[NFBMI-Talk] BSBP Resolution

Fred Wurtzel f.wurtzel at att.net
Tue Oct 6 12:00:45 UTC 2020


Hello,

Our state convention is coming up the first weekend in November.  One of the
things the NFB of Michigan does at our conventions is focus on those issues
which we wish to work on.  We do this by adopting resolutions about a topic
which we wish to speak about as an organization.  In the past we have had
resolutions on a wide variety of topics.  Our Braille Literacy Law, the
Commission for the Blind bill, State ID and many other things are examples
of how we have identified things we wish to work on and have successfully
passed into law.  At this year's virtual convention, the Resolutions
committee meeting is tentatively scheduled for Friday morning November 6.
President Powell will send out the final agenda as it is developed.

 

I have noticed widespread reports of poor or non-responsive services from
the BSBP, even more than usual.  I rarely hear of blind persons getting good
jobs.    I have talked to a few folks and it seems we need another
resolution specifically stating our concerns and what we expect the BSBP to
do.  For example, we asked the BSBP Director to do something to replace the
rehabilitation services eliminated when the contract with Receiving hospital
was cancelled.  To my knowledge, nothing has happened.  I am aware that some
high school graduates have not been able to transition to college because
they have not been able to jump through the BSBP hoops to go to college.

 

Another issue is services to seniors.  A member of ours who needs services
to work cannot get even the simplest service.  This person has been required
to complete extensive paperwork which is difficult since the person is
losing their vision and needs services for adjustment to blindness as such
services are often called.  This has been very frustrating and demoralizing
for someone who is coping with losing their vision and wishes to continue to
work to earn enough money to live on.

 

I know of another person who has faithfully done all that has been asked of
them and still was unable to get the training services they need to go to
work.  The counselor approved the plan but it was repeatedly blocked by
supervision.

 

So, I am willing to write, or help write, 1 or more resolutions to address
what appears to be a troubling difficulty to receive services from the BSBP.
I do not need a formal resolution, only the issue.  My email is
f.wurtzel at att.net <mailto:f.wurtzel at att.net> .

 

Steve Handschu is the Chair of the Resolutions Committee.  At this moment,
there is no deadline for resolution submission, though I am sure it will be
in the next 2 or 3 weeks.    

 

Please let me know of any issues you would like us to work on to improve
BSBP services.

 

Warmest Regards,

 

Fred



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