Date: 09/03/2015
Final
Remote Testimony on Vocational Rehabilitation Services for the Blind
VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION SERVICES FOR THE BLIND
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Representative Danielson called the meeting to order. She introduced the agenda for the meeting.
01:03 PM -- Remote Testimony on Vocational Rehabilitation Services for the Blind - Grand Junction
Ms. Lorraine Hutcheson, representing the Colorado Department of Human Services Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), began her presentation via remote testimony in Grand Junction. She discussed the locations served by DVR on the Western Slope. She noted the services offered to low vision/blind clients in DVR offices in western and southwestern Colorado. She stated that when a client needs extensive services not available in her region, DVR refers clients to Denver-metro based programs. She detailed the other organizations she works with in the Grand Junction area, including the Center for Independence. She also noted that vocational rehabilitation is available to blind veterans in Grand Junction through the local United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital. She continued by describing how she connects clients with local advocacy organizations. In response to committee questions, she discussed the caseload burden in her office. At the request of the committee, she noted that when clients are referred to services in Denver, a financial needs assessment is performed to determine if and how much funds maybe be provided to help clients pay for travel to Denver. She also explained the differences between services offered in Grand Junction and services offered in Denver, such as the Colorado Center for the Blind.
01:22 PM
Mr. Steven Davis, representing himself, came to the table via remote testimony. He described his personal experiences as a person who is blind and advocated for specific services for the blind within DVR. He stated that DVR needs more counselors who understand the particular issues facing clients who are blind. He discussed problems with assistive technology.
01:32 PM
Mr. Nathan Hecker, representing the Grand Valley Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind, came to the table via remote testimony. He discussed his personal experiences with DVR and advocated for specific, specialized services for the blind. He noted that South Dakota and Nebraska have separate units dedicated to serving persons who are blind.
01:35 PM
Representative Danielson thanked the witnesses testifying via remote testimony at Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction.