Today, (January 29,2010) from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm approximately 50 blind people rallied in front of the offices of the Michigan Commission for the Blind to protest an ongoing campaign against advocates for blind people by, none other than the Director of the Michigan Commission for the Blind. Protesters are angry about the firing of Christine Boone, director of the Commission’s Training Center in Kalamazoo, David Robinson, an employee of the Business Enterprise Program and the orchestrated railroading of Mark Eagle a blind Commission Board member.
Though the weather was bitter cold, people came from Detroit, Kalamazoo Lansing and other communities around Michigan to express their anger and displeasure with the appalling behavior of Patrick Cannon, the Commission Director. We believe Cannon has rigged and handpicked appointments to the Board that oversees his performance and sets policy for the agency. When he is unhappy with any comment or action of a Commissioner, he has them removed or causes them to not be reappointed. The National Federation of the Blind of Michigan has asked the Governor to look into the appointment process and make it more transparent.
With the firings of Boon and Robinson, Cannon has purged the agency of members of the National Federation of the Blind. Boone is loved by students at the training center as evidenced by their willingness to travel to Lansing and join the rally to call for Boone’s reinstatement.
Cannon’s actions towards Commissioners has intimidated them to the point where they are unwilling to take their rightful role as policy setters and leaders of the Commission, not to mention, the ultimate supervisor of Cannon. Commission staff have been publicly belligerent toward Commissioners in meetings and recalcitrant in cooperating on policy development. Staff and consumers spent 15 months working on a revised college policy. Commissioner Mark Eagle was a casualty of this process for his advocacy for the full participation of consumers in the revision process. The Commission Board rejected the policy in September 2009 and was, again, unable to complete a draft, today, though consumers are nearly locked out of the development process.
It is time for the Governor to step in and put an end to this abuse of authority and the bullying of people who volunteer their time to serve on the Commission Board. Thjis is not Pat Cannon’s Commission is the blind’s Commission.
Follow this link for a great article on the firing of Christine Boone.
http://www.wwm.com/articles/blind-1371992-michigan-commission.html
Welcome
JANUARY 29 CHRISTINE BOONE/DAVID ROBINSON FIRING PROTEST/RALLY HANDOUT
WHY ARE WE OUT HERE IN THE COLD?
** Christine Boone firing about intimidation not about guns; State Law defines firearm as greater than.177 caliber.
** Christine Boone (NFB member( fired for strong consumer advocacy despite her quality programs in an otherwise bleak landscape of mediocre service by Commission and falling placement rate
** David Robinson (NFB member) fired for advocating for blind entrepreneurs; Business Enterprise program in shambles; Approximately 15 administrative hearings and 5 Federal arbitrations against MCB; Cannon is targeting those entrepreneurs who speak out
** Firings aimed at intimidating National Federation of the Blind; Cannon’s bullying actions against blind people are an attack on blind advocacy for quality services
** Cannon has undue influence in Commission appointments; he handpicks Commission Board; Commissioners responsible by law for evaluating Cannon; no transparency in appointment process.
** Mark Eagle removal from Commission orchestrated by Cannon for advocating for consumers; removal designed to intimidate other Commissioners
** This is not Pat Cannon’s Commission It is the blind people’s Commission NFB will not be bullied or intimidated
** Commission Board accountable to blind Citizens, Governor, not Pat Cannon
** Commissioner/Employee Training inadequate to provide highest quality service
** Cannon criticized in federal audit: Boone praised in Federal audit
For Further Information:
National Federation of the Blind of Michigan
Larry Posont, President
20812 Ann Arbor Trail
Dearborn Heights, MI 48127
517-482-1800
Email: president.nfb.mi@gmail.com
Web Page: nfbmi.orgg
National Web Page: nfb.org
** Christine Boone firing about intimidation not about guns; State Law defines firearm as greater than.177 caliber.
** Christine Boone (NFB member( fired for strong consumer advocacy despite her quality programs in an otherwise bleak landscape of mediocre service by Commission and falling placement rate
** David Robinson (NFB member) fired for advocating for blind entrepreneurs; Business Enterprise program in shambles; Approximately 15 administrative hearings and 5 Federal arbitrations against MCB; Cannon is targeting those entrepreneurs who speak out
** Firings aimed at intimidating National Federation of the Blind; Cannon’s bullying actions against blind people are an attack on blind advocacy for quality services
** Cannon has undue influence in Commission appointments; he handpicks Commission Board; Commissioners responsible by law for evaluating Cannon; no transparency in appointment process.
