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<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial>I am writing to clarifysome remarks pertaining to
the job description for the Assistant for the Blind position. This is the
same job description which was in place when I worked as a Vocational
Rehabilitation Counselor at the former BESB, now referred to as the
Program. Insteadof hearing "custodial, low expectations," I heard, "let's
get the facts straight." First, this assistant is employed by The
Program for the Blind, not by the person who is blind. Second, the files
which are read to the Rehabilitation Teacher or Vocational Rehabilitation
Counselor contain handwritten materials written by doctors other personnel
and screen readers cannot readthis information. Since staff mainly work
with consumers outside of the location of the Program for the
Blind, and there is a plethora of material to be read,
it is more efficient to have the information read directly to the staff.
Second, it is necessary to meet with consumers in other areas of the state,due
to lack of public transportation. </FONT></DIV>
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<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial>What about those tasks such as running erreands or
going to the bank? You probably have heard the statement, "other job duties
as assigned,"the errands and going to the bank are required for the business
office, the stock room, or the Director, not the person who is blind. This
should shed some more light on the purpose of the Special Assistant.
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<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial>Barb</FONT> </DIV></BODY></HTML>