DeafBlind Extended Supports (DBES) provides statewide services to consumers ages 14 and older who are legally blind, DeafBlind, and/or who have cognitive, emotional, behavioral, and complex medical conditions with the goal of increasing their independence and community participation. DeafBlind Extended Supports counselors provide various services including advocacy, hands on assistance with community resources, and purchased services to eligible consumers.
Services may include an assessment of vocational, prevocational, and social day programs, respite, homemaker, referrals for rehabilitation teaching and orientation and mobility training, adaptive equipment and training, low vision aids and appliances, support with communication access and safety alert systems, family flex funding, recreation and campership funding, and funding/referrals to the DeafBlind Community Access Network (DBCAN) and DeafBlind Contact Center programs.
Upon transition from the school district, the DeafBlind Extended Supports Unit serves DeafBlind and/or cognitively impaired consumers turning age 22 and requiring intensive 24/7 residential placement supports in Massachusetts. Massachusetts Commission for the Blind relies on state funding to provide residential services to these consumers.