Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
Task Force on Blind Student Academic and Vocational Performance Blind Task Force (BTF)
Anyone requiring Braille or large print copies of the following should contact the Office of Special Education at (573) 751-0187. This document may also be emailed or faxed upon request. 

Missouri statutes provide for formation of a Task Force on Blind Student Academic and Vocational Performance. According to the statute, “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 living and employment outcomes for eligible students” (§162.1133.3). 

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is seeking nominations of persons to this task force. 

Appointment of members will ensure that the following categories and the designated number of each are represented on the Blind Task Force.

a)	Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (1)
b)	Missouri School for the Blind (1)
c)	Department of Social Services (DSS) (1)
d)	Consumer organizations (NFB/MCB) (1 from each)
e)	Teachers of the Visually Impaired (2)
f)	Public School Special Education Administrators (2)
g)	School Building Principals (2)
h)	Current students (3) (a student currently enrolled in public secondary school. If the student is completing a current term on the BTF, he/she could be attending a post-secondary school).
i)	Parents of blind or visually impaired students attending public school in Missouri (3)
j)	Employers (2)
k)	Institutions of Higher Education (1)
l)	Rehabilitation Council for the Blind (FSD) (1)
m)	Orientation and Mobility Specialist (1)

Members shall be appointed by the Commissioner of Education, in cooperation with the Director, DSS. Individuals appointed to the Task Force must have filed all state income tax returns and paid all state income taxes owed. 

Members shall serve for an initial term of three years, serving up to two consecutive terms. If after the two consecutive terms the member wishes to continue to serve, and there is no proposed new member for a vacancy, the member may continue for a third consecutive term. Representatives of DESE, DSS, the Missouri School for the Blind, the State Rehabilitation Council for the Blind, and both consumer groups shall serve until a replacement is appointed by their organization.
The Blind Task Force shall meet at least quarterly. The time and place of the meeting shall be fixed by the Chairperson Appointees will be expected to attend all meetings and actively participate in all Task Force activities. The state agency will reimburse expenses for all reasonable and necessary expenses, including accommodations that may be needed by task force members.

Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Task Force on Blind Student Academic and Vocational Performance Blind Task Force (BTF)

Nominee Information Form
	
Nominees are asked to complete the following form and attach a letter that explains why you are interested in serving on this committee.	

First and Last Name: 		

Social Security Number:		

Date of Birth:		

Complete Mailing Address:		

Phone Number: 		
Fax Number:		

Email Address:		

Please identify two people who can serve as professional work references:

1.	Name: 

Phone: 
	
2.	Name: 

Phone: 

Which Task Force membership categories (listed on page one) are you applying for?

	

What other statewide or regional task forces, advisory panels or other such organizations are you or have you previously been a member of?

	

What accommodations, if any, do you require?

	
DESE is required to conduct a Criminal Record Check/Child Abuse/Neglect Registry Check on all individuals selected for possible appointment to the Blind Task Force before they can be officially appointed by the Commissioner of Education. The background check takes approximately two weeks.	

Please return the completed application form to:

Office of Special Education
PO BOX 480, Jefferson City, MO 65102
Phone: (573) 751-5739 | Fax: (573) 526-4404
	Email: lina.browner@dese.mo.gov