Approved April 19, 2007

FLORIDA REHABILITATION COUNCIL FOR THE BLIND

QUARTERLY MEETING

January 19 and 20, 2007

Minutes

Hilton Garden Inn

189 Midway Avenue

Daytona Beach, FL 32114

FRIDAY, January 19th

Jesus Garcia, Chair called the meeting to order at 8:35 AM.

Council members present: Jesus Garcia, Kathy Davis, Rick Brown, Doug Hall, Terry King, Lee Nasehi, Gloria Mills, Denise Marshall, Marilyn Palmer, Ann Robinson, Dawn Saunders, Dwight Sayer, Michael Taylor, Sue Townsend

Council members absent: Paul Kurtz, Ted Hull, and Craig Kiser

DBS staff present: Phyllis Dill, Kurt Ponchak, Antoinette Gardner, Chris Masal, Ed Hudson, Mary Ellen Ottman, Alex McGlaughlin District Administrator, Steve Perry and Suzie Hipple

Audience present: Ronee Hudson, Robert Kelly, Patty Sayer

DISTRICT ADMINISTRATOR REPORT

Alex McGlaughlin reported the following:

• District emphasizes rehabilitation through collaboration.
• Serve 4 counties – Volusia, Flagler, Putnam, and Brevard.
• Sixteen staff which include 10 professional.
• Five Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) counselors.
• Five professional staff is visually impaired.
• Caseload size is in excess of 600 clients.
• Approximately 300 VR clients.
• Between 150 – 200 Independent Living adult.
• Around 100 children.
• Blind Babies: 25 – 30
• Other services include approximately 75 – 80 clients.
• District has a special emphasis on Out Reach.
• Received $200,000 this past October of transition services.
• VR program has met 37 of the goal of 71.
• Independent Living Adult program has met 80 of the goal of 130.
• There will be a 100% turnover in staff over the next 18 – 24 months.
• Alex personally has 23 years with DBS.

Alex introduced Suzie Hipple and Steve Perry and asked them to give a summary of their contributions to the district.

Suzie Hipple

• Employed with DBS for 9 ½ years.
• Moved to the district office this past April.
• Visually impaired.
• Uses Zoom Text, JAWS and a tape recorder.
• Focusing on Out Reach in contacting people, agencies and employers.
• Has worked with other staff in developing a strong job club.
• The Club started with 16 people of which 5 are now employed and 4 have dropped out.
• Placements include: Hyatt in Orlando in room service, McDonalds, Restaurant as a dishwasher, Computer troubleshooter.

Steve Perry, VR Counselor

• Visually Impaired since infancy and has some vision.
• Sometimes uses Zoom Text.
• Has a Masters Degree in Visual Impairment from FSU, a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist, Certified Rehabilitation Therapist, getting 3rd Masters in Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of Texas.
• Has been an educator in the field of visual impairment 10 years.
• Has worked in two different Community Rehabilitation Center (CRC) programs, one in Louisiana and the Conklin Center in Daytona Beach.
• Has a caseload of 60 clients.
• He considers the personal touch is important whether a teacher or counselor.
• Has reached out to the Western Volusia County and Deland Chambers of Commerce.
• Feels it is important to approach Palafax Hospital with two different points of view.
• Has reached out to the Work Force Development Board, and will be contacting the Human Resource Management, Volusia Manufactures Human Resource Committee and the LIONS Club.
• Approximately 60% - 70% of time is spent on services which leave 30% for PR and referrals.
• A Job Developer Position is seriously needed.

STRATEGIC PLAN UPDATE

Bob Seemer, Management Consultant reviewed the following update of the Strategic Plan previously emailed to the Council.

A. Strategic Plan Overview

• Implementation commenced July, 2006. This is the fourth year DBS has used this process.
• Currently in second round of statewide progress reviews for this fiscal year.
• The Strategic Plan consists of four (4) goals, or focus areas:
  1. Customer Satisfaction and Success.
  2. Market Share.
  3. Employee Development.
  4. Fiscal Results.
• These four (4) goals have been deployed to all DBS customer segments, district, and other locations.

B. Goal Number 1 – Customer Satisfaction and Success

• Projects are underway to improve performance in all nine DBS core and support processes, using results from the FSU survey and process metrics as input, including:

1) County initiatives to improve employment opportunities and access to public transportation. (Brevard County was pilot and as a result, Brevard County has added $427,000 for improving the transportation system. Another proposal to be accepted next month, will add $75,000 for county staff support. Goal for next year is to expand to 5 more counties around the state.)

