FLORIDA REHABILITATION COUNCIL FOR THE BLIND
QUARTERLY MEETING MINUTES

Friday, January 23, 2009

Dwight Sayer, Vice Chair called the meeting to order at 8:35 AM.

The Council said the Pledge of Allegiance.

Welcome and Introductions

Dwight welcomed the Council, DBS Director and distinguished guests.

Council members present: Dwight Sayer, Henry Alexander, Rufus Brown, Sheryl Brown, Paul Edwards, Becki Forsell, Ted Hull, Brian Johnson, Paul Kaminsky, Robert Kelly, Jodi Lamm, Bruce Miles, Jay Naiman and Joyce Hildreth

Council members absent: Kathy Davis, Sue Townsend, Craig Kiser, Dawn Saunders

Council Staff: Phyllis Dill

DBS Staff: Michael Elliott, Wayne Jennings, Ana Saint-Forte

Audience: Mary Stutzman, Barbara Ross

Dwight informed the Council that because of a few cancelled agenda items, it was possible the meeting could adjourn today or at least early tomorrow. He asked if Council approved.

A motion in agreement of adjourning early was seconded and passed unanimously.

Dwight asked Joyce Hildreth, DBS Director, to run the Elections.

Election of Officers

Nominations for Chair -

Rufus Brown nominated Ted Hull

Dwight Sayer nominated Paul Edwards

There were no other nominations.

Each nominee gave the Council a brief bio and their reason for serving as Chair.

Council voted by a show of hands and Ted Hull received the majority of votes.

Ted Hull elected as new Chair of FRCB.

Dwight turned over the meeting to Ted.

Nominations for First Vice Chair –

Dwight nominated Paul Edwards

There were no other nominations and Dwight moved to elect Paul by acclamation. Motion received a second and Council agreed.

Nominations for Second Vice Chair –

Sheryl Brown nominated Brian Johnson

Henry Alexander nominated Bruce Miles

Brian gave the Council his reason for serving as Second Vice Chair.

Bruce declined his nomination and relinquished to Brian.

Paul Edwards moved to elect Brian by acclamation. Motion received a second and Council agreed.

Director’s Report – Joyce Hildreth

Joyce reported the following from the bullets sent via e-mail to the Council.

• Status of Florida State University Program in Visual Impairments
• Program is critical to educating professionals in the field of rehabilitation.
• FSU has been evaluating programs to eliminate at the university level. Programs that have been duplicated throughout the state by other institutions and the size of the programs.
• The vision program at FSU is a small program.
• This program has been a resource for DBS to fill several positions throughout the state.
• Three Council members and one DBS staff attending the meeting have been through the program.
• Sheryl read e-mail from Sandy Lewis to Joyce informing her of the program’s cut. (attached)
• Joyce suggested the Council relay the information to their groups and write the Dean and legislators expressing how important the program is to Floridians who have a visual impairment.

Paul Edwards moved that the Council prepare a letter expressing its concern over the closing of the program and urges the Dean to reconsider and find another way to cut FSU’s budget.

Motion received a second.

Robert amended the motion that a copy of the letter be sent to National Federation o/t Blind (NFB), Florida Council o/t Blind (FCB) and Blinded Veterans Association (BVA) and ask them to do the same.

Dwight added legislators.

Joyce added parent groups.

Becki added Florida Independent Living Council (FILC).

Paul Edwards added Florida Association of Agencies Serving the Blind (FAASB).

Robert informed the Council that FAASB had sent a letter earlier in support the program and also invited Gene Driscoll to the Vision Summit.

Joyce suggested that everyone send their resources to Phyllis and she would distribute copies to everyone.

Paul Kaminsky called a question.

Motion passed.

Status of July 2008 Inspector General’s Report

There were 17 findings.

• DBS has taken a proactive approach with the report and using it as a map towards improvement.
• Some of the initial due dates have been extended to not only address the finding, but also coming up with solutions that will have a greater impact and work toward improving internal control.
• Every finding was a result of lack of internal control.
• To date, 8 of the 17 findings have been resolved.
• The remaining 9 are related to contract developing, a manual that reflects contract monitoring procedures that are in place. Developing a price analysis of the real cost of DBS services. Developing a contract funding formula that will show how services will directly impact on funding.
• The remaining findings are related to finalizing DBS’ standard operating procedures so staff will have clear tools on how to proceed with the daily operations of providing services to clients.
• The ultimate goal is to have everything resolved by the end of September.

