[NFBNJ] {Spam?} Please Read And Share: July 2016 Commission Edition

[joe ruffalo]

Greetings to all on the announcement list!
It is with great pleasure to share the informative newsletter from July 2016, Commission Edition.
To our members, please take notice and share with others as we continue to share information to raise expectations to make a difference to live the lives we want!

We care. We share. We grow. We make a difference
Joe Ruffalo, President 
National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey 
973 743 0075
nfbnj1 at verizon.net
www.nfbnj.org 
Your old car keys can be keys to literacy for the blind.
Donate your unwanted vehicle to us by clicking 
www.carshelpingtheblind.org 
or call 855 659 9314

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Commission Edition

The Monthly Newsletter of the NJ Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired

July 2016 – Volume 4, No. 7

 

Daniel B. Frye, J.D.                                                                                           Pamela Gaston

Executive Director                                                                                    Editor

>From the Director’s Desk 
For eleven years now, The New Jersey Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CBVI or Commission) has sponsored a blindness awareness night at a baseball game featuring the Trenton Thunder, a minor league team for the New York Yankees. Themed, Covering the Bases, CBVI staff, consumers, families, and other agency stakeholders gather for an evening of education about blindness and vision-impairment, shared with members of the public over a community baseball game. This year’s event was held on Thursday, July 14, 2016.

As in previous years, Department of Human Services (DHS) Acting Commissioner Beth Connolly and I greeted the crowd, offered a few words about the general capacity of blind and vision-impaired people to live full and rewarding lives, spoke about the wide array of blindness-related services available from CBVI, and referred interested people to visit our information booth on the ball field’s concourse level. Additionally, during the brief pre-game ceremony, five deserving students were awarded academic scholarships to support their post-secondary careers. During the Seventh Inning Stretch, thirteen-year-old CBVI consumer, Kaleigh Brendle, sang, sharing her emerging vocal talent, to the delight of all present.

The underlying purpose of this annual evening at the ball park is to demonstrate the innate abilities of those of us who are blind or vision-impaired to individuals interested in learning about us. Throughout the evening, we interact with one another, vendors, and the general public, enjoying a slice of America’s favorite pastime and engaging in effective education through simple fun.

In May of this year Eric Duffy of Columbus, Ohio, joined CBVI’s staff as a Technology Services Specialist. Consistent with the theme of this month’s column, I want to share with all of you Eric’s story about baseball, emphasizing how the game has proven not only to be a personal passion of his, but also a metaphor for his confidence in himself and others who live their lives, blind and bold, ready to change public misconceptions and eradicate stereotypes about the absence of vision. Where much of the remainder of this month’s Commission Edition focuses on the important programs and emerging regulations that will govern our services, I hope this story conveys in a different way the spirit that all of us at CBVI are charged with promoting to our consumers and the general public that come to the Commission for assistance.

Taken from the twenty-sixth volume of the National Federation of the Blind’s Kernel Book Series, The Lessons of the Earth, here is Eric’s account, Take Me Out to the Ball Game:

 

I am one of eight children, the only one with a disability in my family. My parents were devastated to learn that I was blind. They had no hope for any sort of a future for me, but as a child I never thought of myself as particularly different from sighted kids. I couldn’t do some things very well, and I knew that, as we grew older, some of those things would be more significant. From an early age I knew that I would never be able to drive a car for example, so I always looked for things in common with my sighted siblings and friends. Sports was one of these. 

 

True, I could not catch a football or hit a baseball the way others could, but I could learn everything possible about the games that I loved. There was a time when nothing was more important to me than baseball. I studied the game; I knew something about every major league team, something about every player, and everything about the Cincinnati Reds. Those great ball players of the early ’70’s—Johnny Bench, Pete Rose, Joe Morgan, Tony Perez, and many others—were my heroes. Cincinnati Reds broadcasters Marty Brennaman and Joe Nuxall brought the game to life for me as for thousands of others. 

 

With their vivid descriptions of the game and my insatiable desire to learn all I could about the sport, I could hold a conversation about baseball with anyone—my parents, my brothers, or my parents’ friends—it simply didn’t matter. 

 

I knew the game, and I could hold my own with anyone who wanted to talk baseball. I showed no mercy to anyone who challenged the vast superiority of the Big Red Machine to all other teams in the major leagues. No other catcher (living or dead) was in the same category as Johnny Bench.