** Mark Eagle removal from Commission orchestrated by Cannon for advocating for consumers; removal designed to intimidate other Commissioners
** This is not Pat Cannon’s Commission It is the blind people’s Commission NFB will not be bullied or intimidated
** Commission Board accountable to blind Citizens, Governor, not Pat Cannon
** Commissioner/Employee Training inadequate to provide highest quality service
** Cannon criticized in federal audit: Boone praised in Federal audit
For Further Information:
National Federation of the Blind of Michigan
Larry Posont, President
20812 Ann Arbor Trail
Dearborn Heights, MI 48127
517-482-1800
Email: president.nfb.mi@gmail.com
Web Page: nfbmi.orgg
National Web Page: nfb.org
NFBM TO PROTEST BOON/ROBINSON FIRINGS BY COMMISSION FOR BLIND
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Larry Posont, President
National Federation of the Blind of Michigan
(517) 482-1800
David Robinson, Board of Directors
National Federation of the Blind of Michigan
517-372-1456
Michigan Commission for the Blind Director
Attacks Michigan’s Organized Blind
National Federation of the Blind of Michigan Accuses Director of Abuse of Power
Dearborn Heights, Michigan (January 28, 2010): Patrick Cannon, director of the Michigan Commission for the Blind (MCB), has notified Christine Boone, director of the Michigan Commission for the Blind Training Center (MCBTC) in Kalamazoo, and a member of the National Federation of the Blind, that her employment is terminated as of today. This action follows closely on the heels of the firing of another member of the National Federation of the Blind, David Robinson, an employee of the Commission’s Business Enterprise program in Lansing. Robinson was fired last month.
In Respons to these outrageous actions, the National Federation of the Blind of Michigan will hold a rally and picket at 201 N. Washington Square, the Victor Building, the headquarters of the Michigan Commission for the Blind. The rally will take place from 11:00 to 1:00 pm Friday, January 29, 2010.
In addition to these firings, Cannon has worked through the Governor’s ethics board to remove a blind commissioner from the Commission board for speaking out on behalf of the rights of blind consumers to participate in policy development. He has also presided over the mass removal of blind entrepreneurs from the Commission’s Business Enterprise program. His actions have resulted in a flurry of legal complaints by blind individuals. In the past Cannon has orchestrated the removal by non-reappointment of two other commissioners who questioned programs at the Commission.
Larry Posont, president of the National Federation of the Blind of Michigan, said: “The National Federation of the Blind of Michigan is convinced that Mr. Cannon’s recent actions are an unwarranted abuse of power and amount to intimidation and bullying of blind citizens of Michigan who dare to speak for themselves and question his policies. His firing of Christine Boone is particularly suspicious given that his administration of MCB programs has been called into question by a recent federal audit. Among all the Commission’s programs, only the MCBTC was cited for good quality management. Christine Boone has been doing an exemplary job of creating a quality training program for blind individuals that sets high expectations for students, instills in them a positive philosophy of blindness, and helps them to compete for quality jobs in the labor market. Mr. Cannon is using trumped-up charges about a single aspect of the training program in order to discredit Ms. Boone. It is clear to us that Mr. Cannon, who served on Governor Granholm’s transition team and loves to boast of his connections to her, is using his political influence to cover up his management problems and to intimidate those who speak up about poor performance at the Commission.”
Mr. Cannon’s termination of Ms. Boone appears to stem from her establishment of a marksmanship program to build the confidence of her students. Michigan has a deeply rooted outdoor culture. Many people who lose their eyesight feel they are no longer able to live a fulfilling life. Boon developed a marksman program using pellet rifles to teach newly-blinded people that they can, indeed, enjoy the outdoors and live a satisfying and productive life. The activity took place in a secluded area of the property near the MCBTC. Under Michigan law, a pellet gun is not a firearm if under .177 caliber. There was no danger to people or property created by the activity, which was supervised by a qualified instructor.
###
About the National Federation of the Blind of Michigan
The National Federation of the Blind of Michigan (NFBM) is a proud affiliate of the National Federation of the Blind. Originally founded in 1941, the NFBM has been a leader in advocacy and has worked tirelessly to change what it means to be blind in Michigan. Among our accomplishments: bringing NFB-NEWSLINE® to Michigan, establishing the Michigan Commission for the Blind, white cane legislation, Braille literacy for blind children legislation, and much more.
