Blind Oklahomans condemn legislature for “disrespect and disregard for the blind of Oklahoma”

by Rob Howard
Associate Editor

The National Federation of the Blind of Oklahoma condemned the actions of the Oklahoma legislature in a resolution regarding equality for the blind, and their experiences at the State Capitol. The organization represents the estimated 135,000 blind people in the state. Actions by the legislature are yet another example of legislators ignoring and disrespecting marginalized minority groups. The blind assert that they know what is best for them, and demand input on legislation that affects them and their businesses.

A group of thirty to forty constituent members of the Federation attended committee meetings at the Capitol to lobby against House Bills 1861 and 2230, and Senate Bill 733.

HB1861 and SB733 divert funding from the Department of Rehabilitation Services Older Blind program and place it in a revolving fund for the outsourcing of the services currently provided by the state.

HB2230 exempts County Jails from participation in priority contracts for blind managers of commissaries operated in the jails.

At a hearing on HB 1861, the blind constituents presence for the entire four hour meeting were not acknowledged or recognized by the committee chair, nor were they provided an opportunity to speak in opposition to the proposed legislation.

At a hearing by the County and Municipal Government Committee, the committee chair, Rep. Sean Roberts, had given permission for a representative of the Oklahoma Association of Blind Merchants to be recognized and speak regarding HB 2230. When the sponsor of the bill objected, Roberts did not honor his commitment, and instead allowed the Tulsa County Sheriff to speak in support of the bill.

HB 2230 would affect the blind manager of the commissary in the Tulsa County jail.

The resolution notes, “The blind of Oklahoma possess the capacity, knowledge and experience of blindness to understand issues directly affecting them and who, because of their unique experiences, are most qualified to speak on matters concerning the blind.

“Whereas, the above legislation continues to move forward with complete disregard to the input provided by blind constituents, even though the blind of Oklahoma are united against the above measures and the only supporters are entities who stand to profit at the expense of quality services and jobs for the blind.”

The resolution concludes with two paragraphs condemning the legislature’s treatment of blind people, and demanding that they be allowed to speak for themselves in matters affecting their lives.

“Now, therefore, be it resolved by the National Federation of the Blind of Oklahoma, in Convention assembled in the City of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, this ninth day of April, 2017, that we condemn and deplore the actions of The Oklahoma Legislature, including the House of Representatives and the Senate, for demonstrating a pattern of disrespect and disregard for the blind of Oklahoma and for failing to faithfully represent the people of Oklahoma;

“Be It Further Resolved that We, the blind of Oklahoma, seek to speak for ourselves regarding matters concerning the blind and engage the members of the Oklahoma Legislature to work together in crafting and authoring legislation regarding issues related to blindness and the blind of Oklahoma so that we may share our knowledge and experiences with blindness in order to assist the Oklahoma Legislature in creating effective policies regarding the blind.”

Copyright 2017 The Gayly – April 14, 2017 @ 1:40 p.m.