[NFBWV-Talk] NFBWV and WVDRS Topics for Discussion

Sun Oct 20 02:12:27 UTC 2024

With a little consideration, I think it will flow better if I do the
introduction and question one so if somebody prefers nine that’s fine
though, I don’t mind covering that one as well.

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

On Sat, Oct 19, 2024 at 10:01 PM Sheri Koch <slk8332015 at gmail.com> wrote:

> See if this is Accessible
>
>
> 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 Independent 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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>