Vocational-Rehabilitation

Hiring Individuals who are Blind or Visually Impaired -A Guide for Employers.

cameron.hager@vermont.gov — Mon, 11 May 2020 18:22:32 +0000

Hiring Individuals who are Blind or Visually Impaired -A Guide for Employers.

Guide

cameron.hager@… Mon, 05/11/2020 - 14:22

Monday, May 11, 2020 - 12:00

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Vocational-Rehabilitation Visually-Impaired

Katrine Hughes' Success Story

mackenzie.floyd@vermont.gov — Fri, 21 Sep 2018 12:32:24 +0000

Katrine Hughes' Success Story

Katrine Hughes, LICSW, MSW, has been legally blind since birth. She is a therapist and coach currently practicing in Rutland, Vermont. She is a licensed independent clinical social worker and has provided psychotherapy and coaching services in California and Vermont over the last 26 years. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Social Work and Sociology at Castleton University and earned her Masters in Social Work at San Francisco State University.

Katrine works collaboratively to support clients in discovering new perspectives, practicing life enhancing skills, and developing a deeper understanding of self and others. To find out more about her practice visit: www.findingyourpath.org

mackenzie.floy… Fri, 09/21/2018 - 08:32

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Vocational-Rehabilitation

Derek's Success Story

mackenzie.floyd@vermont.gov — Thu, 12 Jul 2018 18:23:44 +0000

Derek's Success Story

Driving through the back roads of Topsham, VT, it’s not easy to miss Flint Motorsports, as the lot is almost entirely covered by small machinery: lawn mowers, small tractors, and snowblowers. Some of which are housed there permanently, but most have recently been repaired and are getting ready to be shipped back to a Home Depot or Tractor Supply located throughout Vermont and New Hampshire.

Derek is the proud business owner of Flint Motorsports, which he founded in 2010, when he was just twenty years old. He’s also visually impaired due to congenital glaucoma, which has presented visual challenges for Derek throughout his life. Derek notes that whatever visual challenges he faces, he never lets that get in the way of him working hard and accomplishing his goals.

Derek began working with DBVI when he was in high school. At first, his counselor supported him by ensuring that the school was accommodating of his visual needs. As Derek got older, he worked with his counselor to acquire work skills and refine his own career goals.

Although Derek says that he didn’t always envision himself a business owner, as a high school student, Derek participated in a technical education program, in which he attained a passion for heavy equipment repairs and developed the foundation for his future career. After graduating high school, DBVI assisted Derek in establishing his first work experiences. Derek completed work experiences at Randy’s Sunoco, Sabil & Sons, and Absolute Power Sports.

In June of 2010, Derek decided that he wanted to open his own small repair shop. With the assistance of DBVI, Derek was able to establish his shop, and acquire the work tools necessary for making equipment repairs. Additionally, Derek received support regarding several assistive devices that he uses in his work life such as: ZoomText, a CCTV, a magnifier, and a digital torque wrench.

Initially, business started out small and mostly local, which wasn’t always easy. Derek began contracting with local stores such as Tractor Supply. As time went on, he was able to partner with a warranty agency, which is how a lot of new business comes in. This, along with networking and positive reviews, has created a “snowball effect” for Derek. At his shop, Derek services about 1,000 lawn tractors a year, and services about $250,000 worth of equipment per year. Additionally, Flint Motorsports is #4 in the Northeast for volume of repairs. Derek says, with a smile, that each year business continues to grow.

Derek attributes his success to the support of his counselor and his family over the years. However; there’s no doubt that Derek would not be where he is today without a tremendous amount of hard work and determination on his own part. Derek hopes that in sharing his success story it might make a difference in the lives of others with visual impairments considering their own career goals.

