RI Department of Human
Services Office of Rehabilitation Services "Helping Individuals with Disabilities to Choose, Find and Keep Employment" |
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Services
for the Blind &
Purpose:
Services: Services to children from birth
through age twenty-one are provided by social workers and rehabilitation
counselors. These services include: In order to promote employment and independent living opportunities for adults with visual impairments, these units employ rehabilitation counselors, social workers, rehabilitation teachers, and mobility instructors. Services may include: Assistance is offered for: Most services are at no cost. The Business Enterprises Program [BEP] of ORS/Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired offers training and employment for qualified persons who are legally blind. Licensed blind vendors operate vending facilities at over 24 locations found throughout the state. Vending facilities are established by the "State Licensing Agency" or "SLA" in public buildings as provided for in state and federal legislation and regulation. Licensed blind vendors are assigned to these locations on the basis of their seniority within the program. All locations are operated as independent businesses in close cooperation with the SLA. Types of facilities range from small snack bars serving light snacks and beverages to larger food-service sites serving hot and cold entrees prepared on-site. Those interested in applying for training must meet the following basic entry requirements. Applicants must: 1. Be a Vocational Rehabilitation client who is ready for training. 2. Be eighteen years of age or older. 3. Possess skills in the capacity or potential to travel independently. 4. Possess sufficient capacity to learn and/or perform basic math skills. 5. Give evidence of stable personality traits sufficient to meet and deal with the public. 6. Be willing to exercise due care in daily maintenance of personal cleanliness and grooming. 7. Be legally blind. 8. Be a citizen of the United States. Candidates selected for training participate in a minimum of eight weeks of classroom and on-the-job training offered through the SLA. In addition, new trainees are required to obtain and maintain food Safety Certification to insure safe food-handling measures are consistently practiced in the program. Anyone who would like further information concerning BEP is encouraged to discuss their interest with their assigned VR Counselor or if there are specific questions, to contact Lori DiOrio, Assistant Administrator at 222-2300, Extension 401or email ldiorio@ors.ri.gov. Independent
Living Program for the Older Blind The goal is to provide services
to allow the individual to live as independently as possible in their
own homes and communities with a maximum degree of self-direction. NEWSLINE for the Blind... As of July, 2005, individuals who are blind, visually impaired or print handicapped can utilize this comprehensive newspaper reading service that is accessible through the use of any touch-tone phone. For an application, contact Linda Hughes, Casework Supervisor at 401.222.2300 x423, or fill out a copy and return it to address on form. State Independent Living Council - State Plan Social
Services Program For more information concerning the Independent Living Program or Social Services Program, contact Linda Hughes at (401) 222-2300, Extension 423 or by email at lindah@ors.ri.gov. Vocational Rehabilitation Program A Federal/State program created to assist people who are blind or visually impaired to obtain or maintain employment. Services provided include evaluation, orientation, mobility training, rehabilitation technology, guidance and counseling, career assessment, educational planning, vocational training, provision of adaptive equipment, job development, placement and follow-up services. Fact Sheets Business
Enterprises Program Governor's
Advisory Council for the Blind
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