[NFBWV-Talk] NFBWV and WVDRS Topics for Discussion

[Sheri Koch]

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WVDRS Topics for Discussion


1)  Do you agree there are aspects of blindness rehabilitation services in West
Virginia that could be improved and if so,are you willing to collaborate
constructively with the NFBWV and the blind community toexplore strategies
and solutions?

2) For those who don’t know, define Order of Selection 1 & Order of
Selection
2.

3)  Why is DRS implementing closed OS so early in the fiscal year? Is the
bulk of the money being spent on new referrals?


4)  With the closing of WVRC and using community vendors to teach Braille
 and access technology, and the criteria for teaching no longer applies, why
not change the criteria for filling these positions so more instructors can
be hired statewide, and more blind people can receive comprehensive
and continuous
services? NFBWV could go to the legislature if neededto assist with this
job reclassification.

5)  For College-bound students…appropriate access technology is crucial for
their success. It appears that additional Access Technology Specialists and
Brailleinstructors are needed statewide.  Why not hire additional staff who
can do comprehensive assessments and individualized training?

6)  What effective strategies can be put in place to ensure blind
college-bound students receive blindness skills BEFORE college?

7)  Accommodations at the college and university seem to experience great
difficulty with accommodating blind and low vision students.  While
students wait on needed accommodations from their learning institution, they
need to know what already exists for them.  Counselors for the blind need to
be better informed so they canbetter prepare students on available services
such as Braille. Bookshare, Learning Ally, DRS provided reader service, etc.

8)  No counselor for the blind should EVER tell a client that Braille is
obsolete. Case in point, elevators.

9)  Delores (Nikki) Jackson with NFB heads a program called “Where the
Blind work”.  Her contact info is:
njackson at nfb.org, 410-659-9314 - Ext. 2404. Link:
https://nfb.org/programs-services/employment/where-blind-work


10)  Counselors for the blind would do well to work with her to ensure no
occupation desired by a blind person is ruled out before it has been
thoroughly explored. Example, can a blind person be a doctor? Yes!

11)  We understand that RSA has provided guidance to no longer provide any I
ndependent Living products such as a talking microwave to blind individuals
seeking employment. With such services as cooking no longer being provided,
what is a blind person with no cooking skills to do?  Please Clarify.

12)  To do a thorough job in assessing, training and placing blind
individuals, small caseloads are essential to meet each blind or low vision
person’s needs. Carrying large caseloads to include others who are not
blind feels like a “numbers game” of quantity, rather than providing
quality services to blind individuals needing specialized services. Could
this be reconsidered? Can this be resolved?

13)  VISIONS provides no canes, O&Mtraining, or Braille.  If money is the
issue, NFBWV is willing to go to the governor or legislature.  Other
states acquire
stated funding for their ILOB programs

14)  NFBWV continues to feel that a blind individual with good
administrative skills should head Blind Services.  Yet, when we look at
individuals in charge, yet only one blind is employed with minimal
authority or leadership opportunities. Why?

15)  While we are aware that color blindness and having only one good eye
are listed under ADA as disabilities, questions continue to arise regarding
real functional limitations and DRS eligibility.

2


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









On Sat, Oct 19, 2024 at 9:20 PM A C MCGHEE via NFBWV-Talk <
nfbwv-talk at nfbnet.org> wrote:

> Sheri,
> The attachment didn't come through on my Braille device. Sometimes they do
> but most times they don't come through.
>
> Carol
>
> On Oct 19, 2024 5:18 PM, Sheri Koch via NFBWV-Talk <nfbwv-talk at nfbnet.org>
> wrote:
> >
> > Hello All,
> >
> > This email is targeted for those individuals who will be attending our
> > upcoming 2024 state convention and who plan to participate in the
> 11/1/24
> > session with WVDRS.  Attached is a list of 15 topics for discussion.
> I'd
> > like each of you to pick one of particular interest to you. If you like,
> > feel free to join up with another individual to address a specific topic
> of
> > choice.   Because I will open up this session, and because I have talked
> > with Ms.Jackson about the program Where the Blind Work, I have selected
> > topic #9.
> >
> > To avoid potential chaos, please review the topic list, make your
> > selection, and email or text me your choice by next Saturday, 10/26/24.
> I
> > will provide some assistance if there are topics not selected to ensure
> we
> > cover the most salient issues.
> >
> > In the interest of productivity and transparency, the list of issues has
> > been sent to all invited WVDRS staff participants, along with a copy of
> the
> > agenda.
> >
> > I'm hopeful this will be a lively and productive discussion.  Thanks to
> all
> > of you who are volunteering to get involved.
> >
> > _______________________________________________
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