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Washington State Governor's Proposed Budget Hurts Program for Older Blind. Action Needed!

In Washington State, Independent Living services for blind and visually impaired adults over the age of 55 are currently provided through a network of private agencies and independent providers. Currently approximately $800,000 is designated statewide for these services, an already inadequate amount for the largest population of blind and visually impaired individuals in the state.

In her 2010 budget proposal, Governor Gregoire suggests cutting $100,000 from this already small amount! Contact your elected representative now, and demand this funding be maintained.

The professional, private providers who provide these vital services are already stretched thin trying to serve an ever growing population of people with impaired vision. We all know that older adults are the largest growing population in the state, and with age comes significant visual impairment that compromises independent life.

At CSBPS and other similar organizations, our professional and certified vision rehabilitation specialists are uniquely equipped to provide services that help people travel safely, manage their medications, learn Braille, use the magnification that lets them read, manage their household using adaptive aids and alternative techniques... and many other activities that help keep people independent and in their home environment

Because the agencies that provide Independent Living service are private not-for-profit organizations and independent providers, our services are not only provided at a lower cost than state agencies can provide, we also have the ability to leverage and extend State and Federal dollars through private donations, United Way funds and grants. How much is accomplished for just $800,000! How much will be lost by cutting $100,000!

Contact your representative today and demand that no cuts be made to the Older Blind Independent Living program.