ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Phoenix, Arizona
FINAL REVISED
FACT SHEET FOR H.B. 2613
appropriation; blind and visually impaired
Purpose
Appropriates $425,000 per fiscal year from the general fund beginning in FY 2000-2001 to
the Department of Economic Security (DES) for independent living rehabilitation services for the
blind and visually impaired.
Background
The independent living services in this legislation train adults who have lost their sight to
perform routine daily tasks such as dressing, house cleaning, cooking and travel. Currently most of
the funds available for rehabilitation of the blind and visually impaired can only be obtained so that
the client can get a job or be retrained for work (vocational rehabilitation). The funds sought through
this appropriation would be used for orientation and mobility training without regard to employment.
Most individuals needing this training are over age 65. According to the Arizona Center for
the Blind and Visually Impaired, there were approximately 90,600 blind or visually impaired people
in Arizona in 1994. By 1997, the number had doubled to 181,978, including 117,000 people over
age 55. While one in 20 people in the general population is visually impaired, the number is one in
five among those over age 65. Visual impairment and blindness are strongly associated with the aging
process. The elderly often lose their vision over a period of time (typically two years) and cope with
the loss of sight by limiting their activities and becoming dependent on available family and/or elder
care services.
The Rehabilitation Services Administration within DES estimates that the average cost of
assisting one person to achieve his or her desired level of independent living is $915. The amount
appropriated would therefore enable approximately 464 people to live independently. The
appropriation funds two full time mobility and orientation teachers.
DES reports that clients in Phoenix must wait five months for this type of training. Waiting
lists also exist in other areas of the state and vary in length. Federal funding for independent living
services totaled approximately $540,000 in FY 1998. The state portion of the program ($111,500)
has been relatively flat for several years. Medical insurance is not available for this training.
1.
2.
Amendments Adopted by Committee of the Whole
1.
House Action Senate Action
HS 2/18/99 DP 6-0-0-0 FS 3/24/99 DP 6-0-1-0
APPROP 3/9/99 DP 11-1-0-1 APPROP 3/24/99 DP 13-1-0-0
3rd Read 3/15/99 52-0-8-0 3rd Read 4/27/99 30-0-0
Signed by Governor 5/18/99
Chapter 310
Prepared by Senate Staff
May 27, 1999
Provisions
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