[nfbwatlk] Possible Closure of the DSB OTC Residency Program

[Alco Canfield]

The OTC is what keeps DSB a separate agency.

Alco

-----Original Message-----
From: Lauren Merryfield <lauren1 at catliness.com>
Sent: Monday, March 02, 2009 9:09 PM
To: NFB of Washington Talk Mailing List <nfbwatlk at nfbnet.org>
Subject: Re: [nfbwatlk] Possible Closure of the DSB OTC Residency Program

Hi,
I didn't know about it.  I know from what others have said that it hasn't 
been a perfect program, but probably there isn't a perfect program.  I hope 
we don't let the OTC go by the wayside without trying to keep it for those 
who need it.  I would think it would cost more to send people out of state 
than to keep them here in a local program, but I don't know the answer to 
that.
Thanks
Lauren
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Dean Martineau" <dean at topdotenterprises.com>
To: "'NFB of Washington Talk Mailing List'" <nfbwatlk at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Monday, March 02, 2009 4:52 PM
Subject: Re: [nfbwatlk] Possible Closure of the DSB OTC Residency Program


> Well, it is interesting to observe that this topic has already generated
> lots of discussion and some action proposals on the Council list, while 
> this
> list, at least one  of whose members was informed about the plan at the 
> same
> time, and others doubtlessly also knew of it, has had no such discussion.
> It's interesting to ponder why the discrepancy, and I still think I've hit
> on part of the reason.  No, since there has been a Center in Washington,
> people have not been encouraged to go elsewhere, but when there is none 
> ...?
>
> Dean
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: nfbwatlk-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nfbwatlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
> Behalf Of Nightingale, Noel
> Sent: Monday, March 02, 2009 4:35 PM
> To: 'NFB of Washington Talk Mailing List'
> Subject: Re: [nfbwatlk] Possible Closure of the DSB OTC Residency Program
>
> I disagree with that statement, Dean.  The only individuals who ever go 
> out
> of state for their blindness skills training only did so because they were
> informed of that option or choice by individuals not employment by the 
> state
> vocational rehabilitation agency.  Despite the requirement to provide
> informed choice, I have never known any client of the Washington Dept. of
> Services for the Blind to have been informed about options for intensive
> blindness skills training other than the OTC.
>
> I believe that the National Federation of the Blind of Washington should
> advocate for the importance of a residential training center for the blind
> here in the state of Washington for two reasons:  the first reason is that
> many people have reasons why they will not leave the state for their
> training, and I remain optimistic that the training center will someday 
> meet
> our expectations, and second that the actual provision of specialized
> services is the primary justification for maintaining a separate agency 
> for
> the blind.
>
> Finally, I don't think that the debate around the closure of the OTC issue
> should be used as an excuse for people who are not part of the organized
> blind to take potshots at one organization or the other.
>
> Noel
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: nfbwatlk-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nfbwatlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
> Behalf Of Dean Martineau
> Sent: Monday, March 02, 2009 1:28 PM
> To: 'NFB of Washington Talk Mailing List'
> Subject: Re: [nfbwatlk] Possible Closure of the DSB OTC Residency Program
>
> My guess here is that the NFB won't view this development as too much of a
> negative, because it means that they will be able to leverage more people
> being sent to the Colorado Center because, after all, comparable services
> aren't provided in Washington.
>
> Dean
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: nfbwatlk-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nfbwatlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
> Behalf Of Nfbnorthwest at aol.com
> Sent: Monday, March 02, 2009 12:17 PM
> To: nfbwatlk at nfbnet.org
> Subject: [nfbwatlk] Possible Closure of the DSB OTC Residency Program
>
>
> Hello:
> Due  to the economy and State budget cuts DSB is considering closing the 
> OTC
>
> Residency program. Please read the info posted below. I was part of the
> program  for a short time but I had to return for personal reasons 
> including
> health  concerns. I was considering returnin gto the program at a later
> date, but being  separated from my Spouse Ron was very hard to deal with 
> and
> thus caused a great  deal of stress. However, the program can help and
> should not be cut.
> I
> don't  know what our position in this matter is, but I am interested in
> finding out. I  got the info from the WCBL list. I am very concerned about
> how this is going to  impact services in the State and also how far the
> budget cutting will go. What  other programs will be effected.
> I  have to admit during my short time in the program I never heard anyone
> mention  stopping the program for the residents; the hours at the center
> were changed but  nothing beyond that. However, I did sense a great deal 
> of
> tension and stress; I  had a feeling that something was going to happen.
> The  program is a good one to have. We should not allow it to be lost. 
> Even
> in favor  of other programs in other states. I hope that everyone will
> support the program  staying open. Also, I hope that everyone will 
> encourage
> DSB to cut carefully  when it comes to services.
> Lisa  A. Owen
> Secretary  Officer
> NFB  of WA Student Division
> 360-920-0405
> _nfbnorthwest at aol.com_ (mailto:nfbnorthwest at aol.com)
> PS:  Mike I would like to hear your views on this issue please and thanks