Since the resolutions we pass at our conventions set our policies, we always distribute them far and wide.  We always receive responses to them, often from government officials.  This letter is one of the responses to the 1994 annual convention resolutions.  It shows our resolutions are taken seriously, and our policies have impact.

The members of the NFB of Minnesota thank Commissioner Brown for her response and actions.  This is one more time when she has shown her understanding of the real problems faced by blind people and her support of meaningful solutions to those problems.

Minnesota Department of Economic Security

January 3, 1995

Ms. Joyce Scanlan, President

National Federation of the Blind

of Minnesota, Inc.

100 East 22nd Street

Minneapolis, MN 55404

Dear Ms. Scanlan:

Governor Carlson has asked me to respond to your letter of November 22, 1994, in which you transmit three resolutions passed by the Federation at its recent convention in North Mankato.

Resolution A-94-01 deals with the Statewide Independent Living Council and treatment of its blind members.  It is the policy of the Department of Economic Security that all Department programs be accessible to persons with disabilities; therefore, treatment such as you describe is not acceptable.

Assistant Commissioners Dick Davis and Norena Hale have met regarding the issues raised in the resolution.  It is my understanding that management practices on the part of staff resulted in a number of these problems, and Ms. Hale and Mr. Davis have taken steps to improve those practices.

I also understand that your resolution was thoroughly discussed at the last meeting of the Statewide Independent Living Council and that further changes may occur as a result.  I am asking that both Assistant Commissioners continue to monitor developments in this case to make sure the issues you raised are successfully resolved.

Resolution A-94-02 deals with the Lighthouse for the Blind in Duluth.  Fair treatment of persons with disabilities in employment is also a policy of the Department.  Lighthouse employees, former employees, and members of Duluth's blind community have contacted Assistant Commissioner Dick Davis to express their concerns about employee treatment.

As a result, Mr. Davis is conducting an inquiry into the complaints.  He has brought the complaints to the attention of the Lighthouse management, strongly urged them to meet with their employees and members of Duluth's blind community to resolve them, asked relevant questions about their operations, and provided feedback to them.

It is the Department's position that it is the responsibility of the Lighthouse to resolve these programs by working with its employees.  We will continue to monitor this process to make sure it is accomplished.

Resolution A-94-03 deals with the potential incorporation of rehabilitation services for the blind into the health care system and the attendant problems that could result.  While the idea of a new funding source would seem to have some appeal, I too am concerned about the restrictions which might be imposed on services for the blind under a medical model.

It is essential that consumer choice in types, amounts, and providers of services, such as we have in Minnesota, be maintained.  A prescription-based system could set back the gains blind persons have made in running their own lives, free from institutional interference.

While it seems unlikely that national health care will pass, given the current changes in Washington, I will ask Assistant Commissioner Davis to continue to monitor developments in this issue.  I know he believes that consumer choice should not be compromised.