FLORIDA REHABILITATION COUNCIL FOR THE BLIND
QUARTERLY MEETING
January 20 & 21, 2006

Ramada Conference Center
2900 N. Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL  32303

MINUTES

FRIDAY, January 20th

Kathy Davis, Chair called the meeting to order at 8:20 AM.

Council members present:

Kathy Davis, Craig Kiser, Paul Kurtz, Marilyn Palmer, Mike Taylor, Terry King, Rick Brown, Doug Hall, Ted Hull, Gloria Mills, Dawn Saunders, Dwight Sayer, Sue Townsend, Ann Robinson, Don Griffin,

Council members absent:  Lee Nasehi, Denise Marshall, Jesus Garcia

DBS staff:  Phyllis Dill, Michael Elliott, Antoinette Gardner, Joe Pearson, Sam Atwood, Ana Saint-Forte, District Administrator

November minutes were approved.

DISTRICT ADMINISTRATOR REPORT

Ana Saint-Forte reported the following:

  1. District Two serves eleven counties.
  2. Fully staffed with 12 positions.
    1. 2 VR Counselor’s
    2. 1 Children’s Program Counselor
    3. 1 Independent Living/Adult Counselor
    4. 1 Customer Service
    5. 2 Rehab Techs
    6. 2 Word Processors
    7. 1 VR Supervisor (also handles College caseload)
    8. 1 Business Enterprise General Manager
    9. District Administrator
  1. Serving 171 consumers in the VR Program
    1. 46 College Students
    2. 53 VR Counselor
    3. 54 VR Counselor
    4. 18 Transition

Students from around the state have the option of keeping the counselor in their area or transferring to the local counselor in Tallahassee.

  1. Serving 215 consumers in the Independent Living/Adult Program
    1. Serving 44 consumers in the Adult Program
    2. Serving 171 Independent Living Program
  1. Serving 80 children in the Children’s Program
    1. 59 School Age ( 7 to 13)
    2. 21 Early Intervention
  1. Successful Closures this past year 44 (projected 45)
    1. 23 legally Blind
    2. 25 non legally
  1. Closed 13 in status 28 (services were provided, but client moved or decided not to pursue employment).
  1. Projections for this year
    1. 53 successful
    2. 3 Children’s Program
    3. 80 in Independent Living Adult Program (maybe more)
  1. Most of the closures in ILAP reflect more on the local CRP FIRE (Florida Institute for Rehabilitation and Education)

Ana informed the council that there was a good relationship between DBS and the local CRPs (FIRE and the Center for Independent Living).

Craig commended Ana for her part in making sure consumers were referred to the CRPs.

DIRECTOR’S REPORT

Governor’s Task Force

  1. Governor’s Accessible Electronic and Information Technology Task Force final report will be delivered to the Governor January 25th.
  2. Governor appointed the Task Force last August with an Executive Order that directed all state agencies under the Governor should be or become compliant with 508 standards immediately.
  3. The Task Force, headed by Secretary Tom Lewis, DMS, was directed to come up with recommendations within six months to the legislature for legislation, if legislation was needed, and for agencies to meet the mandate from the Governor.
  4. The Report recommends for legislature to pass legislation creating an Accessible Electronic and Information Technology Office within the Department of Management Services. 
  5. The AEIT office will serve as a monitoring and oversight agency for all state agencies software and technology to be sure it is in compliant with 508 standards as it exists when the report is delivered.  Legislation will deal with changes when they occur.
  6. The Report sets forth a time table for the 4 major statewide software systems (People First, My Florida, My Florida Market Place and ASPIRE System) to become fully 508 compliant by 2009.
  7. The Report also recommends every state agency report to the Governor by March 15th this year, what other in-house systems need to be made 508 compliant.
  8. All new systems have to meet 508 standards when acquired.
  9. The Report also included a recommendation that the legislature also address Colleges, Universities, Community Colleges, Public Schools and others, including those who do business with the state.
  10. The biggest issue discovered in the six meetings was a lack of awareness.

Craig’s response to Mike Taylor’s question on how efficient the agency was and the long term trend of serving consumers.

