[nfbmi-talk] FW: Public Comment Submitted to MCB meeting

[Fred Wurtzel]

Hello,

 

Here is Kim’s comments from the Commission Public Comment.  Well done, Kim.

 

Warmest Regards,

 

Fred

 

From: Kim Mohnke [mailto:kitties_kimmy at yahoo.com] 
Sent: Friday, December 11, 2009 11:33 AM
To: 'Diana Mohnke'; 'Elizabeth'; 'Larry Posont'; 'Geer Wilcox'; 'mary wurtzel'; 'Mike Powell'; 'John Scott'; 'NFB of Michigan List'; Fred Wurtzel; Peter Zaremba; Reggie Alvarado; Dave Robinson; Melinda Lathem
Subject: Public Comment Submitted to MCB meeting 

 


Hey All,

 

Thought to let your know I submitted the following public comment to the meeting through email today, I hope it is read at the meeting.

Kim 

 

Dear Commission Board,

 

I am sorry I did not make the meeting in person, but I thought to submit my comments through email.  I will try to make it brief.  

 

Currently there have been many discussions, meetings, and reports to update and change the Michigan Commission for the Blind college policy.  Right now there is a draft of this policy, and the committee is seeking input from blind college students.  Currently I am a college student and I am blind.  I am disappointed with the current draft of this policy.  

 

Firstly, the Commission is expecting the blind college student to take a full load of classes and get a degree with the extension of only one more year than sighted students.  I have been taking college classes since fall of 2006, and I do not have a degree because I could not get the necessary technology to succeed as a blind student in my chosen major of music.  If you expect blind college students to take a full load of classes and complete their degrees in a timely manner, the Commission needs to give the colleges and the blind students the right equipment to handle the college classes.  

 

I also do not like the added form to fill out for financial aid.  College students are already completing too many forms for the financial aid process.  What will this DELEG/MCB Statement of Financial Need, prove?  What would be all the steps involved for a college student to get this form, get it signed, and make sure it is in on time for their counselor?  

 

My final thoughts deal with getting rehabilitation technology.  In the college policy as of right now, it only mentions to see the Scope of Services in the regular Michigan Commission of the Blind manual.  There needs to be clear definition in the college policy dealing with technology necessary for the college student to succeed and to finish their program in a timely manner.  

 

May you all have happy holidays and let’s get moving on the college policy for blind college students in Michigan.  

 

Best Regards,

Kimberly Mohnke 

National Federation of the Blind member 

 

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