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BJ Stinger testifies about family ties and service in reappointment hearing for Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Summary
BJ Stinger, seeking reappointment to the Idaho Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired, described a family history with the commission and said the board meets quarterly to oversee operations and the administrator. The committee will vote on his reappointment at a later meeting.
BJ Stinger appeared remotely before a Senate committee to be considered for reappointment to the Idaho Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired.
Stinger told the committee the commission has been part of his family since the late 1960s: "My grandpa was a client of theirs," he said, and that experience motivates his volunteer service. He described the board's work as quarterly oversight of department reports, policy and procedure review, and supervision of the commission administrator.
Stinger said he holds a master's degree in social work (May 2023) and described lived experience with a genetic eye disease in his family as informing his perspective. When asked by Sen. Melissa Wintrow what the public should understand about interacting with people who have visual impairments, Stinger recommended simple courtesies such as offering help in context and avoiding vague directions like "over there." He said, "just kind of ... have compassion and empathy."
The committee did not vote on the reappointment during the recorded session; members said the committee will take up the nomination at the meeting tomorrow.
