From: Andy Baracco 
Subject: Resolution 97.04
I was reading the resolutions in the August-September Braille Monitor. One
that was mentioned was Resolution 97.04 which referred to the V. A. trying
to get funding from other Federal and Sate agencies in order to provide
rehab services to non-veteran blind persons. I have been employed by the
V. A. for 21 years, and am active in their blind rehab effort. I have
never heard anything about the V. A. expanding its client base to include
non-veterans. In fact, they are hard strapped to serve the clients they
have. Presently, the average wait for admission to a V. A. blind rehab
center is 12 to 16 months. It is true that some wealthy veterans, or those
who have private medical insurance are charged for services. We have found
that most medical insurance plans will pay for these services. This is in
keeping with Congress' mandate that Federal agencies explore means other
than tax revenue to finance their programs whenever possible. I would
think that the tax payers would appreciate this. Really, the V. A. cannot
and will not serve non-veterans other than perhaps dependants of certain
veterans, and even in that case, the person can choose whether or not to
accept V. A. services. Veterans can, and do, have that option now. I think
that the supporters of this resolution have another adjenda. I would be
one of the first to criticize the V. A. when it is wrong, and believe me,
they have been wrong many times, but someone is shooting at straw men this
time.
Andy Baracco
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