[NFBC-Info] Act Now: DOR Has Closed All Three Priority Categories

[mike at michaelhingson.com]

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Best Regards,


Michael Hingson


From: NFBC-Info <nfbc-info-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Vanna via NFBC-Info
Sent: Sunday, September 6, 2026 10:03 AM
To: NFB of California List <nfbc-info at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Vanna <vannarapeti at gmail.com>; NFB of California List <nfbc-info at nfbnet.org>
Subject: Re: [NFBC-Info] Act Now: DOR Has Closed All Three Priority Categories


Sent from my iPhone

> On Aug 30, 2026, at 11:49 AM, Chela Robles via NFBC-Info <nfbc-info at nfbnet.org<mailto:nfbc-info at nfbnet.org>> wrote:
>
> I sent the letter and added my story to it.
> Sincerely,
> Chela Robles — Certified Literary Braille Transcriber
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> On Aug 29, 2026, at 8:24 PM, Laura Millar via NFBC-Info <nfbc-info at nfbnet.org<mailto:nfbc-info at nfbnet.org>> wrote:
>
> Dear Blind, low vision, and DeafBlind Californians, families, chapters,
> blindness organizations, service providers, educators, and allies,
>
> Please submit a letter today through the Hearing Request Letter Campaign:
>
> https://actionnetwork.org/letters/hearing-request?source=direct_link
>
> The campaign sends your letter to Governor Newsom, your State Senator, and
> your Assemblymember. It calls for emergency resources and an urgent joint
> legislative oversight hearing into the breakdown at the California
> Department of Rehabilitation.
>
> What is happening?
>
> California DOR is operating under an Order of Selection because it says it
> lacks the resources to serve everyone who is eligible. All three priority
> categories are currently closed to newly eligible applicants:
>
> 1. People with the most significant disabilities
> 2. People with significant disabilities
> 3. All other eligible people with disabilities
>
> Newly eligible applicants are being placed on waiting lists with no
> published reopening date. DOR must serve the categories in order. Within
> each category, people are served according to their application dates.
>
> People with Individualized Plans for Employment signed before
> implementation should continue receiving services.
>
> People should still apply. Application dates determine a person’s place
> within a priority category, so delaying an application could mean waiting
> even longer.
>
> Why does this matter?
>
> Vocational rehabilitation connects people to assistive technology, Braille,
> orientation and mobility, education, transportation, employment support,
> and other services needed to prepare for, obtain, and retain employment.
>
> Delays can cost people jobs, income, independence, skills, connection, and
> momentum. This is not only a budget or administrative issue. It affects
> physical health, mental health, family stability, and Disabled belonging.
>
> Why this campaign?
>
> Individual complaints can be dismissed as isolated cases. A coordinated
> campaign shows elected officials that the problem is widespread and
> requires a systemic response.
>
> What you can do
>
> - If you live in California, submit the campaign letter and briefly
> personalize it if you have a DOR experience.
> - If you represent a chapter, agency, school, provider, or organization,
> distribute the campaign through your networks.
> - Please forward this message and campaign link directly to Blind and low
> vision community members throughout California.
> - If you live outside California, share it with Blind Californians and
> California organizations.
> - Encourage others to submit their letters now.
>
> Submit or share the campaign:
>
> https://actionnetwork.org/letters/hearing-request?source=direct_link
>
> Read more
>
> My blog post explains the public health consequences, the ableism embedded
> in these policies, my position, and the complete letter I wrote to Governor
> Newsom:
>
> When Ableism Becomes Policy: The Public Health Cost of Delayed
> Rehabilitation
>
> https://lauramillar.com/2026/08/30/when-ableism-becomes-policy-the-public-health-cost-of-delayed-rehabilitation/
>
> In solidarity,
>
> Laura Millar, MPH, MA
> Public Health Sexologist, Sexuality Educator, and Disability Justice
> Consultant
> Millar Consulting Services LLC
>
> Board Member, National Federation of the Blind of California
> Second Vice President, San Francisco Chapter, National Federation of the
> Blind of California
>
> Phone: 925-321-8804
> Email: laura at lauramillar.com<mailto:laura at lauramillar.com>
> Website: www.lauramillar.com<http://www.lauramillar.com>
> Pronouns: she/they
> _______________________________________________
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