First Quarterly Conference Call with Stakeholder Association

First quarterly conference call was held this month.

• Very proud of where we are in the state of Florida.
• Conference calls are open to public. Will put time limits.
• Representative of each stakeholder group will be on the agenda.
• Agenda will be submitted prior to the meeting.

Development of Contracts with Community Rehabilitation Providers

• DBS and Community Rehabilitation Providers (CRP) have agreed upon contract standards related services and personnel that are providing the services.
• Neither group gets everything it wants, and compromises are made.
• DBS is committed to doing this on an annual basis.
• This past week went over contracts and reviewed standards.
• Part of contract is an Attachment F that is a list of services the provider will provide to clients. The definition of services was agreed upon by DBS and the providers. These are still in a draft form.
• Also discussed role of the DBS Independent Living Counselor. Role to include outreach, quality control, conducting surveys, etc.
• Group also worked on standardizing assessment tool for VR and Independent Living. This will allow a client to go from one provider to another and be assessed using the same tool.
• This is a draft and there will be input from all DBS district administrators and staff as well as all CRPs and staff.
• The contract process was started early this year to have time to work out any problems.
• For the first time this year, the DBS headquarters staff is conducting on-site monitoring of CRPs.
• Joyce envisions that those people working in the field who are not working through a community rehabilitation provider meet the same standard as a contract provider has to meet.

Paul Edwards voiced his concern with the changing role of the Independent Living Counselor and that there will be enough commitment to assure independent living training.

Joyce responded that standards in the contract state that the Provider must have at least one full-time person on site eligible for certification in rehab teaching and the Orientation and Mobility specialist must be eligible for certification; and certification must be obtained within two years from beginning services. The Comprehensive Functional Assessment, where the need of an individual is identified, should be done one on one in the person’s home.

Between now and October, DBS employee Linda Jones, the coordinator of the rehabilitation program at FSU, is going to develop a program that will be available to the community providers and DBS staff. She will be the coordinator and teacher of the curriculum and DBS will review the progress individuals have made in the program under established criteria and they will receive a DBS certification of endorsement.

Braille and Talking Book Library Services

• First 3 quarters of this fiscal year, the Library provided over 700,000 materials to approximately 37,000 individuals at a cost of twenty-six cents per person.
• Joyce encouraged those who have not toured the facility to do so.
• It is the largest library in the United States.

A Motion to accept the Director’s report was seconded and passed.

Motion passed.

District Administrator Report – Ana Saint-Forte

Ana reported the following:

• Currently serving 61 College Students (FSU, FAMU, and TCC).
• 15 Transitions- School to Work Students.
• 167 Client’s under VR- Receiving services from technology training, employment training, eye medical, to adjustment to blindness.
• 59 are Children ages 6-14.
• 32 are Blind Babies and Early Intervention ages birth- 5.
• 174 are Independent Living Adults ages 55-older.
• District II was able to meet its district closure VR goal 38 as well as the Children goal. 25 legally blind.
• District is still contracting with local CRP facility- to provide clients with O&M, Independent Living, Technology, Self-Advocacy, Job Readiness Skills and Adjustment to Blindness.
• Currently have four contracts with the Lighthouse of the Big Bend one for Independent Living Adults, Transition-High School, VR and the Early Intervention or Blind Babies.
• For the pass three years the District 2 office has been a member of the Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce. This opportunity has provided the district office to become visible among other community organizations/business and by such increase its community outreach.
• Continue to conduct community outreach as a vital part of the day-to-day operation. DA has conducted face to face interviews with National Public Radio (NPR) including the local media stations WTCL in Quincy, FL, Star 98 Radio, Big Bend Senior Outreach Program and the Local Lions Chapter. This opportunity has enabled the district to inform and educate the community about DBS services and programs. The interest of employers and the network opportunity that arises from this has been greatly noticed. The district continues to build those relationships within the community and strives in ensuring that each contact that is made provides an opportunity to educate the community.

Ana informed the Council that a packet of resource information is given to every applicant.

Dwight informed Ana Newsline’s Channel sections had the availability to provide service to the consumers, in district one and she should contact them.

Ana informed Brian Johnson and the Council that a letter about the Public Forum was sent to all the open cases in a massive mail-out in the appropriate format.

Barbara Ross informed the Council that Lighthouse of Big Bend sent out the Public Forum notice via its List serve.

Phyllis informed the Council that the Library distributes the information thru its newsletter to the area. She also advertises it in the Florida Administrative Weekly.