  1. In certain programs the numbers have gone up and in others, the numbers have gone down.
  2. In VR, the total number has gone down and this is national.  The reason is not yet determined.
  3. Florida’s number of clients in VR has dropped significantly over the last 4 or 5 years.
  4. Library services have turned around in the state of Florida, but nationally they are still going down.
  5. The last RSA 107 Annual Audit showed that Florida DBS was doing an excellent job in providing services to clients.
  6. Outreach needs to be expanded to identify those unserved or underserved around the state.
  7. The focus of the Strategic Plan for the next five years is to increase number of clients served as well as increasing the number of clients achieving their goals.
  8. Florida ranks in the top 5 among the blind agencies among the states.
  9. Last year in Florida, 98.5% of DBS clients employed, were at or above minimum wage.
  10. Florida is also ranks in the top 5 in the hourly wage.  $8.61 per hour.
  11. Craig believes the emphasis should be on increasing the number of clients served.

Direct Support Organization

  1. Created by statute a year ago.
  2. Seven members appointed by the Governor
  3. They met, organized and achieved their 501 c3 status from IRS in July.
  4. Can now go out, solicit and accept contributions.
  5. In the process and applied for several Grants.
  6. Gil Robinson is the staff person.

Gifts and Donations

  1. Three years ago, 4 Million dollars
  2. Now approximately 2 Million dollars
  3. DBS needed to replace the CRIS System
    1. These monies were used for match
  4. DBS had a deficit of 1 ½ million dollar in general revenue.
  5. Continue to receive gifts and donations each year and the funds are on the increase again.
  1. PECO funds were used to renovate the Rehab Center and the Tampa District Office.
  2. These monies were used for match
  1. Last year the legislature gave $500,000
  2. This year the Governor and legislature have included $800,000 more in the LBR
    1. The level of funding two years ago establishes what the requirement will be this year.

Eye Medical

  1. Report was emailed to council prior to meeting.
  2. Policy was rewritten for clarification purposes.

Dwight Sayer moved to accept the Eye Medical Policy.
Marilyn Palmer seconded the motion.
Motion passed.

VR Manual on DBS website.  Go to http://dbs.myflorida.com/pub/vr_manual.shtml to read the entire text.

DRAFT POLICY PRESENTATION

  1. The present Policy pertaining to self employment did not address or have a clear statement on small business funding.
  2. According to the companion Guidelines, Clients are required to have a source of funds or in kind contributions and can not be 100% funded by DBS Self Employment Enterprise.  
  3. The section in the Guidelines covering funding was inserted into the Policy.

Joe read the Policy to the Council.  He explained the process Counselor’s use before the Plan goes to the state level for approval.  He has emailed an outline for funding of a small business to the Council.

BREAK

Stephanie Wilson, Deputy Director and Steve Ritacco, Operations and Compliance joined the meeting.

Terry King moved to accept the policy change.
Dwight Sayer seconded.
After discussion motion passed.

Gloria would like to see a mentoring plan to assist those going into business.

STATE PLAN

  1. There is an attachment to the Plan that the Council has to critique and make part of the plan.
  2. Attachment 4.2c, The Summary of input and recommendations of State Rehabilitation Councils response to the designated State Unit and expansion or rejection and input or recommendations.
  3. When DBS receives the document from the Council and responds to each of the Council’s comments.
  4. DBS is obligated by regulation to either disagree or accept the comments of the summary by the Council.
  5. There were no disagreements with last year’s comments and summary.
  6. That attachment, along with 4 other attachments was forwarded to RSA for their review.
  7. Sue Rankin-White informed DBS that she was excited that the Plan went through without any hitches.
  8. RSA requested last year that DBS work with the local Work Force Agency.
  9. Last year WIA forwarded their Plan independently and without either of the VR agencies plan.
  10. DBS has received a memorandum indicating the time frame for this year.
  11. DBS will be asking the Council to look at Attachment 4.2c and give comments and input.
  12. The attachment will be sent out the first part of February and discussed at the April meeting.
  13. The Plan is due May 31st.
  14. A Preprint provides RSA information on how the agency is run.  It has a five year run.  At the end of each year if there are no changes, all that is required is an attachment of things accomplished during the past year.

Mike assured Council the plan would be completed in time for the Council to provide input at the April meeting.

