Programs
Services for People Who are Blind and Visually Impaired
DRS provides a wide range of services designed to meet the unique needs of individuals with significant and permanent vision loss.
Field Services
Individuals who want to work in an integrated job setting will meet with a rehabilitation counselor who understands the specific needs that arise from vision loss. Services may vary from vocational assessments, pre-vocational training, counseling and guidance, vocational guidance, job training, adaptive technology, job analysis and modifications, job placement, services to employers and much more.
Information & Referral Service for the Blind
The Information and Referral Service for the Blind operates a toll-free number (1-800-642-8207) to address questions from persons who are blind and visually impaired — or from their families, friends, professionals and interested others. The nature of inquiries ranges from disability-specific services from state and federal government agencies, to information requests about products designed or modified for use by persons who are blind, to specialized programs for individuals whose vision is severely limited.
The Information and Referral Service also makes referrals to appropriate state/federal agencies and private organizations that provide vision-related services.
For more information, contact John Kolwick
at 304-766-4776, toll free at 800-642-3021, or e-mail John Kolwick. Office hours
are Monday though Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
Life Skills for the Blind
The Life Skills Unit for the Blind provides individualized training in a variety of pre-vocational and vocational areas. Training includes orientation and mobility, adaptive communication, domestic arts, adaptive activities of daily living, computer training with access technology, and Braille. Program content is customized to meet the specific needs of each student.
Independent Living Services for Older Individuals
VISIONS (Visually Impaired Seniors In-home, Outreach, and Networking Services) provides comprehensive in-home independent living services to individuals age 55 and older who have significant vision loss. Services include low-vision and environmental assessments, disability-specific education, low-vision aids, adaptive devices, skills training, peer mentoring, community reintegration services, education, and outreach.
WVDRS Programs overview
