INDEX

VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION / EMPLOYMENT SERVICES

• School to Work/ Transition Services

• Supported Employment

BUSINESS ENTERPRISES PROGRAM

INDEPENDENT LIVING SERVICES

MEDICAL EYE CARE PROGRAM

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY

DEAF-BLIND SERVICES

LOW VISION REHABILITATION SERVICES

REHABILITATION CENTER FOR THE BLIND

AIDS AND APPLIANCES UNIT

CLIENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (CAP)

COMMUNICATIONS UNIT

VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION / EMPLOYMENT SERVICES

The Division's Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) services works with individuals in finding, keeping, or returning to work. All services provided by this program are aimed toward employment. You will work with a VR Counselor who can help you obtain the services you need in order to go to work. Although your VR Counselor is your primary service provider, you may receive services from other staff members and providers as is needed.

The Division's VR program can provide services that are required in order for you to go to work. Some services are provided without consideration of an individual's level of financial need. These services can include:

• Visual assessments and other medical assessments
• Assessments of your job abilities and interests
• Vocational guidance and counseling
• Job Search Skills Training
• Job Development and Job Placement
• On the Job Training
• Job Retention Counseling
• Tuition for attendance at the Community Rehabilitation Facility
• Tuition assistance for trade school, community college or university
• Low Vision Assessments
• Interpreter Services
• Reader Service
• Rehabilitation Teaching Service
• Orientation and Mobility Training
• Expenses for Business Enterprise Program Training
• Supported Employment Services
• Personal Assistance Services Required to Obtain Services
• Technical Assistance and Evaluation for Assistive Technology
• School to Work Transition Guidance and Counseling

There are other services provided by the Division's VR program in which the consumer's financial need must be considered.

These services include:

• Medical Services (other than evaluations to determine eligibility)
• Psychological Services
• Maintenance (additional costs that occur by participating in a program, such as dormitory costs, meal costs, etc.)
• Transportation Services
• Rehabilitation Technology (computers, hearing aids, assistive technology, etc.)
• Post Employment Services
• Occupational Licenses
• Tools and Equipment
• Books and Other Training Materials

  School to Work/ Transition Services

  If you are a high school student and you are blind, have a visual impairment, or have both vision and hearing loss, the Division can help you plan your move from school to employment. By working with your teachers and guidance counselors, our Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors can provide specialized services to ensure you are able to go to work in the job of your choice.

  A VR Counselor can begin working with you as early as age 14 to help you explore the world of work and identify your career interests. Skill and educational requirements along with future job availability will be explored. Activities such as visiting employers where someone does the job that interests you, working side-by-side with someone in this career, or doing volunteer work are options for you to consider.

  Two summer transition programs are offered through our Rehabilitation Center for the Blind in Raleigh. One provides an opportunity to explore your career interests as well as take specialized classes in areas such as Braille, safe travel, technology, and daily living skills. The other provides an opportunity to develop work skills through a four week internship. For more information, see the section on, The Rehabilitation Center for the Blind.

  If you are planning on going on to further education after high school, our Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor can assist you in finding a school that will prepare you for your job goal. We can also help you to identify financial resources that might cover part or all of the costs of your training. This may include financial assistance from DSB. Your need for services such as readers or technology will be discussed and a counselor will work with you and the school to ensure your success.

  When you are ready to go to work, we are ready to assist you with finding a job based on your interests and abilities. Our Counselors have knowledge of employers in your community, and will locate potential job openings for you. Your Counselor may be able to arrange on-the-job training with your employer. If you attend training after high school, we will begin working with you to find employment as you move towards graduation.

  After you go to work, your Counselor will stay in touch with you for several months to ensure your success. If you or your employer have concerns about how things are going on your job, your Counselor will work with the two of you to resolve the issues. Or, if your job duties change we can help you make the transition and, if needed, identify modifications that might be needed. We will do all we can to make your work experience successful. To find the VR Counselor for your area, contact the nearest District Office, which can be found in the section, CONTACT US or call, (866) 222-1546. For Spanish speaking callers, (800) 622-7030.

Supported Employment

Some people can work in competitive jobs but will need much assistance in doing so. Supported employment is work performed in a competitive, integrated setting with services to help you maintain employment. These services are normally provided by job coach and an extended services provider. Services are provided for the lifetime of the job. Not everyone qualifies for supported work services. People qualifying for this special service are determined to be the most significantly disabled who will need multiple services and long term follow up to become successfully employed and to maintain employment. There are four basic components to Supported Employment: Assessment, job placement services, intensive on the job training, and long term follow up. Your Rehabilitation Counselor will discuss in detail the supported employment program, should you require these services.

Please contact the local District Office to talk to a VR Counselor. See section, CONTACT US for the address and phone number of the District Office nearest you or call (866) 222-1546. For Spanish speaking callers, 1 (800) 662-7030.

BUISNESS ENTERPRISES PROGRAM

This program provides participants who are legally blind with the opportunity to operate their own food service or vending facility. The Business Enterprises Program provides initial training for potential licensees and ongoing counseling and management services to established operators. The length of time required to complete the training depends on the individual's qualification prior to entering the program. Listed below are the general steps required to become a Business Enterprises operator:

• Successfully complete Business Enterprises training course as well as on-the-job training with established operators in an actual facility
• Become licensed by the Division of Services for the Blind
• Apply for and successfully compete for a vacant facility
• After the award of a vacant location, the operator will enter into a contractual agreement with the Division of Services for the Blind
• Receive initial assistance in starting the business and ongoing support from Business Enterprises Representatives

All operators retain the majority of the net proceeds from their facility and a small percentage goes back to the Division to assist with program operation and expenses.

Business Enterprises facilities are located in Federal and State Building, at rest areas, and welcome centers along interstate highways, and in some private locations. Nationally, the program is known as the Randolph-Sheppard Program.

Please contact the DSB District Office nearest you for more information. For a list of offices, see the, CONTACT US section or call (866) 222-1546. For Spanish speaking callers, 1 (800) 662-7030.

INDEPENDENT LIVING SERVICES

Living independently is a primary goal most people who are blind or visually impaired set for themselves. Through comprehensive, quality services, most people can achieve their goals. These services are available to eligible North Carolina residents through the Division. It does not matter what age you are or the county in which you live; many services are available to you at no cost, while some are based on your financial resources.

Through Independent Living Services, persons of all ages who are blind or visually impaired learn daily living skills and obtain the assistance they need to become self-sufficient. Basic instruction is provided in the consumer's home usually on a short-term basis to help them achieve their goals. However, if extensive instruction in the home is needed then it would be provided by Independent Living Rehabilitation Counselors. They also provide community-based learning centers known as mini-centers, primarily for adults to help them achieve independence and remain in their homes.

Some of our Independent Living Services include:

• Adjustment Services: counseling, personal care skills, training, in-home management, labeling and identification, and leisure activities
• Health Support Services: counseling on health, nutrition, and diet
• Family Adjustment Services: providing information and support to help family members adjust to the changes necessary to support the individual's independence
• Low Vision Services: evaluations are conducted to determine if any magnifiers are available to perform a reading task such as reading a letter or bill, recipe, or food label
• Safe Travel Skills: teaching individuals to use sighted guide, white cane, and safety techniques to travel independently
• Mini-Centers: community-based learning centers, which are typically held one day a week for twelve weeks, are offered primarily for adults to help them achieve independence and remain in their homes
• Voter Registration Services: the opportunity to register to vote or change your address

These services are delivered by:

• Independent Living Rehabilitation Counselors (ILR)
• Social Workers for the Blind (SWB)
• Nursing Eye Care Consultants (NECC)
• Orientation and Mobility Specialists (O & M)

Each county in North Carolina has a Social Worker for the Blind, who are often the first contact for consumers who have lost their vision.

The Social Worker for the Blind may provide or arrange for the provision of independent living services including any of the services mentioned above. Social Workers for the Blind can be reached at any of the 100 county Departments of Social Services. Independent Living Rehabilitation Counselors are located in all District Offices. Please refer to the CONTACT US section of this guide for the office locations and numbers or call, (866) 222-1546. For Spanish speaking callers, 1 (800) 662-7030.

MEDICAL EYE CARE PROGRAM

In North Carolina, the three major causes of blindness are retinal disorders, cataracts, and glaucoma. The Medical Eye Care Program uses every available resource to prevent blindness from these and other causes and where possible, to restore vision in people who have suffered loss of sight.

