FLORIDA REHABILITATION COUNCIL FOR THE BLIND
PUBLIC FORUM
FLORIDA REHABILITATION COUNCIL FOR THE BLIND
(FRCB)
PUBLIC FORUM
QUARTERLY MEETING MINUTES
THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
325 WEST GAINES STREET, TURLINGTON BUILDING ROOM 1721-25
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA 32399
Wednesday, February 10, 2016
Meeting called to order at 4:30 PM.
Attendance
COUNCIL MEMEBERS PRESENT: 9
Robert Kelly, Robert Doyle, Mickey Wiseman, Patricia Lipovsky, Sylvia Perez, Vickie Magliocchino, Lenora Martin, Bruce Miles, Donte Mickens
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT VIA TELEPHONE: 0
COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: 4
Jesus Garcia, Leanne Grillot, Benedict Grzesik, Revered Charles Brooks
COUNCIL STAFF: 1
Sharon Scurry
DBS STAFF: 9
Tom Austin, Erin Penmann, Walter Blackmon, Steve Collins, Victoria Gaitanis
Wayne Jennings, Beth Crain, Ana Saint-Fort, Brian Michaels
ATTENDEES: 2
Paul Edwards, Patrick Cannon
ATTENDEE VIA TELECONFERENCE: 1
Howard Bell
2 Consumers were in attendance:
First Consumer Comment:
I would like to get retrained back into the workforce. What services does DBS offer?
- DBS Response: I understand that your case is new and has already been assigned to a counselor. That person will be in contact with you to schedule an initial interview and get some information from you to determine your eligibility for our services.
- Robert Kelly- DBS has services available that help people get around and take care of their business. DBS is very interested in helping people who are blind become employed.
- Robert Doyle – We are here to serve individuals who are blind or visually impaired. If you have a goal to be employed, we have a goal to get you employed. The DA will be following up with you and if you have any challenges don’t be afraid to reach out.
Second Consumer comments:
I am currently registered with The Lighthouse of the Big Bend and they do a fantastic job. I will soon be 102 years old and I would like to learn the computer. I would like to get some help from the DBS.
- Robert Kelly-We will follow up with you to see if we can get the instructions that you need. It’s a real inspiration to meet someone who is 102 years old and still wants to learn.
- Paul Edwards- It has been my experience working with some of older clients that “All in One Programs” might be easier to learn.
PUBLIC FORUM DISCUSSION
The council members had a discussion regarding increasing the awareness of the public forum to encourage higher participation levels. Topics of discussion included location, marketing, and follow up. The council was in agreement to add the topic to the agenda at the May 2016 meeting.
The public forum adjourned at 5:30 PM.
