Blind people protest cuts in services
Blind people and their supporters gathered in front of Selis
Manor in New York Sept. 28 to protest cuts in social services
by the Associated Blind. Some 200 families live in Selis Manor,
the only New York residence specifically equipped for blind
people.
The Associated Blind, which runs the building and provides
social services for residents and blind people from the
community, announced that it will drastically cut its programs.
Paid staff will be eliminated for escort, reading, shopping and
other services. A gym for the blind was closed. Other
services-like helping blind people apply for food stamps and
SSI-will be cut back and moved to offices near Wall Street.
June Marcus, from the non-resident Associated group, said,
"Selis residents and the community felt left high and dry. The
mission of the Associated Blind was never to leave Selis." As
for the cuts, Marcus said, "The money is there." She explained
that the Associated Blind has a $5 million endowment allocated
for social services. Advocates are suing the foundation for
damages and have filed an injunction in an attempt to prevent
the cuts.
-Joyce Chediac
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