You can learn more about Derek’s business here:

https://www.atozopeparts.com/index.htm

mackenzie.floy… Thu, 07/12/2018 - 14:23

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Vocational-Rehabilitation

DBVI State Plan 2018

Mike.Goldberg@vermont.gov — Wed, 18 Apr 2018 13:18:09 +0000

DBVI State Plan 2018

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Mike.Goldberg@… Wed, 04/18/2018 - 09:18

Wednesday, April 18, 2018 - 12:00

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Vocational-Rehabilitation

Statewide Assessment - FFY 2017

Mike.Goldberg@vermont.gov — Fri, 25 Mar 2016 15:45:13 +0000

Statewide Assessment - FFY 2017

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Mike.Goldberg@… Fri, 03/25/2016 - 11:45

Friday, March 25, 2016 - 12:00

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Vocational-Rehabilitation Visually-Impaired Technology Blind

DBVI Referral

Tela.Torrey@vermont.gov — Tue, 03 Nov 2015 16:20:10 +0000

DBVI Referral

When to refer to DBVI / VABVI:

When an individual presents with any of these issues related to their vision loss:

Difficulty completing work tasks: reading the computer screen, reading paperwork/reports, completing tasks that require visual discrimination...

Need assistance with finding employment, obtaining training / education

Difficulty completing school related tasks

Difficulty completing homemaker tasks: cooking, shopping, paying bills, laundry, cleaning, sewing...

Difficulty performing activities of daily living: personal hygiene, grooming, dressing, using the phone...

Difficulty accessing community activities, completing hobbies, recreational activities

Unable to drive

Unable to travel independently

Difficulty with hearing

Difficulty with independently managing personal medical needs: managing prescriptions, monitoring blood sugars, measuring insulin, taking blood pressure

Needs eye surgery/treatment and has no health insurance

Difficulty adjusting to vision loss

Difficulty with glare

Please do not hesitate to refer anyone you believe could benefit from services.

DBVI Referral Form

Or Contact DBVI or VABVI
Contact Information
DBVI -
Website: http://www.dbvi.vermont.gov

VABVI -
Website: http://www.vabvi.org
Burlington: (800)-708-7703 or (800)-639-5861
Montpelier: (800)-708-7681 or (877)-350-8838
Rutland: (800)-708-7712 or (877)-350-8839
Springfield: (800)-356-1526 or (877)-350-8840 (Brattleboro)

Tela.Torrey@ve… Tue, 11/03/2015 - 11:20

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Vocational-Rehabilitation Visually-Impaired Blind

Success Stories

Tela.Torrey@vermont.gov — Tue, 20 Oct 2015 19:26:30 +0000

Success Stories Tela.Torrey@ve… Tue, 10/20/2015 - 15:26

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Vocational-Rehabilitation

About Us

Tela.Torrey@vermont.gov — Tue, 20 Oct 2015 18:48:34 +0000

About Us

The Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired (DBVI) was established in 1927 and is a part of the Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living , housed within the Agency of Human Services. DBVI is committed to providing statewide services to Vermonters whose visual disabilities create significant barriers to obtaining or maintaining employment and living independently. DBVI is the designated state unit to provide vocational rehabilitation services to individuals who are blind or visually impaired. There are regional offices located in Burlington, Montpelier, Rutland and Springfield. The central office is located in Waterbury.

DBVI’s mission is to support the efforts of Vermonters who are blind and visually impaired to achieve or maintain economic independence, self-reliance, and community integration. To support this mission DBVI operates a variety of programs and services that are described below.

The Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Program assists individuals who are blind or visually impaired in finding or maintaining employment consistent with their informed choice and their goals and aspirations. Individuals choose a vocational goal and supporting services, directing those services with the assistance of the DBVI counselor. Services provided may include vocational training, visual restoration, vision rehabilitation services, daily living skills training, guidance and counseling, vocational assessments, job placement, adaptive technology and aids, education, and other services to assist a person in obtaining or retaining employment.

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.

Other DBVI programs include:

Business Enterprise Program providing statewide employment opportunities in food service operations;

Transition Services assisting students and young adults to move from high school to adult life;

The following programs are provided by contractual arrangements with the Vermont Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (VABVI).

Vision Rehabilitation Services including low vision, rehabilitation teaching and orientation & mobility;

Volunteer Services providing transportation, reading and companionship assistance, and translation of materials from print to Braille, tape, or large print.

Tela.Torrey@ve… Tue, 10/20/2015 - 14:48

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Vocational-Rehabilitation Visually-Impaired Blind Employment Student