Ana informed Paul Kaminsky, and the Council, the Children’s or Transition VR Counselor are involved in Individualize Developed Plans (IDP) and know where the child is in terms of their school. They also get in touch with the Exceptional Student Coordinator of the county.

Wayne added that Dawn Saunders, who is with the Bureau of Education for Exceptional Students, sends out a lot of information to the Coordinators for the schools and to the vision teachers as well. On the DBS flow chart, under Transition it states “works with community partners”, but it doesn’t delineate.

Local Community Rehabilitation Program Update -Barbara Ross, Executive Director, Lighthouse of Big Bend (LBB)

Barbara reported the following:

• LBB has four contracts with DBS.
• VR Program -
• Last year contract was 60 and served 105.
• This year contract is 60 and first quarter has served 66.
• Transition Program –
• Last year contract was14 and served 14.
• This year contract is 24 (due to kids moving up from the children’s program) and serving 15 at this time, with 9 waiting to be assessed.
• Early Intervention and Blind Babies Program
• Last year contract was 28 and served 28.
• This year contract is reduced to 22 (due to reduced funding) and is serving 32.
• Independent Living Program
• Last year contract was 132 and served 182.
• This year contract is 132 and first quarter has served 116.
• In addition to DBS contracts LBB has other areas of revenue.
• Able Trust Grant. - Able to hire a couple of staff members for the computer lab.
• Capitol Medical Society Grant - Provides blindness related medical supplies.
• Community Human Services Partnership which includes Leon County and United Way of the Big Bend.
• Dining in the Dark – a fund raiser that increases each year.
• LBB is a member of Guide Star an oversight organization for all non profits that helps get hooked up with online donations for free.

This last year the Board decided the word FIRE didn’t scream blindness and decided to have a name change contest. There were 170 entries and DBS’ own Michael Elliott won by submitting “Lighthouse of the Big Bend”. A PR firm helped LBB develop a logo, pick colors, do a sign and letterhead. They have also provided an intern to help create an annual PR plan.

Toni King, LBB employee and former DBS client spoke to the Council about her Journey to where she is today. She also conveyed her appreciation and praises to DBS and its services and support and especially to Ana Saint-Forte.

Governor’s Appointment Office – Jamila Jackson

Jamila expressed her pleasure with being invited to the meeting. She informed the Council that it was touching for her to see first hand council members being committed and actively working. She thanked the members for their patience during the application process. She went around the room to personally meet each member so she could put a face with a name.

Brian Johnson relayed the Council’s appreciation for Jamila always being available and answering questions with a warm and pleasant attitude.

Jamila informed the Council she was in charge of all eye medical and disability boards. She stated that it was a continuing process and she welcomed qualified applicants for vacant positions and did not want to appoint someone who would not be cognizant to the position.

Jamila explained that appointments were caught up to a degree, but special sessions and changes in the Governor’s schedule would take precedent. Also, during session they come up with new boards that are required by Florida Statutes to be staffed immediately. She stated that they were always tapping on the Governor’s door.

Jamila informed the Council that she has been working hard to get the State Work Force Board to submit its representative for the Council and will continue to do so. She stated that two to three months prior to a term expiring, the member should submit a letter informing their desire to continue serving and to be considered for reappointment.

Break

Budget and Legislative Report – Kurt Ponchak

Kurt informed the Council of the upcoming budget cuts DBS will be facing fiscal year 2008/2009. He stated that the legislation cut 3 positions from DBS but the salary dollars was for 3.5 positions.

Joyce will put together talking points for contacting legislatures and get to Phyllis to send out.

Update on Direct Service Organization (DSO) – Joyce Hildreth

• Craig will continue as the Executive Director of the D.S.O.
• If D.S.O. dissolves then the 20 percent funds the D.S.O. receives from the Motorcycle Plate would revert to the Division. ($60,000 yearly)

Joyce informed the Council they were looking at removing the Gifts and Donations from the State Board Investments and hire consultants to manage.

Lunch

Client Satisfaction Survey – Mary Stutzman, PhD

Since July 1, 2008 thru January 1, 2009 received 500 closed clients and have reached approximately 137.

• A list of the previous month’s closed cases is received the first of each month and calls are made as soon as possible.
• Still have a very low refusal rate.
• Still around 95% satisfied and would recommend to a friend.
• Overall satisfaction is down a little.
• There seems to be a little more raving about mobility training.
• Satisfaction with response to request of services and obtaining services according to the plan was down a little.
• Job search training was up a little.
• Everything seems to be on track.
• Survey takes 10 to 30 minutes, depending on how chatty the person is.
• The toll free number to contact the Research Lab is: 800-933-9482.