At the time I was a student at the Ohio State School for the Blind, and although the doctors said I was totally blind, I had some usable vision through most of junior high school. Some of my friends had no vision at all, some just met the legal definition of blindness (20/200), and others were somewhere between the two. We wanted to find a way for all of us to play baseball together. We began by rolling a kick-ball on the ground. That way we did not have to worry about upper and lower strike zones. We stipulated that the ball must be on the ground before reaching the plate. If it went over the plate without being hit, it was a strike. If it did not touch the plate and the batter didn’t swing, it was a ball. 

The standard rules of baseball applied—with the exception of having to roll the ball on the ground. Of course, as I have already said, we used a kick-ball rather than a baseball. First base was at the sliding board. Second base was a tree. Third base was a jungle gym. Home plate was a merry-go-round. Of course each of these objects had the appropriate base marker in front of it.

 

Someone at the base would clap or shout to guide a totally blind base runner. I was not fast, so I would hit the ball as far as I could, then slide headfirst into base because that’s the way Pete Rose often did it. Some plays resulted in physical altercations. I remember talking about our games with my older brother, who was also playing informal games at school. We both expressed frustration at trying to get our teammates to understand that they could not run as fast as they could throw the ball. This is an important concept to understand when trying to put an opponent out. An accurately thrown ball reaches base long before the runner can.

 

At that time I did not know about the National Federation of the Blind, but it was then that I began to understand part of the NFB philosophy. I knew that, although my sighted brother and I were playing baseball under different conditions and different rules, the fundamentals of the game were the same. We enjoyed and loved the game in much the same way.

 

At home we used the same system, but the bases were orange cones. These were easy for me to see, and since my father worked construction, they were easy to get. As we got older, almost everyone got tired of this game. Those with enough vision to do so wanted to hit the baseball. The ball had to be in the air: no more rolling it on the ground. I, however, was determined not to be left out. I began pitching. I was taking a chance that the ball would hit me on a line drive, but it was a chance worth taking. I was still in the game.

 

The game of baseball has changed a great deal in the last thirty years. I don’t enjoy it nearly as much as I once did. My own life is now very different as well. I now have two little boys, who are beginning to learn to play. I can throw the ball so they can work on their fielding skills. I can help teach them the fundamentals and history of the game. I go to practices and to games. I pay attention to the sound as the bat hits the ball, and I listen to the comments of people around me and on the field. When appropriate, I say, “Good hit, son.” And at the end of the day, it never hurts to say, “Hustle a little more.”

 

Whether we’re talking about the game of baseball or the game of life, blind people can find ways to be successful. A very small percentage of the population earns a living in professional sports. So blind people aren’t at much of a disadvantage with our lack of skills on the ball field. 

 

As a blind person I know that, if I approach life in the same way that I approached baseball as a kid, I can be successful. But the key to success for blind people is good training and opportunity. Although good training can be hard to get, it is available. Equal opportunity is harder to win. More than 70 percent of working-age blind people are unemployed. Commitment to the dream of changing this prospect is one reason why I am a member of the National Federation of the Blind. In this as in many, many other ways we are changing what it means to be blind. 

Daniel B. Frye

Executive Director

 

Learning Lunch Reminder: 

As previously noted, these monthly sessions will see me meeting with five CBVI staff and a member of our Executive Management Team to receive feedback or suggestions on what the Commission might do that is new and exciting.  Please indicate your interest in being part of such an up and coming forum by sending an email with the subject line “Learning Lunch” to my assistant, Prestina Peters, at Prestina.Peters at dhs.state.nj.us.

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Program Administration – John C. Walsh, Chief
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) - Implementing the Law:  On July 22, 2014, President Obama signed into law the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) that authorizes the six core programs that comprise America’s Workforce Development System.  These programs include: 

1) Vocational Rehabilitation 

2) Adult

3) Dislocated Workers 

4) Youth 

5) Adult Education and Literacy

6) Wagner-Peyser Act Programs, (i.e., public employment services including re-employment services to unemployment insurance claimants.)

The passage of WIOA supersedes the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (WIA), and with its signing into law, requires all core programs in the Workforce Development System to implement key changes  which Congress believes will better address the needs of Americans preparing for the 21st century workforce.   

