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<DIV>Hi Bernadette,</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>Welcome, and congrats to you and your daughter, the recent BC
graduate.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>These are very uncertain times for the blind in CT, with the consolidation
of BESB into BRS, and the questionable leadership (or lack thereof) to come.
However, 2 potential programs are probably worth considering for your son's
future. CVI, of course, is complex and we are just beginning to understand it.
I'm not positive if he would qualify for BESB services, but the consolidation of
various agencies may actually work in his favor. Under the BESB division, there
is the Business Enterprise Program, which trains blind and visually
impaired people to manage and operate their own businesses, from small snack
shops to vending stands all the way up to large government cafeterias. There is
a wonderful young blind man in Greenwich with some cognitive challenges who
operates a coffee/newspaper/snack stand at the Old Greenwich train Station and
dows quite well, for instance.</DIV>
<DIV>Another option through BESB is supported employment, in which BESB will
help him find work and train him to do various jobs at a place like Goodwill
Industries. These positions are often part-time, and coaches are available to
help maximize the employees capabilities.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>Obviously, I don't know your son or his potential, but I'm sure that with
persistance and a positive attitude, both him and you,he'll be able to obtain
reasonable employment.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>chris</DIV>
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