State makes wrong choice for services for the blind

To the Editor;

Years ago, I received rehabilitation service from the Iris Network, a statewide agency serving blind and visually impaired people over age 14. The staff was exceptional, and the skills I learned were life changing. I know where to go when I need questions answered.

The Iris Network is appealing the recent decision by Maine’s Department of Labor Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired to award a five-year contract for community-based blindness rehabilitation services for adults and youth over the age of 14 to Catholic Charities Maine.

I do not understand how Catholic Charities Maine can be awarded this contract when they have no accredited staff to do this work.

The Iris Network has nationally certified vision rehabilitation therapists to teach transition-age youth, working-age adults and senior citizens how to be independent. Many newly blind are over the age of 70. These skills can assist them to stay in their homes and thrive in place.

I would prefer increased funding be used for direct service, not administrative costs. The Iris Network’s bid was about $225,000 per year less than the Catholic Charities Maine’s bid of $1.3 million. Catholic Charities Maine’s annual budget for compensation of direct service professionals was $30,000 more than The Iris Network, which would increase administrative costs by about $195,000 per year.

My hope is that this conditional contract awarded to Catholic Charities Maine will be reversed because it is essential to avoid serious harm to the public interest in high-quality and cost-effective community-based blindness rehabilitation services.

Nancy Matulis
Dover-Foxcroft