DIALOG WITH DORIS
Doris Illies, MRA President
I want to start this edition of “Dialog with Doris” by saying THANK YOU to everyone involved in making the MRA/Great Plains Regional Spring 2003 Conference a success! I have worked with other associations and groups to organize training in the past, but can say that this group of dedicated professionals is the best. So thank you again!
We were fortunate to have NRA members from other states in the region at the conference who brought with them knowledge, stories and history of how the Vocational Rehabilitation Programs in their states are delivered to consumers. We should never underestimate what we can learn from sharing with our peers. I have made personal calls to all the attendees from the other states represented at our conference and the feedback I have heard is that they felt it was worth the time and effort to make it to our conference. Our neighbors to the south, (the Iowa chapter), have requested our speaker contacts and are including them in planning for their fall conference. Wearing my other hat as NRA JPD President 2003, I have the opportunity to visit many of the conferences and training activities in other states and will be bringing this information back to MN for us to use as we plan future training for MRA members. Actually, as I write this article, I am sitting in Iowa at their “Brag ‘N Steal Conference” and have talked with one of the presenters about coming to Moorhead.
With all that, I would like to let you know that planning is underway for the 2003 Fall Conference which will be in Moorhead at the Marriott Conference Center, October 22-24. I have visited the hotel, met with their staff and the staff of the Visitors and Convention Bureau and can tell you that they are very excited about hosting MRA.
I invite MRA members who would like to help plan the conference to feel free to contact me or the conference chairs, Annette Sobek or John Hoffman. At the Spring Conference, and since I began this term as MRA President, I have had the opportunity to visit with several MRA members who have expressed interest and ideas about MRA conferences and training. I encourage you to GET INVOLVED! The conference planning committee meets before the MRA board meetings on the second Tuesday of each month. A schedule can be found on the MRA web site. If you are unable to make it to the meetings, you can still be involved. I am confident that the planning committee can find a way to use the time and many talents of MRA members who are willing to serve on this committee. If you have an idea for our fall conference theme, please submit it to the conference committee - we will be giving out a fabulous prize to the winning entry.
I encourage everyone to visit the MRA website at www.mnrehab.org and check out our new look. Keith Benedett from Productive Alternatives is doing a great job updating our site. Keith has many ideas and will be making more changes in the future. The MRA board is addressing an issue that was brought up about communication with membership and are making the commitment to make sure that board minutes and a financial summary will be added on a monthly basis. If you have comments or feedback for the board, please feel free to contact me or any other board member.
I will end this report by
expressing my thanks to MRA members for allowing me to serve as
President. I cannot believe how fast this year is going and how much I am
learning!
Laugh, Sing and Dance!
|
MRA DIVISION AWARDS ******** WE’RE STILL LOOKING For more information or nomination forms, please contact the representative listed. Please also note that each division has their own awards committee. These awards will be presented at the Fall Conference, October 22-24, 2003 at the Marriott Inn, Moorhead.
Rehabilitation
Counselor of the Year
- Presented
to a rehabilitation counselor for doing exceptional work in the
field of vocational rehabilitation.
Jodi Lindsay Prange *******************************************************************************************************************
Small Metro and
Small Non-Metro Employer
- Presented
to employers with less than 100 employees which actively recruits,
demonstrates a willingness to make necessary accommodations and
seeks out assistance for their employee with a disability. Job Placement and Development (JPD)
Sara Sundeen
Minnesota Association of Rehabilitation Support Staff (MARSS)
Sherry Henrickson
WE’RE
LOOKING........PLEASE HELP! Jim Broderick Phone: (800) 450-9408
Complete Career Services
MARY CARLSON
AWARD
MERITORIOUS
SERVICE AWARD
MINNESOTA
CITATION
THE PRESIDENT’S
AWARD
HUBERT H.
HUMPHREY DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD JPD UPDATE Sara
Sundeen, JPD President Something new! JPD is also taking their Jo Placement Training on the road. Doris Illies, Linda Dockter, Diane Acord, Robert Reedy and Steve Kuntz will present in Nashville this fall. The training committee plans to coordinate one more training this year as well. Once again, THANK YOU to the JPD training committee - LaNay Koralesky (co-chair), Rebecca Lund (co-chair), Becky Uran-Markman, John Hoffman, Doris Illies, and Linda Dockter. Remember, JPD is
always looking for nominations. Please submit nominations to Doris
Illies for placement person of the year (JPD and non-JPD members)
and nominate employers. This is an excellent opportunity to
recognize employers for their outstanding work. ************************************************************************************************** THE MRA BOARD
Dawn
LaRue-Wittwer 1. Why be a Board Member? Involvement and a much better understanding of how MRA is run and what your membership dues go towards. Getting to know other professionals in the field much more closely. To help the association plan for needs, wants, and interests of the membership. Being an active part of shaping rehabilitation in Minnesota. 2. What would be my commitment? Terms are usually 2 years in length. Attend board meetings each month for approximately 2 hours. Other committee meetings do come up occasionally. Additional duties may need to take place outside the meetings. For instance, District Representatives contacting members regarding renewal or lapses of dues; or the accounts payable/receivable duties of the treasurer. 3. What would be my duties? It depends on the position but let me try to summarize each one here... President - Conduct monthly board meetings; be a member of the Governmental Affairs committee and attend the annual GA seminar; communication with NRA; develop annual budget and goals. President-Elect - Be a member of the GA committee and attend the annual GA seminar; recruit a program co-chair for the yearly conferences; work with program chair on conferences. Past President - In charge of yearly elections for board members; be a member of the GA committee and attend the annual GA seminar. Vice-President - In the absence of the President, assume those duties and responsibilities; chair annual awards committee. Treasurer - Accounts payable and receivable; develop annual budget; prepare financial reports; prepare tax-exempt report. Secretary - Take minutes at board meetings; distribute meeting minutes and agenda to the board members; make sure each board member has their board book and information at the start of the year. Governmental Affairs (GA) Chair - Coordinate attendance for GA seminar; maintain communication with NRA GA staff; update board and membership regarding legislative activities; coordinate Day on the Hill. Communications Committee - Gather and compile information for MRA Spotlight; edit information and publisher’s proof copy; maintain organizational archives; maintain Internet site. Program Chair and Co-Chair - Plan and implement statewide conferences; coordinate speakers; decide on hotel facilities and meals; develop conference brochure; coordinate vendor booths. Membership Committee Chair - Maintain membership rosters; communicate membership information to District Reps, division presidents, and board; distribute membership applications. District Representatives - Contact members in their district regarding expiring and lapsing membership; recruit new members; be available to speak to groups regarding membership; assist at conferences. Division Representatives - Increase involvement in divisions; assist in soliciting speakers for conferences; submit articles for Spotlight; assist at conferences. I hope this has given you a clearer understanding of the Board. If you are interested in learning more about the board or a specific position, feel free to contact me at (763) 785-3368 or dawn-larue.wittwer@state.mn.us Elections this year will include: President-elect, Treasurer, and District Reps for Districts A, C, and E. (Committee chairs are appointed by the President and Divisions are responsible for holding their own elections with the President serving on the MRA board.) If you are interested in serving on the board, please let me know!
NOMINATIONS ARE OPEN!
SPOTLIGHT ON... Student Division: Top 10 Reasons to Join MRA
Rachel Scanlon, Student Division Representative
Why should you join MRA as a student? So glad you asked! Here are the Top 10 Reasons:
10. Low cost student fee ($20/year) for a
professional level organization. 7. Countless opportunities to network in the field. Remember that internship requirement you have to fulfill before graduation? Here’s your chance to talk with someone before you get started. 6. It’s a great way to get out of the classroom and hear the real-life application of the material you’ve been studying. 5. Conference reimbursement for students. As a student member of MRA, you can receive up to $50 to go towards expenses for each MRA conference you attend. This is MRA’s way of encouraging students to get involved and come to the conferences. They’ll even cut you a check right at the conference! 4. It’s a great resume builder. Eventually, you will be done with school and will want to land that dream job. Make it happen through MRA. 3. When you join MRA, you also join NRA, the National Rehabilitation Association. Membership in this organization entitles you to the Journal of Rehabilitation four times per year, mailed directly to your door. The Journal is also a good resource for all of those term papers you have to write. 2. You get to travel to fun places like Owatonna, Grand Rapids, and Morton for the conferences. Once you’re there, you’ve got perks such as bonfires, fishing tournaments and dances. And finally, the Number 1 Reason to join MRA: 1. They are an incredibly energetic and fun group of people! They are knowledgeable and dedicated to the profession, and they definitely know how to have a good time! rCAM Awards Scholarships
Jodi Lindsay Prange, rCAM President Laurie Evans is attending Minnesota State University, Mankato and is working on her Masters of Science, Rehabilitation Counseling Degree. Prior to attending Graduate School, Laurie had been working with children who are in Special Education in the public school system. She has also served in AmeriCorps. Laurie will be graduating in May of 2004. |
|
Dawn Larue-Wittwer began the evening with a clean sweep of the “Best Performance in the Delivery Room” and gave a rousing acceptance speech. Next to receive her award was Connie Giles, who won the “Best Director of a Rehab Agency.” Glen Peterson appeared oddly proud of his “Best Groveling Techniques to Advance Career,” and Mark Mertens proved “less is more” with his win for the “Most Conservative Use of VR Case Service Dollars.” “Best Performance in a Mock Interview” was won by a humble Sara Sundeen, and “Best Spotlight News Editor” went to both Doreen Hoffman and Peggy Anderson, and they were both given a trophy, framed award, and smoked kielbasa to share. The “Best Political Hack” category was a tight race with Robert Reedy coming out a the victor. The final award of the night was “Best Musical Performance at an MRA Conference” and went to Karl Kuester. Since Karl was not at the ceremony, Jim Broderick accepted the award on his behalf. Have you gotten that trophy from Jim yet, Karl? The presenters would like to take this time to thank all of the participants who place their nominations and votes and the sponsors, such as Pepto Bismol and Pampers, for their contributions and support. Until next time, keep up the good work. You never know who’s watching! Or maybe you do...
|
Jointly-Sponsored Training On “Working With People Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing” A Big Success
Rubin Latz and Ken
Lundquist
On Tuesday April 22nd, 28 rehabilitation staff from various
CRPs and Rehabilitation Services (RS) offices spent the day in training
at Riverwood Inn & Conference Center, Monticello, MN.
