----- Original Message -----
From: joe harcz Comcast
To: Rodney Craig MISILC
Cc: Tracy Brown ; Sarah Gravetti MISILC DNM ; Eleanor Canter ; Darma Canter ;
Larry Posont NFBMI Pres. ; David Robinson NFB MI ; terry Eagle ; Mark Eagle ;
Clark Goodrich ; Kelly Buckland
Sent: Monday, February 15, 2016 8:59 AM
Subject: info related to eo 2015-15
February 15 2015 Concerning SILC Simmons Employment First
Paul Joseph Harcz, Jr.
1365 E. Mt. Morris Rd.
Mt. Morris, MI 48458
joeharcz@xxxxxxxxxxx
810-516-5262
Re: SILC Personnel and Documents Related to E.O. 2015-15
To:
Rodney Craig, Executive Director,
Mich. Statewide Independent Living Council (MSILC)
Sarah Gravetti, Chair MSILC
Tracy Brown, MSILC
Christian Simmons, Advocacy, MSILC
(Via: e-mail)
All,
While I certainly appreciate the letter from MSILC approved by MSILC at its
meeting on Friday I’m concerned and have some requests about the following from
Mr. Simmons:
““family linkages • volume 2 issue 14 • Winter 2016
Written by: Chris Simmons, Michigan Statewide Independent
Living Council Policy Coordinator
Michigan Formally an Employment First State
On November 19, 2015 Lt. Gov. Brian Calley signed Executive Order
2015-15 formally making Michigan an Employment First State. The
order directs state agencies to align their services for persons with
disabilities to a goal of competitive employment in an integrated setting.
The State Rehabilitation Council is charged with the oversight on this
order, including the creation of measurable goals and objectives towards
implementing this order.
We applaud the efforts of all state agencies who contributed to the language of
this order, and especially congratulate the
Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council for their continued advocacy
towards this effort. We look forward to offering
our contributions to the efforts of the State Rehabilitation Council, and echo
Lt. Gov. Calley’s sentiment that this is but a step
towards a day when the full employment of persons with disabilities is no
longer something remarkable.
Analysis on this executive order: The Executive Order does a few notable
things in requiring a realignment of state programs towards a goal of
competitive, integrated employment for persons with disabilities. The first
notable item is that all state programs, including funding, are to be aligned
to
this goal. This would therefore include all programming from MRS, BSBP,
and Community Mental Health. We will be awaiting word from the State
Rehabilitation Council on a process for determining the outcomes and
metrics towards implementing this directive.
Another notable item is that the preservation of individual choice is
maintained. The data collected from Centers for Independent Living in the
state indicates that employment is not always the barrier that individuals are
seeking assistance in overcoming. This order does not remove the personal
choice of the individual receiving state services.
The final item of note is that the order provides a definition of integrated
setting and competitive employment that emphasizes
there should be no difference between these employment opportunities and those
available to anyone else in the community at
large.
We look forward to the implementation of this order, and will be monitoring and
contributing to ensure that the outcome
meets the intent.
“”
As a comment this seems to contradict the motion to question the EO and MSILC’s
motion of Friday.
That said I’m making the following requests for information:
First, I wish to have a copy of the letter sent to Lt. Governor Calley as it
was sent. And as soon as you get a response I wish for that as well.
Secondly I’m requesting any written correspondences with any entity including,
but not limited to, the DD Council, MCRS, or any other agency relative to E.O.
2015-15 by Mr. Simmons or any MSILC member or employee.
Of, course as a known person who is blind I’m requesting all of this
information in accessible format and in a timely manner without surcharge
pursuant to obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Just send information as either
plain text attachments or enclosures to my e-mail adress listed above please.
Sincerely,
Paul Joseph Harcz, Jr.
Cc: NCIL
Cc: ILA
Cc: NFB
Cc: Peer Action Alliance
Cc: several