Kathy appointed a committee to review the State Plan via teleconference.
Appointed to the committee were:  Ann Robinson, Chair; Dwight Sayer, Paul Kurtz, Jesus Garcia, Kathy Davis and Joe Pearson

WILLOWS PROGRAM

Stael Exantus, VR Counselor in District 10, Ft. Lauderdale reported to the Council of the relationship between DBS and Willows (this is the name of the company).

  1. Willows is a cyber agent and are leaders in providing capability to use the internet on the website.
  2. A DBS client with the proper computer skills and is proficient in JAWS, Windows and Zoom text and is professional, can be a candidate to work for Willows.
  3. Some of Willows clients are Home Depot, Sears and other companies.
  4. Training for Willows can be done at home.
  5. Presently there are 4 clients working with Willows.
  6. It takes approximately $6,000 to train someone for the Willows program.
  7. The salary is between $10 and $15 an hour.
  8. The client is required to be incorporated.
  9. Client is not working for Willows, but pays them a commission.
  10. DBS has a contract with DITECH to support in the field with set-ups and setting up the network.
  11. Client is able to set their own schedule and hours.

Stael asked Leonardo Baines, a client employed by Willows, to tell the Council about his experience with Willows.

Leonardo uses JAWS serving Sears, setting up appointments for appliances and equipment needing repairs.  Also, calls on how the technician performed services, providing information on service agreements when they expire on various warrantees.  This is done on a web-based switch board. He does this part-time from 15 to 25 hours a week. 

STRATEGIC PLANNING

Bob Seemer was unable to attend, but provided his report in accessible handouts.  Craig gave some highlights to the Council.

  1. Division has adopted a vision and mission statement.
  2. A document that sets forth more detail has been emailed to the Council.
  3. Bob and Craig will be visiting every district between now and the end of February to meet with staff and discuss the plan in detail.
  4. Stephanie Wilson, Sam Atwood and staff in headquarters, are already working on Outreach in terms of Awareness Project.
  5. The goals and measurements of the Strategic Plan will become part of every DBS employee’s evaluation process.
  6. An awards and recognition program is planned for employees.
  7. Though not part of the Council’s responsibility, their suggestions and input are welcomed.
  8. Data is being gathered to support the request to the legislature to increase the base pay of DBS staff.

Craig also handed out the Vacancies and New Hires between November and January in Braille and print.

LUNCH BREAK

Meeting resumed at 1:10 PM

CONSUMER COMPLAINTS

Sam Atwood explained what his position as Ombudsman for DBS entailed.

  1. The client advocate position was created 4 years ago.
  2. Position is directly under the Deputy Director.
  3. Also works very closely with Client Services.
  4. Help to resolve conflicts, issues and concerns between clients and staff.
  5. Provides the Division information on the nature of complaints and concerns that are ongoing.
  6. There has been a dramatic decrease in the number of client complaints this past year.
  7. The nature of complaints is changing.
  8. Communication has been the biggest factor.
  9. Level of documentation by the Counselors has increased.
  10. Addressing Policies and making appropriate changes has helped.
  11. A big issue is with clients having unrealistic expectations.
  12. The biggest complaint is  - I Want A Job.
  13. Advises client of the Client Assistance Program.

COMMISSIONER JOHN WINN

  1. Has been legally blind since birth from a defect of the optic nerve and nystagmus.
  2. Went through public schools without special services.
  3. Graduated from Leon High in Tallahassee.
  4. Received first services from DBS in college.
  5. Considers himself a formable advocate.
  6. Commissioner Winn has served 34 years with the Department of Education.
  7. Began teaching in 1970 for eleven years in the public schools.
  8. Started with the Department of Education in 1984.
  9. Served as Policy Advisor to Frank Brogan.
  10. Joined the Bush administration in 1999 as the Education Policy Advisor.
  11. After three years, returned back to DOE and helped reorganize the department with the K-20 concept of education.
  12. Served as Deputy Commissioner and Chief of Staff.
  13. Last year the State Board asked him to assume the role of Commissioner.
  14. Very pleased DBS moved into the Turlington Building.
  15. Understands the need for better compensation with starting salaries and looking to see what can be done internally.
  16. Will schedule a presentation on Just Read Florida.
  17. Florida has improved student learning performance and is recognized nationally as a state on the move.
  18. Last year on the National Assessment of Education Progress.
  19. This year was the first time that students with disabilities were included in the FCAT test rating formula.
  20. Believes the Division of Blind Services can make the Department of Education better.

