Massachusetts Commission for the Blind offers vocational rehabilitation (VR) services to eligible and interested students and adult ages 14 and older who are legally blind.
The goal of VR is to help consumers overcome barriers to accessing and maintaining employment.
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Services vary, but can include:
- Information and Referral:
- Assistance completing applications for benefits relating to legal blindness (MCB Identification Card, Certificates of Blindness, disability plates and placards, etc.)
- Assistance in connecting with various agencies such as the Social Security Administration (SSA), MassHealth, or other community resources.
- Vocational Counseling and Guidance:
- Explaining and discussing interests, career paths, and options in regard to work. This may also include practical skill building, including resume writing and assistance completing job applications.
- Low Vision Assessment & Treatment of Impairment*:
- Often involves referral to a low vision eyecare provider to assess functional vision. If eligible, MCB can pay for recommended devices.
- Orientation and Mobility:
- Training in travel and navigating new places like worksites and public transportation, among others. This often also includes training in use of an extensible white cane.
- Rehabilitation Teaching:
- Learning to perform basic household tasks again, or in a new way. This can include food preparation, cooking, organizing, labeling, and cleaning. This may also include evaluation of magnification and other “low-tech” devices.
- Assistive Technology Devices & Training*:
- Evaluating various appropriate equipment, tools, and devices to allow access to print and/or electronical materials.
- Funding for College/University*:
- Funding per semester based on eligibility and unmet need. Funding for books and supplies is also available.
- Soft Skills Training:
- Learning interpersonal and communication skills in pursuit of new employment, specifically as a person who is legally blind.
- Internship Opportunities*:
- Summer internship opportunities, typically for college students.
- Job Readiness Training (including adjustment to vision loss)**:
- Referral to a provider, such as The Carroll Center for the Blind, for intensive adjustment to blindness skills in preparation for returning to work.
- Job Placement Services**:
- Either one-on-one guidance with an Employment Services Specialist or referral to a community agency. This may include a trial work experience or initial job coaching.
- Benefits Counseling**:
- Referral to a benefits specialist to outline how Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits would be affected once employed.
* Based on eligibility
** Services may be provided by MCB partner agencies