The passage of the new law also requires amendments to the existing federal regulations that govern the operations of the workforce development programs, including state agencies that are key partners in implementing the requirements of the law.  On April 16, 2015, the U.S. Departments of Education and Labor jointly issued Notices of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) documents in the Federal Register.  A comment period was established to allow all interested parties to submit their comments and concerns regarding the proposed new regulations.   The comment period ended on June 15, 2015. An initial release of the amended federal regulations occurred on June 30, 2016, which included an exhaustive analysis of the numerous comments that were received and provided a rationale for either changing the proposed rules based on public comment or for maintaining the rules as published in the NPRM.  The regulations are slated to become final thirty days after they are published in the Federal Register for programs administered by the U.S. Department of Education, which includes the VR program, and sixty days after publication for all programs administered by the U.S. Department of Labor, including the One-Stop Career system.  It is anticipated that the publication of the rules in the Federal Register will occur this summer.

CBVI’s administration is currently reviewing the various regulatory documents associated with WIOA to incorporate amended and new regulations into the Commission’s administrative codes, including N.J.A.C. 10:95, and developing new policies, procedures, and practices to address the mandated changes involving the workforce development system.  Although these changes will predominantly affect staff providing Vocational Rehabilitation services, there will also be changes in CBVI practices that will be evident in all departments and programs.   

A core principle of the law is to facilitate a greater alignment of all programs within the broader workforce development system, with the common goal of providing a robust set of diverse services to better prepare all employment-seeking U.S. residents to pursue a viable career pathway.  I believe this mirrors our efforts to foster greater alignments of the Commission’s various programs along with our community partners. This will enable CBVI to continue to improve our services and programs around a common objective of assisting all individuals we serve to achieve their highest potentials, while pursuing their dreams and goals.    

Over the next several months, I will be publishing a series of articles in the Commission Edition to begin the process of explaining the changes that will be of impact to our programs and services as a result of the passage of WIOA.   We will be sharing information widely on the new regulations to assist in the necessary transition resultant to the new law.   As with any change, there will be growing pains, but I know that we are well positioned as an organization to move forward with implementing these initiatives.

 

Below is a brief overview of the major change themes that are contained within WIOA and more specifically the reauthorization of Title IV within WIOA, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. 

These three main change initiatives within the law will impact how CBVI provides services:

1)   Promote greater alignment within the various components of America’s Workforce Development System:  One method to increase this alignment is that all states are now required to submit one state plan, combined or unified, for all core programs within that state’s workforce development system.   This past year CBVI’s administration worked with all the core partners in New Jersey to develop one combined state plan.  In addition, all core programs will be measured for effectiveness with one set of performance metrics.  

 

2)   Increase the emphasis on competitive, integrated employment: “Employment outcomes” was redefined to only include work outcomes that are in competitive, integrated employment.   Sheltered employment has not been included as a countable employment outcome since the 1998 reauthorization of the law, and in this reauthorization, unpaid and homemaker outcomes will be gradually discontinued as countable employment outcomes.

 

3)   Expansion of services to students and youth with disabilities: WIOA has created a new category of services called Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS), which are to be provided to “students with disabilities”, (i.e., individuals with disabilities ages 14 – 21) who are still in educational settings, either secondary or post-secondary education, who are “potentially eligible” or “eligible” for VR services.  There are five “required” services that constitute Pre-Employment Transition Services:

                                         i.    Job exploration counseling

                                        ii.    Work-based learning experiences

                                       iii.    Counseling related to transitioning to post-secondary education and training

                                      iv.    Workplace readiness training to develop social skills and independent living

                                       v.    Instruction in self-advocacy

In future articles, I will expand upon the specific areas of change within these three broad categories to begin the work of moving our policies, procedures, and practices towards alignment with the parameters set forth in WIOA.  There is much work to be done in the year to come, but know that CBVI, as an organization is up for the challenge.  

Organizational Logistics – Ines Matos, Chief 
What’s new in Assistive Technology:  Last year, was the pilot kick-off of the LEAP (Library Equal Access Program), and this Fall we will add new libraries to the list of available locations for assistive technology classes for the age 55+ population. Classes will be offered in the Atlantic County Library at Mays Landing, Cherry Hill Public Library, Atlantic City Public Library, East Brunswick Public Library, Johnson Public Library in Hackensack, and the South Orange Public Library. Cherry Hill Library has already committed to offering the classes and has received their equipment.  

