Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Program
Offers guidance and counseling to assist consumers who are legally blind find or retain employment. Vocational counselors work with the consumer to develop an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE). The IPE acts as a road map to guide the consumer toward their employment goals. Goals vary, and include preparing for and finding a job, continuing at a current workplace or maintaining a household independently.
Program Information
Eligibility
All services are available to New York State residents who are legally blind. Legal blindness is defined as having a visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better or stronger eye with best correction, or a restricted field of vision of 20 degrees or less in the better or stronger eye.
If you are severely visually impaired but not legally blind, you may qualify for job save services that will help you retain employment and adapt to your impairment.
If you are unsure if you are legally blind, or if you would qualify for job save services, NYSCB can assist you in determining eligibility.
Application Process
If you are interested in any of the programs or services offered by NYSCB and would like to receive an application, or require assistance in filling it out, please contact the district office located closest to you, or call the toll-free number: 1-866-871-3000, or TDD: 1-866-871-6000
Complete the Application for Service (OCFS-1002), which can be found on the NYSCB website (https://visionloss.ny.gov), and submit it to your local district office. An initial interview will then be scheduled with a NYSCB Counselor or representative. You can also be referred by a school, doctor, private agency for the blind or other community, health, or social service organizations.
While the application is fairly simple, additional background information, such as medical reports, school records or work history may be needed in the application process and may be needed later to determine your eligibility. Recent medical reports that verify your disability can be useful and may be requested. If these are not available, NYSCB will assist you in obtaining this information.
Required Documentation
Varies; call for required documentation
Fees
None
Contact Info
Hours:
Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm
Albany District Office - Main Phone
NYSCB - Main Toll-Free Phone
NYSCB - TDD Phone
Website:
Address:
52 Washington StreetRensselaer NY 12144
Resources
New York State Commission For The Blind - Albany District Office
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