Alan Schneider recounts blindness diagnosis as he seeks reappointment to Idaho Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired

Alan Schneider, chair of the Idaho Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired, told the Senate Health and Welfare Committee that services from the commission transformed his life after he developed an eye disease.

Schneider, a retired high school English teacher who said he has served on the commission for about 10 years, described seeking help after he “chickened out” and avoided a family trip because he found it difficult to be around people with vision loss. “I came out of the men's restroom, turned right and ran into the drinking fountain,” he said, and that experience convinced him to accept services. He added, “they changed my life,” and said he wants to give back through continued service on the board.

Committee members asked Schneider about lessons learned in his decade of service. He said the work taught him to trust “the boots on the ground,” praising staff who kept in daily contact with isolated or elderly clients during the pandemic. “Many of these, blind and visually impaired people, are somewhat isolated,” he said, noting counselors’ outreach in the pandemic as an example of staff impact.

Senator Harris asked what Schneider had learned in his 10 years; Schneider emphasized the quality of staff and the benefit of direct service. Committee members thanked Schneider for his willingness to serve. The committee did not vote on the reappointment at the hearing; the chair said the committee will take a vote at the next meeting.

Schneider was invited to answer committee questions and concluded by reaffirming his desire to continue serving the commission.

The committee’s interview record shows no formal vote on the appointment during the session; the chair announced the reappointment would be voted on at the committee’s next meeting.