Classes will be held September through December in the fall and then March through May in the Spring.  This year’s programs will include options for computer skills with screen reading or magnification as well as iPad classes focusing on the built in zoom and voice over options available. Each library will have one class a month and the topics covered will change each month.

All of the libraries will also make computers with the assistive technology, as well as the iPad’s, available to library guests who will benefit from the assistive technology when classes are not in session.

We plan to continue to add new libraries each year and build the program up to reach as many people as possible. If you know anyone who would benefit from one of these classes, please have them call Advancing Opportunities at 1-888-322-1918 ext. 595 and speak to someone about registering for a class at a library near them.

A Note to all Assistive Technology (AT) Users from Tiffany Jessen: 

Hello Everyone,

My goal for the summer is to improve the skills, efficiency, and confidence some of our staff have for using technology to perform their job duties. In particular, I am focused on the access technology users, but the items can be mainstream tasks as well. In order to manage a caseload efficiently, staff should be capable of reading documents by the up/down arrow, creating folders, managing documents, adding entries to both their calendar and contact lists, and more. 

Supervisors have recently asked that staff be trained in tasks such as: viewing other people’s calendars; accessing data that has been exported from FACTS into Excel; viewing and editing timesheets in e-CATS; and various mobile phone functions, including reading in different granularities (character/word/line/paragraph), synchronizing data, updating the operating system, the Talkback app, and turning on the portable hotspot and/or tethering.

Whether the AT issue is major or minor, if my assistance can be helpful, please don’t hesitate to ask.  If there are tasks that you would like to work on, or would like your staff to work on, let me know, and I will arrange time to get together for some training. 

Vocational Rehabilitation and Transition Services – Amanda Gerson, Coordinator  
Work experiences and internships in high school and college can provide invaluable lessons to our transition and college aged consumers. These early work experiences allow the opportunity to explore various fields of employment and work settings, hone their vocational goals and interests, and practice their “soft skills”, such as communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and time management. These experiences can contribute to their growth and confidence, add meaningful experience to their resume, and increase their network for future employment opportunities. 

CBVI has established some formal pathways for high school students to obtain work experience, through various transition programs, such as EDGE (Employment, Development, Guidance, and Engagement), the Work Skills Preparation Program at The College of New Jersey, and VR Counselor referrals to supported employment agencies. Additionally, our College VR Counselors regularly encourage students to take advantage of work study, internships, and co-ops through their college or university career services office or programs of study. With the advent of the Business Relations Unit and the increased focus on Pre-Employment Transition Services under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, CBVI will begin exploring new ways to increase these opportunities for young adult consumers.  One strategy is through exploring partnerships with businesses and other governmental agencies as we plan to do with the Business Relations Unit. 

The internship opportunity described below was offered to CBVI by U.S. Senator Cory Booker’s office.  This was an extension of Senator Booker’s efforts to be as inclusive as possible to the various communities that his office serves, including individuals with disabilities. The result of Ms. Sahiti’s internship was the facilitation of opportunities for improving awareness through meaningful conversations, and, thanks to the outstanding work of this consumer, a partnership that will extend internships to additional CBVI consumers.

“Dear CBVI Community,

My name is Donjeta Sahiti, and I am an undergraduate student at Seton Hall University. During my spring 2016 semester, I had the privilege of interning at the office of Senator Cory Booker. This was my first experience in the workforce. Everything was new to me and from the start I was quite nervous.

I learned a lot from taking the first step of applying for the internship which was my introduction to the application process for a new job. The process also required me to create my first resume and develop a cover letter. This was followed by my first official job interview.  This experience will benefit me in the future and I believe I will be prepared to approach future opportunities for internships and employment with confidence.

When I received the phone call from Sen. Booker’s office advising me that I had been selected for the internship I was extremely excited but still quite a bit nervous. I expected it to be a very strict work environment, and I was delighted to find out I was wrong.  I found myself working with a diverse group of young and energetic people who are genuinely passionate about what they do. It was an amazing experience to be a member of such an efficient and well-organized team. My co-workers were all extremely considerate and friendly. We got a lot of work done, but we also truly enjoyed one another. Meeting a lot of great new people and making some amazing new friends was an unexpected perk of my internship. 

