Mission Statement The mission of the Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services is to assist citizens of Pennsylvania, of all ages who are blind and visually impaired gain the necessary skills to function as independently as possible within their homes, schools, and communities.

Services Provided Vocational Rehabilitation Services Children’s Services Independent Living/Older Blind Rehabilitation Teaching Orientation and Mobility Instruction Referral Services Advocacy

Eligibility Requirements 1.VISUAL ELIGIBILITY IS BASED ON ONE OR MORE OF THESE FOUR FACTORS: A. A corrected visual acuity of 20/70 or greater in the better eye B. A visual field loss of 20 degrees or greater C. A diagnosis of a progressive sight threatening disease with a documented significant functional limitation from vision loss D. A documented significant functional limitation from vision loss

Eligibility Requirements (Continued) 2. ASSESSMENT OF NEED FOR COMPREHENSIVE SERVICES The need for comprehensive services must exist before an Service Plan is developed. The BBVS Social Worker will complete an assessment of need for services in conjunction with eligibility factors. The assessment identifies significant functional limitations in completing daily living tasks that result from vision loss. The assessment also determines what services the child needs to successfully function within their home, at school, and within the community.

Eligibility Requirements (Continued) 3. FINANCIAL ELIGIBILITY The implementation of the Financial Needs Test for the Specialized Services Programs will be completed. The Financial Needs Test (FNT) is based on the Federal Poverty Guidelines that are published annually. Certain services are subject to the FNT but many services are not guided by the FNT. The BBVS Social Worker will discuss that information with the parent/guardian and determine eligibility. 4. RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS For purposes of satisfying eligibility criteria, the following applicants who are either United States citizens or lawfully admitted aliens are considered Pennsylvania residents: Individuals whose parent/guardian declares a place of residence or is located within the Commonwealth.

Low Vision Exams Individuals with a visual disability may benefit from a Low Vision Exam. A Low Vision exam is completed by a certified Optometrist. The Low Vision Specialist is able to determine which low vision aids may benefit an individual. This may include glasses, hand held magnifiers and electronic magnifiers. The Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services is able to provide referral information to these specialist if an individual is interested in this type of exam.

Instructional Services Rehabilitation Teaching helps individuals safely and efficiently carry out their daily activities at home, on the job, and in the community. After a comprehensive evaluation is completed, an individualized program of instruction is developed. This instruction is individualized and may include Braille instruction, safe cooking techniques, adapted time and financial management, adaptive sewing techniques and adaptive writing techniques.

Instructional Services Orientation and Mobility Instruction teaches individuals how to travel independently and safely within their homes, workplaces, and communities. After an evaluation is completed a training plan is developed to meet the individual's specific needs. These needs may include learning to use paratransit, sighted guide techniques, reduction of glare while traveling and crossing busy intersections independently.

Independent Living Program Persons aged 55 and older and who have a visual disability can become more self-sufficient and independent in their homes and communities with Independent Living Program services. These services may include vision enhancement services, advocacy, counseling, information and referral, rehabilitation teaching, and orientation and mobility services.

Children’s Services Program BUREAU OF BLINDNESS AND VISUAL SERVICES CHILDREN’S SERVICES PROGRAM

BBVS Children’s Services Provider Team CHILDREN’S SERVICES PROVIDER TEAM: 1.Child 2. Parent/Guardian 3. BBVS Social Worker 4. BBVS Rehabilitation Teacher 5. BBVS Orientation and Mobility Instructor 6. BBVS Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor beginning when the child is age 14

ROLE OF THE BBVS SOCIAL WORKER Provide information regarding BBVS Children’s Services Program Manage/coordinate BBVS services Encourage proper eye care for children Educate parent/guardian and the child (if appropriate) regarding types of vision examinations available, including Low Vision Examinations and Functional Vision Evaluations Authorize payment of appropriate eye examinations Authorize purchasing of recommended devices from vision examinations, as appropriate Provide counseling and guidance to the child and parent/guardian Provide resource information and updates to parent/guardian regarding policies/laws affecting their child’s disability and available services Provide advocacy for the child by attending IFSP/IEP/ and Transition meetings Provide referrals for BBVS RT/OM/VR services, when appropriate

ROLE OF THE SOCIAL WORKER (cont.) Foster inclusion of the child in school and community activities Provide information regarding additional appropriate community resources Provide outreach services Partner with the Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor to insure a smooth transition of the child from school to post-secondary education or employment Conduct/participate in public relations events to educate the public regarding BBVS Children’s Services Program

REFERRAL FOR RT/OM SERVICES As part of comprehensive services, if the Social Worker identifies or questions the need for Rehabilitation Teaching and/or Orientation and Mobility services, a referral will be made to the appropriate instructor. A referral for services may be made at any time throughout the year, however, due to limited availability of children’s time during the school year, instruction will generally be provided during the summer months (June, July, and August).

REHABILITATION TEACHING SERVICES Rehabilitation Teaching Services are not provided through the educational system. Therefore, children, parents/guardians that are determined to be able to benefit from services will have contact with an instructor during the following developmental time periods. Time periods of referrals are as follows: Birth to age 4 – This contact will primarily focus on assisting the parent/guardian with information on adaptive techniques, adaptations, resources and expectation levels regarding their child’s independent functioning as it relates to their vision loss. Age 5 to Age 9-This contact will focus on assisting both the parent/guardian and the child. Consultation will be provided to the parent/guardian regarding age-appropriate skills and adaptive techniques. Age 10 to age 14 - This contact will focus primarily on direct instruction to the child.

REHABILITATION TEACHING SERVICES Referrals for rehabilitation teaching services will be prioritized as follows: 1.Children who are experiencing a new or recent loss/change in visual functioning 2.Children who move to a new residence 3. Children participating in classroom activities in the upcoming school year that involve daily living skill activities 4.Children transitioning to the VR program 5.Children whose parents/guardians are in need of information/education regarding the importance of developing independent daily living skills

ORIENTATION & MOBILITY SERVICES Referrals for Orientation and Mobility services will be prioritized as follows: 1. Children who are experiencing a new or recent loss/change in visual functioning 2. Children who attend private and/or home school and do not receive Orientation and Mobility services in school 3. Children who receive Orientation and Mobility services in school but are restricted from services within the community 4. Children who move to a new residence and require instruction in their new community 5.Children transitioning to the VR program 6. Children whose parents/guardians are in need of information/education regarding the importance of developing independent travel skills

CONTACT INFORMATION For further assistance or questions, please contact your local Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services office. Erie Office of the Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services 4200 Lovell Place Erie, PA Phone: (814) or toll free: