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Board reviews caseload and internship numbers and hears public criticism of Glide demonstration logistics
Summary
Board members discussed case counts, certificate volumes and outreach options; staff reported 3,235 adult social‑rehab cases, roughly 3,400 certificates of blindness completed this year and 36 interns placed with a goal of 70. Public commenters criticized a recent Glide demo for poor registration control and insufficient check‑in staffing.
Board members at the Statutory Advisory Board meeting reviewed caseload numbers, discussed outreach and retention strategies, and heard public criticism about a recent Glide demonstration event hosted during MCB’s move.
Nate, an MCB staff presenter, reported caseload figures: "We currently have 894 Sr. children cases open. We have 3,235 Sr. adult cases open. We have 211 VR youth cases open and 764 VR adult cases." He also said MCB has completed about 3,400 certificates of blindness so far this calendar year and noted the agency processes roughly 8,000–9,000 certificates in a typical year. Nate added that the registry holds about 27,000 individuals on file.
Justine, who oversees programs, said the internship program opens tomorrow with 36 interns already placed and a goal of about 70 placements this year. She said the White Cane Day celebration is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 24 at the State House and program planning is underway.
Several board members and public commenters raised outreach and retention concerns. Blair asked whether certificates could be delivered electronically and whether MCB could perform periodic vision‑related "wellness checks" for clients who initially decline services. Justine said electronic delivery by email is available when requested and staff are discussing strategic outreach to reengage people who decline services at intake. John explained the difference between vocational and social‑rehab case handling: vocational clients remain assigned to the same counselor until employment goals are reached, while social‑rehab cases may be reopened when a client requests help.
During public comment, multiple attendees criticized the organization of a Glide demonstration held at MCB while staff were packing up for the move. Nona described the morning session as "hectic, chaotic," with many unregistered attendees and insufficient check‑in staff, and said some attendees had barely any time to try the device. Amy and others echoed concerns about front‑desk staffing and registration controls. John and other staff acknowledged the problems, noting the event was organized quickly by the vendor and that MCB will tighten check‑in procedures and staffing for future demonstrations.
Board members said they will explore follow‑up outreach options to improve retention and client awareness of services, including ideas for non‑mail contact and refreshed outreach tied to the new office and upcoming events.
Next steps: staff to follow up on electronic certificate options, review outreach strategies for clients who decline services, and implement tighter registration and check‑in procedures for vendor demonstrations.