2) Process initiatives in the Braille and Talking Book Library to improve service and efficiency.

3) Newly designed customer satisfaction surveys in the Library and Orientation and Adjustment Center to improve analysis and service.

4) The Governor’s Sterling Award challenge to increase awareness, employment opportunities, and recognition. Findings from the Sterling process have been incorporated into the Strategic Plan and include more than 35 improvement projects.

Bob informed the council that the Sterling Award was an annual process and is broken down into three sectors: Public, Private and Educational. The criteria are broken down into seven major areas: leadership, strategic planning, customer focus, information and analysis management, human resources, process management, and results.

The Award will be announced in late May. Bob is working on making document more user friendly and to create a synopsis of about 10 pages. He emailed Phyllis the document to forward to the Council and brought a few hard copies to the meeting. He stated that the results in category 7 will show how far the division, with the Council’s leadership, has come over the last several years.

5) Potential challenge for the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award.

6) AWARE implementation.

7) Vendor Certification process implementation.

C. Goal Number 2 – Market Share

Projects include the Statewide Public Outreach Campaign, the Sterling process, and the potential Baldrige process.

This initiative goes hand-in-hand with the efforts to improve process performance and capability so that the needs of more customers can be satisfied.

D. Goal Number 3 – Employee Development

Projects include the following:

1) Values-based recognition system.

2) Leaderboard and incentives program.

3) Analytical training so employees can improve performance.

4) Classroom training sessions to further deploy and reinforce the DBS vision, mission, and values.

5) Improved alignment of the employee performance evaluation system and the strategic plan and process measures.

E. Goal Number 4 – Fiscal Results

Projects are in place to:

1) Expand opportunities and revenue in the Business Enterprise program.

2) Improve efficiency and Return on Investment (ROI) through process management.

The implementation of these initiatives through the Strategic Planning process has led to improvements in many areas, and improved satisfaction and outcomes for DBS customers.

A successful challenge for the Florida Governor’s Sterling Award will provide statewide, and some national, recognition to DBS practices and results. This will lead to increased awareness, career opportunities, and improved quality of life for DBS customers, and all citizens with disabilities.

A successful Baldrige challenge will provide awareness, recognition and opportunities at the national level.

For further information, or to comment on any aspect of this presentation, please contact Bob Seemer at:

Email: rseemer@etsfl.com

Phone: (321) 636-2212

LEGISLATIVE BUDGET REPORT

Kurt Ponchak set the stage for DBS’ budget presentation.

• DBS budget presentation will occur sometime in February.
• Two documents were emailed to the Council last week.
  • Excel Spreadsheet showing the funding.
  • Word document of the D3A
• Not included in the documents was the Public Education Capital Outlay Request for construction projects in Daytona at the Orientation and Adjustment Center.
• The 8.1 million dollar request includes:
  • New Dorm (6.4M) will include 45 apartment suites that will accommodate two students if needed.
  • Additional storm water and parking lot projects and perimeter fencing.
• Current dorm will stay in place until the new dorm is completed then demolished.
• The LBR also includes a request for match for the VR Babies Support Program of $693,000.
• The federal authorizations have averaged an increase of about 5%.
• The match requirement in VR has been met for the last 2 years.
• Requesting an additional $500,000 in the Blind Babies Program.
• The average cost per child a few years ago was $2,500 and due to inflation has risen and will be determined in the future to the new average.

Lee Nasehi informed the Council that it costs CRPs at least $5,000 a year to serve a child and DBS contracts for $2,500. There has not been an increase in rate since the programs begin in 2000.

• The LBR is requesting $1,953,000 for the Children’s Program.
• The current funding statewide for the Children’s Program is $657,000 to serve 1,044 children. This causes a $1,870 shortfall per child.
• The LBR request for the Independent Living Program is $240,000 for the micropolitan areas.
• Florida has two micropolitan areas in the top ten: The Villages and Palm Coast.
• The LBR is requesting $50,000 for the Keystone System at the Library.

