Narrative: p. 4.

(4) Innovation and Expansion Activities

The FDBS used innovation and expansion funds to support FRCB in FFY 2020-2021. The following table illustrates expenses for all FRCB meetings during this period.

Figure 10.14
FRCB Expenses

A summary of FRCB Accomplishments and Activities for calendar year 2020-2021 includes:

• The FRCB continues to review, analyze, and advise on policy decisions and evaluate the effectiveness of the FDBS to ensure meaningful access to and use of vocational rehabilitation and independent living programs for Floridians who are blind or visually impaired. The FRCB functions to create a positive impact on the fairness, efficiency, and accessibility of services through the evaluation of consumer feedback and the FDBS’ performance.
• As of May 1, 2021, the FRCB has 12 voting members. Robert Doyle, the Director of the Florida Division of Blind Services, and Nancy Bateh, VR Counselor, serve on the Council as ex-officio members. The Council had three members whose terms expired as of August 31, 2021 - leaving nine voting members on the FRCB.
• The FRCB continues to recruit qualified individuals to complete the application process for consideration and appointment by the governor to serve on the Council and received 10 new appointments in May 2021.
• During the FFY 2020-2021, the FRCB had to alter its quarterly meeting schedule in select cities around the state due to COVID-19. The Council held four virtual/teleconference meetings focusing on the host areas, Ft. Myers on October 29, 2020, Pensacola on February 25, 2021, West Palm Beach on May 27, 2021, and Orlando on July 29, 2021.
• The FRCB continues to serve as an effective vehicle for cultivating meaningful partnerships between the FDBS, stakeholders, and consumers by holding public forums at our meetings. During 2020-2021, the FRCB scheduled and held four public forums.
• During the year, the FRCB received regular updates on an initiative to develop a vocational evaluation tool for the blind sponsored by the Blind Services Foundation.
• The Council continues to oversee the development and implementation of the Client Satisfaction Survey (CSS). The FRCB contracts with Florida State University Survey Foundry to conduct the CSS. Dr. Minna Jia presented the annual report for SFY 2020-21 during the virtual meeting on October 28, 2021.

Meeting Dates and Locations

• October 29, 2020 – Ft. Myers (Virtual TEAMS Meeting)
• February 25, 2021 – Pensacola (Virtual TEAMS Meeting)
• May 27, 2021 – West Palm Beach (Virtual TEAMS Meeting)
• July 29, 2021 – Orlando (Virtual TEAMS Meeting)

Quarterly Meeting Agenda Items:

• Welcome, Introductions, and Pledge of Allegiance
• Adoption of Agenda
• Director’s Report: Division of Blind Services Updates
• District Administrator’s Report
• Employer Recognition
• Local Community Rehabilitation Program Reports
• Client Satisfaction Survey Data Updates
• Division of Blind Services State Plan Updates
• Vocational Rehabilitation Employment Outcome Updates
• Public Transportation Updates
• Bureau of Business Enterprise Update
• FDBS Budget Report and Legislative Updates
• Blind Services Foundation Update
• Updates on Outreach to Underserved/Unserved
• Strategic Plan Discussions
• Library Patron Trends Update

Other accomplishments for the VR program for 2020-2021 include the following.

• Assisted 890 consumers in obtaining competitive integrated employment (successful closures) in SFY 2020-2021, despite the economic downturn, high unemployment rates, and the current pandemic.
• Social security reimbursements for individuals obtaining substantial gainful activity reached close to $2.5 million (144% increase from 2019).
• Provided services to 488 college students.
• Helped 348 clients participate in a work-based learning experience.
• Served over 5,000 consumers in the VR program.
• The median wage for consumers is consistently above the state minimum wage.
• Updated the Aware case management system to include a consumer portal to facilitate communication between clients and their counselors.