[rehab] Fw: questions concerning informed choice, and DBS's policy concerning out of state services

[David Andrews]

If they reopen your case, then you will end up with an employment 
goal, and a plan to reach that goal.  You will have to show how LCB 
will help you attain that goal, and why those resources available to 
you in Florida will not do so.

Dave

At 07:01 PM 4/24/2010, you wrote:
>Dear List, I'm thinking about re-opening my case with DBS, and I 
>recieved this email from them, but I do not wish to recieve my 
>ajustment to blindness training through the lighthouse. I wish to go 
>to LCB. How can I justify this? RJ
>----- Original Message -----
>From: Howard-Davis, Bobbie
>To: RJ Sandefur
>Sent: Thursday, April 22, 2010 11:51 AM
>Subject: RE: questions concerning informed choice, and DBS's policy 
>concerning out of state services
>
>
>Mr. Sandefur, please accept my condolence to you on the lost of your mother.
>
>If you need some adjustment to blindness training at this time, we 
>can reopen your file and refer you the Lighthouse for the Blind of 
>the Palm Beaches at this time for training.
>
>
>
>I am also attaching a copy the Division's policy on Informed Choice 
>to help you in making your decision about training.
>
>
>
>I know you are aware of the DBS policy on Out-State-Services, 
>because you attached it to your e-mail.
>
>
>
>In order to assist you with training services, please call our 
>office and ask to have your case reopen for services at 561-681-2448 
>or 866-225-0794.
>
>
>
>
>
>Bobbie Howard-Davis
>
>District Administrator
>
>
>
>
>--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>From: RJ Sandefur [mailto:joltingjacksandefur at gmail.com]
>Sent: Monday, April 19, 2010 10:09 AM
>To: Howard-Davis, Bobbie
>Subject: questions concerning informed choice, and DBS's policy 
>concerning out of state services
>
>
>Dear Mrs. Davis, My name is Robert Sandefur, I have some questions 
>for you concerning my right to informed choice, and the DBS policy 
>concerning out of state services. In 1999, I attended the 
>rehabilitation center, which is now the orientation and adjustment 
>center, and did not find the experience to be a pleasant one. In 
>2004, I closed my case with DBS, due to a disagreement with my 
>councilor at the time. However, due to having recently lost my 
>mother, and other factors, I believe I am in need of some adjustment 
>to blindness training, and this training should be conducted at the 
>Louisiana center for the blind. (LCB) I was looking at the DBS web 
>sight and came across the policy concerning out of state services:
>Out of State Services
>DIVISION POLICY 6.14
>
>SUBJECT
>Out of State Services
>
>EFFECTIVE DATE
>July 9, 2003
>
>REVISION DATE
>February 14, 2008
>
>EXPIRATION DATE
>This policy will be reviewed annually and updated as needed.
>
>PURPOSE
>
>To provide guidelines for the provision of out-of-state services.
>
>AUTHORITY
>34 CFR 361.50(b)
>
>POLICY
>The Florida Division of Blind Services has established a preference 
>for in-State services, provided that the preference does not 
>effectively deny an individual a necessary service. If the 
>individual chooses an out-of-State service at a higher cost than an 
>in-State service, and either service would meet the individual's 
>rehabilitation needs, the designated State unit is not responsible 
>for those costs in excess of the cost of the in-State service. 
>However, if the out-of-state services provides a unique service to 
>meet the individual's rehabilitation plan, the Bureau Chief should 
>be contacted to approve or disapproval such a service.
>
>Original signed by Michael Elliott, Bureau Chief, February 14, 2008 
>But compare this with a directive from RSA. policy as stated in 2001 
>in RSA PD-01-03:
>
>
>       POLICY STATEMENT:  The State VR program must provide applicants
>and individuals eligible for VR services with opportunities to
>exercise informed choice throughout the VR process, including making
>decisions about the employment goal, VR services, service providers,
>settings for employment and service provision, and methods for
>procuring services.  To enable an individual to make such decisions,
>the State VR agency must provide information, support and assistance
>needed by the individual.  The VR agency has the responsibility to
>implement policies, procedures, and practices, and to develop
>resources that enable applicants and individuals eligible for VR
>services to exercise informed choice throughout the entire VR process;
>these policies, procedures, and practices must be consistent with
>Federal statutory and regulatory requirements. Mrs. Davis, Does this 
>mean, that DBS can tell me, "RJ, we're denying your request to 
>attend LCB, due to causts?" I do realize I'd have to open a new case 
>with DBS, since the previous one was closed in 2004. For your 
>convience, I've attached a document explaining what LCB is, although 
>I'm shure you know who they are. Mrs. Davis, This is only an 
>inquiry, and I wish to get my facts so that I'll be able to have 
>enough information in order to make an informed choice as to where 
>to go from here. I did study with a Seminary, and obtain my master 
>of theology, in 2006, and I was licensed by my church to preach in 
>2005. It was tough loosing Mom, and I know, she'd want me to 
>continue doing what I believe the Lord has called me to do. However, 
>How am I going to be an effective minister, if I don't have the 
>blindness training, needed to sirvive? Another concern I have, is I 
>have learned some ministers start out as by-vocational. In 2004, 
>until now, I didn't see that aspect of it. I have a batchors degree 
>in criminal justice. Another not so wise disision on my part. Mrs. 
>Davis, I look forward to your answer. Sencerly, Robert Sandefur