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B.J. Stinger seeks reappointment to Idaho Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Summary
B.J. Stinger appeared before the Senate Health & Welfare Committee as a reappointment nominee to the Idaho Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired, describing family ties to the commission and his interest in advocacy. The committee will vote on the reappointment tomorrow.
B.J. Stinger appeared before the Idaho Senate Health & Welfare Committee as a reappointment nominee to the Idaho Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired and described a long family history with the commission and his interest in advocacy.
"My grandpa was a … client of theirs so I just … enjoy … trying to be part of something like that to help other individuals in Idaho that are blind or visually impaired," Stinger said, describing a family connection to the commission dating to the late 1960s.
Stinger told the committee the commission generally meets quarterly, hears reports from various departments, oversees the commission administrator, and advises on policy and procedural changes. He said his background includes a master’s degree in social work (earned in May 2023) and that a family history of a genetic eye disease informs his interest.
Asked what the public should know when interacting with someone who is blind or visually impaired, Stinger recommended simple courtesies: say hello, offer help if someone appears to be struggling and "don't use phrases like 'over there' with visually impaired or blind people because 'over there' doesn't tell us anything." He emphasized compassion and empathy.
The committee did not take a final vote on the reappointment at this hearing; the chair said the committee will vote on Stinger’s reappointment at tomorrow’s meeting.
