Blind Services Planning Council (BSPC)

Blind Services Planning Council (BSPC)

The Illinois Blind Services Planning Council (BSPC) reviews actions of the Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) Bureau of Customer and Community Blind Services (BCCBS). BCCBS facilitates communication and cooperation between agencies responsible for services to people who are blind and visually impaired. BSPC also identifies the needs and problems facing the blind community and makes recommendations to the Bureau Chief of BCCBS, Director of DRS, Secretary of DHS, and the Governor of Illinois.

For meeting announcements, agendas, and minutes, visit the BSPC website.

FY 23 Highlights:

The Blind Services Planning Council

  • participated in the hiring process of the DRS Bureau Chief for Customer and Community Blind Services, Kim Borowicz,
  • hosted quarterly meetings, where members reviewed reports from BCCBS as well as from representatives of various community providers and stakeholders who share information regarding services to the blind and visually impaired citizens of the State of Illinois.
  • Agencies and stakeholders involved with BSPC are members of the American Council of the Blind, Illinois Council of the Blind, National Federation of the Blind, Illinois Committee of Blind Vendors, Centers for Independent Living, Illinois State University, and BCCBS staff.

Vision for FY 24:

The Blind Services Planning Council will

  • Partner with an advocacy group to improve library services for the blind and visually impaired. Library services directly impact the blind community, especially in providing Braille and audiobooks.
  • Arrange five regional listening sessions with consumers who have a vision loss to hear what is needed in their community.
  • Continue participating in other statewide councils such as the State Rehabilitation Council, to ensure the needs of the blind community are heard.

Membership

Eleven members are appointed by the Governor. BSPC currently has nine members. The Council elects a Chairperson and a Recording Secretary from its members. Membership terms are three years, and members may serve a maximum of two terms. At least six members must be blind.