The methods include but are not limited to the following:
1.
Client/Director Meetings - The Center Director or
designee meets with the persons served periodically. The purpose of this
meeting is for the persons served to have direct access to the top management
at the Center in order to pose questions, state concerns, and provide input
into the operation of the Center. Although information is disseminated to them
during these meetings, the main purpose is to solicit feedback and questions
from those served in a group setting. (Reference: "Client / Director
Meetings" file.)
2.
Human Rights Committee - The committee meets quarterly
or on an "as needed" basis. It is composed of three members, one of whom will
be an OVRB field staff (non-Center employee) and at least one former Center
client. The purpose of this committee is to provide a mechanism for complaints
and/or concerns to be identified and presented, as appropriate, for management
response or action. This is to ensure that the persons served have input into
service delivery and Center management as it pertains to their rights. The
committee examines and evaluates any restrictions and practices that may affect
the human rights of a single client or the entire client population. The
Assistant Director of Client Services is designated to serve as an advisor to
this committee. (Reference: "Rights of Persons Served"
file.)
3.
Suggestion Box - In order to promote input from those
served, a suggestion box is located in the client lounge on the second floor.
Suggestions are discussed during Client/Director Meetings, Center Staff
Meetings, and/or Human Rights Committee Meetings as appropriate.
4.
Client Advisory
Committee - A group of three clients is chosen at random and
serves voluntarily to gather input from their peers. This input is shared with
staff at the Psychosocial Committee meetings. Oral and written input from
individual clients is solicited from those served through each phase of the
service delivery process (from intake to program planning and service
implementation, to progress reviews, exit and follow-up). The Center's Program
Managers are charged with maintaining regular and ongoing contact with clients
assigned to their caseloads. Program Managers document all significant
communication with or about clients on their respective caseloads in the client
file's case notes. Program Managers also maintain regular contact with
referring district counselors of each client, informing them immediately,
either orally or in writing, of any significant issue that may arise.
5.
Public Meetings -
Input from those served and the general public is solicited and secured
annually at regional meetings for the public review of the Mississippi OVR/VRB
State Plan. Meeting locations and schedules are advertised and other informal
means are used to encourage participation from advocacy groups, consumers, and
the general public.
The Mississippi OVR/VRB State Plan is available for review by
persons with disabilities and/or other interested parties during regular office
hours at the Department's central administrative office and certain district
locations, including the Addie McBryde Center. The State Plan is provided in
alternate media for access by people who are blind or visually impaired.
6.
Facilities Advisory
Committee - Input is solicited from the representatives of the
service community and blind consumers through the quarterly meeting of the
Facilities Advisory Committee. (
Reference: "Facilities Advisory
Committee" file .)
The Center develops and maintains an annual comprehensive,
written consumer-based management plan. This plan is the result of the Center's
investigations and its mission in the community. As a minimum, this plan
includes:
1. A
prioritized set of objectives
2. An action plan to accomplish the
objectives
3. Identification of
responsibilities for accomplishment of the planning objectives to include who
will be responsible for what and the time frames that are projected for their
accomplishment
4. An evaluation of
performance toward objectives (minimum of annually) (Reference:
"Outcomes Measurement System" and "Strategic Management Plans"
files.)
