House Community Budget Issue Requests - Tracking Id #1067 Training the Blind in Self-Sustaining Skills
Requester:	Don Stevens		Organization:		FL Center for the Blind, Inc.
Project Title:	Training the Blind in Self-Sustaining Skills		Date Submitted:		01/25/2000 9:00:28 AM
District Member:	George Albright		Service Area:		Regional
Counties Affected:	Sumter
Recipient:	FL Center for the Blind, Inc.		Contact:		Don Stevens
	7651 S.W. Hwy. 200 #502		Contact Phone:		(352) 873-4700
	Ocala 34476
Project Description:
FCB provides a program primarily structured for adults who are blind or visually impaired. The program design provides assistance and rehabilitation to clients adjusting to their environment and disability. the program encompasses training and support, advocacy and educating the general public concerning the issues of blindness. It is the goal of FCB to facilitate the blind and visually impaired individual's integration into society on the basis of equality.
Services Provided/Benefit to State:
FCB provides training in Independent Living Skills, Braille (reading and writing, Jacksonville Series, Levels I,II and III), Typing (Hadley Typing for Everyone, 28 lessons), Electronic Communications (Introduction to Computers, computer software training with speech synthesis, word processing, spreadsheet and database applications, OCR software, navigating the Internet, Braille 'n Speak, Type 'n Speak), Mobility (White Cane Law, Long White Cane, Support Cane), Cooking, Home Maintenance, Leisure Time Activities (teaching tactile skills, coordination with tools and materials, etc.), Support (individual and group), Synergy (laws pertaining to blindness, community resources and services available to the blind to aid in education, transportation and communications). The above described services are provided to teach the blind and visually impaired individual to be self-reliant and independent. By preparing through training and education, they can function without assistance, saving resources and enhancing the quality of their lives. FCB is providing services unavailable from any other source in North Central Florida.
Measurable Outcome Anticipated:
Each training module described above is structured in such a manner that the student/client's progress is being continually monitored. The student is observed and tested to insure their mastery of the skills being demonstrated. FCB will be able to provide services to blind or visually impaired individuals in Citrus/Sumter and Alachua/Putnam counties and are currently unable to attend training at FCB in Ocala.
Amount requested from the State for this project this year:				$673,389
Total cost of the project:		$673,389

Request has been made to fund:			Operations
Is there Local Government or Private match for this request?					No
Was this project previously funded by the State?					No
Is future-year funding likely to be requested?					Yes
	Amount:	$350,000
	Purpose for future year funding:			Recurring Operations
	Will this be an annual request?				Yes
Was this project included in an Agency's Budget Request?					No
Was this project included in the Governor's Recommended Budget?					No
Is there a documented need for this project?					Yes
	Documentation:	Division of Blind Services, FCB Need's Assessment
Was this project request heard before a publicly noticed meeting of a body of elected officials (municipal, county, or state)?					Yes
	Hearing Body:	Marion County Legislative Delegation Hearings
	Meeting Date:	01/11/2000