A2009-02: Regarding Unsuccessful Case Closures at SSB

Adopted In : 2009

Topics : State Services for the Blind

WHEREAS, Minnesota State Services for the Blind (SSB) closed only 79 persons successfully during 2009; and

WHEREAS, a breakdown of Federally-reported statistics from 2007, the most recent available, shows that of 358 closures, only 81 cases (23%)  were closed successfully, that 45 persons could not be located, that 106 persons refused services, and that 38 cases were closed as uncooperative; and

WHEREAS, it defies logic to believe that 106 people out of 358 closures refused services after applying for them, and that 45 people somehow could not be located after filling out applications of service; and

WHEREAS, these shocking statistics demonstrate a lack of commitment to serving blind people by the rehabilitation supervisors and counselors; and

WHEREAS, the practice of closing cases before employment goals have been achieved sends the message that SSB does not believe that these blind persons can ever be employed, and damages their chances for successful employment; Now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the National Federation of the Blind of Minnesota in convention assembled this 25th day of October, 2009 in the city of St.  Paul, that this organization condemns and deplores the epidemically destructive practices of closing cases before successful outcomes can be achieved; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this organization call upon the acting director of SSB to investigate the causes of this problem and take all necessary corrective action.

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