teachers. Two local teachers were present, Kathy Foster and Anita. They shared their experiences and expressed how much they have learned tonight about what RSB does for kids. Especially refer them early. Kathy Wright further added even if a child has secondary or other disabilities, if they are blind, we still want to know about them. Kathy Foster asked about activities for children. What else is available for a child to participate in…monthly activities for kids? Clay replied Alphapointe doesn’t have a program in place but we’re looking into it. John Thompson of Light House for the Blind says they serve whole state. A question was asked “How do you transition a student. When does the Voc. Rehab. Counselor takes an active role?” Rachel when there is an identified vocational need. Question, “Can a referral be made by teacher, student, or parent?” Rachel said yes, the earliest we can open a Vocational case is age 14 Ceil added, Law requires that a plan be made by 16th birthday The question was asked “Who has the responsibility for making the plan? Kathy answered the IEP Team which is community, schools, parents. Another question was asked “is there a life skills program taught? An adjustment to life? Some transition skills besides just Vocational? Clay responded evaluation and training by RSB, also community vendors help with the life skills. Kathy explained the RSB Rehab teacher can help with, adjustment to blindness. Shelly Baker Youth Services Coordinator for Alphapointe told of their programs. One specific for 1st semester of college, comprehensive rehab services, and the Step program (Summer Transitional Employment Program) Beverly asked “what services have you seen for youth that you cannot meet?” Nicole responded because I am a rehab counselor and children’s specialist I can provided Independent living skills if needed. Clay invited John to speak on services provided by Lighthouse for the blind. John explained services vary depending on location to avoid duplication with other providers. They try to provide services not already provided such as funding for computer access technology, computers, transportation, space camp. Website tells all. Goal is not to compete, but for everyone work together. They are trying to develop more for rural areas. Clay also mentioned they started a Low vision clinic in May, with Dr. John Metzger. Dr. John Metzger discussed his vision therapy treatment program. A final comment was made, that it would be helpful to parents of children with vision impairment if there was something that explain how the different agency work to together to provide all the needs. Provide a roadmap for parents to follow. Clay thanked everyone for coming and invited everyone to stay and ask more questions. State Rehabilitation Council for the Blind Kansas City MO October 29, 2010 SRC members present: Mary Kay Savage, Donna Borgmeyer, Brady Clevenger, Ceil Callahan, John Thompson, Beverly Kaskadden, Brian Wekamp, Clay Berry, Gene Fleeman, RSB members present – Kathy Wright, Rachel Labredo, Kevin Faust, Michael St. Julien, Mark Laird Non-members present – Shirley Wright, and Ruby Polk, Area District Report –Two districts present, Rachel Labrado, Kansas City North and Kathy Wright Kansas City South Kansas City North and South have been working together to come up with a training module for counselors. Kathy Wright is leading the training and stressing the philosophy of VR and the VR process as related to referral, eligibility assessment and IPE development. Ceil Callahan suggested touching base with MO. DVR to see what they had available on the VRC training side. Kansas City North district Rachel Labrado D.S. of Kansas City North office discussed filling recent vacancies and completing training. Rachel, reported that during the vacancies they successfully implemented the plan to ensure continuity of client services through use of other offices and the Assistant Deputy Director. Most recently they participated in a Mentoring day, in conjunction with Disability Awareness Month. There was a job fair with transition kits, workshops and entrepreneurial information as well as resume and interview skills training, which KCN assisted with. There were some Large businesses and corporations present, who also interviewed in the afternoon. A total of 175 attended, making this their largest event, with 15 to 20 clients participating. Rachel expressed how this was very important for our agency to support. Rachel reported that for the 4th quarter there were 79 KCN referrals for RSB services. Of them 3 were from physicians 15 from previous clients (referring themselves), 9 from family, 26 from outside agencies (Independent Living programs, PVA Centers). Schools were not on the report but Rachel states that 8-10 referrals came