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p. 1. A. Identify the strategies that contributed to the achievement of the goals

Current Narrative:

The funds are used to support the State Rehabilitation Council (SRC) in completing the mandated requirements of the SRC to assist the Designated State Unit in providing quality services that are aligned with the state plan goals and priorities.  The Bureau of Services for Blind Persons (BSBP) has also used these to support the Michigan Statewide Independent Living Council and may continue to do that as needed.

Goal 1:  BSBP has established a goal to monitor, through data collection over the next three years, the successful completion of VR program/services for African Americans.  The Comprehensive Statewide Needs Assessment has identified the need to increase eligibility of African Americans who are referred for VR services.

Strategy and achievement:  BSBP utilized Motivational Interviewing techniques to engage potential applicants to increase the ability to develop report and address potential cultural barriers, which could be a barrier to serving persons of color. Approximately 30% of the consumers served during PY 2018 and 75% of PY 2019 have self-disclosed as representing the African American culture. Individuals that self-identified as not representing African American culture represents approximately 70% of persons served by BSBP. This information will continue to be reviewed and compared to the most recent CSNA, which will be completed in 2020.

Goal 2:  BSBP will expand minority outreach efforts by establishing town hall meetings and informational sessions with each group.  BSBP will monitor the activities to determine if the methods are producing new referrals.  BSBP is aware of the need to channel resources in underserved populations.  BSBP’s strategic plan emphasizes the need to increase rehabilitation services to Latino/Hispanic Americans, African Americans, Native Americans, Arab Americans, and Hmong populations.

Strategy and achievement:  The data indicates that there has been an increase in referral and eligibility of consumers who are African American, Asian, Pacific Islander and Hispanic, which correlates with the concentrated effort of BSBP through community outreach and awareness.  However, we still note a decline in our service to individuals who are Native American and understand the need for increased community awareness of this population regarding our services.  We do participate in events coordinated with the 121 Project as well as community health fairs and other events in the Native American culture around the State of Michigan.  BSBP will continue to monitor this goal for remainder of the plan cycle and adjust accordingly.  BSBP continues these outreach activities and will continue to do so. 

Goal 3:  The Bureau will develop relationships with community rehabilitation organizations, mental health agencies with emphasis on individuals with mental illness, housing authorities, local CILs, and transportation sources to assist in providing expanded services for consumers.  Each region will continue to collaborate with Community Mental Health (CMH) agencies to enhance relationships that may result in appropriate referrals as well as to continue to expand opportunities with local and statewide rehabilitation agencies.  BSBP anticipates having an agreement in place with Behavioral Health and the Developmental Disability Administration by the mid-cycle review of this plan.

Strategy and achievement:  BSBP anticipates having an agreement in place with Behavioral Health and the Developmental Disability Administration by the mid-cycle review of this plan that will guide the process of ensuring that referrals are made from CMH agencies to VR and that extended services are provided when time frames for VR participation are met (up to 4 years after competitive integrated employment is obtained).  The achievement of this goal will be more effectively measured after the MOU is in place structuring the parameters for providing extended services to individuals after BSBP has utilized the supported employment resources available to the Bureau in accordance with WIOA legislation and the needs of the consumer.  

Goal 4:  BSBP’s goal is to continue to work with its technology vendors to make sure that staff and consumers are familiar with new and emerging technologies and their applications.  The Bureau provides staff with opportunities to gain additional technology skills throughout the year in a variety of training venues, such as webinars and virtual classroom training.  Staff also receives training on the latest adaptive and/or technology equipment.

Strategy and achievement: BSBP's Braille and Talking Book Library co-sponsors a Visions event that provides opportunity for vendors to promote their products to staff and consumers for the purpose of providing hands on experience with the latest technology. Webinars and online tutorials such as those offered by Hadley School for the Blind are also available to staff and consumers to enhance skill development.  The BSBP Training Center has a technology team that also provides in-service training to staff both in person and virtually. The training center also provides in-service training to community partners to assist them in acquiring and updating their skills.  The training center provides comprehensive technology training to consumers who participate in workplace readiness as adults and students and youth to enhance skill and promote the ability to obtain training and education as well as competitive integrated education.  This goal will remain constant as the need for knowledge regarding technology continues to be a need for BSBP to facilitate the education and placement of blind consumers.  This goal has been met and has transitioned into regional trainings around the state to address geographical and staff needs.

Goal 6:  The BSBP goal is to increase competitive employment opportunities for individuals with visual impairment and blindness by utilizing its Business Services staff.  BSBP, through its collaboration with community partners and employers, has established a goal to rehabilitate 163 consumers with competitive outcomes.

Strategy and achievement:  In Fiscal Year 2015, BSBP rehabilitated 181 consumers.  BSBP counselors assume, as part of their duties, a business approach.  By connecting with employers and learning about their needs and coupling them with the skills and abilities of consumers, successful placements have been made.  BSBP has also incorporated a staff person whose skill set can assist with the development of small business with consumers.  This is a very effective practice, especially for consumers living in rural areas where transportation and opportunities for community-based employment are limited.  This resource assists staff and consumers in determining the viability of a small business and the provision of business counseling to assist both staff and consumers in the processes of developing a small business.  This goal continues to receive additional consideration as WIOA performance measures are continuing to be baselined and data is gathered.  Although Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE) outcomes are not a performance indicator, the focus on measurable skill gain and credential attainment are indicators that will be measured until the mid-cycle review.

Goal 7:  BSBP will identify transitioning youth and work to serve individuals age 14 to 26 years old.  BSBP collaborates with the Michigan Department of Education’s Low Incidence Outreach program and Intermediate School Districts (ISD) to provide information regarding transition services.

Strategy and achievement:  BSBP coordinate with Local Education Agencies and State Education Agencies and the Low Incidence Outreach program to identify potentially eligible and eligible students who could benefit from Pre-Employment Transition Services and VR services.  The achievement of this goal is being met through ongoing and continuous outreach and BSBP efforts to continue to identify eligible students.  This goal will remain a focus for the remainder of this plan cycle.  BSBP is successfully identifying students and has increased potentially eligible students from 0 to 12. This goal has been addressed and updated in the 2020-2023 plan.

Goal 8:  The VR staff and the library staff collaborate to ensure that consumers are aware of the services and how to access the materials in their preferred format.  This increased collaboration will provide additional avenues for consumers who are pursuing vocational and secondary training.

Strategy and achievement: BSBP provide information about the Braille and Talking Book Library to consumers and assists those interested consumers in completing the necessary documentation to become a library patron.  This documentation includes the acquisition of the mode of communication which means that VR staff can crosscheck data in the case management system with what is reported to the library to ensure that the information is as accurate as possible. BSBP and the library are working together to provide services to groups via technology training and book clubs, tech tips and monthly meetings.  This is happening and will continue.  This goal will continue as a focus for BSBP.  This practice continues and this goal has been met.