CONTACT:
Larry Posont, President
National Federation of the Blind of Michigan
(517) 482-1800
David Robinson, Board of Directors
National Federation of the Blind of Michigan
517-372-1456
Michigan Commission for the Blind Director
Attacks Michigan’s Organized Blind
National Federation of the Blind of Michigan Accuses Director of Abuse of Power
Dearborn Heights, Michigan (January 28, 2010): Patrick Cannon, director of the Michigan Commission for the Blind (MCB), has notified Christine Boone, director of the Michigan Commission for the Blind Training Center (MCBTC) in Kalamazoo, and a member of the National Federation of the Blind, that her employment is terminated as of today. This action follows closely on the heels of the firing of another member of the National Federation of the Blind, David Robinson, an employee of the Commission’s Business Enterprise program in Lansing. Robinson was fired last month.
In Respons to these outrageous actions, the National Federation of the Blind of Michigan will hold a rally and picket at 201 N. Washington Square, the Victor Building, the headquarters of the Michigan Commission for the Blind. The rally will take place from 11:00 to 1:00 pm Friday, January 29, 2010.
In addition to these firings, Cannon has worked through the Governor’s ethics board to remove a blind commissioner from the Commission board for speaking out on behalf of the rights of blind consumers to participate in policy development. He has also presided over the mass removal of blind entrepreneurs from the Commission’s Business Enterprise program. His actions have resulted in a flurry of legal complaints by blind individuals. In the past Cannon has orchestrated the removal by non-reappointment of two other commissioners who questioned programs at the Commission.
Larry Posont, president of the National Federation of the Blind of Michigan, said: “The National Federation of the Blind of Michigan is convinced that Mr. Cannon’s recent actions are an unwarranted abuse of power and amount to intimidation and bullying of blind citizens of Michigan who dare to speak for themselves and question his policies. His firing of Christine Boone is particularly suspicious given that his administration of MCB programs has been called into question by a recent federal audit. Among all the Commission’s programs, only the MCBTC was cited for good quality management. Christine Boone has been doing an exemplary job of creating a quality training program for blind individuals that sets high expectations for students, instills in them a positive philosophy of blindness, and helps them to compete for quality jobs in the labor market. Mr. Cannon is using trumped-up charges about a single aspect of the training program in order to discredit Ms. Boone. It is clear to us that Mr. Cannon, who served on Governor Granholm’s transition team and loves to boast of his connections to her, is using his political influence to cover up his management problems and to intimidate those who speak up about poor performance at the Commission.”
Mr. Cannon’s termination of Ms. Boone appears to stem from her establishment of a marksmanship program to build the confidence of her students. Michigan has a deeply rooted outdoor culture. Many people who lose their eyesight feel they are no longer able to live a fulfilling life. Boon developed a marksman program using pellet rifles to teach newly-blinded people that they can, indeed, enjoy the outdoors and live a satisfying and productive life. The activity took place in a secluded area of the property near the MCBTC. Under Michigan law, a pellet gun is not a firearm if under .177 caliber. There was no danger to people or property created by the activity, which was supervised by a qualified instructor.
###
About the National Federation of the Blind of Michigan
The National Federation of the Blind of Michigan (NFBM) is a proud affiliate of the National Federation of the Blind. Originally founded in 1941, the NFBM has been a leader in advocacy and has worked tirelessly to change what it means to be blind in Michigan. Among our accomplishments: bringing NFB-NEWSLINE® to Michigan, establishing the Michigan Commission for the Blind, white cane legislation, Braille literacy for blind children legislation, and much more.
Michigan Citizens are Best Served by a Rehabilitation Agency Specifically for the Blind
Research tends to show that blind people receive better rehabilitation and employment services from states that provide an agency specifically designed to address the unique needs of blind people. The NFB of Michigan believes that merging the Michigan Commission for the Blind (MCB) with Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS) would lower the quality of rehabilitation and job placement services to blind residents. The documents below provide further information on why we believe it is important to maintain the MCB as a separate state agency.
- Why Separate Agencies for the Blind?
