[Nfbf-l] informed choice

[Rick Brown]

Beth, hopefully this can clarify some things. First, you do have the right
for informed choice to choose where you want to go for training. But, you
have to remember, DBS falls under the Department of Education, and just like
attending college, they will pay for in state education. You have to pay the
rest out of your pocket. In college, most people put in for scholarships to
fund the rest. I know there are no scholarships for attending a training
center, but like Carolyn stated, there are local agencies that may assist
you. So, under the guidelines of DBS, they have the right to pay for only
the in state portion of your training. Second, the training center where you
want to go does not have a counselor for your mental issues. They will send
you out in the community to seek therapy. Beth, you have your work cut out
for you in seeking funds for your training. I wish you the best! 

-----Original Message-----
From: nfbf-l-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nfbf-l-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf
Of Beth
Sent: Thursday, April 22, 2010 6:59 PM
To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list; NFB of Florida
Listserv
Subject: [Nfbf-l] informed choice

Hi, guys.  This is an update concerning the Colorado trip.  I am
hoping to start May 10, but DBS (Division of Blind Services) in
Florida wants to only pay a certain amount leaving $350 per month to
be paid.  I am having a big problem.  My family wants me to go to
Louisiana, but because I have issues beyond blindness, mental health,
that have to be taken care of in a more established setting, I choose
Colorado.  Littleton and Denver have more servies for blind people and
those of us fighting mental illnesses that go beyond blindness.  The
policy that DBS gave me was that they wanted to pay for in-state
services and only sponsor in-state portions of the stay in Colorado.
How is this a violation of informed choice?  How can I go about
getting the extra $350 per month?  ANy help would be appreciated.  I
think the NFB needs to get up on its feet and fight this because to be
honest, the Florida services are not good and Ruston doesn't have
enough to accommodte my specific needs.
Beth

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