Public Forum (Thursday, October 27, 2011)

Rehabilitation Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired
408 White Street
Daytona Beach, FL 32114

Paul Edwards, Chair called the meeting to order at 4:05 PM

Council Members Present:  Paul Edwards, Jesus Garcia, Henry Alexander, Bruce Miles, Ted Hull,  Vicky Magliocchino, Andrew Raines, Christopher White, Donté Mickens,
Dan O’Connor, Joe Minichiello, Paul Kaminsky, Michelle Polland, Sylvia Stinson-Perez,
Sue Townsend and Joyce Hildreth.  Gloria Mills represented NFB.

Council Staff: Phyllis Dill

DBS Staff: Antionette Williams, Wayne Jennings, Jim Woolyhand, Peter Cerullo, Mary-Anne West, Mary Dixon, Renea Keough

Interpreters:  Grace Daily and Keonna Evans

Sixteen consumers were in attendance.

First consumer comments:

Response:

Second Consumer comments (deaf-blind)

Response:

Third Consumer comments:

Response:

Fourth Consumer comments:

Response:

Fifth Consumer comments:

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Sixth Consumer comments:

Response:

Seventh Consumer comments:

Response:

Additional comments from third consumer:

Response:

Additional comment from second consumer:

Response:

Ms. Magliocchino informed the Council that the Deaf-Blind group explained to the Department of Justice in Washington, DC why they should recognize and add SSPs to the ADA Act.  The Department is looking into it.

Additional comment from first consumer:

Response:

Additional comment from third consumer:

Eighth Consumer comments:

Additional information from the Council after consumers’ comments:

Ms. Hildreth informed everyone about Volunteer America (AmeriCorps).

Mr. Minichiello made everyone aware that the Internal Revenue Service has a hiring initiative for people with disabilities.  A resource to find out about federal jobs can be found on the USAjobs.gov website.

Ms. Stinson-Perez stated that DBS and the CRPs work collaboratively on job placement for clients.  Currently the jobs are through referral.

Ms. Hildreth stated that DBS will refer clients to the CRP to provide placement services and the CRP will focus on placement for clients they receive a referral.  DBS expects its district offices and the CRPs to meet frequently to discuss where everyone is on looking for employers and placement for those referred.

Holly Idler, Orientation and Mobility Specialist at the Rehab Center informed everyone that she was honored to be presented with the Hadley Dean W. Tuttle Professional Education Award.   She also explained about Hadley and its connection with DBS.

Public Forum adjourned at 5:30 PM

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