Welcome to the Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired! We are a comprehensive services agency that provides 21 Century workforce services and supports to individuals who are blind, deafblind, and vision impaired. We are one of two state agencies of the Commonwealth that provide vocational rehabilitation services as part of a federal and state partnership – our purpose is to get people to work!
The presentation to the left shows individuals with varying degrees of blindness who use technology to gain equal access to employment activities, daily living activities and entertainment. No sound or narration accompanies the presentation.
Find Us!
DBVI maintains field offices in Bristol, Roanoke, Staunton, Richmond, Fairfax and Norfolk and operates a residential training facility in Richmond. Services are focused on helping individuals get or keep employment.
People We Serve
DBVI works with eligible blind, deafblind, and visually impaired individuals residing in Virginia who want to work or keep their jobs.
Through the Vocational Rehabilitation Program, 1,400 to 1,500 people are served annually. 150 – 200 individuals achieve full and part-time employment outcomes annually ranging from food service workers to attorneys.
Approximately 18,000 blind, deafblind and visually impaired individuals are served by DBVI programs in any given year.
The Virginia Rehabilitation Center for the Blind and Vision Impaired
The Virginia Rehabilitation Center for the Blind and Vision Impaired provides adjustment to blindness and employment training in a residential setting in Virginia’s Capitol City, Richmond.
Rehabilitation Technology Services
Rehabilitation Technology provides opportunities for individuals who are blind, deafblind, or visually impaired to become employed and perform their job tasks in the workforce.
Vocational Programs and Services
DBVI programs are field and center-based and include:
- Vocational Rehabilitation – funded with federal and state dollars, this workforce program helps eligible blind, deafblind, and vision impaired individual to obtain, regain, or maintain competitive integrated employment.
- Visit the Rehabilitation Technology Services website and Independent Living leading to increased independence in performing activities of daily living.
- The Virginia Industries for the Blind is the industries side of the DBVI house and provides assessment, training, and employment to individuals who are blind.
- Library services to individuals who have print disabilities through the Library and Resource Center
DBVI Workforce Services for Job Seekers and Business
For the Job Seeker, DBVI provides workforce supports and services regarding:
- Vocational Training including Unpaid Work Experiences, Internships, and On-The-Job Training leading to competitive integrated employment
- Specific job related training leading to credential attainment in professions that require certification
- College
- Training to operate a Self-Employment Enterprise
- Training to become a Food Service Operator through the Business Enterprise Program
For Business, DBVI provides workforce supports and services to include:
- Worksite and technology accessibility evaluations, consultation, and training
- Outcome practices that connect business to skilled and credentialed talent
- Diversity Training related to blindness, deafblindness, and vision impairment
- Consultation for federal contractors regarding 503c
- Employer Incentives