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Senate committee hears testimony from nominee to Idaho Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Summary
A gubernatorial reappointment hearing for a member of the Idaho Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired included the nominee’s account of losing vision and the services the commission provided; the committee did not vote on the reappointment during this meeting.
The Senate Health and Welfare Committee took testimony from a gubernatorial reappointment to the Idaho Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired during its meeting.
The nominee, who identified themself as Bridal Raukenheimer of Sandpoint, told the committee they lost most of their vision about 20 years ago and credited the commission’s staff with providing training and assistive technology that allowed them to continue working. "Staff from the commission traveled to my home and taught me to use the technology I would need to be able to continue my work," the nominee said. They added that assistive tools and training restored confidence and independence and that they wished to continue serving on the board, citing experience in "managing budgets and program evaluation" as a contribution to the commission.
The committee’s questions focused on the nominee’s experience and capacities to serve. Senator Harris asked about the medical cause of the vision loss; the nominee described optic nerve atrophy and the gradual narrowing of peripheral vision that left only a small central spot of sight. The committee also relayed an informal question from Senator Woodward about skiing conditions in Sandpoint and the nominee replied they ski with a guide.
The committee did not take a vote on the reappointment during the hearing. Committee staff indicated the committee will vote on the nomination at its next meeting the following day.