Administrative Issues

• DBS is asking for a class adjustment for Counselors, Rehab Techs and District Administrators.
• For employees not falling into a class, will work on getting additional dollars for performance base pay increases.
• Also looking into replacing antiquated computer equipment and old furniture.
• The Daytona district office is scheduled for renovation in about another year and will include additional space for CVI.
• DBS entered into a contract with the Department of Management Services and sent out request for proposals to architects and engineers.
• The proposals came in last week and are being reviewed.      
• Construction should begin late February are early March on the administrative building.
• Included in the project is the Library Annex.
• The Library Annex will include 4 new recording studios, new offices, etc.

CONKLIN CENTER REPORT

Robert Kelly, Executive Director of the Conklin Center addressed the Council.

• The Conklin Center is the only organization in the United States dedicated to the adult blind and multi-handicap blind.
• The only private residential training facility in the State.
• Center founded in 1979.
• Has a statewide outreach.
• The Dayton Residential Facility provides comprehensive evaluations.
• Trainings are personalized one-on-one.
• The Center offers life long support and follow-up services to graduates who have a significant need.
• 25% of graduates qualify for funding on an on-going basis through the Agency for Persons with Disabilities.
• 75% don’t meet Florida’s definition of developmentally impaired.
• There are 45 active members in an alumni association who function as a group of organized blind.

BREAK

PRIVATE PROVIDER REPORT

Ronee Hudson, Executive Director of CVI (Center for Visually Impaired)

• The Mission is: To provide comprehensive adjustment to blindness training and support for youth and adults.
• Kathy Davis founded CVI in 1988.
• The first year CVI served around 30 clients and seniors only.
• CVI now serves Independent Living, VR clients and transition.
• CVI currently serves 4 counties: Volusia, Flagler, Putnam and Brevard.
• CVI Services include:
  • Techniques for Daily Living classes are taught in the center, on an individual basis and at some libraries, churches and other community areas depending on the need.
  • A full time staff member provides daily living skills only on an individual basis to those who are home bound.
  • Orientation and Mobility services are provided in 4 counties by 3 O&M Specialists.
  • CVI recently received a grant from Microsoft to open a technology center for blind individuals in the area.
  • PALS (people adjusting to limited sight) self help groups that meet in all counties for educational, recreational, and social reasons.
  • "Visioneers" is a new group in Brevard County which is composed of working age blind individuals.
  • Transition Program is provided year round.
• CVI has over 150 people attending support groups.
• Looking forward to a new building next year to meet the growing demand of services.
• Main source of funding is DBS.
• Receives grants from the United Way of Volusia and Brevard Counties, and Volusia Department of Children and Families.
• Applied for a small grant with Flagler County.

DIRECTOR’S REPORT

In Craig’s absence, Kurt Ponchak gave the Director’s Report.

Before the report, Kurt informed the Council that he had spoken with the State Office and made it clear that the data provided Dr. Stutzman for the Client Satisfaction Survey was a priority and should be made available as soon as possible.

Ann read the report to the Council.

Sterling Award

The Division filed its application for the Governor's Sterling Award. There will be onsite reviews conducted by a team of 9 examiners during the week of March 12. They will be visiting the Daytona Beach campus and several district offices, in addition to headquarters in Tallahassee. We will be advised in April if we won. Win or not, this process has helped DBS improve in numerous ways.

Commissioner' Resignation

As you know, Commissioner John Winn submitted his resignation effective the end of February. There has been no word of a new appointment. Commissioner Winn has been a strong supporter of DBS and we will miss him.

Business Enterprises

In December, I met with Laura Bedard, Assistant Secretary of the Department of Corrections. Corrections is exempt from the mandatory provisions of the Little Randolph-Sheppard Act. During our discussions, she indicated a willingness to turn over more than 40 new vending locations to DBS vendors. She subsequently notified me that she discussed it with the Secretary of Corrections and he is in agreement. She is currently gathering data about the locations and will contact me for further negotiations.

Vision Summit

Last year, Representative Dennis Baxley and several other legislators organized a group of legislators into a Vision Caucus to better provide a forum for vision issues to be brought to the attention of the Florida Legislature and to better focus on vision issues. They now have more than 20 members and are conducting a Vision Summit at the Capitol on February 6. Among others, I have been asked to address the Summit. Some of the other speakers include Lee Nasehi, Ellie Dupre, Senate President Ken Pruitt, Speaker of the House Marco Rubio, and several doctors prominent in eye medical research and treatment. The highlight of the summit will be an address from Governor Crist. This Vision Caucus can become a fantastic opportunity for the blind of Florida. We should recognize and thank the Florida Association of Agencies Serving the Blind or FAASB for the creation of the Vision Caucus.

