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

Sun Apr 25 07:31:06 UTC 2010

I raised the question in the past but did not get an answer. Therefore, I 
will restate it.
What does the NFB do to advocate for those in states whose state agencies do 
not provide funding for them to attend NFB centers. Secondly, what other 
means of funding are available for blind people to attend NFB centers who 
for various reasons do not receive VR funding? In other words, does the NFB 
m;ake funds available for those worthy and willing to attend but have no 
other means?
Chuck
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Tim Shaw" <timandvickie at hotmail.com>
To: <blindlaw at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Saturday, April 24, 2010 11:02 AM
Subject: Re: [blindlaw] Fw: questions concerning informed choice, and DBS's 
policy concerning out of state services


>
> As a person working for a similar agency will telly ou they will infact 
> deny you sending you to the lousiana center unless you can come up with 
> specific reason that you need to attend that center of their own. For 
> example fi you were going to go into a specific vocational field and the 
> other center had a program geared toward it while theirs did not. That is 
> what the statement on out of state triaining is saying. If you can not 
> show that there is a training aspect that will be provided their that you 
> need that is not offered in state then they will only support the cheaper 
> in state training. My advice would be to find someone you know that lives 
> in lousiana and use their address to oopen a case there and get the 
> lousiana agency to send yu to the center. That would be much less of a 
> head ache
>
>> From: joltingjacksandefur at gmail.com
>> To: blindlaw at nfbnet.org
>> Date: Fri, 23 Apr 2010 00:52:18 -0400
>> Subject: [blindlaw] Fw: questions concerning informed choice, and DBS's 
>> policy concerning out of state services
>>
>> 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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