NEW YORK STATE COMMISSION FOR THE BLIND | NEW YORK STATE OFFICE OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES
100 South Salina Street, Suite 210, Syracuse, NY 13202
Eligibility
All services are available to individuals 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.
Email[email protected]
Languages
Abenaki, Acholi, Afrikaans, French, Spanish
Application process
Call for information and services.
Fees
None
Service area
Oneida County, New York
Onondaga County, New York
Oswego County, New York
Tompkins County, New York
Madison County, New York
Cortland County, New York
Chenango County, New York
Lewis County, New York
Tioga County, New York
Broome County, New York
Jefferson County, New York
Cayuga County, New York
Saint Lawrence County, New York
Herkimer County, New York
Administers programs and services to enhance employability, maximize independence, and assist in the development of the capacities and strengths of people who are legally blind. Programs include:
Equipment Loan Fund, which allows individuals to borrow up to $4,000 to purchase adaptive equipment.
Children's services for children who are legally blind, including early intervention rehabilitation, working with and empowering parents, arranging services to supplement educational activities, and ensuring a smooth transition to adult services.
Vocational rehabilitation programs for adults and youth ages 14 to 21 years, which provide a number of services, including assessment, information and referral, casework services, job coaching, orientation and mobility training, independent living skills training, and assistive technology assistance.
Independent living services for individuals who are not eligible for vocational rehabilitation services and who are not receiving services through another NYSCB Program. These services are provided based on individual need and may include orientation and mobility services, rehabilitation teaching, low vision services and devices, social casework, and adaptive equipment.
Last assured
04/13/2026
What's Here
Assistive Technology InformationDisability Rights GroupsBraille InstructionOrientation and Mobility TrainingAssistive Technology Expense AssistanceAssistive Technology Equipment LoanAssistive Technology TrainingVocational RehabilitationEvaluation for Assistive TechnologyAssistive Technology Equipment Rental
Providing organization
NEW YORK STATE OFFICE OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES
Provides programs through the Syracuse regional office, including adult services, Commission for the Blind, child care, prevention, domestic volence, juvenile justice, and the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA).