Vermont Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired

Address: HC 2 South, 280 State Drive
Waterbury, VT 05671 Phone: (802) 289-0333 Fax: (802) 885-6471 Email: Fred.Jones@vermont.gov Website: https://dbvi.vermont.gov/

Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living

Toll Free in Vermont: 1-800-356-1526
For Telecommunications Relay Service: Dial 711

The Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired (DBVI) is the designated state unit to provide vocational rehabilitation and independent living services to eligible Vermonters who are blind and visually impaired.

DBVI’s mission is to support the efforts of Vermonters who are blind and visually impaired to achieve or sustain their economic independence, self reliance, and social integration to a level consistent with their interests, abilities and informed choices. To support this mission DBVI operates a variety of programs and services.

The Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Program assists participants in finding or maintaining employment consistent with their informed choice and their goals and aspirations. Individuals choose a vocational goal and supporting services, directing those services with the assistance of the DBVI counselor. Services provided may include:

• Vocational training
• Visual restoration
• Vision rehabilitation services
• Daily living skills training
• Guidance and counseling
• Vocational assessments
• Job placement
• Adaptive technology and aids
• Education, and
• Other services to assist a person in obtaining or retaining employment.

The Independent Living Program provides services to those individuals whose primary goal is to remain as independent as possible. Services include:

• Skills training in activities of daily living
• Transportation, and
• Low vision and adaptive technology and equipment.

Services are designed to help individuals remain in their homes and participate in community life. Other DBVI programs include the Business Enterprise Program and Transitional Services.