Carl and Miriam, here in MA besides the federal IL and OIB money we have a few
million from the state to use for non-VR services. The problem is that some
leaders of the blindness organizations, who have financial interests in private
organizations are lobbying the statehouse to force MCB to lay off most of it's
direct services staff and give the money to a few private organizations without
any over-sight or accountability. The push is coming from 3 different
organizations.
Frank
-----Original Message-----
From: blind-democracy-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
<blind-democracy-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> On Behalf Of Miriam Vieni
Sent: Wednesday, February 10, 2021 1:34 PM
To: blind-democracy@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [blind-democracy] Re: IL services through NY commission for the blind
The fact is, that it's all a pretense. That's true of services for all
disadvantaged groups in our society. Services exist on paper, in the law, but
they don't really exist. At one point, Debbie called up Services for the Aged
in our county or town because she felt that at some point in the near future,
I'd need them. She put me on a waiting list and gave them my name and number. A
woman called to tell me about what services would be available when it was my
turn on the waiting list. I asked questions about the home health care and
discovered that all the service is, is a referral to these same disgusting
incompetent home health agencies which I'd have to pay for unless I didn't have
enough money in which case, I'd get community Medicaid. We've had a few
snowstorms here recently. I receive automated phone calls about the closing of
town services. One of the services that shuts down during a snow storm is home
delivered meals for the elderly. Another is meals for the elderly, available
for pickup. So if an old person lives alone and is unable to prepare his or her
own meals and there's a snowstorm, then, I guess, he or she is out of luck. If
that person depends on a home health aide, there's also a problem because the
aide won't be able to get to the person's home in a snow storm. That's why
people end up in nursing homes, most of which are poorly run and don't take
adequate care of their patients here in New York State. They are for profit
institutions with a strong lobby so they are poorly regulated.
Miriam
-----Original Message-----
From: blind-democracy-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
<blind-democracy-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> On Behalf Of Carl Jarvis
Sent: Wednesday, February 10, 2021 10:26 AM
To: blind-democracy@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [blind-democracy] Re: IL services through NY commission for the blind
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
