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Kulongoski closes Oregon Commission for the Blind
Kulongoski's decision could have serious impact on blind students who rely on services
Makenna Bishop
Issue date: 5/22/09 Section: News
By Makenna Bishop
The Daily Barometer
Governor Kulongoski recently announced a proposal to close the Oregon Commission for the Blind, which is currently providing job training and skills for daily living.
Though nothing has been decided, those who are part of the commission or are benefitting from its services are outraged at the potential closure.
Zach Kline, an undeclared sophomore at OSU, is particularly upset about the commission's potential closure.
Kline said he was practically born blind. He was born after 25 weeks, extremely premature, and immediately underwent countless surgeries. He was also placed in an incubator for three months.
During his time in the incubator, Kline said he was exposed to too much oxygen which caused his retinas to split and left him blind.
He first heard rumors about the Oregon Commission for the Blind from a friend and initially disregarded the information. It wasn't until he received an emergency e-mail sent out by the commission that the rumors were confirmed.
"It was the first official thing I heard about a potential closure," Kline said. "I panicked. I'm uncertain about what will happen. It's just one of those things you never expect to happen."
According to the commission's website, their mission is "to assist blind Oregonians in making informed decisions in order to achieve full inclusion and integration into society through the means of employment, independent living and social self-sufficiency."
Kline said that while he doesn't necessarily get as many services provided for him as others, closing this commission would have terrible implications.
The commission provides many services to teach daily living skills to the blind. Cooking, cleaning and mobility are all seemingly simple tasks that must be taught.
Growing up, Kline was mainstreamed, meaning he attended public schools and attended regular classes. Kline was served by an itinerant teacher, who taught him Braille and computer skills.
The Daily Barometer
Governor Kulongoski recently announced a proposal to close the Oregon Commission for the Blind, which is currently providing job training and skills for daily living.
Though nothing has been decided, those who are part of the commission or are benefitting from its services are outraged at the potential closure.
Zach Kline, an undeclared sophomore at OSU, is particularly upset about the commission's potential closure.
Kline said he was practically born blind. He was born after 25 weeks, extremely premature, and immediately underwent countless surgeries. He was also placed in an incubator for three months.
During his time in the incubator, Kline said he was exposed to too much oxygen which caused his retinas to split and left him blind.
He first heard rumors about the Oregon Commission for the Blind from a friend and initially disregarded the information. It wasn't until he received an emergency e-mail sent out by the commission that the rumors were confirmed.
"It was the first official thing I heard about a potential closure," Kline said. "I panicked. I'm uncertain about what will happen. It's just one of those things you never expect to happen."
According to the commission's website, their mission is "to assist blind Oregonians in making informed decisions in order to achieve full inclusion and integration into society through the means of employment, independent living and social self-sufficiency."
Kline said that while he doesn't necessarily get as many services provided for him as others, closing this commission would have terrible implications.
The commission provides many services to teach daily living skills to the blind. Cooking, cleaning and mobility are all seemingly simple tasks that must be taught.
Growing up, Kline was mainstreamed, meaning he attended public schools and attended regular classes. Kline was served by an itinerant teacher, who taught him Braille and computer skills.
Note: writers will not reply to comments.
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 4
Kia
posted 5/26/09 @ 3:43 PM PST
I totally agree. They shouldn't close the Commision for the Blind. How much money would that really "save". It would only hurt the blind community, and leaving them with little options to turn to. (Continued…)
Zachary Kline
posted 6/01/09 @ 1:37 PM PST
Hi there,
This is just a follow up to let everybody know that they're not closing after all. I got an email this morning informing me that while their will be slight changes in the budget, the Commission as a whole will stay open. (Continued…)
dan
posted 6/03/09 @ 2:44 PM PST
Gov. K is too interested in solar panels and electric vehicles to know that there are actually real issues in Oregon.
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