The State Services for the Blind (SSB) provides programs and services for Minnesotans of any age who have a vision loss that creates a barrier to their vocational or personal independence. SSB believes that blindness should never stop people from obtaining jobs or participating in training or in any activities which reflect their potential and interests.
SSB is
a branch within the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development and is also a partner in the Minnesota WorkForce Center system. It is funded by federal, state and private dollars.
SSB MISSION AND PHILOSOPHY
SERVICES FOR BLIND, VISUALLY IMPAIRED, OR DEAFBLIND PERSONS
- For Children: if you are a child or assisting a child
- For Youth: if you are a young person between the ages of 14 and 21
- For Adults Who Want to Work: if you are a blind, visually impaired or DeafBlind adult who is working or who wants to work; or is interested in operating a small business in the Business Enterprises Program
- For Seniors: if you are a blind, visually impaired or DeafBlind senior (55 years or over) seeking self-care or other services
- For All
Ages:
- Information About Vision Loss — Practical resources for Seniors, their families, and service providers
- Communication Center — A special library and transcription service providing reading material
in alternate formats to citizens of Minnesota
- Radio Talking Book — Current newspapers, magazines and the latest best selling books on the
radio and internet
- Audio Equipment — Library service for the blind, visually impaired, and other print handicapped
residents
- Tape Transcription Services — Do you need a print document converted to tape?
- Braille Services — Do you need a print document converted to Braille?
- Dial-In News — A touchtone telephone system accessing local daily newspapers
- NFB-Newsline® — A touchtone telephone system accessing local and national newspapers
- Aids and Devices — A list of local and national sources of Aids and Devices
- Homestead Tax Credit — Information on how to reduce your homestead property tax if you're legally blind
- Ticket to Work Program — Referred to as the Ticket, it is a Social Security program for people who receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits because of their disability or blindness. The program offers SSDI/SSI beneficiaries more choices in getting the services they need to go to work
- Statewide Offices — a list of SSB offices that offer services
COMMUNICATION CENTER OPPORTUNITIES
SSB has many volunteer opportunities with the Communication Center. Volunteer to support SSB's mission!
To help financially support the Communication Center, visit the Support Us section.
RESOURCES
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Please use our Information Request form. |
