Committee backs $1 million for older-Arizonans who lose vision

The Arizona House Appropriations Committee on March 26 recommended a due pass for Senate Bill 11-30, a one-time $1 million appropriation from the state general fund to the Department of Economic Security for the Independent Living/Older Individuals Who Are Blind program.

Supporters told the committee the program provides rehabilitation and training — mobility instruction, adaptive technologies and home visits — that help Arizonans who lose sight later in life remain independent. Ted Vogt of the National Federation of the Blind of Arizona described the program as “one time $1,000,000 appropriation to DES’s Independent Living Older Blind program,” and said it helps recipients learn use of the white cane and adaptive technologies.

The committee heard personal testimony from program users. Danny Roberts, who said he has been legally blind since 2011, told lawmakers he waited more than a year to access services and credited training with allowing him to continue living independently. Amy Porterfield, who identified herself with Savvy Services for the Blind, said there is no rehabilitation program for blindness in the medical system and described cases of people who lost mobility and regained it after training.

Committee members framed the appropriation as a cost-effective way to help older Arizonans remain in their homes. Representative Austin said he hoped future funding could expand services and recorded his vote in support.

The roll-call vote recorded 17 yeses and 1 not voting; the committee gave SB 11-30 a due-pass recommendation.

The bill does not specify ongoing funding beyond the single $1,000,000 appropriation that the committee considered.