[NFBWV-Talk] NFBWV and WVDRS Topics for Discussion

Mon Oct 21 15:17:32 UTC 2024

I can do that one if that helps.

-----Original Message-----
From: NFBWV-Talk <nfbwv-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Sheri Koch via NFBWV-Talk
Sent: Saturday, October 19, 2024 10:12 PM
To: NFB of West Virginia Discussion List <nfbwv-talk at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Sheri Koch <slk8332015 at gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [NFBWV-Talk] NFBWV and WVDRS Topics for Discussion

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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>> >
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