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Lawmakers consider $100,000 increase for older-blind services; HHS says demand is rising
Summary
A senator asked the conference committee to consider a $100,000 increase for older-blind services within vocational rehabilitation; HHS said demand is rising and the agency could use additional funds for technology, assessments, or outreach.
A committee member asked the conference committee to consider adding $100,000 to services for older adults with vision impairment under the state vocational rehabilitation program.
Senator Devere said the program has been level-funded since about 1987 and that his mother’s experience prompted him to raise the additional appropriation during committee discussion. Jessica Thomason of the Department of Health and Human Services' VR team told the committee the program lives in the VR division and that rising demand means the agency could put additional funds to use for adaptive technology, field assessments, or additional capacity.
Why it matters: Lawmakers noted adaptive technology and in-home assessments can help people with vision impairment remain in their homes and avoid higher-cost care settings. Thomason said the program was not in the department’s original budget request but that increasing the appropriation could be put to use.
Committee reaction and next steps: Members expressed support for the concept and agreed to hold the item for later consideration in the behavioral‑health discussion. No formal appropriation was approved during this session; HHS said it would work with the committee to determine the best use if funds are authorized.
