Official State of Rhode Island website

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State of Rhode Island, Office of Rehabilitation Services , Department of Human Services

Services For The Blind And Visually Impaired (SBVI)

 

Blind man walking down street with guide dog

Purpose:

The purpose of Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired is to provide eligible individuals with visual impairments the opportunities and support that will enable them to become independent, active, self-sustaining members of their community.

Eligibility:

To be eligible for services, you must be visually impaired, with acuity of 20/60 or less in the better eye with correction, or a field loss of twenty degrees or less in the better eye.

Programs:

Vocational Rehabilitation /Blind

Business Enterprises Program (BEP)

Independent Living and Social Services Program

NEWSLINE for the Blind

As of July, 2005, individuals who are blind, visually impaired or print handicapped can utilize this comprehensive newspaper reading service that is accessible through the use of any touch-tone phone. For an application, contact INTAKE at 401-462-7908 or by email at ORS.SBVIInfo@ors.ri.gov or fill out a copy and return it to address on form.

Forms

Referral Form - Report of Eye Examination

Related Links

Governor's Advisory Council for the Blind 
National Federation of the Blind 
American Foundation for the Blind 
IN-SIGHT
Perkins School for the Blind
The Carroll Center
Hadley (vision resources)
Paul V. Sherlock Center on Disabilities
American Council for the Blind
American Printing House for the Blind
Guide to Braille Resources
Library of Congress National Library Services for the Blind & Physically Handicapped
National Braille Press
Talking Books Library