in from them. Kansas City South district Kathy Wright and the KCS district have replace with marketing in the rural areas of her district to assist in resource development. KCS has been doing health fairs and sensitivity training. For the past year Kansas City Transit has been receiving training for new drivers 2-3 times a month. The new driver receives training with simulation, sighted guide techniques, protocol and guide dog training. It has been very successful. Kathy conducted training for National Association of Trial Lawyers about 50 lawyers attended. She provided statistic and information regarding blindness issues including blind simulation and paperwork as it relates to blind clients. Clay Berry complimented Kathy Wright and Doug Pappert on Share Fair. After having gone through the training Share Fair is now doing much better with population. KCS referrals came primarily from outside agencies and from self referrals. Most of their referrals are for OBS services. Health fairs and community activities have helped with referrals. They hired a new rehab teacher, James Hollins. KCS office conducts 2-3 Braille classes a month. Questions Ruby Poke initiated a discussion regarding RSB referrals from school districts. Beverly Kaskadden expressed concerns regarding the cutting of reader/driver hours and the ability for teachers to get out on a regular basis. It was explained by Kevin and Mark that hours have been redistributed based on historical use and feedback from the districts during quarterly meetings KCN and KCS discussed strategies to maximize the use of the reader driver contract based on client needs. Kevin Faust RSB Fiscal Manager stated we continue to communicate with the districts and look at the hours. Clay Berry wanted to know “How many counties in each district?” KCN has 22 counties, KCS has 9 counties they are large and require a lot of drive time. Beverly Kaskadden asked “What types of employment is available in the rural areas?” KCS -1 seamstress, couple of farmers, 1 antique shopkeeper, motorcycle repair, a doctor and 2 attorneys. KCN – carpenters, dog biscuit maker, Spanish tutor, welder. Ruby initiated a discussion of the importance of providing services designed to build self confidence Fiscal Report Kevin Faust the RSB fiscal manager reported that overall fiscally we are looking very good RSB has very little GR or general revenue funds 29% of funding goes to salary, 7% to Expenses and Equipment, and 64% to the Program Specific Distribution. * For the State Fiscal Year we are in line with appropriations. We have met our match for the state grant; looking at our federally required maintenance of effort. * Our VR Grant was 8 million, with a match of 21.3%; Kevin gave us a break down of our revenue. * Total appropriations of program dollars $8,558,151. o Federal funds $ 6,372,075. o State match $1,737,081. o $349,000. from driver’s license, BEST o $99,995. from donated funds Discussion ensued regarding RSB’s ability to serve all who apply for services A discussion followed regarding the value of separate blind agencies. Director’s Report On a federal level we are not anticipating any work on reauthorization at least until elections are over and the primary focus will be on job creation. On a national level there have been stimulating discussions around modernizing the Randolph Shepherd Act. The future for the BEP program looks bright. The Commissioner of RSA has expressed an interest in the R-S program to stimulate ideas that can be brought forth to enhance and grow the program. Mark thanked Larry Branson and Helen Bishop from BEP for reporting on the program. Internally – Media, one of the RSB 2010 objectives was to increase awareness of the VR program for the blind and during this quarter RSB has been very fortunate to have very positive media coverage in public radio, print, internet, and local news networks spotlighting successfully employed blind Missourians and RSB itself. Clay also was a part of an interest piece. It was a call in show that included clay and 3 clients. They got personal experiences from the blind clients and categorized challenges. The show mentioned RSB 3 times. Clay thanked Mark for getting the word out but Marked thanked all those who are actually doing the work, the counselors and managers. System 7, Week of Oct 18th Initial in-person class-room end user training was held with approximately 83% of the Vocation Counselors, 100% of the Children Specialists, 100% of the District Supervisors and about 43% of the field support staff attending. PR - John Thompson of Lighthouse for the Blind invited RSB to be a part of their PR this year. They just began their PR launch. There will be a lot of activities this next year to promote the St Louis area. Mark said we’d be happy to be a