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

Fri Apr 23 14:11:20 UTC 2010

Well then, that makes his choice more efficient then! I would recommend that 
he go too our Louisiana center for rehab then. I, for some reason, thought 
he was in the military however. Hmm! Oh well, my mistake, I wish him well 
with his choice however. Thanks for this correct status.  Kirk

Kirk Harmon
1031 Lenmore CT.
Orlando, FL. 32812
Office: 407-380-3371
Cell: 407-473-2176

Founder
Florida Disabled Citizens for Progress
President-CEO
FDCP Association
911 cell Phone Bank
Manager

Mayor's Veterans Advisory Counsel

State of Florida Veterans Counsel
Member
NFB
ACB
TRIAD
DAV
BVA
Disabled
Advocate

for Florida

" F.D.C.P. Turning HOPE into REALITY"

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Rick Brown" <rlbrown1 at verizon.net>
To: "'NFB of Florida Internet Mailing List'" <nfbf-l at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Friday, April 23, 2010 4:28 AM
Subject: Re: [Nfbf-l] Fw: questions concerning informed choice, and DBS's 
policy concerning out of state services

Kurt, I don't think RJ was in the military, so he wouldn't qualify for
services from the VA.

-----Original Message-----
From: nfbf-l-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nfbf-l-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf
Of Kirk
Sent: Thursday, April 22, 2010 9:31 PM
To: NFB of Florida Internet Mailing List
Subject: Re: [Nfbf-l] Fw: questions concerning informed choice,and DBS's
policy concerning out of state services

RJ, I am curious as to whether or not you ever had rehab from Birmingham
V.A.? I do know that I went their 10 years ago and found it quite a learning

experience. I also know that your equipment that best fits your needs are
given to you without charge. I found them quite thorough and when I returned

from it I was quite capable. If you still decide to use the DBS and the
civilian side of your options, I have been told that the NFB's Louisiana
center is quite thorough as well. I do not know the cost of their program,
as I have never been their, but I can assure you, in one man's opinion, I
know both are capable and affective options for you! Your friend in the
cause, Kirk

Kirk Harmon
1031 Lenmore CT.
Orlando, FL. 32812
Office: 407-380-3371
Cell: 407-473-2176

Founder
Florida Disabled Citizens for Progress
President-CEO
FDCP Association
911 cell Phone Bank
Manager

Mayor's Veterans Advisory Counsel

State of Florida Veterans Counsel
Member
NFB
ACB
TRIAD
DAV
BVA
Disabled
Advocate

for Florida

" F.D.C.P. Turning HOPE into REALITY"

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "RJ Sandefur" <joltingjacksandefur at gmail.com>
To: "NFB of Florida Internet Mailing List" <nfbf-l at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Thursday, April 22, 2010 12:38 PM
Subject: [Nfbf-l] Fw: questions concerning informed choice,and DBS's policy
concerning out of state services

Hey, I need your feedback on what I should do. The District administrator
wants to refer me to the lighthouse of the palmbeachs, but I do not want to
go there. I want to go to LCB. Any tips, as to what I should say? RJ Please
just keep your comments on the list. I just am asking for some guidance
here. 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

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
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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

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