Do I have to be totally blind before I can receive services from DSB?

No, many people who are "legally blind" have some vision. For some of our services such as In-Home Assistance you must be legally blind, but most of our services can be provided to you if your vision loss is causing some difficulty for you at home, school or at work. We can talk with you about eligibility for each of our services. Contact your nearest district office for assistance.

Do I have to pay for DSB services?

No, we do not charge for the services we provide. However some services require that you meet an income scale. Our rehabilitation counselors or social workers will talk with you about any income scales that apply to the services that might benefit you.

My mother's vision is getting worse due to macular degeneration. She can no longer drive. She lives alone and is in her 70's. Does DSB have any services that might help her?

Yes, we have a number of services that might help your mother to function more independently and safely at home. For example: Our social worker can visit with your mother at home and help her mark dials on appliances and other items so that she can use them easily. We can also talk with your mother about public transportation, books on tape or in large print, and adaptive aids that might be of use to her. Contact a Social Worker for the Blind for these services.

Through our Independent Living Rehabilitation Counselors your mother may be able to receive teaching in the home or participate in a "Mini-Center." Mini-centers are community-based classes that meet once a week for twelve weeks. Transportation is provided. Many of the people who participate in the classes are like your mother; people who are learning to live with limited vision. The classes provide instruction in various skills as well as leisure and other activities. Contact your nearest district office for these services.

Our services are individualized. Our social worker or independent living rehabilitation counselor can determine the specific services that will be of greatest help to your mother after talking with her.

I have lost nearly all of my vision due to diabetes. I can no longer do my job. I am 38, have two children, and want to keep working but don't see any choice now but to go on Disability. Is there anything DSB can do to help me?

Yes, through our Vocational Rehabilitation program we can work with you if you are having difficulty finding or keeping a job because of vision loss.

First, you need to make contact with the DSB office nearest you and talk with a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. Depending on the type of job you have now, it might be possible to modify the job to accommodate your vision loss, but if not, our counselor can work with you to look at other job options. If you need to be trained before going to another job, we might be able to assist with that.

Also, if you need specialized training to help you adjust to your vision loss, we can help. Our services are individualized based on your needs and the counselor can help you set goals and identify services you need.

My daughter is legally blind. She is in the tenth grade and attends high school near our home. She hopes to go to college after she graduates, though she is not sure what she wants to do. We are also concerned about the kind of support that will be available to her when she goes to college. Would any of your services be of help to us?

Yes, our Vocational Rehabilitation Program can begin working with students as young as 14 years old to help them prepare for the move from school to work. Career counseling, vocational evaluation, and work experience may be useful. If your daughter chooses a job goal that requires training beyond high school, we may be able to assist with some of those costs as well as with support services such as readers and computer technology. We also work closely with staff of higher education programs to gain access to services they provide to students who are blind or visually impaired. Please contact a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor in the DSB office nearest you.

Our family recently moved to North Carolina. My son has a severe vision and hearing loss. He graduated from the school for the deaf and was just beginning a rehabilitation program when we moved here. Do you have any services that will meet his needs?

Yes, through our Vocational Rehabilitation Program we have Deaf-Blind Consultants who are trained in the unique needs of people with varying degrees of vision and hearing loss. These consultants have sign skills and are familiar with the use of various types of assistive listening devices and other technologies. They work closely with the Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors to help people get and keep a job.

Also, through our Rehabilitation Center for the Blind, we offer specialized services for people with hearing and vision loss. Classes in communication skills, Braille, safe travel, and daily living skills are taught and trial work opportunities can be arranged. Please contact Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor in the DSB office nearest you.

For several years I have worked in route sales for a distributor of bread products. I also have worked in a restaurant as assistant manager. Due to the effects of diabetes on my vision, I am no longer able to drive and therefore cannot perform my job. I have been out of work for about six months. Though I am now legally blind, I think there is work that I can do. Do you have any suggestions?

Yes, based on your experience we offer services that might be of particular interest to you. Through our Business Enterprises Program (BEP) people who are legally blind and interested in the food service or vending industry can receive training to become independent contractors in facilities under contract to the Division of Services for the Blind. While not required, a background in food service, sales, or customer service is helpful. Training is provided at our Rehabilitation Center for the Blind followed by on-the-job training. The total training time is about ten weeks. For more information please contact our DSB office nearest you.

Before moving to North Carolina a few weeks ago, I worked as an operator in a food service facility through the Business Enterprises Program. I live in Greensboro now. What kinds of opportunities does North Carolina have in its program and what kind of income might I be able to earn?

We have about 87 facilities in federal, state, county, and private locations around the State. Our average operator income is nearly $33,000 annually. Before you can compete to operate a facility, you will need to become licensed in North Carolina. Please contact our DSB office nearest you for more information.