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Bill would add specialist to help Montanans under 55 adjust to vision loss
Summary
Sen. Mike Yakawich introduced SB 82 to expand training and daily-living supports for Montanans who lose vision before age 55; state staff and disability advocates testified the change would fill a gap left by federal policy changes and could serve roughly 320 people.
Sen. Mike Yakawich on behalf of the sponsor opened a hearing on Senate Bill 82 in the House Health and Human Services Committee, saying the measure would create a specialist position to provide training and supports for people under 55 who experience significant vision loss.
Supporters told the committee the bill is intended to help people regain independence and return to work. "We appreciate your support to fill this gap by supporting this bill," said Chanda Hermanson, division administrator for disability employment, summarizing services that could include white-cane training, public transit instruction, medication management and meal preparation.
The bill stems from a gap…
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