Personal Assistance Services

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

The Division of Services for the Blind (DSB) will provide On-the-Job (OJT) and other related Personal Assistance Services (PAS) to assist individuals with disabilities while the individuals are receiving Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) services. These services can include the following:

1. Rehabilitation Center for the Blind (RBC): This facility provides adjustment to blindness training and training in activities of daily living which includes cooking, cleaning, laundry, recreation, financial management and check writing, grooming and personal hygiene, appropriate modes of communication methods, and the opportunity to demonstrate independent living skills.

2. Rehabilitation Teachers and Social Workers for the Blind: Services from these State Agency staff include conducting group and individual training in independent living and activities of daily living in eligible individuals' homes and in their local communities. Access of community resources is an integral part of this training.

3. Orientation and Mobility Specialists: Orientation and Mobility skill training is done both on-the-job and in the community environment. In the employment situation, individuals are given instruction in becoming familiar with the work space and other facilities within the work area. Community orientation centers on bus usage, routes to work and training facilities, grocery, doctor, church, shopping, and other needed locations within the community.

4. Reader Services and Interpreter Services: These ancillary services have been made available and will continue to be used by individuals. Existing Agency policy regulates the usage of these services.

5. The Vocational Evaluation program provides assessments to determine vocational interests and abilities. Screening and assessments are performed in ophthalmology psychological consultation and testing, Low Vision (On-Line DSB-2007 Evaluation with Video Magnification (CCTV) with instructions) and audiological evaluations, safe travel, and work samples.

If a personal assistant is required in the home or at the work site, the Agency will evaluate the need, identify possible resources for providing the needed assistance, and will offer the service on an individual basis within the Policies and Procedures of the Agency and the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).