General Operations

As usual, the staff of DBS continues to perform its normal high quality services on a day to day basis. The outstanding quality services provided by DBS staff and the private providers has become so routine that it’s easy to overlook just how special they are. In looking at our performance as part of the application process for Sterling, it became apparent that Florida is blessed with people who are willing to work long hard hours under often difficult conditions to provide high quality services for people who are blind or visually impaired. We owe them a debt of gratitude. I pledge to continue trying to get appropriate compensation and recognition for their work.

LUNCH BREAK

Meeting resumed at 1:05 PM.

UPDATE ON ORIENTATION AND ADJUSTMENT CENTER

Ed Hudson, Director

• Center will run at half capacity (15 -20 students) during renovations.
• Normally the number of students is 35 – 40 with about 25 in the general VR Program.
• Moving some of the class room operations into the Dorm and Manderfield Industrial Training Lab (MTTL).
• The renovations to the administration building will began next February and the staff will be housed in a trailer at MTTL.
• Adding technology to the O&M curriculum.
• Expanding the recreational opportunities.
• DBS working with Comptroller to set up a checking account so funds can be moved from the budget to cover off campus recreational activities, etc.
• A future plan is to have a space dedicated as a Career Counseling Center.
• A new dorm has been included in the proposal.
• Original Campus was 42 acres donated by the military in the late 1940’s.
• The Conklin Center and LIONS occupied a portion of the land also.
• The Rehab Center moved to its present location in 1950.
• An interview is scheduled for February 2nd with an O&M instructor.
• Arrangements to have the Conklin Center’s O&M instructor to teach a few students at night.

Mary responded to Terry’s question concerning how many clients have not conformed to the mandatory curriculum and Ann’s question on what type of accessibility the Center had for someone in a wheelchair:

• An older gentleman did not want to comply and chose to leave because he only wanted intensive computer training and did not want to return to work
• A young lady agreed that she wasn’t making progress and missed a lot of classes and was only interested in the recreational activities after hours.
• Currently, the Center has one accessible room.
• As an option, Conklin Center is willing to work with providing assistance.
• The new Dorm will meet ADA requirements and all rooms will be accessible.

Terry asked if any action was being taken to upgrade the CRP’s standards and was informed that this year a new auditing process is being implemented for all CRPs.

Ed introduced Cynthia Slater, Supervisor of Instructors and Holly Idler, Mobility instructor. He also introduced two students, Bo and Tyrone.

Tyrone

• At age 14 had a stroke and in a coma.
• Taught not to be ashamed to say what he wants.
• Teaching to read Braille.
• Working on GED.
• Learning how to cook.
• Loves it at the center.
• Gave thanks to everyone.

Beau

• Became totally blind in 2005 due to RP.
• DBS provided JAWS training.
• Sent to Arkansas for training in the IRS program.
• Learned the entire Braille program in 5 months.
• October 2006 started with the Center.
• Learning cooking skills.
• Job interview skills.

AWARE DEMONSTRATION

Antionette Williams informed the Council that the State Office was pleased with the new AWARE system. She introduced Chris Masal to the Council to explain the AWARE system.

• AWARE stands for Accessible Web based Activity and Reporting Environment.
• A data base program.
• It’s accessible.
• Its web based.
• It’s user friendly.
• Alliance is the company behind AWARE with a 100% success rate.
• Alliance has been around 23 years and has worked with other VR agencies across the U.S.
• AWARE is capable of advancing, enhancing and updating technology every year.
• AWARE allows accessibility to other systems.
• Allows CRPs limited access thus increasing timeliness of services.