Ann Robinson advised Commissioner Winn of the DBS VR Policy Manual to be placed on the web site and recommends that other agencies do the same.

Craig informed the Council of Commissioner Winn putting his foot down and saying that until My Florida Market Place was made accessible, DBS would not go online.

Commissioner Winn suggested that Mike Taylor contact the local Community College or school board about setting up adult blind classes in Arts and Crafts, Braille, CPR, etc. 

Commissioner’s presentation ended at 2:35 PM

AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORT

Committee consisted of Ann Robinson, Chair, Gloria Mills, Terry King, Ted Hull and Kathy Davis.  The Committee had a teleconference on September 16th and came up with suggestions for training topics for the Council. 

  1. Ombudsman Report. (occurred this meeting)
  2. Training each meeting on the DBS Policy Manual. (occurred this meeting)
  3. Report from Craig on the Eye Medical Policy. (occurred this meeting)
  4. DBS VR Manual put on the web site. (now in place)
  5. Presentation on current marketing strategies on public relations on DBS.
  6. More detailed Director’s Report on major issues, i.e., job placements, Social Security reimbursements, happenings on the federal level, etc.
  7. Status report on the Gifts and Donations on how they are utilized, etc. (this may be a part of the Director’s Report)

Craig addressed the issue concerning the Kilimanjaro trip and Gifts and Donations.  A letter was submitted for the $1800 in donations received specifically for the trip, to be put into the Gifts and Donations funds for accountability of the monies.  The remaining funds for the trip were paid by Craig, personally. 

Craig informed the Council that Suzanne Tillman, RSA liaison, will be in Florida February 8th and 9th to meet with DBS and VR as well as others that work with the agencies to gather concerns that will assist RSA in making decisions.  Since the dismantling of the regional offices and consolidation into Washington, D.C., nothing has occurred.   RSA is considering doing a pilot with 4 states (Florida included) to conduct a test of how the process should work in the future.  There are still issues concerning whether or not they will do sample audits or will they ask agencies to conduct self audit. 

Council agreed that Kathy should invite Sue Tillman to the April meeting.

Craig informed the Council that the statutes mandate that there be 13 Randolph Shepherd employees throughout the United States.  Presently there are only three.   A federal suit has been filed.  Even though they have never met the full requirement, the dismantling of RSA has made it impossible to meet their expectations.

BREAK

Meeting resumed at 3:25 PM

DBS TRAINING

Michael covered Referrals

  1. DBS doesn’t accept referrals.
  2. Based on history, referrals were placed in 00 and the clock did not start at that time.
  3. Now, when the Application is completed it is considered a referral and goes directly into Status 02 and consumer becomes an applicant and the clock starts. (DBS has 60 days to determine eligibility)

Antoinette covered Application, Eligibility and Timeframes

  1. DBS has 10 days to contact the individual from time application is received to inform them of the requirements and to gather the necessary information to initiate determining eligibility.
  2. The 60 day eligibility timeframe starts from the date the application is received (by phone, in person or by mail) unless an unforeseen circumstance occurs. (death, sickness or an extended evaluation is needed)
  3. Eligibility Criteria
    1. Have a bilateral eye condition
    2. Have an impediment to employment
    3. Can benefit in terms of employment
    4. Situation requires VR services
  1. The individual is determined eligible when they have met all 4 criteria.
  2. The Counselor records eligibility into the system and has 30 days to develop a plan for the [client]. (DBS is averaging 23 days)
  3. The Plan must be designed to achieve an employment outcome.
  4. The Plan is developed with collaboration between the individual and Counselor.
  5. This process is posted on the website.
  6. Eligibility can only be determined by the Counselor, Supervisor or the District Administrator.
  7. Rehab Tech may recognize that the individual is not eligible, but the determination is made by the VRC, DA or Supervisor.
  8. DBS Clients in the Transition Program ready for VR services must be recommended by the Children’s Counselor and staffed with the VRC.  The VRC then meets with the child and their parents and then goes through the VR criteria to determine if the child will be eligible for the VR program.  The only information used from the previous file is the basic demographics.
  9. There is no set age to begin the VR program until when an individual begins to view employment as an outcome. (may be as young as 12; usually age 14).

