[NFBWV-Talk] Request for Clarification: Equitable Service Provision for Blind Individuals in West Virginia

[Sheri Koch]

Good afternoon Mr. Hunter,

As the President of the National Federation of the Blind of West Virginia,
I am writing to express my profound concern regarding a recent policy
interpretation that has come to my attention.  This interpretation appears
to significantly impact the provision of essential services to blind
individuals in our state.  It has been brought to my attention that West
Virginia's specialty counselors for the blind have been instructed that the
Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) does not endorse the provision
of devices related to independent functioning in the home for blind
individuals who have or  are also receiving  other  services such as
Job training
and job placement.  The rationale provided suggests that these are
classified as independent living products and should not be furnished.
This directive raises several critical questions and concerns:

1)

Equitable Service Provision: How does this policy align with the services
provided to individuals with other disabilities, such as those who are
paraplegic or quadriplegic?  These individuals often receive a
comprehensive array of services to enable functioning both at home and in
the workplace.  Does the exclusion of similar services for blind
individuals not constitute a form of discrimination?

2)

Holistic Approach to Rehabilitation:  Is it not equally crucial for blind
individuals to acquire skills in cooking, meal preparation, personal
hygiene, and household management?  These fundamental life skills directly
contribute to an individual's ability to maintain employment and lead an
independent life.

3)

Reasonable Accommodations:  In cases where a blind individual possesses
limited culinary skills, particularly given that blind services no longer
offer this training, would the provision of a talking microwave not be
considered a reasonable accommodation?  Similarly, how are we to view the
provision of essential aids such as signature guides and tactile markers
for appliances?

4)

Consistency, in Service Delivery: Could you please elucidate how services
can be justifiably provided for one category of disability but not
another?  If an individual is deemed eligible for services, should they not
be entitled to all appropriate services, including those essential for
daily living that directly impact their ability to maintain employment,
proper nutrition, and personal grooming?

5)

Catalog Distribution vs.Product Provision: We have been informed that
counselors are instructed to distribute catalogs rather than provide actual
products. This approach seems to shift the burden of acquisition onto the
individuals themselves, potentially creating additional barriers to access.

While we intend to address this matter formally with the Division, we are
seeking immediate clarification to ensure that our interactions with WVDRS
are informed and constructive. Our ultimate goal is to advocate for
equitable, comprehensive services that genuinely empower blind individuals
to lead independent, productive lives.

Mr. Hunter, I eagerly await your insights on this matter and look forward
to engaging in a productive dialogue to address these concerns.  Thank you
for your attention to this critical issue.

Warm regards,
𝒮𝒽ℯ𝓇𝒾 𝓀ℴ𝒸𝒽

Sheri Koch, President
NFBWV
304-209-8779
SLK8332015 at gmail.com