[NFB-Idaho] very important information regarding future independent living services for the blind in Idaho

[Laine Amoureux]

As folks are reviewing this potential plan, and giving feedback, I encourage you to please do a few things…
Review Idaho law, and the ICBVI statutes, what they can and cannot do. Then  review the changes, from 2014, that moves independent living services out from under the  rehabilitation services administration and department of education, and under theACL, at the federal level, and the rules pertaining to how independent living funds from ACL can be used, and see if those rules match up with what the commission for the blind is allowed, by state law, to do.
The state planning for independent living is focused on the challenges we face gaining access to housing, education and healthcare. It is very important that these systemic issues are addressed and that feedback be relevant. Can ICBVI, by statute, advocate for changes two housing rules/laws/policies? Education rules/laws/policies? Health care rules/laws/policies?
Ken independent living funds, buy current community living funding rules be used to provide direct training and services for people? 
And, what good is it if you know how to use a screen reader, read braille and travel independently when you don’t have access to housing, education or healthcare? What good are bump dots on your microwave and oven, if you don’t have a house with a microwave and oven? 
I recently re-read Dr. Jernigans, the coming of the third generation. A banquet speech delivered in St. Louis. I encourage others to read that again is well, and ask yourselves… Where are we? Where should we be? And how do we get there? Which generation, describe  by Dr. Jernigan, most reflects our current times?
  


Sent from my iPhone

> On Oct 24, 2018, at 5:02 PM, dana ard via NFB-Idaho <nfb-idaho at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> I fully intend to be there. I might be a bit late because of a prior
> engagement, but I will be there. Keep those surveys coming. We will not be
> silenced!  We are the National Federation of the Blind, we are the blind
> speaking for ourselves, and we need blindness training in order to be
> employed, independent and to live the lives we want.
> 
> Dana Ard, President
> National Federation of the Blind of Idaho
> Main: 208-345-3906
> Cell: 208-859-2828 (call only)
> Email: president at NFBIdaho.org
> Website: www.nfbidaho.org
> "The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the
> characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the
> expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles
> between blind people and our dreams. You can live the life you want;
> Blindness is not what holds you back."  
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: NFB-Idaho [mailto:nfb-idaho-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Garren
> Aubrey via NFB-Idaho
> Sent: Wednesday, October 24, 2018 10:34 AM
> To: nfb-idaho at nfbnet.org
> Cc: Garren Aubrey
> Subject: Re: [NFB-Idaho] very important information regarding future
> independent living services for the blind in Idaho
> 
> Hello everyone,
> As I have had an opportunity to process what transpired at the meeting 
> last week, I have come to a relize I, along with the other 
> blindindividuals at the meeting got played. Mel Levitan, who ran the 
> meeting, did not want to hear our concerns.. She was more interested in 
> keeping us from discussing the value of the ICBVI in our lives. When 
> one of us brought up the benefits of the commission, she would change 
> the subject. As I communicated my feelings about this with the other 
> blind individuals who were there they felt the same way. I understand 
> there are not many opportunities to attend this meeting left, but I 
> would highly recommend you attend if possable.
> Thanks,
> Garren
> 
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