BUSINESS AND ENTERPRISES PROGRAM AND RANDOLPH SHEPPARD

Gene Newcomb, Compliance Director

• There are 4 types of facilities.
  • Snack
  • Cafeteria
  • Highway vending
  • Vending only – non highway
• Client Services Program is only way to get in the Business Enterprise Program.
• Other state licenses are not recognized by BBE.
• Must demonstrate competency.
• Some course work can be Clept.
• After being referred to the program initial eligibility must be determined using 3 federal requirements and 1 state.
  • Legally blind with documentation
  • U.S. Citizen
  • Must be at least 18 years old.
  • Florida requires a high school diploma.
• Five local business consultants in State: Tallahassee, Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa and Miami.
• Very rare that an all vending area will go to a newly licensed individual.
• Having a good business sense is critical.
• Referred to the Orientation and Adjustment Center when client remains interested after going through a short work experience.
• The Center does an assessment to see if they are community ready, have some computer skills, and math skills.
• If they need enhancement to bring them up to speed they will receive training either at the Center or any of the Rehab Centers around the state.
• If the deficits are eradicated then they are sent back to the Orientation and Adjustment Center for Modular Training.
• There are 6 modules, each about 2 weeks.
  • Computer Training and Safety & Sanitation
  • Business & Enterprise Forms, reporting, recording products and inventory management.
  • Small business records keeping, laws, regulations and policies.
  • Vending machine operation and repair.
  • Food service, cafeteria equipment, purchase, maintenance and use of equipment, how to train employees on equipment and how to access the repair net work.
  • Marketing skills and customer relations and money management.
• Anyone can take all 6 modules in a pretest and if they get 75% correct they will be exempt from taking the course.
• An individual has two opportunities to take the exam for each module and must get 75% correct.
• If individual fails the second time they can appeal to take the module again.
• When finished with the modular training then they have on-the-job training they could take 4 – 5 months.
• BBE is in the planning stage of opening a facility in Tallahassee as an on-the-job training facility with a hired salaried under contract employee who would run the business and provide on-the-job training.
• After completing the program successfully, the individual is licensed and eligible to bid on open vacancies.
• Currently the vacancies are offered 3 times a year.
• Award is given on performance and qualifications, not monetary.
• Selection process is done by a 5 member panel with 3 being approved by the State Committee of Vendors.
• The current set aside rate is 6% of net profit.
• DBS owns equipment with the vendor being responsible for upkeep and reimbursable repair up to $400.

BREAK

Meeting resumed at 3:30 PM

Jesus asked the Council members to refrain from soliciting personal business during the meeting. He stated that the Council has certain responsibilities in serving DBS, consumers, and taxpayers, and believes personal business conducted during meetings intrudes with the Council addressing the issues before them. Information will be welcomed, but not business promotion.

Because Lee Nasehi would not be in attendance on Saturday, Jesus amended the agenda and allowed her to give the FAASB report.

FAASB – Lee Nasehi

• Providers and DBS will be attending a statewide workshop addressing standards and indicators for the year round transition program.
• The State of Vision license plate will be available February 14th.
• Gift cards are available for the license plate.
• The local Orlando chapter is working on having a Braille Challenge next year.
• NAASB National Fall Conference will be hosted by Orlando.
• The relationship with the optometrist and ophthalmologist has increased and they are helping sell the license plate also.
• FAASB is trying to get special appropriations for West Palm Beach to get another Lighthouse.
• DBS is giving New Vision for Independence a chance to provide independent living skills for adults in Lake and Sumter counties.
• The Lighthouse is looking into an industries program.
• Dwight is heading up the exploratory committee for a document imaging business that would employ visually impaired people.

INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES EDUCATION ACT (IDEA 2004)

Dawn presented the following report:

PROCEDURAL SAFEGUARDS

Procedural safeguards are a set of rights afforded to students with disabilities and their parents regarding the provisions of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA 2004) in order to ensure that parents are given the opportunity to be partners in decisions made regarding the educational program of their students. At the very minimum, parents must be provided with a notice of procedural safeguards:

• upon initial referral or when the parent has requested evaluation;
• upon the school district’s refusal to conduct an initial evaluation as requested by the parent;
• upon notification of an individual educational plan team (IEP) meeting;
• upon parent consent to re-evaluate a student;
• upon the school district’s receipt of a request for a due process hearing; and
• any other time a parent requests a copy.

Most districts in Florida either use the document available from the Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services Clearinghouse Information Center or create their own document, based upon State Board of Education Rule 6A-6.03311, Florida Administrative Code (FAC) and IDEA. Some districts, on their IEP forms have an area to indicate whether or not a parent accepted a verbal summary of the procedural safeguards at that particular meeting. This practice is not a state or federal requirement.

Florida Department of Education procedural safeguards:

http://www.fldoe.org/ese/pubxhome.asp

o Please note that this document has not yet been revised to incorporate changes made in IDEA 2004.

