[NFBWV-Talk] NFBWV and WVDRS Topics for Discussion

[A C MCGHEE]

I'll take Number 11 but I need a little clarification.

Carol
On Oct 19, 2024 10:01 PM, Sheri Koch via NFBWV-Talk <nfbwv-talk at nfbnet.org> 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 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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