From: Matthew Roberts 
Subject: Re: Does rehab really help?
On Fri, 2 May 1997, Mary Shandrow wrote:
> It boils down to this:  I do not have an IWRP because my counselor and I
> cannot agree on an "appropriate" (her word) vocational goal.  I do not
> believe that Rehab has  the right to tell me what an appropriate vocational
> goal is for me.  I think it is a dangerous plan to allow Rehab to get away
> with telling you what to do.  They just want to get you employed, and off
> of their case load.  It doesn't matter if it is a job that you want to do.  
> 
> Basically, since I don't have an IWRP I cannot get assistance with school.
> I don't want to compromise, and get student loans.  I don't want to foster
> for rehab the idea that what they are doing to me is okay.  I don't want
> them to think that I will just go away.  I deserve these services just like
> every other blind student, and I should get them.
I agree with you on these points.  It is not just happening in Colorodo, 
I think it is happening all over the country.  
I have even had situations when things have been put in my IWRP, without 
my knowledge because the paperwork was not in accessible format.  Rehab 
also has a habit of trying to force you to get services you don't want or 
need, just so they don't put money out of their pocket.
For example, the South Carolina Commission of the Blind wants me to get a 
current physical and eye exam.  The last time I spoke with the director I 
was told to apply for medicade because I'm on SSI.  Medicade does not 
impress me at all, and the system is being cut all the time.  Every 
single piece of paper has my disability clearly written on it, so what do 
they need an eye exam for, all I'm doing is wasting my time.  
Rehab does not want blind people to live in small towns.  Personally, 
I've had enough of large cities and I didn't appreciate it when the 
counselor complained about this.
I do want to work one day, but right now, I'm just taking it easy and 
getting a support system together by making friends and learning how to 
be independent.  Coming from an abusive family, this whole situation is 
real adjustment for me.
In the wind on a bike!!!                Matt Roberts (robocop@pdn.net)
Harleys FOREVER!!                       803-774-3516
RBIKER on IRC                           Dillon South Carolina
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