US Department of Education Forms and Technical Assistance:

o Procedural Safeguards notice:

http://www.ed.gov/policy/speced/guid/idea/modelform-safeguards.doc

o Procedural Safeguards: Consent and Notice:

http://www.ed.gov/policy/speced/guid/idea/tb-safeguards-1.doc

o Procedural Safeguards: Mediation and Resolution sessions: http://www.ed.gov/policy/speced/guid/idea/tb-safeguards-2.doc

o Procedural Safeguards: Due Process:

http://www.ed.gov/policy/speced/guid/idea/tb-safeguards-3.doc

The procedural safeguards cover 11 specific areas:

Prior written notice. Parents have the right to prior written notice from the school district a reasonable time before taking any action regarding a student, including evaluation, placement, changing placement, or the provision of a free appropriate public education. The notice must be written in language that is understandable to the general public and in the native language of the parent, unless it is not feasible to do so.

Informed Consent. Before a student can be evaluated for special education, provided with special education and related services, or reevaluated, the parent must give written consent. Parents must be informed of all information that is important to the activity for which consent is sought.

Participation in Meetings. Parents must be given the opportunity to participate in meetings regarding the identification, evaluation, eligibility, reevaluation, and educational placement of their child. This does not include informal or unscheduled conversations involving school district personnel and conversations on issues such as teaching methodology, lesson plans, or coordination of service provisions.

Records. Parents have the right to inspect and review any of their student’s educational records that are collected, maintained, or used by the school district in the education of the student within 30 days of the request.

Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE). If a parent does not agree with an evaluation obtained by the school district, the parent may request an independent educational evaluation (IEE). This evaluation is performed by an individual who is not an employee of the school district.

Mediation. Parents and school districts have the opportunity to participate in mediation as an informal and non-litigious means of resolving disagreements. Mediation is provided at no cost to the parent or the district. Agreements made during mediation are legally binding.

State Complaint Procedures. The Florida Department of Education (FDOE) maintains a state complaint procedure whereby parents and other interested parties may file a state complaint alleging that a school district has violated state or federal requirement regarding the education of students with disabilities.

Due Process Hearings. Parents may request a due process hearing as a means of complaint resolution. Due process hearings are conducted by the FDOE through an impartial administrative law judge (ALJ).

Discipline. If a student’s behavior impedes learning or the learning of others, strategies and supports must be considered in the development of the student’s IEP. Additional provisions regarding short and long term removals from school and alternative educational settings are also addressed.

Private School Placement. If the district has made FAPE available to a student with a disability, but the parent has elected to place the student in a private school without the consent or referral of the school district, the district is not required to pay for the cost of sending the student to the private school.

Transfer of Parental Rights. When a student turns 18, unless he or she has been determined incompetent under Florida law, the rights afforded parents under IDEA transfer to the student. Parents will continue to receive notices.

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY

Assistive Technology Technical Assistance Paper:

http://www.firn.edu/doe/commhome/pdf/y2004-11.pdf

The use of assistive technology by a student with a disability is determined by the Individual Educational Plan Team. In most cases, once the team has determined that a student may benefit from the use of assistive technology, the student will undergo an assistive technology evaluation, given parent consent. After this evaluation has been completed, the team will meet again and make recommendations for the provision of assistive technology as well as instruction in the use of that technology.

Meeting adjourned at 4:25 PM.

Saturday, January 20th - Jesus Garcia, Chair called the meeting to order at 8:30 AM.

Council members present: Jesus Garcia, Kathy Davis, Rick Brown, Doug Hall, Terry King, Gloria Mills, Denise Marshall, Marilyn Palmer, Ann Robinson, Dawn Saunders, Dwight Sayer, Michael Taylor, Sue Townsend

Council members absent: Paul Kurtz, Ted Hull, Craig Kiser, Lee Nasehi

DBS staff present: Phyllis Dill, Kurt Ponchak, Ed Hudson, Mary Ellen Ottman

APPROVAL OF OCTOBER MINUTES

Motion to approve minutes with noted corrections received a second and passed.

AGENDA ITEMS FOR APRIL MEETING

• AWARE Presentation (after lunch on Friday)
• Planning of Goals for the year
• DBS Training on Client Choice and Definition of (Michael Elliott and Ann Robinson)
• Client Satisfaction Survey Update (Mary Stutzman, FSU)
• State Plan (Joe Pearson)
• Discussion on Council Meeting Schedule/Agenda
• Director’s Report
• District Administrator’s Report (Randy Morgan)
• Representative Reports
• Approval of January Minutes (do Friday morning)

Ann discussed the possibility of having the representatives reports emailed to Phyllis prior to the meeting versus spending time on the agenda for non related Council business and instead have an open discussion about issues.

