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VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION (VR) PROGRAM | NEW YORK STATE COMMISSION FOR THE BLIND - ALBANY DISTRICT OFFICE

52 Washington Street, Room 202, South Building, Rensselaer, NY 12144

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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.

Hours

Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm
https://visionloss.ny.gov

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.

Fees

None

Service area

Schenectady County, New York
Saratoga County, New York
Columbia County, New York
Greene County, New York
Hamilton County, New York
Schoharie County, New York
Essex County, New York
Montgomery County, New York
Albany County, New York
Washington County, New York
Franklin County, New York
Fulton County, New York
Clinton County, New York
Warren County, New York
Rensselaer County, New York

Description

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.

Data provided by

211 North East New York

Providing organization

NEW YORK STATE COMMISSION FOR THE BLIND - ALBANY DISTRICT OFFICE

The mission of the New York State Commission for the Blind is to enhance employability, to maximize independence and to assist in the development of the capacities and strengths of people who are legally blind.