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Delaware Department of Health and Social Services: Division for the Visually Impaired

General Information

Delaware Department of Health and Social Services: Division for the Visually Impaired
1901 North Dupont Highway
Biggs Building
New Castle, DE 19720
(302) 255 9800
Elisha.Jenkins@state.de.us
http://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dvi/

Brief Description

The Division for the Visually Impaired works in partnerships with Delawareans who are blind and visually impaired empowering them to be self-sufficient.

Services Offered

  • Computer Training/Assistive Technology
    • Technology Specialists provide Assistive Technology demonstrations, evaluations, and training. DVI also has two Computer Labs equipped with Apple Products, computers with screen reading and/or screen enlargement software, Video Magnifiers and more available for use.

  • Employment/Job Training
    • Provides community-based services focusing on the individual placement model and skills training. Business Enterprise Program provides competitive and supportive employment opportunities.

  • Low Vision Services
    • DVI works with Contracted Low Vision Specialists to provide low vision services. The consumer, Low Vision Specialist, and Vision Rehabilitation Service Provider work together to determine which devices are beneficial for the desired goal achievement. Once devices are deemed beneficial, the Vision Rehabilitation Service Provider will train the consumer on the device.

  • Daily Living Skills/Independent Living Skills Training
    • Administers and provides rehabilitation services. Provides persons of all ages with high-tech and low-tech adaptive equipment training at home, in school, and at the employment site. Examples include activities of daily living, low vision services, braille, and more. Provides independent living services for seniors as well.

  • Travel/Orientation and Mobility
    • Provides orientation and mobility training.

  • Braille/Electronic/Audio/Large Print Production
    • Educational materials.

  • Assessment
    • Specialized evaluative processes conducted by professionals to determine the present needs and skill levels of clients.

  • Braille and Reading Instruction
    • Instruction and training braille to promote literacy among blind and visually impaired persons.

  • Information and Referral
    • Through our Central Intake unit, information is gathered to determine what services are available to each individual to meet their specific/identified needs. If an individual does not qualify for agency services based on a physician's report, resources are provided when appropriate to meet the needs of the ineligible individual.

  • Support Groups
    • Peer to peer support to share information and talk about common experiences.

  • Counseling
    • Offers peer support services (support groups and peer support by telephone) and counseling programs to facilitate positive emotional adjustment to vision loss.