SBAA's efforts benefit thousands of infants, children, adults, parents and professionals each year. SBAA consulted with its members before and during its annual conference in June and with members of its Professional Advisory Council before making these comments. The views expressed herein reflect substantial input from the spina bifida community and professionals who work with persons affected with spina bifida on a daily basis. Such services include outreach, assessment, development of individualized service plans, comprehensive case management, individual and family counseling, support groups for veterans, their spouses and children, advocacy, self-advocacy skills development, assistance with development of individual education programs for students receiving special education, assistance in paying medical care costs, information, and referral to effective service programs. Subsequent DVA rulemaking and passage of the Agent Orange Act of 1991 were directly affected by the result of this class action.
Numerical references following text refer to the table of citations attached hereto.
These comments focus on our concern that the rules implementing the vocational training and rehabilitation provisions of Public Law 104-204 reflect the unique characteristics and needs of Vietnam veterans' children with spina bifida. The VA has little experience in providing such services to persons with severe developmental disabilities. While many aspects of existing VA vocational rehabilitation programs designed to meet the needs of veterans with disabilities may serve such children well, important program adaptations are needed in certain areas. We also believe that children who are unable to pursue postsecondary education or training should be eligible for a full range of independent living services. Such services are needed to achieve maximum independence in daily living, and should include counseling, medical, social, psychological, and educational services, and adaptations enabling the individual to achieve maximum self-sufficiency and independence.