Order of Selection – Michael Elliott and Wayne Jennings

Wayne distributed an Overview of Order of Selection in accessible formats.

• Order of Selection (OS) must be in place before it can be utilized by DBS.
• DBS is preparing the process in case there’s a need to implement OS.
• OS will not be utilized unless absolutely necessary and DBS will address the Council before it is implemented.
• OS is used to identify individuals who are Most Severe, Severe and Less Severe.
• DBS has looked at several models throughout the United States and decided on using the Virginia model.
• There will be Public Hearings throughout the State in each district and there will be a toll free number for those unable to make the meeting.
• It will also be posted on the DBS web site.
• Bill Palmer, Director of the regular VR, has agreed to assist DBS.
• DBS counselors will be required to direct clients to other resources if found severe or less severe and unable to provide services at that time.
• DBS will train all Counselors on Most Severe, Severe and Less Severe.

Paul Edwards read the overview Michael handed out.

Michael informed the Council that DBS will use a graph that will identify Most Severe, Severe and Less Severe.

Definitions of categories are:

• Most Severe – Clients needing to receive 3 or more services longer than 6 months.
• Severe – Clients needing to receive 2 or more services for less than 6 months.
• Less Severe – Clients needing medical e.g., cataracts, etc.

Michael informed the Council that about 80 percent of DBS clients are Most Severe.

After discussion, Michael asked the Council for volunteers to assist DBS in drafting an OS Policy to begin the Public Forums and get input from clients and other consumers. A copy of the regular VR Order of Selection was e-mailed to Phyllis and she will forward it next week.

Council Volunteers are: Paul Edwards, Brian Johnson, Jodi Lamm and Paul Kaminsky

Cooperative Agreement – Joyce Hildreth & Ted Hull

The Agreement was e-mail earlier to the Council for review. Phyllis read the additions Joyce added to the Council’s Statutory Functions in the Agreement. (Agreement attached)

Sheryl moved to approve the Agreement.

Motion received a second and passed.

Paul complimented the individuals responsible for creating the Cooperative Agreement and praised Joyce on how clearly she identified the responsibilities of the Council and not “rubber stamping” the role as other director’s have done.

Approval of October Minutes – Phyllis Dill

Dwight moved to accept the Minutes with the noted correction.

Motion received a second and passed.

October Minutes approved.

Becki moved that the Council write a letter to SWI to appoint a Navigator to serve on FRCB.

Motion received a second.

After discussion there was a call for a vote.

Becki amended her motion to write a letter to the Director of SWI of the Council’s concern with the need to have its representation on the FRCB.

Council agreed that a copy of letter should go to Governor’s Appointment Office and RSA. A copy of the Questionnaire should be attached.

Paul will draft a letter and send it to Phyllis.

Agenda Items for April Meeting – Tampa - Phyllis Dill

• Chair of Bureau of Business Enterprise – Vendor Program
• Update on D.S.O.
• Director Report – Joyce Hildreth
• District Administrator Report – Lynn Ritter
• Local CRPs – (two)
• By-laws – Paul Edwards
• Legislative Update – Kurt Ponchak
• Representatives Brief Updates
• Committee Break-Outs
• Approval of January Minutes
• Agenda Items for July – Daytona
• Location of the January 2010 meeting.

Paul suggested that Phyllis have a statement on the Agenda that times are approximate and it’s subject to change.

Paul Kaminsky informed the Council of the Arts Magna School and would like the Council‘s involvement.

Vision Summit – Robert Kelly

The third annual Vision Summit will be held at the State Capitol on Tuesday, February 10, 2009.

In addition to FAASB, the Summit is co-sponsored by the 55-member Florida Legislature’s Vision Caucus.

• A reception will be held the evening before at Andrews Restaurant.
• A Legislative Breakfast will be held on the 22nd floor of the Capitol on Tuesday, February 10th from 7:30 to 8:40 AM.
• General Session will follow the breakfast in the Florida House Chambers on the 4th floor of the Capitol beginning at 9:00 AM.
• Awareness will be presented on three basic categories:
• Early Childhood and school age
• Working age
• Elders and Seniors
• Various speakers will convey the importance of these services.
• Joyce will be speaking on the budget.
• Commission Smith will speak.
• Anticipates having the Dean of the Graduate Department at FSU presenting.
• A copy of the Press Release will be e-mailed to the Council next week
• The announcement is broadcast via closed circuit to all legislatures.
• Paul Kaminsky will be giving the invocation and pledge of allegiance.
• There will also be musical entertainment provided by the Miami Lighthouse.