Kathy moved to discuss the Council meeting schedule and agenda at the next meeting.

Motion received a second and passed.

There was discussion and concern about the number of DBS staff on the Council and those representing consumers and not having the ability to vote.

COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES UPDATES

NFB – Dwight Sayer

• NFB chapters in Florida lost 4 members over the past two months.
• Twelve delegates and two students are going to Washington January 29th, 30th and 31st to take issues to congressman and senators. Three major issues are:
  • The HAVA Act
  • Lifting the Gap on Social Security for Blind individuals.
  • Expansion of the IDEA Accessible Materials Act.
• A charter bus will take 40 – 50 NFB delegates to Tallahassee for a seminar to speak to legislators.
• A strong topic in Tallahassee will be Pedestrian Safety and what can be done to expand the White Cane Law.
• There was an exceptional session and good coverage of White Cane awareness in October.
• State convention will take place in Tampa the middle of May.

FCB – Jesus Garcia

• The Washington delegation will be coming up soon.
• Delegates will be going to Tallahassee regarding Pedestrian Safety.
• The First Vice President, using a guide dog, crossing with an audible signal was run over a block and half from his home by someone turning right on red.
• FCB had successful White Cane projects and activities in October.
• FCB State convention will take place in Tallahassee the end of May.

FCB – Doug Hall

• Four blind individuals were hit between June and October in Daytona.
• FCB president has been talking with an expert regarding several issues FCB is working on.
• There are four issues FCB will take to the Vision Summit.
  • Pedestrian awareness, safety and enforcement in laws.
  • Transportation – FCB asked the Governor to establish a task force to study the issue and come up with a reasonable way to deal with the problem.
  • Quality services for Blind children in public schools.
  • Retro fixing the AEIP – go back and fix the older systems.

Kurt informed the Council that People First or My Market Place was still not completely accessible. Most of My Florida is o.k.

BVA – Mike Taylor

• BVA conducts district meetings around the state between National and State conventions.
• State convention will take place the end of April and beginning of May.
• National convention will be in August
• Just had a district meeting in Ocala the first Saturday of January with 198 in attendance.
• BVA was organized in 1945 representing only veterans with service connected blindness but recently expanded to represent non service connected blindness.
• BVA maintains an office in Washington.
• Florida has 1325 members.

FFCVI – Sue Townsend

• FFCVI held three statewide meetings in 2006.
• Collecting letters to give to legislatures in support of the LBR.
• Sue’s two daughters and to other Florida kids have been selected to go on the Eric Weihenmayer trip to Machu Picchu this July.
• FFCVI received a $1500 grant from the LIONS to produce a pamphlet titled "Have You Just Learned That Your Child Is Blind or Visually Impaired" "Help Is Available". It will be distributed to all ophthalmologist offices through out Florida.
• Sue will be a part of the Vision Summit taking place February 6th and will be working with the NFB Parent leader, Debbie Bracket.
• FFCVI also distributes pamphlets for the NFB Parents Seminar coming up in May.
• Sue is part of the Transition Program Work Group at the three meetings coming up in January and February to plan a year round transition program for the 14 – 18 year olds.
• FFCVI will be helping with the DBS Music Camp for 14 – 18 year olds this summer in Orlando.
• Working on getting a group of families together to go to the Capitol for Children’s Week in March.

Terry informed the Council the pamphlet put together by the BVA, NFB, FCB, and FFCVI was finished and contains 7 pages. He will email FFCVI’s section to Kurt Ponchak to include before submitting the pamphlet for printing.

Terry asked Marilyn to send not more than 1,000 words on what the LIONS contact information and what they have to offer by Tuesday to be included in the pamphlet.

FILC – Doug Hall

• Met with the Florida Association of Centers of Independent Living in Orlando, November 15th for a one day seminar on Nursing Home Training.
• The next meeting will be in Tallahassee February 21st and 22nd.
• The next Grassroots will be held in June at USF in Tampa.
• Attendees of Grassroots will stay in dorms on campus.
• This year the person applying must be involved already in advocacy and preferably Grassroots.
• SPIL (Statewide Planning for Independent Living) Task Force met in Tallahassee for three days in December.
• The SPIL is due by the end of June to the RSA.
• The mandatory areas by RSA are:
  • Scope and Intent of Independent Living Services.
  • Cooperation, coordination and working relationships of the various entities.
  • Outreach to underserved and unserved populations of minorities.
• Last year SPIL had 22 goals and this year there are three.
• First Goal: Promoting community integration using the principles of MICASSA.
• Second Goal: Promoting community integration via principles of increasing accessible and affordable housing in Florida.
• Third Goal: Promoting community integration via Youth Transition.

