The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation offers specialized training programs to help people who are blind or visually impaired become independent at home, in the community and in employment. Training may be provided through the Center-based Personal Adjustment Training Program or the Field-based Rehabilitation Teaching / Orientation and Mobility Program. Instructional services are provided at the Center, at the individual's home, on the job site, and/or in other community settings.

Referrals for evaluation and/or instructional services are made by Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors.

In order to be referred for training, you must:

• Have a vision loss that is causing you to have difficulty completing daily tasks and
• You need training to over-come this difficulty.
• As a Center-based student, you must also be able to care for your personal needs.
  

Soon after you are referred, you will be given a comprehensive evaluation of your skills. This will identify what skill you have already acquired and skills that need additional training. An evaluation usually takes two to three weeks depending on the student.

You will be evaluated in:

• Adaptive Communications
• Basic Computer Skills
• Basic Travel Skills
• Financial Management Skills
• Home Management Skills
• Low Vision
• Medical Management Skills
• Personal Management Skills
  

Your program may include but not be limited to:

• Training in Adaptive Communications, Adaptive Technology, Daily Living Skills, Low Vision (if appropriate), and Orientation and Mobility
• Activities to help you adjust to your blindness
• Interacting with other people who are blind or visually impaired
• Exploring different career paths
• Participating in support groups, individual counseling, seminars and college preparation (if appropriate)
• Involvement of your family members in your rehabilitation and adjustment process
• Transitional Living Training, where Center-based students reside in one of our apartments while receiving instruction to help develop the skills and confidence necessary to live and work independently. Out-of-town students are given the priority for this opportunity.

Instructional Areas

Clients