Special Education Listserv
Subject: Blind Task Force Vacancies
Source: Heike Imler, Interim Assistant Director, Effective Practices
Intended Audience: Principals, special education administrators, parents, teachers, and others interested in the education and services for students who are blind or visually impaired
Date: September 2, 2008
At this time, we are seeking nominations for individuals to serve on the Blind Task Force. We currently have vacancies for: one (1) student representative and one (1) employer representative. I encourage you to consider making a nomination from your district for one of these positions. Nomination forms are available on the DESE website at: http://dese.mo.gov/divspeced/Blind/documents/btfnomform-4-08.pdf. The employer representative must have hiring and firing responsibility for the employer company/organization/agency, and employ at least one person who is blind.
Missouri Statute (http://www.dese.mo.gov/divspeced/EffectivePractices/VIpageHB401.htm)
provides for the establishment of a task force on blind student academic and vocational performance, the Blind Task Force. Members of the Blind Task Force (BTF) are appointed by the Commissioner of Education, in cooperation with the Director of the Department of Social Services, to represent consumer organizations, parents, teachers, public school special education administrators, school building principals, Rehabilitation Services for the Blind, the Missouri School for the Blind, employers, and others interested in quality services for blind students. "This task force shall develop goals and objectives to guide the improvement of special education, related services, vocational training, transition from school to work, rehabilitation services, independent livings and employment outcomes for eligible students"
(Section 162.1130.3).