- 2003 – Separate Agency Resolution
- Agency joint position on merger policy
- Separate Agency for the Blind: Best Practice for Success
- Summary of Mississippi State Study
- Mississippi State Study: Effects of Agency Structure and Client Characteristics on Rehabilitation Services and Outcomes for Consumers who are Blind
- What We Can Expect from a Commission for the Blind— Viewpoint from the Consumers
- Bringing the Michigan Commission For The Blind Boldly into the Future
- Letter to the Governor of Missouri
2009 State Convention Resolutions
At our convention we passed a number of resolutions. You can follow the below link to read them. Two resolutions are related to the Business Enterprise Program regarding catering on state property and closing highway vending facilities. Two commend the Commission, and one regards training of MCB employees. Another resolution commending the Michigan Braille Transcribing fund will follow shortly.
If you have questions contact Larry Posont, President of the National Federation of the Blind of Michigan at president.nfb.mi@gmail.com or call (517) 482-1800.
2009 NFB of Michigan Resolutions
If you have questions contact Larry Posont, President of the National Federation of the Blind of Michigan at president.nfb.mi@gmail.com or call (517) 482-1800.
2009 NFB of Michigan Resolutions
Consumer Input Limited: Blind People kept From Commenting on Quality Rehabilitation.
Yesterday, at the end of the MCB Commission Board meeting an issue was raised about the use of air rifles at the MCBTC as a confidence building activity. Apparently, there was some kind of alleged DMB regulation that covered this and prohibited the use of “guns” if you can call an air rifle a gun. Apparently this action was taken with no consumer involvement. Since it was held to the end of the meeting, there was no opportunity for public comments. Again, there is a demonstration of the denial of consumers to have input on matters of consequence. By limiting the number of Commission meetings and the number of opportunities for public comment, the Commission is consciously limiting consumer input.
We ought to have an open conversation about a program to increase the self confidence of blind people. In Michigan many people use guns for recreational activities. I own several guns and it was a way that my father and I related by him teaching me and spending time together. I, in turn, have done the same with my kids. I take them to Rose Lake to shoot on the State operated shooting range, there.
For a newly blinded person, they often feel like the things they cherish in life, like driving and hunting have been lost forever. They sometimes feel less of a citizen. Jim Stearns, a former Commissioner was a proud deer hunter.
Guns are in our Constitution. For some people they are part of a lifestyle that is integral to family and community life. The Commission was creating an opportunity to restore confidence and self worth to people by demonstrating that they, indeed, can live as a first class citizen.
That is why the shooting sports activity existed, at least that is why it should exist. The agency has lost direction. It is given in to sighted outsiders to take away hard-won rights in catering. Talk of Peckham doing foodservice, and now DMB deciding how blind people ought to be provided rehabilitation services. When will the MCB stand up for blind people? Stop muting us by limiting public comment. Stop removing blind people from the Commission Board for supporting consumers. Stop hiding behind uninformed sighted people, like the Kangaroo Court Ethics Board which was orchestrated by the MCB Director, to provide excuses for limiting opportunities for blind people.
Let’s have an open transparent conversation about the shooting sports idea. Why prevent consumers from participating?
We ought to have an open conversation about a program to increase the self confidence of blind people. In Michigan many people use guns for recreational activities. I own several guns and it was a way that my father and I related by him teaching me and spending time together. I, in turn, have done the same with my kids. I take them to Rose Lake to shoot on the State operated shooting range, there.
For a newly blinded person, they often feel like the things they cherish in life, like driving and hunting have been lost forever. They sometimes feel less of a citizen. Jim Stearns, a former Commissioner was a proud deer hunter.
Guns are in our Constitution. For some people they are part of a lifestyle that is integral to family and community life. The Commission was creating an opportunity to restore confidence and self worth to people by demonstrating that they, indeed, can live as a first class citizen.
That is why the shooting sports activity existed, at least that is why it should exist. The agency has lost direction. It is given in to sighted outsiders to take away hard-won rights in catering. Talk of Peckham doing foodservice, and now DMB deciding how blind people ought to be provided rehabilitation services. When will the MCB stand up for blind people? Stop muting us by limiting public comment. Stop removing blind people from the Commission Board for supporting consumers. Stop hiding behind uninformed sighted people, like the Kangaroo Court Ethics Board which was orchestrated by the MCB Director, to provide excuses for limiting opportunities for blind people.
Let’s have an open transparent conversation about the shooting sports idea. Why prevent consumers from participating?
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