Even though we had a good time with one another, we also got a lot accomplished. The interns were assigned to a variety of tasks and projects. I worked the front desk, answering calls and providing general information to constituents; I was required to compose concise memos; and do research. I was allowed to use my personal computer which was great because it already had all of the accessibility features I needed to complete my work. Another concern was mobility around the office, but even that was easier than I had originally expected. In the beginning of my internship, I was given a one-on-one tour of the office and after that there were no issues.  

One of the most memorable moments of the internship was getting to meet Senator Booker himself. I was working on an assignment and the Senator had a meeting in the Newark office. After his meeting, he came up to me and introduced himself and even called me by name. He is a genuinely kind person who cares about every person he meets. He took the time out of his busy schedule to meet with his interns and took a personal interest in our lives. He is a very kind, warm-hearted, authentic individual. It was a pleasure being able to work at his office and learn so much about both the workforce and myself in the process. 

I know that this experience has opened doors for me. This experience has challenged me to push myself even further and to re-think the limits I placed on myself. I highly encourage other students to participate in either this internship or any other internship in any field of interest. An internship is an incredible way to get real-world experience in the workforce, meet new people, and discover things about yourself.

Sincerely,

Donjeta Sahiti

 
Educational Services – Eva Scott, Director of Blindness Education
“Keep Calm and Carry On” - (The British Government to the British people during the Battle of Britain)

  

SHARP 2016:  SHARP 2016 has finally arrived!  During the first two weeks of the program, our students have used their literacy skills, technology skills, and independent living skills to access information, find their location, prepare a meal, travel safely, and interact with new friends.  In between they have also taken fitness classes, participated in their own Olympics games, created beautiful artwork, visited an aquarium, attended a jazz concert, visited a science museum, and played musical instruments with members of a rock band.  Those are the activities that have occurred so far. 

 

As you can see, everyone in Blindness Education is busy making the summer wonderful for many of our students.  However, it is important to note that while SHARP 2016 is going on, our teachers are still busy providing braille instruction to students who were not able to attend SHARP.  With so much to do in Blindness Education during the summer, I often find myself saying aloud, “Keep calm and carry on.” 

 

Provider Service Agreements to School Districts: A few weeks ago, our provider service agreements (a.k.a., school contracts) for the 2016-2017 academic year were sent out.  Within a week of the mailing, signed agreements began returning to CBVI.  During this process, I have had the opportunity to speak with a number of school district officials who have been very complimentary of the professionalism of our teachers and the quality of the services they provide.  Many of these officials were eager to receive a service agreement to make sure we would be serving their students during the upcoming academic year.

 

The following essay, submitted by Joan Boyle, is an essay question response, as written by CBVI student, and National Braille Challenge finalist, Kaleigh Brendle:

2016 National Braille Challenge Questionnaire: What do you want to be when you grow up and why?

“I strive to become a renowned author, a successful singer, and or possibly an activist fighting for environmental law. After middle school and high school, I hope to attend Princeton University or Harvard University and thereafter pursue my chosen en-devours. It is my dream to inspire optimism and creativity in the minds of children so that our future generations will be even more successful than our past. The astounding works of JK Rowling have fueled my passion for writing, and it is my hope that I will someday be as successful and inspiriting as she. Adele’s enthralling voice pushes my drive to excel vocally in the much beloved world of music, while the moving story of environmental activist, Severn Cullis-Suzuki, fuels my desire for the protection and preservation of our environment. If I am so fortunate in one or more of these fields, then I would like to donate proceeds from my success to organizations aiding the Blind and Vision Impaired. It is imperative that all children are treated equally no matter their vision impairment; nothing must prevent them from achieving their desired life goals. “

Independent Living & Clinical Services – Elizabeth DeShields, Coordinator
As part of our partnership with the National Research and Training Center on Blindness and Low Vision of Mississippi State University, Kendra Farrow and I arranged Diabetic Education training for the Eye Health Nurses (EHN).

