Caledonia Argus

Blind Services budget cuts concern Caledonia woman

Posted: 8/27/02

By Shannon McKinney

Argus News Reporter

Almost every service offered by State Services for the Blind will feel the impact of budget cuts that were made by the 2002 legislature.

Fay Gengler of Caledonia, who is blind herself, is speaking out against the $416,000 in cuts. Because of the cuts, she may not receive a reproduction of a weekly news broadcast that is sent to her from St. Paul.

Chuck Hamilton, Business Manager for State Services for the Blind, explained, ìEither we will not be able to do it (make the reproduction) or it will be slow in coming.î

The State Services for the Blind had to absorb nearly half of the $913,000 that was cut from the Department of Economic Security.

Hamilton said the cuts will affect almost every service for the blind in Minnesota but added, ìI donít believe the legislature purposely tried to hurt us.î

18 positions are cut

Hamilton said that 13 people in the State Services for the Blind have received lay-off notices, while five other positions were vacated and not filled. A retail shop in Minneapolis called, ìThe Storeî that offered lower prices for items needed by the blind was closed because it operated with a $90,000 deficit that was covered by state dollars.

He noted that they have been notified by two other vendors who will set up stores a few blocks away from the old store to sell services to the blind. Those stores may open between September 3-15. For information on the new stores visit www.mnssb.org and click on ìThe Store.î

Services that will be reduced include an audio dial-in news service. This service, with the help of volunteers, allowed the blind to call in and be navigated around some of the metro newspapers listening to recorded voices. This service will now be reduced to synthesized speech that will report on articles that are found on that particular newspaperís web site. Hamilton explained, ìThey can still call in and listen. Itís not as much programming.î

Some of the clerical and reception staff around the state has been eliminated he said, and so receiving service may take longer.

The radio talking book, which are weekly reproductions of some broadcasts which Gengler receives, will be more limited. The taped broadcasts are from a closed circuit station that is aired 24-hours-a-day from St. Paul. This station was specifically created in 1969 for the blind and visually impaired. Before the cuts, the blind could request copies of programs that they missed, but now they may not be able to receive the reproductions theyíve requested or they will have to wait longer to receive a broadcast.

Also, those who wish to listen to books that have been recorded in audio will now have to order their copies at the National Library Service in Faribault. Services for the Blind had been taking requests and recording the audio themselves, but reproductions now will no longer be made there.

Services for the blind also provide a transcription service for K-12 and post secondary students who need to have their assignments transcribed in braille or in audio. Hamilton said it will take longer for people to receive their transcriptions.

Services for the blind also offers one-on-one service for those people who need to learn braille or learn how to use the white walking cane. Those services will still be offered, however, those who do not need one-on-one assistance will be encouraged to call their local library or senior center for questions.

One-on-one service for blind children under 14 years of age will be eliminated. The Services for the Blind will now only be a point of contact where parents of blind children will be directed to contract for services for their blind children.

After children turns 14 years old, Services for the Blind will work with them on employment or other things.

Gengler thankful for services

Gengler said she is thankful for the services that she received when she first became blind 25 years ago. Services for the Blind provided one-on-one care to teach her how to use the white cane and learn braille. Fortunately that kind of care will continue for those who need that more intensive service.

At the age of 73, Gengler lives on her own. For two hours each day a health aid comes to her home to clean the house and make lunch. Sometimes theyíll get things for her at the grocery store. Gengler is able to make breakfast and dinner on her own.

Gengler feels its unfair that so much money is being cut from the budget of Services to the Blind. ìEverything that blind people have, theyíve got to fight for. Itís just ridiculous!î

Legislature hears concerns

Recently the blind had a chance to tell the legislature exactly what they thought about the budget cuts in House File 351 which was vetoed by Governor Jesse Ventura, but approved by the House and the Senate.

On Monday, August 19, the State Services for the Blind was given 20 minutes to air complaints to Senator Richard Cohen about how the budget cuts have affected them. In that time, citizens were also able to voice their opinions.

There is nothing that can be done about the cuts until the next legislative session in January. Persons interested in preserving services for the blind are urged to contact their state legislators.

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