[Centralok] Fwd: Blind Push Back; The Blind are under attack in Oklahoma

[Rex Schuttler]

Please see below from our president Jeannie Massay

Rex Schuttler
Second vice President of the national Federation of the blind of Oklahoma
President of the Central chapter of the national Federation of the blind of Oklahoma
cell phone number
918-955-6761

Begin forwarded message:

> From: "Jeannie Massay" <jmassay1 at cox.net>
> Date: March 10, 2017 at 2:34:17 PM CST
> To: "'Audrey Farnum  '" <audrey at nfbok.org>, "'Cammie Loehr '" <cammieloehr767 at gmail.com>, "'Glenda Farnum'" <gfarnum at cox.net>, "'Mike Floyd '" <michael.b.floyd at gmail.com>, "'Mike Harvey '" <mike.harvey149 at gmail.com>, "'Rex Schuttler '" <rexschuttler at gmail.com>
> Cc: "'Jeannie Massay'" <jmassay1 at cox.net>
> Subject: FW: Blind Push Back; The Blind are under attack in Oklahoma
> 
> FYI. I sent this out to all media contacts that we have today. A letter from me on behalf of the affiliate board and our members is set to go to the entire House regarding HB 1861 with another going to them regarding 2230. I will send them both to the entire affiliate. Please post vigorously to social media. Ask your friends and family members to send another e-mail to their representatives, share your posts and make phone calls. Both bills look to go to the full House for a vote on Monday.  Let’s crank it up!!!!!!
>  
> Thanks,
>  
> Jeannie
>  
> From: Jeannie Massay [mailto:jmassay1 at cox.net] 
> Sent: Friday, March 10, 2017 2:27 PM
> To: 'apoklahoma at ap.org' <apoklahoma at ap.org>
> Subject: Blind Push Back; The Blind are under attack in Oklahoma
>  
> Dear Members of the Media Corps,
>  
> It is with an urgent need for your assistance regarding legislative efforts directed towards the blind community of Oklahoma that I am contacting you today. In my capacity as the President of the National Federation of the Blind of Oklahoma, on behalf of the Board of Directors of the National Federation of the Blind of Oklahoma and the members that we serve across the state of Oklahoma that I send the following video from our recent public meeting addressing our concerns regarding HB 1861, HB 2230 and S 733.
>  
> On March 1, 2017, approximately 40 members, friends and family members of the National Federation of the Blind met at the Oklahoma State Capitol to protest in opposition to the above legislation. We attended the 9:00 A.m. Municipal & County Committee meeting where we were not allowed to speak against HB 2230 after having been told that we would. Further, the vote was split and then suspended for a few moments in order for the Majority Whip to be called in to vote. This piece of legislation was written specifically to kick one blind man out of his job and to prevent others from gainful employment in the future.
>  
> That afternoon, into the evening, we attended the Appropriations and Budget Committee meeting, again with more than 40 members present, most of whom are blind. HB 1861 seeks to remove funding for the Older Blind program from the Department of Rehabilitation  Services, Visual Services  Division, to a non-profit organization accredited by the National Accreditation Council ()NAC), a little used, questionable accreditation.  Please look into their practices. They are not recommended by reputable blindness agencies nor are they recommended by the majority of the blind community. Interestingly, one provider in Oklahoma is accredited by NAC, thus creating a situation in which this sole entity would become the sole provider of services for the Older Blind program.
>  
> We, the blind, of Oklahoma do not want any of this legislation. We, the blind, the very community affected by all of the above legislation were not consulted about any of the proposed bills. As constituents and tax-paying citizens exercising our rights we fully expected for our thoughts, our opinions, our expertise and our experiences to be taken into account. Clearly, we were dismissed and ignored. Both bills look to be on the House Floor Agenda for this Monday. WE NEED YOUR HELP!
>  
> The video file below is a Facebook Live video that was taken on March 1 when we exercised our rights and responsibility in letting our legislature know that we do not want or need this legislation.  I am happy to discuss our stance and answer any questions that you might have about the legislation. I have taken the liberty of sending you fact sheets regarding the issues, as well.
>  
> https://www.facebook.com/fatosf1/videos/vb.1626795706/10210748709146963/?type=2&theater
>  
> Thank you for your time and consideration in helping the blind community of Oklahoma.
>  
> Sincere regards,
>  
> Jeannie
>  
> Jeannie M. Massay, President
> National Federation of theBlind
> Of Oklahoma
> 505 Baker Street
> Norman, OK 73072
> Phone: 405-600-0695
> Jeannie.massay at nfbok.org
>  
> Live the life you want!
>  
> The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day, we raise expectations of the blind because low expectations create obstacles between blind people and our dreams. Blindness is not what holds you back. You can live the life you want.!.
>  
>  
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