Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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Running into an issue where I am having trouble proving I meet a "minimum impairment criteria" (self.Blind)
submitted by der3009
I don't know if this is the correct place to post, but I just recieved an email saying I am not impaired enough for a specific program and I'm on mobile right now looking for advice. I am applying to a program that requires an MIC (minimum impairment criteria), of 20/200 vision OR 40 degree field of vision, in each eye. I have nothing in 1 eye, and 47 degrees in the other. So by their standards I don't qualify. However 3 ophthalmologists, an optometrist, and a few vision rehab specialists agree that I have worse vision than the MIC. I am at a loss on how to prove it.
Edit: To those still looking at this, what are the clinical definitions between sighted, low vision, and blind? Follow up: why do these definitions tend to not consider vision "in between" maximums?
Edit: To those still looking at this, what are the clinical definitions between sighted, low vision, and blind? Follow up: why do these definitions tend to not consider vision "in between" maximums?
KillerLag 4 points 4y ago
Slightly odd question, but do you know what it requires less than 40 degree field of view? Legal blindness (at least in North America) is 20/200 acuity or less than 20 degree field of view in the worse eye after correct, so the 40 degrees didn't seem to match up.
How recent is the field test? Things may have changed. Also, the peripheral field test itself has some variability, depending on the time of day the test was done, person's health conditions, etc. You may want to have it redone if it's an older test.
How recent is the field test? Things may have changed. Also, the peripheral field test itself has some variability, depending on the time of day the test was done, person's health conditions, etc. You may want to have it redone if it's an older test.
der3009 [OP] 3 points 4y ago
the 40 degree field (in each eye) is accurate. The MIC for this program is "low vision", not legally blind. The VF tests are updated every 3 months. The issue seems to be that the program has requirements for bilateral/binocular vision, but nothing in regards to monocular.
KillerLag 1 points 4y ago
That sucks. Are they are absolutely firm on that?
der3009 [OP] 1 points 4y ago
Unsure at the moment, working on that answer.
KillerLag 1 points 4y ago
Good luck! It sucks when they have an absolute rule which is absolutely inflexible, even though there shouldn't necessarily be a reason for that. Especially with something like fields, where the number isn't always so cut and dry.
NotGoing2Say 3 points 4y ago
I suggest if you’ve got a case arrange a meeting for feedback and being along an advocate that can bat with you in that meeting.
This has been my attitude and approach to various programs.
Rules are there for a reason and exceptions *’can’* be made.
Is this a program for funding for mobility and IT tools ? For educational support etc ?
I guess you could create a bit of a storm and talk to a local MP, they often like to be seen helping people which make them look like champs.
This has been my attitude and approach to various programs.
Rules are there for a reason and exceptions *’can’* be made.
Is this a program for funding for mobility and IT tools ? For educational support etc ?
I guess you could create a bit of a storm and talk to a local MP, they often like to be seen helping people which make them look like champs.
der3009 [OP] 2 points 4y ago
Unfortunately meetings are not an option, as classifiers are specifically kept behind closed doors. I'd rather not disclose the organization but it's more of an experience, rather than providing support. I believe I have enough support and qualified people willing to write letters for me, but I am also looking for a more analytical approach to prove I meet it.
SpikeTheCookie 1 points 4y ago
Is your 47 degrees of vision uninterrupted? Because that's usually what they're determining. In other words, do you have any missing pieces of vision within that 47 degrees? If so, you don't actually have 47 degrees of vision.
der3009 [OP] 1 points 4y ago
no breaks, hemianopsia of one eye.
OutWestTexas 1 points 4y ago
Could you have your doctor write you an appeal letter explaining your vision?
der3009 [OP] 2 points 4y ago
I have had one doctor write a letter accompanying my paper work. Which did not work. So along with any other advice, I am going to try getting EVERYONE to write a letter
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