Opinion/Butler: Don't let history repeat itself
Christopher Butler
Christopher Butler is the executive director of IN-SIGHT, a nonprofit organization that provides programs for Rhode Islanders of all ages who are blind and visually impaired.
In 2002, frustrated that blind and visually impaired children could not fully access the services and support they needed to be successful in school, a group of parents and advocates pleaded their case before the Rhode Island House Finance Committee.
Their pleas were heard and the legislature formed a commission to investigate the issues and develop recommendations to improve educational and social outcomes for these children. After three years of study, the commission filed its final report in 2005 outlining recommendations, based on best practices, for building a comprehensive system of services and supports for all children living with visual impairments.