[Nfbf-l] Legislative committee meeting 8/21

[David Evans]

Dear Denise,

I have another item for discussion for the legislative Committee meeting.
It has to do with getting the Congress to approve durable medical devices 
for the Blind under Medicair.
  Medicair will purchase a wheelchair or scooter for someone who can not 
walk, and walkers too, but will purchase nothing to assist those who can not 
see.
Why can they not purchase, or at least help purchase such devices as CCTV's, 
talking blood glucose meters, blood pressure cups or hand held magnifiers or 
software for your computer the can help a person read?
The federal government already recognizes Blindness as a more severe 
disability than just the inability to walk.  Most disabilities effect one or 
more of Life's daily activities, but Blindness effects all of life's 
activities,I.E. walking, writing, reading, cooking cleaning, personal record 
keeping, dealing with financial matters and transporting oneself.
  Why do they spend so little on us, a Medicair benefit of $150.00 max, but 
will spend up to $ 30,000 for a motorized wheelchair?

Why can they not have a program that helps you purchase such devices, even 
if they will not cover the entire cost?
As 74.3% of all Blind People are over the age of 65 and the number of Blind 
seniors is growing faster than any other group, It would make sense to help 
these seniors stay as independent as possible and keep them out of the 
costly nursing homes.  The government would save money and the people would 
be much happier.
The government could mandate that the seniors go through a good rehab 
program as part of the benefit.
The old adage that says you can not teach an old dog new tricks is only true 
if the old dog don't want to learn.    It is allot easier if there are are 
other old dogs learning and doing the new tricks  too.
Seniors listen to and learn from other seniors quicker and easier than they 
do from younger people.
One knowledgeable senior, in a adult community, is worth 4 younger rehab 
instructors in a rehab facility.
This is just my thoughts on the matter and something we should discuss and 
pass on.

David Evans, NFBF and GD Jack.
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Denise Valkema" <valkemadenise at aol.com>
To: "NFB of Florida Internet Mailing List" <nfbf-l at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Saturday, August 13, 2011 10:29 PM
Subject: Re: [Nfbf-l] Legislative committee meeting 8/21


> Thanks
>
>
>
> Sent from Denise's Palm Pre On Aug 13, 2011 8:55 PM, Judith Hamilton 
> <jrhamilton51 at earthlink.net> wrote:
>
>
>
> Denise,
>
>
>
> Carrie Zubillaga, Gainesville Chapter President, will be representing our
>
> chapter.  She has no Email access.  Contact her with call in instructions
>
> and an overview of the Legislative committee.  The number is (904) 
> 964-7679.
>
>
>
> Judy Hamilton
>
> Gainesville Chapter Secretary
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> > [Original Message]
>
> > From: Denise Valkema <valkemadenise at aol.com>
>
> > To: Nfbf <nfbf-l at nfbnet.org>
>
> > Date: 8/10/2011 2:43:51 PM
>
> > Subject: [Nfbf-l] Legislative committee meeting 8/21
>
> >
>
> > The legislative committee will meet by teleconference Sunday, 8/21, @ 
> 8pm.
>
> >
>
> > We would like one person from each chapter to be on this committee.
>
> Chapter presidents should let me know the contact information for the
>
> member that has agreed to be on this committee and it can be you.
>
> >
>
> > The call in information will be sent later. Let me know your what you
>
> would like placed on the agenda. Please let me who will call in.
>
> >
>
> > Feel free to contact me with questions or comments.
>
> >
>
> > Thanks,&nbsp;
>
> > Denise Valkema, NFBF legislative chair
>
> > 305-972-8529
>
> > Valkemadenise at aol.com
>
> >
>
> >
>
> > Sent from Denise's Palm Pre&nbsp;
>
> > _______________________________________________
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