[Blindtlk] [Nfb-or] Governor Sacrifices the Blind for Short Term Politics

[T. Joseph Carter]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Art Stevenson, president
National Federation of the Blind of Oregon
Tel: 503-585-4318
Email: president at nfb-oregon.org

Governor Sacrifices the Blind for Short Term Politics

May 16, 2009

Salem, Oregon – In a swift, one-two-three punch, Governor Ted 
Kulongoski proposes to eliminate services and support to Oregon's 
blind whether they're born blind, become blind, or lose their vision 
late in life.

The first punch was delivered by House Bill 2834, sponsored by Rep. 
Sarah Gelser (D-Corvallis), with support of the Governor.  The bill 
would close and sell off the Oregon School for the Blind to private 
land developers.  Their argument is that the school's services should 
be provided by local Educational Service Districts.

The second punch came when the Oregon Senate Education Committee 
reorganized the Educational Service Districts, reducing the number 
from 22 to 13.  These agencies employ itinerant teachers whose case 
loads are already so large that they spend nearly as much time 
driving between schools as they do teaching students.

The final blow was delivered Friday, May 15th, when Governor 
Kulongoski proposed total abolition of the Oregon Commission for the 
Blind, which currently provides job training and rehabilitation to 
blind adults and seniors.  In his attempt to cover up his own lack of 
oversight of administrative misjudgments by his appointees who run 
the Commission, the Governor sacrifices the quality of life and 
future potential of the blind of Oregon.

Without a competitive education and training in the skills of 
blindness, Oregon's blind face the kind of life they lived in the 
19th century.  "It's like they want us out there with tin cups and 
pencils, begging for money," said Art Stevenson, president of the 
Oregon Federation.

Oregon's blind face an approximate 70% unemployment rate.  Under the 
current plan to reduce services and education, that number is likely 
to increase.  The result will be greater dependence on welfare and 
social security by people who want nothing more than a chance to work 
and live a normal life.

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