Frank,
Serving the older blind and non vocational blind has never been pushed
by state agencies. When I was working at the Department, we operated
on 80% Federal Money. The only funding for ILOB was grant money, and
not much of that.
At the time, I was young and interested in improving services to Voc
Rehab clients. When some funding did come along, it usually did not
cover FTE's, so agencies let out contracts to local private agencies.
There was little oversight. In my opinion, given the current COVID
Pandemic and the slukmping economy, we need to mount an offensive in
order to protect the little that we now have.
The five large counties that Cathy and I served are now being served
by 1 rehab teacher. He has a total of 8 counties. If his contract is
similar to the one we had, he cannot turn down any request for
survices without a complete assessment and a written justification
detailing the reason for withholding services. He has no travel
funding, no liability insurance, although he must carry it, no
retirement or sick leave or vacation coverage,
There's much more, but you get the picture.
We did manage to create some support in our service area. We set up
groups, several of which joined with the ACB or the NFB, and helped
bring pressure on the Department. Special interest groups do have the
ability to do local fund raising, and do outreach. But I am sure that
one rehab teacher serving 8 counties is not going to have the luxury
of the time it takes to establish such groups.
Carl Jarvis
On 2/9/21, sFrank Ventura <frank.ventura@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Carl, although NY does have IL and OIB services, sadly they areFrank,
sub-contracted so oversight is minimal.
Frank
-----Original Message-----
From: blind-democracy-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
<blind-democracy-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> On Behalf Of Carl Jarvis
Sent: Monday, February 8, 2021 9:59 AM
To: blind-democracy <blind-democracy@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: [blind-democracy] IL services through NY commission for the blind
Miriam, have you checked out the IL services through the NY Commission for
the Blind?
Look closely at the Independent Living section. This service is intended to
assist people to live independently, and can provide quite a range of
services...if pushed.
Carl
New York State Commission for the Blind (NYSCB)
(Program)
Administers programs and services to enhance employability, maximize
independence, and assist in the development of the capacities and strengths
of people who are legally blind. Programs include:
Equipment Loan Fund, which allows individuals to borrow up to $4,000 to
purchase adaptive equipment.
Children's services for children who are legally blind, including early
intervention rehabilitation, working with and empowering parents, arranging
services to supplement educational activities, and ensuring a smooth
transition to adult services.
Vocational rehabilitation programs for adults and youth ages 14 through 21
years, which provide a number of services, including assessment, information
and referral, casework services, job coaching, orientation and mobility
training, independent living skills training, and assistive technology
assistance.
Independent living services for individuals who are not eligible for
vocational rehabilitation services and who are not receiving services
through another NYSCB Program. These services are provided based on
individual need and may include orientation and mobility services,
rehabilitation teaching, low vision services and devices, social casework,
and adaptive equipment.
Eligibility: No restrictions
Application Process: Call or go online for information and services
Required Documentation: Varies; call for required documentation
Fees: None