Mike gave the following criteria for the Independent Living Program.

  1. Must be legally blind.
  2. Individuals not interested in employment
  3. A few are under age 55, but additional documentation must be provided when someone younger is in the ILAP program and not in the VR program.

Craig informed the Council of a second transition program for juniors and seniors who have identified college as a goal.  The student is taken to a campus (Daytona Beach College, Florida or Florida State University) for 6 weeks.  They live in a dorm and money is provided to live on and the parents are asked not to supplement these funds so they may learn how to take care of their own budget.  They are shown on the first day where things are and how to get there then they are responsible for attending class on their own. 

Mike said that they were planning on using some of the requested funds to have the summer transition program year round.

Because Ann would not be attending the meeting on Saturday, she gave the CAP report.

  1. CAP is very pleased with DBS’ 30 day time frame for determining eligibility developing the IDPE.  The general agency’s time frame is 120 days.
  2. Because of the hurricane there haven’t been a lot of calls this past quarter.
  3. In terms of marketing educations, it should also be aimed at the constituents.

Agenda items for the April meeting

  1. State Plan Council Comments – Joe Pearson - Ann Robinson
  2. Strategic Plan Update – Bob Seemer
  3. DBS Marketing Strategies – Sam Atwood
  4. RSA  Update – Sue Tillman (if accepts invitation)
  5. Just Read Florida update – Mary Laura Openshaw (invite again)
  6. DBS Training on Plan Development

October Meeting Discussion

Locations recommended:  Ft. Myers, Ocala and Ft. Lauderdale

After discussion, Doug Hall moved to hold the meeting in Ft. Myers.
Gloria seconded his motion.
Motion passed.

Dates are:  October 19, 20 & 21, 2006

Meeting adjourned at 4:00 PM.

FLORIDA REHABILITATION COUNCIL FOR THE BLIND
QUARTERLY MEETING
January 20 & 21, 2006

Saturday, January 21st

Kathy Davis called the meeting to order at 8:30 AM.

Council members present:

Kathy Davis, Craig Kiser, Paul Kurtz, Marilyn Palmer, Mike Taylor, Terry King, Rick Brown, Doug Hall, Ted Hull, Gloria Mills, Dawn Saunders, Dwight Sayer, Suzanne Townsend, Don Griffin

Council members absent:  Ann Robinson, Lee Nasehi, Denise Marshall, Jesus Garcia

DBS staff:  Phyllis Dill, Michael Elliott

Agenda items for the April meeting and the dates and locations for October were covered on Friday.

COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES UPDATES

NFB – Dwight Sayer

  1. February 18th, 10:00 AM at the Orange County Voters office in Orlando a Blind Disability Voters Forum partnered with the local chapters of the ACB and NFB as well as the County Supervisor of Elections for Orange, Seminole and Osceola counties, will provide information and hands-on instructions with the new accessible voting machines.
  2. January 30, 31 and February 1st, NFB will have its Washington Seminar at the Capitol Holiday Inn. 
  3. March 21, 22 and 23, NFB will have a legislative day’s seminar in Tallahassee.
  4. NFB supporting the reorganization of the TD Commission
  5. May 26, 27, 28 & 29 NFB will hold it’s State Convention in Orlando.
    1. Parents of Blind Children’s Days on May 26, and 27.
    2. Guest Talking Book Reader, Eric Savold
    3. Guest speaker Carol Kasalono
  6. NFB of Florida and the Daytona Beach Chapter has a lawsuit against Volusia County Council about its refusal to purchase accessible voting machines.  They finally gave a commitment that they would purchase machines and their attorney said they would put it in writing.
  7. The Jacksonville chapter of NFB started a radio show, “Eyes on You” and have different blind guest. (Gloria about her business, Dwight about transportation and Kathy will be on January 28th)  It is on the internet as well.

