Vocational Rehabilitation Program
Counseling, case management, and vision rehabilitation services are provided to eligible individuals who are blind and visually impaired. Eligibility is based on the presence of a visual impairment, which affects their ability to obtain or maintain employment. An individualized plan of services is developed based on vocational goals and individual needs. Services may include: magnifiers, lighting, eyeglasses, and optical aids, learning non visual techniques to complete tasks, learning to travel safely and independently, transportation, physical restoration, adaptive technology, education and training, vocational guidance and counseling, adjustment counseling, job development, analysis, and job search assistance, small business development. Efforts are focused on empowering and supporting consumers in their efforts to achieve their goals related to employment and independence.
Independent Living Program
The Independent Living Program provides services to individuals of all ages who are blind or visually impaired and whose primary goal is to remain as independent as possible. Services may include information, referral, advocacy, counseling and skills training in activities of daily living - such as independent travel, cooking, using magnification and self-care. Services are designed to help individuals remain in their homes or supported living situation, participate in community life and prevent developmental and / or social delays in children.
Business Enterprise Program
In 1936 the Randolph-Sheppard Act (20 U.S.C. Section 107 et seq.) established the Randolph-Sheppard Vending Facility Program, more commonly known as the Business Enterprise Program (BEP). Here in Vermont, the Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired (DBVI) is the state licensing agency administering this program. The BEP is a self employment program. The federal and state laws governing this program require that candidates must be legally blind, a U.S. Citizen, and must complete our training program. Licensed Operators are trained to run one of DBVI’s food service facilities as self-employed entrepreneurs, keeping 100% of the profits! Our facilities consist of snack bar and vending machine operations, located in federal and state buildings throughout Vermont. Qualified candidates are assigned to facilities as they become available.