Date: 09/16/2015
Final
Public Comment
VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION SERVICES FOR THE BLIND
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01:37 PM -- Public Comment
01:38 PM -- Scott LaBarre, President of the National Federation of the Blind of Colorado (NFBCO), spoke about the audit results that were previously discussed and how the transfer of DVR to CDLE provides an opportunity to look at how vocational rehabilitation services are delivered within the state. Mr. LaBarre reviewed NFBCO's legislative recommendations that are outlined in a memo provided to the committee (Attachment C). Mr. LaBarre responded to questions from the committee regarding the recommendations outlined in the memo, the various options for creating a separate agency or unit for the blind in the state, and how a separate agency for the blind would provide services for individuals with multiple disabilities. In addition, he responded to questions about what will be moved to CDLE under DVR's transition, how to provide greater power for a new state advisory council specifically for the blind, the expected fiscal impact of creating a separate agency for the blind, and the use of federal funds and taxes.
Attachment C - NFBCO Memo.pdf
02:10 PM -- Mark Lasser, representing himself, thanked the committee for their work and also spoke about the impact of the DVR audit and his experience with DVR and the Business Enterprise Program (BEP).
02:14 PM -- Barbara Boyer, Executive Director of A3 Colorado, spoke about the history, mission, and work of A3. Ms. Boyer spoke about the importance of outside organizations in the provision of services for the blind, the work of A3 as a DVR vendor, and A3's desire to focus on improving DVR services overall instead of creating a separate agency or unit dedicated to the blind. Ms. Boyer responded to questions from the committee regarding A3's opposition to creating a separate agency for the blind and the work A3 does.
02:26 PM
The committee took a brief recess.