Career Counseling

A Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor can help you explore career options and identify your job goal. A vocational evaluation through our Evaluation Unit (see the next topic below) may be part of the exploration process. Your interests and skills will be considered as your job goal is determined.

Vocational Evaluation

If you are uncertain about what kind of work you want to do or if you need to change jobs because of vision loss, you may benefit from participating in one or more types of evaluation to help determine your job goal. Many consumers choose to participate in an evaluation which lasts several days and is completed at our Evaluation Unit in Raleigh. Trained professionals including a vocational evaluator, psychologist, low vision specialist, adaptive technology specialist along with others are available to provide evaluation services based on a referral to the Unit by your Vocational Rehabilitation counselor. Some evaluation services can also be provided in your community.

Medical Assistance

If you require medical services related to your vision in order to work, we may be able to assist you with the costs of these services.

Training

We may be able to assist you with training in a college, university, community college or vocational school if necessary to reach your job goal. We work with the school that you attend to ensure that you receive needed support services such as readers and adaptive technology to be successful. Please contact your nearest district office for assistance.

Adaptive Technology

If you need a computer with speech, Braille, or large print display or other types of adaptive technology to participate in training or for a specific job, our technology consultant can determine the equipment that will meet your need. We can provide you with specialized training to learn to use the equipment. We may be able to assist with the purchase of the equipment. Please contact your nearest district office for assistance.

Job Placement

We know your local job market and have direct contacts with many employers in your area. We can help you locate a job that matches your goals. If your job will require workplace accommodations to ensure your success, we can work with you and the employer to make those changes. Please contact your nearest district office for assistance.

Supported Employment

If you need one-to-one instruction to learn a new job, a Job Coach might be helpful. The coach will work with you at the job while you learn, then check on you occasionally to ensure that you are doing well. Please contact your nearest district office for assistance.

Small Business Projects

We will consider providing limited funding to establish a small business. First a plan must be developed with the assistance of your community's Small Business Center. Your Rehabilitation Counselor can provide information about what the plan must include and the process the plan must go through before approval is given. Please contact your nearest district office for assistance.

Other Required Services

There are many other services that might be part of your overall plan to go to work including independent living training, safe travel skills, low vision aids, etc. Your Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor can help you identify your needs and refer you to services that will help you.

Transition Services

We work with students who are blind or who are visually impairment as early as age 14. While we cannot offer services that are the responsibility of the local school system, we can often offer rehabilitation services which will be ongoing as the young person progresses from junior high to high school, possibly on to training after high school, and ultimately into work. Our Summer Transition Programs may be helpful. Please contact your nearest district office for assistance.