part of the activities and also expressed that by going out there and doing it, we sell ourselves and the organization, without PR. 4th Quarter DS meeting. The successful employment closures exceeded 2009 by one. RSB closed 267 as successfully employed in their chosen vocation. The Rehab rate was 82.4%, meaning that 82% of all clients who exited the program after receiving services were successful. Self-employment dropped last year but we bounced back this with 13.86%. The number of people leaving our program is not equal to or greater than the number of people we are bringing in. We’re currently doing a compressive review of those leaving the program prematurely and those exiting unsuccessfully. What is accounting for the unsuccessful closure? Referrals * Educational Institutions (elementary and secondary) = 8 * Educational Institutions (post-secondary) = 3 * Physician, Medical personnel, or Medical Institutions = 36 * Welfare Agency = 30 * Community Rehab Programs = 15 * Social Security Admin = 4 * One-Stop Employment/Training Centers = 5 * Self-referral = 589 * Other resources = 169   RSB is reviewing how staff is coding referrals source versus who is making the call to refer. The Council is interested in how RSB can maximize outreach by identifying referral sources RSB will look at… * Training staff on taking referral information * An easier way to make referral (website, card or phone #) Bring referral cards to next meeting. * Accessibility to report where referrals are coming from. * Places where we can leave pamphlets Gene – Motion to know how many people heard about RSB on quarterly basis. “How many new people are referred from each category?” Second by Beverly BEP Discussion ensued regarding employment as a facility manager in the B EP. Discussed average profit margins in full service cafeterias and vending banks. Number of current facilities and number of licensed managers operating facilities full time. Government Affairs: Russ-Not present Planning Committee: John Thompson – working on recruiting membership, we’re missing a real job description to inform an outsider. Russ should look at the federal regulations and see if he can come up with something understandable. We’ll email to all for input. We have a few openings; we’re still waiting on some appointments from the governors’ office. Evaluation Committee: Annual report due 12/31, we typically get the data from Kevin, we have some success stories to put human faces with the statistics. We’d like the council to be more actively involved. The report is SRC’s, it takes a group to put it together not just 2 people. Get report to committee by Thanksgivings, get to complete report to council for vote before Christmas. Survey: List the 14 questions for review and email prior to meeting for review. There is an issue regarding how the surveys are being sent out. We are getting a large number of them returned insufficient address. Current process is that we send them out quarterly and includes resending all of them 30 days after initial mailing. We suggest sending them out monthly and have counselor confirm address at closing as well as informing client that a survey is coming and would they please fill it out. We will also come up with a better tracking system so only the ones that have not been completed get a reminder letter. This process would save time. The survey must be mailed to insure unbiasedness and we don’t have the resources to conduct the survey over the phone. Brian Wekamp - Motion to do monthly and confirm address at closure. Beverly – Second All in favor Old Business: Stimulus Funds/Statewide Single Audit: RSB relinquished federal VR ARRA grant, with the intent to reissue it to MO. DVR as they had a need for funding and RSB is currently serving all individuals who apply for services. We are working on a collaboration effort with DHSS on the use of some of the OIB ARRA grant. New business John Thompson – What are the expectations for youth to get services? What can we tell clients? Will the family get a personal meeting? Discussed the core mission of the CS program Ceil – Motion for Council to spend a year studying services to kids, referral process and analyze issues involved. Jointly come to a decision for better plans, from Feb 2011 through Feb 2012. Gene – Second. All are in favor. Next Meeting Suggestions for speakers at Springfield, the council expressed an interest in a speaker who specializes in transition issues recommendations suggested from MSU and/ Drury University A discussion ensued regarding the many definitions of disability used under various programs and law. John Thompson - Motion to move next meeting from Joplin to Springfield. Ceil – second All are in favor – Springfield Clay – motion to adjourn John Thompson – Second Adjourned 1