FCB – Doug Hall

  1. January 30th and 31st, there will be a statewide conference on Emergency Preparedness and Disability in Tampa at the Airport Embassy Suites.
  2. Doug has been asked by Paul Edwards, FCB President, to attend the conference because they didn’t invite anyone who was blind.
  3. ACB is holding its Legislative Seminar the beginning of February.
    1. An issue will be narrative TV.
    2. A Bill being introduced includes emergency broadcast.
  4. Paul Edwards, FCB President, stressed the need for blindness groups to work together especially with some of the decisions made regarding restriction of services including the Medicaid cuts and Medicare changes with the drug plan.
  5. July 8th – 15th, ACB National Convention in Jacksonville at the Hyatt Regency.
  6. FCB concerned that a lot of the blindness related agencies have very few blind individuals on their board.  President ask that the Council and DBS go on record as supporting to putting qualified blind individuals on the boards.
  7. Supporting legislation on the Task Force on Accessible website
  8. Doug chaired an Access Committee meeting to discuss transportation issues.
    1. Committee encourages statewide cooperation between the various county transportation systems and agencies.  Hopes to develop a coalition of groups and agencies to try and come up with a way to deal with the problem.
  1. May 11th, 12th, 13th, and 14th, Florida Council will hold its state convention in Lake Buena Vista at the Sheraton Safari.

BVA – Mike Taylor

  1. National convention had a cruise last August out of Ft. Lauderdale.
  2. Divided into 6 districts.
  3. State conventions are held the end of April or beginning of May.
  4. National conventions are held in August.
  5. Membership is 1350
  6. District meetings are going well.
  7. Ocala district meeting had almost 200 in attendance.
  8. 35 individuals have come back from Iraq blind.

FFCVI – Sue Townsend

  1. Sue serves on the committee writing Florida’s response to the National Agenda for the education of Florida’s Children and Youth with Visual Impairments, including those with multiple disabilities.
  2. Sending out a pamphlet to ophthalmologist saying “Has Your Doctor Just Told You Your Child is Visually Impaired or Blind?” 
  3. The pamphlet includes contact information for DBS and DOE.  It also includes information on Early Steps, Florida Outreach for the Deaf and Blind, FIMC, FCB, FFCVI and the National Parents of Blind Children.
  4. FFCVI holds two parent meetings a year.
  5. October meeting was in Ft. Lauderdale with 60 parents attending.  Able to get speakers from DBS, the school system and the lighthouse.
  6. Unless a child is totally blind they do not teach Braille in Broward County.
  7. The next meeting April 8th in Palatka will have recreational stuff for the children.
  8. Trying to get parents to go to Tallahassee during children’s week to set up a booth so the legislatures will be able to see the children.
  9. ACB contacted NAPVI the National Association to work at the Jacksonville meeting in July.
  10. FFCVI plans to have the kids there one day and tour the Museum of Sciences which is a “hands on” museum.
  11. FFCVI has a Newsletter and would like to have articles submitted.

IDEA – Dawn Saunders

  1. FIMC database, as of October 2005 had
    1. 183 students using Braille as their primary reading mode
    2. 51 students using Braille as their secondary reading mode
  2. This does not include students at the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind.
  3. FSU is addressing the critical shortage of teachers of the visually impaired.  To date their enrollment consists of:
    1. 33 on campus
    2. 21 at St. Pete Campus
    3. 15 at satellite campus in Georgia
  4. Florida’s response to the National Agenda has been endorsed by Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services with the permission of Deputy Chancellor, Mary Jane Tappan.
  5. Wayne Jennings and David Newton have taken the lead on getting it added to the TSBVI website.
  6. The National Agenda is available in Braille text file at www.tsbvi.edu or available for purchase in print from AFB.
  7. Suzanne Dalton, Kay Ratzlaff and Donna Ross from FIMC attended an AFB Solutions Forum that preceded the Assistive Technology conference this week in Orlando.
  8. Website for NIMAS is http://nimas.cast.org/about/fag/index.html
  9. District VI coordinators’ meeting will be held Friday, January 27th at St. Pete’s college with reps from about 30 counties.
  10. O & M meeting will be held in Orlando February 24th at the Sheraton Safari.