Committee Selections – Ted Hull

Ted and Joyce will serve on all Committees when possible.

Joyce recommended that a DBS State Office staff person serve on each committee to assist and be a resource when needed.

Dwight suggested that all committee teleconferences be recorded.

Governance Committee –

Paul Edwards – Chair

Bruce Miles

Henry Alexander

Dwight Sayer

Sue Townsend

Planning Committee –

Jodi Lamm – Chair

Paul Edwards

Paul Kaminsky

Brian Johnson

Sheryl Brown

Evaluation Committee –

Robert Kelly – Chair

Jay Naiman

Rufus Brown

Becki Forsell

Sue Townsend

Executive Committee –

Ted Hull, Chair

Paul Edwards, 1st Chair

Brian Johnson, 2nd Chair

Paul Edwards, Chair of Governance Committee

Jodi Lamm, Chair of Planning Committee

Robert Kelly, Chair of Evaluation Committee

Representative Reports

National Federation of the Blind (NFB)– Dwight Sayer

NFB Upcoming Events

February 8 thru 10, 2009 - NFB Washington Seminar!

600 Blind people will be on Capital Hill stumping the halls of Congress, making surethey understand our wants and needs from this new administration.

March 25, 26, 27, 2009 - Tallahassee Florida!

NFBF Tallahassee Seminar, where 50 delegates from around the state gather via charter buses to make sure our state legislators know our issues.

April 4, 2009: THE CANE EVENT

Make plans now to be a part of THE CANE EVENT: Celebrating Braille Readers are Leaders, held at the NFB Jernigan Institute.  Please join us for a night of entertainment, food, and silent and live auctions to support upcoming NFB Jernigan Institute initiatives and programs.  For more information about the event or sponsorship opportunities, please visit THE CANE EVENT page.

April 17, 2009: Jacobus tenBroek Disability Law Symposium

The 2009 symposium, “New Perspectives on Disability Law: Advancing the Right to Live in the World,” will take place at the NFB Jernigan Institute.  For more information, visit the Jacobus tenBroek Disability Law Symposium home page.

May 8 - 9, 2009: Early Childhood Conference

The NFB Jernigan Institute will be holding an early childhood conference in Baltimore, which is open to those parents of blind children ages birth to seven who live in the Mid-Atlantic region.  Please continue to visit www.nfb.orgfor more details, or contact the Education Department at the NFB Jernigan Institute at (410) 659-9314.

May 22 thru 25, 2009

NFBF State Convention Boca Raton Fl. Embassy Suites661 NW 53rd. St. Boca Raton, Fl 33487To make your reservations! Call the following: 561-994-8200

July 3 - July 8, 2009: National Convention

Please join us for the 2009 NFB convention, held at the Detroit Marriott, Renaissance Center. You won't want to miss the excitement! For reservations and more convention information as it becomes available, please visit the National Convention web page.

July 6, 2009: Motor City March for Independence

Register nowor sponsor a marcherfor the third annual March for Independence, to be held in Detroit, Michigan, this summer! For more information, please visit www.marchforindependence.org.

July 26 - August 1, 2009: Youth Slam

Attention blind and low vision high school students: join us for the second NFB Youth Slam!  This summer academy will not only provide hands-on experience with science, technology, engineering, and math, but also give you the chance to meet other blind and low vision youth and adults from all over the United States.   Apply for the NFB Youth Slam today!

Florida Council of the Blind (FCB) – Paul Edwards

• FCB will be in Washington in early February and have its Board of Director’s meeting.
• February 17th and 18th following Presidents Day FCB will be wandering the Hill.
• FCB State Convention will be held in Daytona Beach the first weekend in June.
• The National Convention of ACB will be held in Orlando, July 4th to 11th.

Client Assistance Program (CAP) – Brian Johnson

CAP presented at DBS Counselor training in December and discussed client appeal rights. A general overview of the Client Assistance Program was provided.

CAP assisted in DBS and DVR coming to an agreement to work with clients who have vision impairment ands a secondary disability to ensure that clients are afford an opportunity to succeed in the rehabilitation process. 

LIONS – Bruce Miles

What Is a Lion and What Do They Do?

