Fall 2007 Table of Contents
Versión Español de este artículo (Spanish Version)

Blind Children’s Program: Challenges Ahead

By Barbara J. Madrigal, Assistant Commissioner, Division for Blind Services

Abstract: This article reviews changes in purchasing guidelines for DARS-DBS Blind Children’s Vocational Discovery and Development Program.

Key Words: blindness, visual impairment, Blind Children’s Program, purchases, services, Transition services

In the field of government, we are accustomed to dealing with challenges on a daily basis. I suspect this is true of all fields of endeavor, for to accomplish something real and worthwhile in the world always requires one to overcome challenges.

In this fiscal year, the Blind Children’s Vocational Discovery and Development Program is facing the challenge of a budget shortfall. Although the budget for the Blind Children’s Program has not been reduced, operating costs have risen in recent years and, as a result, some very difficult and unavoidable decisions became necessary.

The primary change is that, effective September 17, 2007, the Blind Children’s Program will no longer be able to purchase services for consumers whose vision is better than 20/70 in the better eye. Examples of purchased services which the Blind Children’s Program has previously provided for these consumers include glasses, registration fees and travel expenses to attend conferences, support to attend DBS trainings, registration fees and travel expenses for camps, developmental equipment, and developmental toys.

With the exception of these purchased services, children whose vision is better than 20/70 in the better eye and who are certified as visually impaired by the local education agency will continue to be eligible for all other services provided by our Blind Children’s Specialists. These services include needs assessment, information and referral services, ARD preparation and support, and counseling and guidance services. BCP Specialists can also provide assistance with locating comparable benefits for services we are no longer able to purchase.

A second change will result in purchase limitations for consumers whose vision is 20/70 or worse. The following changes will also go into effect on September 17th.

Out-of-state conferences will be limited to only those where in-state training is not available.
Support will be provided to families to attend only one conference per year.
Durable equipment purchased by the Blind Children’s Program must be specific to the loss of vision; DBS Specialists will assist in locating resources to provide equipment such as wheelchairs, strollers, or other items over $100.

This shortfall will also impact other budget areas within DBS, including staff training and administrative purchases.

This is, unfortunately, a situation that the Children’s Program has encountered in the past. For example, an article published in the See/Hear newsletter in 2001 <www.tsbvi.edu/Outreach/seehear/summer01/creative-thinking.htm> guides parents in locating additional resources in the community.

I would like to reassure you that our core services to blind children and their families are still strong. Our DBS Specialists are knowledgeable about the impact of visual impairment on child development, and they remain available to help children and their parents learn and build new skills. They also still assist consumers and families to participate in training opportunities, and to obtain the techniques, tools, information, resources, and support that will enable consumers to reach their fullest potential.

Additionally, the DBS Transition Program continues to work with blind students starting at age 10. Almost exactly four years ago, the Texas Division for Blind Services became the first Vocational Rehabilitation agency in the country to work with 10-year-olds. At that time, Commissioner Terry Murphy stated, “We have no doubt that earlier, positive vocational involvement with young people via [DBS’s] knowledgeable transition specialists is appropriate and necessary in today’s economic and social environment to reduce the high unemployment rates still prevalent among the blind population. The earlier young people who are blind experience empowering skills, the better prepared they are for the various transitions between youth and life as an adult.”

Our Children’s Program and Transition Program provide a unified and seamless service system that emphasizes confidence, high expectations, and empowerment. We remain firm in our commitment to assist all of our consumers in their efforts to be independent and productive, and we look forward to working with you toward that goal.

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Last Revision: December 11, 2007