Deaf-Blind Program at HKNC and RCB

NC DIVISION OF SERVICES FOR THE BLIND POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION

The Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults (HKNC) is a nationally recognized program designed to meet the diverse needs of persons who are Deaf-Blind (D/B). This residential Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program offers evaluation, vocational skills training, adaptive technology and computer skills, orientation and mobility, independent living, appropriate modes of communication, speech-language skills, creative arts, fitness, and leisure activities. The curriculum is community-based and the trans-disciplinary team works together to support eligible individuals in achieving employment outcomes.

Individual training programs are based on individual preferences, future goals, including an Individual Plan for Employment (IPE) (On-Line DSB-4005b-VR Individual Plan for Employment with instructions), and training recommendations identified by the individual and trans-disciplinary team. HKNC also offers assistance with vocational and residential placement at the end of the training program.

The Division of Services for the Blind (DSB) recognizes HKNC as a leader in assisting many individuals who are deaf-blind with developing independence.

The Agency is also a leader in providing services to individual who are deaf-blind. The Agency maintains a Rehabilitation Center for the Blind (RCB), which operates a program specifically for individuals with hearing and vision loss. The RCB, as does the HKNC, provides the necessary training to meet the specialized needs of persons who are deaf-blind.

The majority of individuals presenting for services from the Agency will receive training at the RCB. In such instances when the individual needs are too great to receive services from the RCB, the HKNC will be considered, as appropriate. Referrals to the HKNC do not obligate DSB for funding. Each referral to the HKNC will be examined on a case by case basis to determine the extent of the Agency’s participation, if any. Families, individual’s representative, shall be encouraged to seek appropriate funding from programs such as the Community Alternatives Program through local county Mental Health Services. Examples of needs exceeding the capacity of the RCB include, but are not limited to, individuals with no formal language, individuals who cannot adequately communicate their needs or individuals with behavior problems that may potentially compromise the safety of RCB participants.

Vocational potential is required at the time of referral on all referrals to the HKNC. If no vocational potential exists, the Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor shall assist the referral in identifying other resources to fund the training.

All referrals to the HKNC shall go through the Deaf-Blind Specialist and the Deaf-Blind State Consultant

The Deaf-Blind Specialist will conduct an assessment and serve as a resource to the Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, while the Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor maintains the authority and responsibility for developing the IPE with the individual and family, if the individual is approved for the HKNC program. The Deaf-Blind Specialist shall also be responsible for conducting person-centered planning and developing a plan of action to be implemented, with the full intent of assisting the individual with obtaining and maintaining employment upon the completion of the program. In such cases when the Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, Deaf-Blind Specialist, individual and family cannot determine which program can best meet the needs, the Deaf-Blind State Consultant shall be utilized.

After the application for services has been completed, a copy will be sent to the Deaf-Blind State Consultant, who will maintain a database of all referrals to the HKNC.

Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors will authorize for services from their individual caseload budgets. Contact the HKNC to obtain the current rates for the program. Once an individual is approved to attend, an application may be obtained by contacting 516-944-8900.