“People Get Ready, There’s a Train Load a Comin’: Working With People
Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing”, a 6-hour
workshop on “writing plans, providing services and other information you
need to know” was presented by Dr. Steven Sligar, Vice President
of Community Service at the Center for Sight and Hearing, Rockford
Illinois.
Dr. Sligar covered a wide
array of topics introducing the “how to” of serving people with hearing
loss, including definitions and demographics, cultural & linguistic
minority perceptions, community identities, rehabilitation needs, the
CRP’s role and responsibilities, creative and effective rehabilitation
plans, and the role of the VR counselor and job placement specialists.
Dr. Sligar provided audio logical information on types & severity of
hearing loss, and on how these factors affect service needs, influence
choices of accommodations for effective communication, varieties of
assistive technology, telecommunications, hiring of interpreters, basic
communication principles and much, much more.
Hands-on case studies provided practical applications, and a highly interactive design for audience participation made for an energized learning environment. Evaluations from the training showed overwhelming satisfaction with the content, the beautiful setting, and with Riverwood’s accommodations.
One participant, Colleen Andresen, Placement coordinator with RS’s St. Paul Midway office offered this assessment:
“..the training that was offered...added a great number of skills that I may apply to my day to day placement services. Not having any formal training in Deaf Culture, I was hesitant to attempt to work with the population in fear of offending or not offering the correct services. This training covered the basics that will allow me to go forward with placement services with Deaf or Hard of Hearing job seekers with confidence.”
Two Mankato participants – Roberta
Johnson (RS Placement Specialist) and Caralyn Mayo (RS Lead
Clerical) also valued the training:
“...there were real
sample case studies reviewed in groups. Then, we shared our
recommendations and compared with the
ones developed by staff at Center for Sight and Hearing. Dr. Sligar
also shared suggestions on making written materials accessible for
consumers who are deaf.”
Roberta & Caralyn both agreed that Dr. Sligar did an excellent job with presenting the information.
This training event was made possible through the combined efforts of The Center for Sight and Hearing (which is an outreach site of the Midwest Center for Post Secondary Outreach – MCPO), the U. S. Department of Education for Dr. Sligar’s costs; the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) Region V Community Rehabilitation Providers Regional Continuing Education Program (CRP-RCEP) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) for registration and marketing supports, as well as for onsite costs (including all meals, subsidy of overnight accommodations and for interpreters), and the Minnesota Department of Economic Security’s Rehabilitation Services Branch (for event planning, coordination & onsite equipment). A nominal $25 registration fee was also charged to participants for the event. Thanks to all those who attended!
The RSA Region V CRP-RCEP is responsible for providing professional staff development and training to all CRPs in our five-state region (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin). This event was one of several training programs they have sponsored and arranged in Minnesota. CRP-RCEP Project Coordinator Tony Plotner was on hand throughout the day, and was very pleased with how well this event went. Tony was an eager participant, and he looks forward to his next trip to Minnesota (probably in June) as part of an upcoming “Evidence Based Practices” training for improving services for persons with mental illness, also sponsored by the CRP RCEP. There has also been some discussion regarding coordinating select training with MRA, in the future.
MDES / RS Program Specialists Rubin Latz
(Deaf and Hard of Hearing) and Ken Lundquist (CRPs) coordinated the
local planning and training accommodations.
All professionals in rehabilitation are urged to note the various training
opportunities being offered (bookmark http://www.ed.uiuc.edu/illinoisrcep/calendar/calendar.htm)
to CRP and VR staff. See you at future events!
|
|
|
MRA
Welcomes the following
CHECK YOUR CALENDARS! MRA Fall Training Conference has been set! October
22 to 24, 2003 More details to come! Watch your Spotlight!! The "Party Monsters" Playing Fall Conference!!! The "Party Monsters" band will again play at the Fall MRA Conference! The band includes the same three talented and fun musicians who performed at the Spring conference. They are: Jim Czechowicz,
Lead Guitar and Vocals, who also works for Social Security's PASS
Program;
New due dates for issues........ Mark Your Calendars!! Due Dates for Upcoming Spotlight Issues: September
Issue - August 4, 2003 December Issue - November 3, 2003 |
DO WE
HAVE IT RIGHT?
Each quarter, MRA mails out over 400 Spotlights to members and
non-members. Sadly, each time, several area returned for address
changes. MRA has decided to limit costs for re-mailing and return
postage, so when this happens, the member may not get their Spotlight.
MRA does get the new address from the post office, but this costs MRA $.60
each, to mail it back out! Help us to save membership dollars and make
sure you get your Spotlight....and future conference notification with
registration materials...on time! If your address has changed in any way,
contact the editors or Mark Mertens at
mmertens@midstate.tds.net