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

Fri Apr 23 01:24:25 UTC 2010

Also, the centers themselves have some experience with how to approach state agencies for adjustment to blindness 
training from the centers.  If you have decided which center you would like to attend, contact them and ask them if they 
have had others from your state and if they have suggestions for you.

Best regards,

Steve Jacobson

On Thu, 22 Apr 2010 19:29:48 -0400, Ashley  Bramlett wrote:

>Rj,

>I'm not sure why you forwarded it to the list.  Someone in the state NFB 
>such as your chapter president would have to help you with this.  It seems 
>like if you can justify going to LCB and I am sure you can, then, you'll get 
>funding up to the amount they would pay for the state training.
>So when you justify find out the costs of each center per month; LCB may be 
>cheaper.  Talk to both center directors and find out what LCB has that you 
>can't get in state.

>Good luck.
>Ashley
>----- Original Message ----- 
>From: "RJ Sandefur" <joltingjacksandefur at gmail.com>
>To: "National Association of Blind Students mailing list" 
><nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>Sent: Thursday, April 22, 2010 7:00 PM
>Subject: [nabs-l] Fw: questions concerning informed choice,and DBS's policy 
>concerning out of state services

>----- 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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