LIBRARY - Doug Hall

  1. Braille and Talking Book Library is hosting a Braille Awareness display during the month of January.
  2. FIMC and the Visual Aid Volunteers of Florida are hosting a conference April 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th in Altamonte Springs at the Orlando Hilton.  The keynote speaker is Dr. Abraham Nemeth (he’s working on a unified Braille code)

FILC – Doug Hall

  1. Held meeting in Orlando November 18th – 20th.
  2. Elected Chip Wilson, Jacksonville President.
  3. The Governor appointed four new members to the board.
  4. Florida hosted SILC Congress January 10th - 12th in Orlando.
  5. FILC is trying to get a Disabilities Awareness Program for all poll workers.
  6. The Advocacy Sub Committee met in November to discuss legislative issues but at the time there were none.

LIONS – Marilyn Palmer

  1. March 31st – April 2nd the Multi District 35F (Northern part of State) convention in Panama City
  2. May 4th – 7th State convention in Orlando.
  3. June 30th – July 4th International convention in Boston.
  4. Lions Camp for the Visually Impaired has proclaimed March Send a Kid to Camp Month.
  5. Cost is $800 a week for a child to go to camp.
  6. Hope to send at least 200 kids this year.
  7. Worked with hurricane victims replacing glasses.
  8. LCIF worked with UNICEF this year and it is the first time the US Government has allowed a United Nations group to offer assistance on US soil.

FAASB – Don Griffin

  1. FAASB has submitted an application ($60,000 fee) for a specialty plate.
    1. A STATE OF VISION
  2. Given a waiver on getting 120,000 signatures saying would purchase the tag but still had to provide a survey that said there were about 30,000 who would consider buying one.
  3. Currently working with DBS with their LBR and helping making cases to help them draw down more money.
  4. Dennis Maxley has agreed to chair and host a Vision Caucus in July with the legislators.
  5. FAASB meeting next month in Tampa.

CLIENT SATISFACTION SURVEY

Dr. Mary Stutzman, FSU is over the Survey Research Laboratory.  She provided last year’s final report to the Council on CD. 

  1. FSU has been conducting the survey for the past 3 years.
  2. The survey instrument was developed by the Council.
  3. The survey is conducted by telephone of clients who have been closed.
  4. Last year the Council asked that the survey be done on a month to month basis.
  5. Students are paid to conduct the survey.
  6. Survey takes about 20 minutes.
  7. The response rate is usually between 35 to 40 per cent.
  8. Bureau of Client Services in the State Office provides a list of closed cases.
  9. There is a very low refusal rate.
  10. Survey is showing 90 % overall satisfaction with the agency. 
  11. 96% surveyed would recommend services to someone else.
  12. 2002 survey question if staff treated client in a professional manner was 85% yes and this survey it jumped to 92%.
  13. When asked what the most helpful service was, the leader was medical, then training and equipment.
  14. When asked what was the least helpful service 60% said they couldn’t think of any.
  15. Half of the people surveyed still say no improvement is necessary.
  16. Most think there’s not enough advertising done for DBS.

Dwight Sayer moved to continue with FSU conducting the survey.
Paul Kurtz seconded the motion.
Motion Passed.

OPEN DISCUSSION

Mike Taylor would like for whoever has the floor to stand at the next meeting.

Terry is concerned that computer instructors are not qualified to teach and would like to have some kind of certification for instructors.

Craig said that DBS provided training periodically to all trainers on various software products.  Gregg Luther offers a test, but most certifications are a test of what a trainer knows and not their ability to apply it.  He also said that before a client has their first class they should have already gone through the tutorial. 

Kathy suggests that the Community Colleges could offer a course in adaptive equipment and give a certification.

Craig added that there should be one course in skills and one in teaching.
Also, should be able to train in all areas.

Craig said the DBS is presently trying to make training available so clients don’t have to travel. 

Craig is urging staff to identify clients who will benefit from attending FCB and NFB state conventions and send those clients to the conventions.  He is also encouraging staff to attend the conventions. 

Craig would like to see clients more involved with the local chapters.
Terry informed the Council that he has asked Craig to be the guest speaker at the banquet at the BVA convention in Daytona May 4th – 6th.

Meeting adjourned at 11:00 AM.