LIONS – Marilyn Palmer

• LION’s winter conference was held in Tampa the first weekend of January.
• Florida LIONS foundation for the Blind will attend the Vision Summit.
• There are two different groups of LIONS. Florida LIONS Foundation and North Florida LIONS Eye Foundation.
• A Cabinet meeting is being held today in Tallahassee.
• LIONS pushing for the State of Vision license plate.
• LIONS don’t receive funding from any agency.
• To raise money the LIONS recycles the following:
• Cartridges
• Sell Poinsettias
• Conduct fishing tournaments
• Raffles
• Bar-B-Ques
• Bingo
• Pancake Breakfasts
• LIONS collect old glasses and hearing aids.

IDEA – Dawn Saunders

VI Rule Revision

The public comment period ended December 15, 2006. Public comments are now being reviewed and changes incorporated where necessary.

NIMAS Activities

• FDOE General Counsel’s office is reviewing the limited use agreements and coordination agreements. Once approved, Florida will register with the National Instructional Materials Access Center.
• Florida Instructional Materials Center for the Visually Impaired (FIMC) and 5 Assistive Technology Education Network (ATEN) centers have been identified as Florida’s authorized users. They will be responsible for accessing NIMAS files to be produced in accessible formats. FIMC will continue to provide this service for students who are blind or visually impaired. The ATEN centers will be responsible for providing this service for those students with physical disabilities and reading disabilities that have been determined eligible for NIMAS files.

Florida’s Response to the National Agenda – the workgroup will be meeting in Gainesville on February 1st. Two of our group members will be in Texas receiving training in QPVI (Quality Programs for the Visually Impaired), which is a tool that can be used by districts to assist in making decisions about the caseloads of teachers of the visually impaired.

Project Updates

FIMC – Weekends with the Experts is happening as we speak. Teachers are learning about Sensory Learning and opportunities to engage students with visual impairments and additional disabilities in literacy activities with Dr. Amy McKenzie from FSU. Next month (February 15 – 17) will be Functional Vision Assessment and Learning Media Assessment with Dr. LaRhea Sanford of APH. I will also be holding my annual vision coordinators’ meeting and the orientation and mobility meeting in Tampa that weekend. VI coordinators’ meeting is on Thursday and the O&M meeting is Friday morning.

FSDB Outreach Services – Exciting news about Outreach Services. Outreach Services is a semi-finalist for an award from Harvard Innovations in Government Award. Next level will be a site visit, should they make that next cut. Their VI self-study professional development wheel is near completion. Diana McMenemy Deacon, the O&M specialist has been on the road a great deal, performing O&M evaluations in the small and rural districts.

CIVI – The satellite program continues to grow. A TVI from Orlando will be teaching the anatomy of the eye class in Daytona this summer (logistics are still being worked out). Although the South Florida satellite is not part of the CIVI grant, I wanted to report that they are making progress with finding a place to house it. The low vision initiative continues to provide low vision evaluations and devices for students all over the state. Kim and Alyssa are doing a "road show" and providing workshops to teachers about the initiative. There will be an orientation and mobility class held this summer in St. Petersburg.

CAP – Ann Robinson

• Requested Rehab Center’s handbook which had not been revised with the changes.
• CAP’s comments have been prepared and will be delivered after this meeting.
• One of the things mentioned is fundamentals of due process.
• Has to be a process that notifies the student what behavior, conducts and how.
• What are the consequences of this particular behavior?
• What steps will be taken to decide the ultimate consequence.
• What information will be considered in that decision?
• Whether the decision can be appealed.
• Must be in writing and include the timeframe of the appeal.
• Services are to be continued under an appeal at any facility receiving Rehab Act funds.

Denise wanted to inform Council about the ICON and had a brochure available in print. With the Council's permission, Dawn read the brochure to the Council

The number is 800-315-2305.

Meeting adjourned at 10:15 AM.