Gov. Dannel P. Malloy has proposed elimination of the state Board of Education and Services for the Blind and moving its services to the departments of Education and Social Services. In drafting this legislation, the administration was apparently unaware of the programs and services BESB provides to families, students and school districts. During public hearings, the Office of Policy and Management incorrectly testified that BESB's children's services was simply a funding provider.

As a result of the changes, clients will go through layers of bureaucracy for services. BESB will not provide comprehensive or coordinated programs. Communication will be compromised. It puts in jeopardy services to the youngest clients as it moves the children's services division to the education department, which does not provide direct services. Help for parents, the teaching of braille, training in independent living and consultations with towns can no longer be guaranteed.

Constituents recently filled the Legislative Office Building to oppose this legislation. Access to the braille library, low-vision center, town personnel training, parent education, student training and transition programs will be compromised. Leadership with expertise in blindness will be lost; decisions will be made by those with no knowledge of client needs.

BESB rates among the highest in graduation and work-placement rates in the country. It should remain a stand-alone agency.

Cheryl Brown
Guilford

The writer is an education consultant for the Board of Education and Services for the Blind.