[nfbwatlk] Possible Closure of the DSB OTC Residency Program

Tue Mar 3 17:19:26 UTC 2009

Hello,

While I was aware of the ideas and proposals set forth by DSB
regarding the OTC, I was following the lead of Mike Freeman and
keeping things on a quiet note so that we could see what would happen
as things progressed. I have not kept up with the list lately due to
being involved heavily with Kaitlynn and her Girl Scout Cookie sales.
So, I am now catching up with the list and I would like to say one or
two things.

The purpose of having a blindness specific agency is so that the needs
of the blind and newly blinded and those dealing with low vision and
vision loss can be met. These needs are unique and specific. With the
proper training we, the blind, lead "normal" lives. This is not a
shocking statement to anyone on the list.

The purpose of the OTC as I understand things, is to provide that
training to individuals who are in need of training. Whether this is
because they are getting out on their own for the first time or
whether they have just had a change in the vision, they have
identified themselves as needing this training. As stated above, the
training is specific and unique to blindness and the techniques used
are incorporated into daily life. Because this is changing a way of
doing things and changing behaviors, the most effective and successful
way to change and learn is to be in a setting where the person is
totally immersed in learning 24/7. When a person stays at home, those
living with them need to understand the necessity for these changes.
This is at best, difficult if not impossible. How often have we
returned home for a visit after being on our own for years and years
and old routines and habits just feel so comfortable to slide back
into. Mom or dad doing for you because it is just easier. It is hard
enough for the OTC students to maintain their new skills when they go
home for two weeks at a time. Or at least that is what I have been
told by those who are going home to parents or families. So, how
successful do you think it would be to have "in home" training? IMHO
this is a recipe for an even higher rate of unemployment among the
blind.

As for the claim that the NFB would embrace the closing of the center,
that is just foolishness. The entire philosophy behind the NFB is that
we need proper training, learning how to adapt and be successful and
lead independant lives. For someone to think that we would want an
opportunity for an individual to receive this training to go away
shows a total lack of understanding of the NFB and it's founding
philosophy.

Due to a prior commitment, I personally will be unable to attend the
meeting on Saturday. However, Jedi seems to be getting a group
together and I know that the Seattle Chapter will have a strong
showing at the meeting. We as an organization do not wish to see the
OTC close. I personally do not wish to see the OTC close. I know that
with small children in my home, I cannot take the time to go out of
state to receive training and I know that I am not alone. To have no
residential training available in the state of Washington would be a
true diservice for the blind of the state. We will not let this happen
and we will be there to defend the need for the center.

Kris Colcock Lawrence
President, NFBW Greater Seattle Chapter
1st VP, NFBW

On Mon, Mar 2, 2009 at 11:14 PM, Alco Canfield <amcanfield at comcast.net> wrote:
> 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
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