Oregon School For The Blind: The Struggle Continues

An open letter to President Obama from Christopher Kliks

4/18/09 from The Oregonian

Dear Mr. President:

I am a pre-admission candidate for Project Braille at Portland State University, the ONLY regional program that trains TVI’s (Teachers for the Visually Impaired). The program has just been shut down, without advance notice. All those admitted have had their acceptance letters rescinded.

In addition, the Oregon School for the Blind is facing curtailment of it’s crucial summer program along with future closure of the entire facility.

With nearly one third of TVI’s retiring in coming years, and the redistribution of local funding such that it does not reach Visually Impaired students, the adverse impact is immediate and progressive. It is egregious and unconscionable that this should be happening under your administration, in a climate when we are ALL supposed to be supporting your call that NO child be denied a fair opportunity to a decent education. We need your help. I wish to draw your immediate attention to this matter. I can promise you that this will soon become a national issue, and Oregon/the Pacific Northwest will be the spotlight.

I campaigned with all my heart for you Mr. President, beginning with the Oregon Primary. I went door to door believing in your message of change and responsibility. I ask that even with the many concerns laid at your feet, you address this issue NOW, before damage to this essential program for Visually impaired children is such that it cannot be undone.

If you desire more information on what TVI’s do within the setting of the classroom, district and the region, do not hesitate to ask me via contact information included in this communication, or you may contact Dr. James (Blue) Bickford at bickford@pdx.edu.


April 18, 2009

linderschore@comcast.net
http://christopherkliks.wordpress.com

Alert - Oregon School for the Blind/An open letter to President Obama