During a recent meeting at the Cherry Hill Service Center, Independent Living policies and procedures were reviewed, but the highlight was the discussion of the Diabetic Education Conference.  Karen Brazinski and Mary Tigges, RN’s an EHN’s from the Southern Region out of the Freehold Service Center, share their thoughts below:

“Recently on June 16, the EHN’s attended a conference on Adaptive Blood Glucose Monitoring and Insulin Measurement, presented by Debra Sokol-Mckay.  It was an excellent conference during which we were able to discuss some of the techniques and devices we currently use, as well as some items which were new to many of the EHN’s.  Of special interest was the Surgilance, a single use lancet device which is pressure activated, and may be helpful to our consumers with severe neuropathy of the hands or those that have only the use of one hand.  The presenter also introduced an insulin pen tip, the AutoShield, which eliminates needle sticks when self-administering insulin via an insulin pen.  Within a week after the conference, I was able to suggest this device to a consumer, who is blind and has severe neuropathy in his hands which has resulted in him inadvertently sticking himself a few times, when practicing to use an insulin pen.  The AutoShield was a great help to this consumer.

This conference provided practical information, feedback on currently used techniques, and an opportunity to gather as professionals to exchange ideas and thoughts. We gained “hands on” experience, in addition to increasing our knowledge about different glucose testing methods which are currently available.  At the conclusion of the conference, we were each provided with Diabetic Education Kits that included a 3-D tactile model of the consequences of diabetes, a flip chart, and a model foot that simulates diabetic wounds and foot disease.  All of this will clearly help us educate our consumers in the areas of diabetes as it relates to their eye condition.

Thank you for all those involved in arranging this conference.”  

Joseph Kohn Training Center – Del Basha, Manager
In addition to the various instructional classes that are available to students who enroll in the Joseph Kohn Training Center (JKTC), there are also group discussions which focus on vocation related topics. Students have expressed their appreciation for these interactive discussions, since they offer a unique opportunity for individuals to provide feedback, learn valuable information, and ask key questions. These groups are conducted periodically by the manager, supervisors, nursing supervisor, and social worker. The social work component is effective in helping consumers to continue to become more independent. These meetings can sometimes resolve critical issues confronting consumers. 

Social Work - Submitted by Alexandra Ramos: The Social Work Office at the JKTC provides a variety of services to the center’s students. In addition to scheduling tours and arranging pre-admits, students are provided with supportive services related to various needs and requests.  These services include: applications for housing, acquiring a DMVC non-driver’s photo ID, completion of medical related documents, and setting up NJ WINS presentations. 

Recently, one of the JKTC students was assisted with her application for Medicaid / Workability (formerly known as the Ticket-to-Work program).  This client was in the process of losing her Medicaid health insurance. With guidance from the Social Work office, the consumer’s application was thoroughly completed and processed in a timely manner. Ultimately, the consumer was then re-approved for the service. Since authorization for many services can take up to three months, it is crucial to start the paperwork early. As such, the regular updates that occur between consumers and staff are very beneficial. 

Business Enterprises of New Jersey – Deacon Truesdale, Manager 
The Department of Defense (DoD) has recently proposed regulations that would violate the Randolph-Sheppard Act and regulations regarding the application of the Randolph-Sheppard Act to military food services.  These proposed regulations could severely limit opportunities for blind entrepreneurs. The DoD is looking to narrow the definition of the operation of a cafeteria to eliminate all activities except for the “exercise of management responsibility and day to day decision making authority” over the entire facility.  Blind vendors have much more than just a managerial role when operating a cafeteria. 

“Cafeteria means a food dispensing facility capable of providing a broad variety of prepared foods and beverages (including hot meals) primarily through the use of a line where the customer serves himself from displayed selections. A cafeteria may be fully automatic or some limited waiter or waitress service may be available and provided within a cafeteria and table or booth seating facilities are always provided.”  

These ancillary services are already established under the priority for Randolph-Sheppard as regulated by RSA. There is enough vagueness with this proposed rule that could potentially spark litigation as vendors face a reduction in the amount of contracts that the Randolph-Sheppard priority applies.  The proposed definition opens up many doors to subcontracting services that will separate services that already fall under the priority.  This can potentially lead to lost revenues to the blind vendor.  

The National Council of State Agencies for the Blind (NCSAB) has drawn up a draft letter stating the above mentioned issues.  NCSAB has reached out nationwide to the State Licensing Agencies asking all to take part in a legal argument against these proposed regulations.  In BENJ we provide troop dining to the Cape May Coast Guard Training Center and our manager, Frank Collepardi happily assisted in providing the necessary information to submit the comments on behalf of BENJ.

