Services for the blind and visually impaired

A guide dog enthusiastically navigates through traffic with her person.

DRS services for people with vision impairments cover a wide range of individual needs, from basic mobility training to assistive technologies.

The Blind & Visually Impaired Resource Guide provides a listing of programs and services available, nationally and within West Virginia, for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. The Guide includes resources to help in learning how to navigate a new visual diagnosis, becoming familiar with available programs and services, and also offers valuable information for counselors, teachers, parents, advocates, and medical service providers.

Specially trained DRS rehabilitation counselors meet the needs of West Virginia workers with significant vision impairments. Services for people with vision impairments cover a wide range of individual needs, from basic mobility training to assistive technologies.

Like all services provided through DRS, these services are tailored to individual need. DRS services to people with vision impairment may be more easily understood if they are separated into the following three categories. Follow any of the links below for more information about these programs and services:

Essential Services address a broad spectrum of skills needed to work and to live independently with vision impairment.
Visually Impaired Seniors In-home Outreach and Networking Services, an innovative program aimed at helping senior citizens to remain active and independent with vision impairment.
Bioptic Driving, a training program that assists drivers with moderate non-progressive vision loss.

If you or someone you know has a significant permanent visual impairment that keeps you from getting or keeping a job, you may be eligible for rehabilitation services. The West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services has counselors throughout the state who are experts in working with people who are blind or visually impaired.

Find an office near you

You may reach a rehabilitation counselor for the blind and visually impaired at any of these DRS offices:

Charleston District: 304-356-2371

Meredith L. Perry serves the counties of Boone, Calhoun, Clay, Jackson, Kanawha, Mason, Putnam and Roane.

Clarksburg District: 304-625-6044

Kandyce B. Bittinger serves the counties of Barbour, Braxton, Gilmer, Harrison, Lewis, Marion, Monongalia, Preston, Randolph, Taylor, Tucker and Upshur.

Wheeling District: 304-238-1092

Julie Horton serves the counties of Brooke, Doddridge, Hancock, Marshall, Ohio, Pleasants, Ritchie, Tyler, Wetzel, Wirt and Wood.

Beckley District: 304-256-6900

Jodie Gilkerson serves the counties of Fayette, Greenbrier, Mercer, Monroe, Nicholas, Pocahontas, Raleigh, Summers and Webster.

Huntington District: 304-528-5585

Jason D. Napier serves the counties of Cabell, Lincoln, Logan, Mingo, McDowell, Wayne and Wyoming.

Martinsburg District, Romney Branch Office: 304-822-3957

Kathylene M. Privitera serves the counties of Berkeley, Grant, Hampshire, Hardy, Jefferson, Mineral, Morgan and Pendleton.

Sensory Impairment Programs and Services

On a single page, in large print, this document offers contact information throughout the state for counselors who specialize in assisting people with sensory impairments.
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