[blindlaw] Fw: questions concerning informed choice, and DBS's policy concerning out of state services

Fri Apr 23 04:52:18 UTC 2010

Here's the attachment she sent. Its been scanned as well. I'd like your feed back. RJ
----- Original Message ----- 
From: Howard-Davis, Bobbie 
To: RJ Sandefur 
Sent: Thursday, April 22, 2010 11:51 AM
Subject: RE: questions concerning informed choice, and DBS's policy concerning out of state services

Mr. Sandefur, please accept my condolence to you on the lost of your mother. 

If you need some adjustment to blindness training at this time, we can reopen your file and refer you the Lighthouse for the Blind of the Palm Beaches at this time for training.

I am also attaching a copy the Division's policy on Informed Choice to help you in making your decision about training. 

I know you are aware of the DBS policy on Out-State-Services, because you attached it to your e-mail.

In order to assist you with training services, please call our office and ask to have your case reopen for services at 561-681-2448 or 866-225-0794.

Bobbie Howard-Davis

District Administrator

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: RJ Sandefur [mailto:joltingjacksandefur at gmail.com] 
Sent: Monday, April 19, 2010 10:09 AM
To: Howard-Davis, Bobbie
Subject: questions concerning informed choice, and DBS's policy concerning out of state services

Dear Mrs. Davis, My name is Robert Sandefur, I have some questions for you concerning my right to informed choice, and the DBS policy concerning out of state services. In 1999, I attended the rehabilitation center, which is now the orientation and adjustment center, and did not find the experience to be a pleasant one. In 2004, I closed my case with DBS, due to a disagreement with my councilor at the time. However, due to having recently lost my mother, and other factors, I believe I am in need of some adjustment to blindness training, and this training should be conducted at the Louisiana center for the blind. (LCB) I was looking at the DBS web sight and came across the policy concerning out of state services:
Out of State Services
DIVISION POLICY 6.14

SUBJECT 
Out of State Services

EFFECTIVE DATE
July 9, 2003

REVISION DATE
February 14, 2008

EXPIRATION DATE
This policy will be reviewed annually and updated as needed.

PURPOSE

To provide guidelines for the provision of out-of-state services.

AUTHORITY
34 CFR 361.50(b)

POLICY
The Florida Division of Blind Services has established a preference for in-State services, provided that the preference does not effectively deny an individual a necessary service. If the individual chooses an out-of-State service at a higher cost than an in-State service, and either service would meet the individual's rehabilitation needs, the designated State unit is not responsible for those costs in excess of the cost of the in-State service. However, if the out-of-state services provides a unique service to meet the individual's rehabilitation plan, the Bureau Chief should be contacted to approve or disapproval such a service.

Original signed by Michael Elliott, Bureau Chief, February 14, 2008 But compare this with a directive from RSA. policy as stated in 2001 in RSA PD-01-03:

      POLICY STATEMENT:  The State VR program must provide applicants
and individuals eligible for VR services with opportunities to
exercise informed choice throughout the VR process, including making
decisions about the employment goal, VR services, service providers,
settings for employment and service provision, and methods for
procuring services.  To enable an individual to make such decisions,
the State VR agency must provide information, support and assistance
needed by the individual.  The VR agency has the responsibility to
implement policies, procedures, and practices, and to develop
resources that enable applicants and individuals eligible for VR
services to exercise informed choice throughout the entire VR process;
these policies, procedures, and practices must be consistent with
Federal statutory and regulatory requirements. Mrs. Davis, Does this mean, that DBS can tell me, "RJ, we're denying your request to attend LCB, due to causts?" I do realize I'd have to open a new case with DBS, since the previous one was closed in 2004. For your convience, I've attached a document explaining what LCB is, although I'm shure you know who they are. Mrs. Davis, This is only an inquiry, and I wish to get my facts so that I'll be able to have enough information in order to make an informed choice as to where to go from here. I did study with a Seminary, and obtain my master of theology, in 2006, and I was licensed by my church to preach in 2005. It was tough loosing Mom, and I know, she'd want me to continue doing what I believe the Lord has called me to do. However, How am I going to be an effective minister, if I don't have the blindness training, needed to sirvive? Another concern I have, is I have learned some ministers start out as by-vocational. In 2004, until now, I didn't see that aspect of it. I have a batchors degree in criminal justice. Another not so wise disision on my part. Mrs. Davis, I look forward to your answer. Sencerly, Robert Sandefur
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