Regional Updates 
Southern Region – Jack Thompson, Manager 
What Is a VRT? – Submitted by Wanda Blann:  I would like to tell you about a profession that the world knows very little about. This profession is a Vision Rehabilitation Therapist (VRT). Here at CBVI we are known as Rehabilitation Teachers or (VRT/RT’s). Up until two years ago I had never heard of this profession and because I have been vision-impaired since birth, I have to admit I never thought about people who are blind or vision-impaired needing someone to help them adjust and maintain independence. I am going to tell you just what a VRT is and does as well as where to receive some of the best educational training. 

 

VRT professionals are people who teach adaptive independent living skills that help those who are blind, deaf-blind, or vision-impaired to perform a wide range of daily life activities.  We also assist by providing information that empowers and enables consumers to be more informed about available services and programs. VRT’s go into individuals’ homes, work, care facilities, and even prisons.  It doesn’t matter where the consumer is. If our services are required, we will be there to address their needs. 

Currently, I am receiving my formal educational training from Salus University located in Elkins Park, Pennsylvania.  Salus is one of only four universities that offers a Certificate and a Master’s program in the discipline of Vision Rehabilitation Therapy.  Salus University has a ninety-seven year legacy of academic superiority and assurance of thoughtful development and growth.  Salus University’s rigorous academic programs are based on a holistic primary-care and patience-centered philosophy that emphasizes hands-on learning and innovative student learning.  

In the VRT training program the “Andragogy” approach is used. Andragogy is a student-driven approach, in which the student tells you what and where their needs are and are in turn guided through the learning process.  Salus understands that as graduate students the majority of us have some type of job, full or part time and therefore offer their programs online, with a single, mandatory, intensive, six to eight weeks, on campus during the summer session. 

The Salus program prepares VRT professionals with the necessary expertise and provides comprehensive vision rehabilitation therapy services to people who are blind and vision-impaired. Once you have successfully completed the one and a half year to two year program you will have achieved either a certificate or Master’s degree and you will fully be ready to take the ACVREP exam which will grant you the national certification that will be recognized anywhere in the USA.

New or Noteworthy
CBVI consumer Johnnie Porter of Jersey City didn’t want to sit around thinking about what he could no longer do when he lost his vision. He wanted to go back to work or go to school, but when those things didn’t happen for him, he decided to do some community service.  Mr. Porter got in contact with the United Way of Essex and Hudson counties and through them he became a volunteer for “Angie Cares”, a program founded by Assemblywoman Angela McKnight.  

Along with his volunteer work, Mr. Porter was dealing with a variety of personal problems not the least of these being his health and adjusting to his vision loss. With the assistance of his caseworker, and referrals to the appropriate resources, he was able to resolve some longstanding personal concerns which greatly improved his quality of life. This enabled him to increase his involvement with “Angie Cares”, and since then he has dedicated two hours a day, seven days a week, to calling and accepting calls from seniors and individuals with disabilities.  

Mr. Porter said, “Sometimes people just want to hear a kind word, but often people need help. I might call someone to wish them “Happy Birthday” and next find myself talking to somebody who says they have no food in their house. It varies from day to day.”

In April of this year, Mr. Porter was hospitalized for an amputation. Although he was, in his own words, “devastated”, he made his daily phone calls from his hospital bed.  “I had to because I know they depend on hearing from me,” said Mr. Porter.

As a result of his dedication, Assemblywoman McKnight and the CEO of United Way visited Mr. Porter at his home to present the President’s Volunteer Service Award along with a personal letter of recognition from President Barack Obama.  

Mr. Porter sent copies of both to CBVI with the following note: 

Dear Commission: 

As a blind person I would like to thank the Commission for what you all have done for me. I would like to share this award with all the blind people like myself in the State of NJ and nationwide.

Sincerely,

Johnnie Porter

 

comments 

The Last Words
“Every child deserves a champion – an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection and insists that they become the best that they can possibly be.” - R. Pierson
 

 

Please send items or suggestions for the next issue of the Commission Edition by or before 11 a.m., Monday, August 22, 2016:

Pamela.Gaston at dhs.state.nj.us and Prestina.Peters at dhs.state.nj.us 

 

 
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