Lions Club International dates back to 1917, when it began as the dream of Chicago insurance man Melvin Jones. He believed that local business clubs should expand their horizons from purely professional concerns to the betterment of their communities and the world at large. Soon after the “Association of Lions Clubs” was formed.

Since that humble beginning, Lions club members have volunteered their time and talents to meet needs wherever they exist. Lions are especially dedicated to serving the blind and visually impaired, a commitment made after Helen Keller challenged our members to become her “knights of the blind in her crusade against darkness” during the 1925 convention in Cedar Point, Ohio.

Since then Lions Club International has grown to become the world’s largest service organization. Today, over 1.3 million men and women from 200 countries and geographical locations around the world have expanded their focus to help meet the ever increasing needs of our global community. On more of a local level Florida has 200 Lions clubs with a current membership of over 7,100.

One of the greatest things about Lions Club International is that 100% of all funds received from the public are returned to the public through community projects and service. Some of the projects and services funded through Florida Lions Clubs are:

• Provide Eye Glasses For Those In Need.
• Provide Eye Surgery For Those Who Can’t Afford It.
• Provide Guide Dogs For The Blind. (At No Cost)
• Provide Hearing Dogs For The Deaf. (At No Cost)
• Provide hearing Aids for Those Who Are In Need.
• Provide Medicine And Food During Disasters.
• Support Three Eye Banks In Florida. (Over 90% World Wide)
• Provide Cornea For Transplants (Over 10,000 In Florida)
• Operate Eye And Tissue Banks. (All Organs)
• Operate Camps For Visually Impaired Children
• Operate The Only School For Blind With Another Disability
• Support Girl And Boy Scout Programs
• Support And Operate A Youth Drug Prevention Programs
• Support Recreational Programs
• Operate A Youth Exchange Program
• Support And Sponsor Little Leagues
• Provide Diabetes Research
• Provide Screening For Glaucoma & Diabetes
• Provide All Types Of Eye Testing And Screening
• Operate Community Health Fairs
• Operate Drug Training For Teachers (Quest)
• Provide Services For Senior Citizens
• Provide Scholarships For Worthy Students
• Provide Community Leader Awards (Outstanding Citizens)
• Operate Sight First To Eliminate 80 percent of Blindness Worldwide

The list of services provided by Lions Clubs goes on and on, as long as there is a need.

IDEA – Dawn Saunders

• District coordinators' meeting to be held February 5th, prior to Weekends with the Experts (WWE). 
• The January WWE went very well according to several reports. Kay Ratzlaff from the Florida Instructional Materials Center for the Visually Impaired will be leading the meeting.  She may be contacted at kratzlaff@fimcvi.org
• All projects are doing well. 
• Florida School for the Deaf and Blind Outreach services have some travel cut-backs, but are anticipating being able to provide technical assistance via some distance learning technologies.  More details to come regarding their efforts.
• Sad announcement regarding the Orientation and Mobility Program at Florida State University.  Due to budget cutbacks, the position for the O&M instructor is no longer being funded by the university.  The Bureau of Education for Exceptional Students is working with Dr. Lewis to address the situation. 

FAASB – No Report

BVA – No Report

FFCVI – No report

Meeting adjourned at 3:00 PM

Attachment 1

From: Sandra Lewis [mailto:lewis@mail.coe.fsu.edu] Sent: Friday, January 23, 2009 7:55 AMTo: Hildreth, JoyceSubject: FSU's O&M Program

Dear Joyce,

The Visual Disabilities Program at FSU was officially informed today that the funding for the O&M position will not be renewed by the College of Education after April because of the budget cuts facing the state.  Unless something happens to change the Dean’s mind (or we get an infusion of $80,000), we will no longer be preparing O&M specialists who can teach Florida’s children and adults with visual impairments how to travel (and will be returning approximately $300,000 in RSA and OSEP grant money).  This position was easy to eliminate, since it is held by someone who is not on a tenure track line.  While expedient because of the dire state of the budget, the history of such programs is that once they are abolished, they are not refunded.

The O&M Program at FSU has run continuously since 1966. Summaries of national data reveal that FSU has produced approximately 9% of all of the nation’s O&M specialists over the past 10 years. This program is important to the state’s citizens—children and adults—who are bind. The O&M specialization is important to the overall well-being of the Visual Disabilities program; without it, our student numbers, especially our graduate student numbers, will no doubt drop, putting the entire program at risk..

If there is anything that you or DBS can do to help advocate for the continuation of this position, I would be most grateful for the support..

Best,

Sandy