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Committee hears bill to fund services for Montanans under 55 with new vision loss
Summary
Sen. Mike Yakawich’s SB 82 would fund a blindness-adjustment professional to provide independent-living and employment-readiness training for people under 55 who experience vision loss; DPHHS and disability advocates say the measure fills a gap left after federal changes to vocational rehabilitation.
Senator Mike Yakawich on Thursday told the House Health and Human Services Committee that Senate Bill 82 would fund a dedicated professional to help Montanans who lose their sight before age 55 relearn everyday and work-related skills.
"This bill is designed to be able to provide funding for a 1 to hire 1 person who will be engaged in providing training and opportunity and guidance for people to get back on their feet," Yakawich said during his opening remarks.
The Department of Public Health and Human Services’ Blind and Low Vision Services Bureau currently runs two programs: an Older Individuals…
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