Re: Off topic, but important.
- From: "Judith Bron" <jbron@xxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: <jfw@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Sat, 21 May 2005 23:14:28 -0400
Last I heard the handicapped liason in the cabinet was a woman who is blind.
I don't remember her name but what is her take on this issue and what
information does she have? Judith Bron
----- Original Message -----
From: "Ken Hawk" <khawk@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: "jf w list" <jfw@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Friday, May 20, 2005 9:55 AM
Subject: Off topic, but important.
> May 16, 2005
> just received specific information regarding the Administration's plan to
restructure the Rehabilitation Services Administration
>
> (RSA). Although we cannot name our source, the information originated from
within the Department of Education. The restructuring plans for RSA include
>
> eliminating the blind and visually impaired division, eliminating the RSA
regional offices, as well as eliminating the Deafness and Communicative
Disorders
>
> Branch.
>
> The implications of this proposal are devastating for the disability
community, especially for people who are blind and visually impaired. In
addition,
>
> the plan has far-reaching detrimental implications for the
Randolph-Sheppard vending program.
>
> Action:
>
> We need to spread the word far and wide that the current proposal to
restructure RSA is unacceptable.
>
> Our message is clear: we unequivocally oppose the plans to restructure RSA
which include eliminating the blind and visually impaired division,
eliminating
>
> the RSA regional offices, and eliminating the Deafness and Communicative
Disorders Branch. As members of the blind community and citizens of United
States,
>
> we will not tolerate the complete obliteration of programs and services
that increase our independence, self- sufficiency and quality of life.
Specialized
>
> VR services for people who are blind and visually impaired assist us in
obtaining educational, prevocational and vocational training. These
blindness-specific
>
> skills are imperative for the acquisition and retention of employment
enabling us to support ourselves and our families.
>
> 1. Please write and/or fax letters to Margaret Spellings, Secretary of
Education, the address below or fax letters to (202) 401-0596.
>
> The Honorable Margaret Spellings
>
> 400 Maryland Avenue, S.W., Room 7W301
>
> Washington, DC 20202
>
> Dear Madam Secretary, (...)
>
> 2. Please contact members of Congress and inform your legislators about
the negative impact of the plan to restructure RSA, which includes
eliminating the
>
> blindness and visually impaired division. You can reach your Senators
through the Senate switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and your Representatives
through
>
> the House switchboard at (202) 225-3121.
>
> Note: the Workforce Investment Act reauthorization bill, HR 27, which
includes VR legislation, is scheduled to be marked up in the Senate Health,
Education,
>
> Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee this week on Wednesday May 18, 2005.
It may be particularly beneficial to inform Senators on this committee about
>
> the RSA restructuring plan. The help committee roster is attached in word
format.
>
> Another way to express opposition and have your voices heard with regard
to these issues is to attend the May 26th rally in Washington D.C. to save
VR and
>
> RSA.
>
> ______________________________
>
> Krista Merritt, Policy Analyst
>
> American Council of the Blind
>
> 1155 15th St., N.W., # 1004
>
> Washington, D.C. 20005
>
> Phone: 202-467-5081 / Fax: 202-467-5085
>
> www.acb.org /
> kmerritt@xxxxxxx
>
>
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