The Medical Eye Care Program delivers preventive and corrective services including: (1) Payment for eye examinations, eye glasses, treatment, and surgery which are provided to eligible North Carolina residents by either an M.D. or an O.D. of the choice. (2) Children's vision screenings, low-vision evaluations, correction of limited vision with low-vision aids and eye care education are delivered by registered nurses.

Medical eye care is available in all counties in the state. Eligibility for this program is based on income. You can find out more about the Medical Eye Care Program by contacting the Social Worker for the Blind at your local Department of Social Services. You can also contact the DSB District Office nearest you, which can be found in the CONTACT US section or call (866) 222-1546. For Spanish speaking callers, (800) 622-7030.

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY

More than ever before, technology makes it possible for individuals with visual impairments to lead independent and fulfilling lives. For example, a young high school student can learn to get around their school campus with the use of a white cane; a college student can read textbooks with the use of a Closed Circuit Television, CCTV; and an individual employed as a customer service representative can look up information on their computer using speech software. This equipment is frequently called "assistive technology". Assistive technology (AT) helps a person with a disability do something s/he otherwise cannot do. Assistive technology can be anything from a simple device, such as a magnifying glass, to a complex device, such as a computerized communication system.

The term "assistive technology" comes from several laws that address the needs of people with disabilities. Assistive technology includes both the devices and the services needed to use the devices effectively.

The Division of Services for the Blind provides a full array of services for an individual who is visually impaired to become more independent. These services include, individual assessment, technology training, job site assessment, safe travel instruction, and (if eligible) assistance with purchase of equipment.

A technology assessment looks at what you want to do and what solutions are available to assist you. Your existing skills, your ability to master new skills, and where you will use the equipment are among the factors to consider.

DSB offers instruction to provide you with the skills needed to productively use software, hardware or special devices to achieve independent living, educational or vocational goals.

If you have or are applying for a job for which modifications might be needed to perform your job duties, our technology consultants can visit the job site to determine what modifications will best meet your need. These are some of the areas that can be assessed: computers, telephone systems and the physical environment.

Sometimes electronic travel aids or aids for distance vision are needed. Our Orientation and Mobility Instructors provide training in the use of the aids.

We may be able to assist with the purchase of equipment that is required for you to meet your employment or independent living goals. For more information, contact the District Office nearest you. For a list of offices, see the CONTACT US section or call (866) 222-1546. For Spanish speaking callers, (800) 662-7030.

DEAF-BLIND SERVICES

The NC Division of Services for the Blind is committed to effectively serve individuals with hearing and vision loss through each of the Agency's programs. Individuals with hearing the vision loss are served through the Agency's Vocational Rehabilitation and Independent Living Programs with the goals of improving vocational outcomes and quality of life for persons with hearing and vision loss.

Referrals are made directly to the Vocational Rehabilitation or Independent Living programs and then to one of the five Deaf-Blind Specialists. The Deaf-Blind Specialist contacts the referral and an assessment is scheduled in the home. During the assessment, problems are identified and a report with recommendation is sent back to the Counselor for implementation. All services provided by the Specialist are designed to allow recipients to achieve their maximum potential whether through finding suitable employment or maintaining independence in the home. The Deaf-Blind Specialists will assist in the areas of advocacy, consultation, education, assessment, technical support, service coordination, training, job development and more.

For more information on services to individuals with hearing and vision loss, please contact the District Office nearest you. The list of offices are in the section called, CONTACT US or call (866) 222-1546. For Spanish speaking callers, (800) 662-7030.

LOW VISION REHABILITATION SERVICES

The terms, low vision, legal blindness, and blindness are often used but not always fully understood. Low vision is a term used to describe a multitude of visual experiences. When individuals have limited, but at least some useable vision which cannot be fully corrected with regular eyeglasses, medical treatments or surgery and this limited vision interferes with their ability to participate in functional tasks, they may be described as having low vision.

Persons who are completely blind have no useable vision or even the ability to detect if there is light in the environment. Often blind and legally blind are used interchangeable but most people who are legally blind are not completely blind. Legally blind is defined as having a visual acuity of 20/200 or worse in the better eye with best correction or having visual fields of 20 degrees or worse in the better eye. Individuals with low vision may or may not be legally blind.

Low vision rehabilitation services seeks to enhance an individual's useable vision to improve their participation in meaningful activities. The ability to maximize use of limited vision may be aided by low vision training (for instance in learning to locate the best area of their visual field) as well as optical and non-optical aids.

The types of adaptations that individuals with low vision need are highly varied, thus individualized assessments are needed to determine the best combination of devices and training. Low vision rehabilitation services should never take the place of regular medical eye care. Low vision rehabilitation should not begin until medical eye care is current and any active condition is stabilized. If you are having trouble seeing to place to start for help is always by having a current full eye exam by an ophthalmologist or optometrist.

NC Division of Services for the Blind provides low vision evaluations which are conducted in people's homes, workplaces, local community settings as well as the Rehabilitation Center for the Blind and Evaluation Unit. Referrals for low vision evaluations are made by the individual's DSB counselor or social worker. For more information contact the DSB District Office nearest your home. See the CONTACT US section for a listing of District Offices or call (866) 222-1546. For Spanish speaking callers, (800) 662-7030.

REHABILITATION CENTER FOR THE BLIND

After a substantial visual loss, many people will need a comprehensive adjustment program to develop personal and vocational skills to live and work independently.

The Rehabilitation Center for the Blind, located on the campus of The Governor Morehead School in Raleigh, North Carolina, provides such a program. If these services are required, you will want to know what to expect from such a program. the Rehabilitation Center provides a residential program for its participants. Students live in dormitories on campus with meals provided by the campus cafeteria. Around the clock staffing is provided to work with participants and handle any special needs. Each student will work on personal and work goals developed jointly by the student and the rehabilitation staff. Classes are small with students receiving a considerable amount of individual attention.

Classes may include:

• Braille
• Daily living skills
• Safe travel
• Keyboarding and adaptive technology use
• Communication skills
• Transitional services

In addition to individualized classes, you will have available:

• Individual counseling
• Medical services
• Psychological and psychiatric evaluations and services

For high school students, the Rehabilitation Center provides a summer transition program. This special program is designed to provide students with information and skills needed to be successful after leaving high school.

The VR process is designed so you can be an informed and empowered consumer able to make good decisions about your employment goals. For more information, please contact your local District Office to talk to a VR Counselor. See section, CONTACT US for the address and phone number of the District Office nearest you or call (866) 222-1546. For Spanish speaking callers, 1(800) 662-7030.

AIDS AND APPLIANCES UNIT

The Aids and Appliances (A&A) Unit is a non profit program that sells small aids and appliances developed or adapted for people who are blind or visually impaired. Items for sale include: talking / Braille / large-print watches; sewing aids, kitchen aids such as crock pots, pressure cookers, and frying pans; as well as low-vision aids such as special sunglasses and magnifiers. These and other products are available at cost plus shipping and state tax. The A & A Unit is located on the lower level of Cooke building, 309 Ashe Avenue, 2601 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-2601. To contact the Aids and Appliances Unit directly you may call (919) 715-0249. Spanish consumers are also able to access the Aids and Appliances Unit by contacting the CARELINE at 1 (800) 662-7030 and ask to be connected to the Aids and Appliances Unit.

CLIENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (CAP)

The Client Assistance Program (CAP) is a federally funded program designed to assist people with disabilities in understanding and using vocational rehabilitation and independent living rehabilitation services.

CAP is available to negotiate with individuals and with the agency if a disagreement occurs about a decision that cannot be resolved by talking with the DSB Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor and the Counselor's supervisor. For more information contact: NC Client Assistance Program (919) 855-3600 (Voice or TTY), Toll Free at 1(800) 215-7227, or by email at NCCAP@ncmail.net

COMMUNICATIONS UNIT

The North Carolina Division of Services for the Blind has a Communications Unit, which produces material in alternate format-primarily Braille for DSB employees, and for material necessary for DSB consumers to achieve their independent living and/or employment goals at no cost.

Materials for other agencies, groups and individuals are produced in Braille as time permits for a fee for per page. Other alternate formats may be produced if the person in need of the material has no other means of obtaining the material in alternate format.

The Unit will follow all copyright laws, specifically Public Law 104-197, which allows the production of material in "specialized formats" (Braille, audio, or digital text which is exclusively for use by blind or other persons with disabilities) without obtaining copyright permission. Large print production is not included in Public Law 104- 197. The Unit will not produce textbooks, cookbooks, math, computer codes or foreign language Braille. Consumers will be referred to appropriate resources if the Unit is unable to fulfill requests.

The Communications Unit is located in the Simpson Building, 319 Ashe Avenue, 2601 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-2601. The telephone number is (919) 733-9700