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National Research & Training Center on Blindness and Low Vision

General Information

National Research & Training Center on Blindness and Low Vision
PO Box 6189
Mississippi State, MS 39762
662-325-2001
nrtc@colled.msstate.edu
https://www.blind.msstate.edu/

Brief Description

The mission of the NRTC is to enhance employment and independent living outcomes for individuals who are blind or visually impaired through research, training, education, and dissemination.

The Older Individuals Who Are Blind Technical Assistance Center (OIB-TAC) is a part of the NRTC and offers training and technical assistance to agencies providing services to people 55 and older. The OIB-TAC website has webinars, resources, and documents helpful in delivering services.

Services Offered

  • Employment/Job Training
    • Career Advantage for V.I.P.s is an employment preparation primer for individuals who are blind or have low vision. It consists of eight instructional modules which you can explore at your own pace. Portions of the program require advanced reading levels, which those with a high school degree typically have. Modules 1-4 guide participants step by step through the processes of self-assessment, career exploration, development of effective job search techniques, and decision-making about resume design and development. Modules 5-7 contain information about job accommodations, talking to employers about vision loss, and the job interview process. Module 8 offers information, suggestions, and activities to help you move beyond learning new skills to applying them as an effective job seeker. For more information, visit our website: https://www.blind.msstate.edu/our-products/career-advantage-vips

  • Consultation/Technical Program Assistance
    • We provide in-service training to rehabilitation agencies serving persons with blindness and low vision and technical assistance to individuals, family members, professionals, students, and other stakeholders. For more information about training and technical assistance, email nrtc@colled.msstate.edu.

  • Information and Referral
    • The Information and Referral Resource Project provides information and links on multiple topics, including blindness organizations, information about low vision, blindness-related products and services, sports, and recreation. These resources are updated periodically to provide the latest information. Access these materials on our NTAC website: https://www.ntac.blind.msstate.edu/information-and-resources/

  • Transportation Services
    • The Transportation Guide for Persons who are Blind or Have Low Vision contains helpful information about finding and using transportation options and is designed for persons with vision impairments or those who serve them. We also offer customized transportation plans and transportation briefs. These resources are available for download on our website: https://www.blind.msstate.edu/our-products/transportation-resources

  • Professional Training
    • The NRTC is federally funded to provide a graduate certificate program for Vision Specialists in Vocational Rehabilitation. This program consists of four graduate courses designed to train rehabilitation professionals to be more effective in their work with people who are blind or have low vision. Rehabilitation professionals interested in attending the program can find more information through the Vision Specialist website at https://online.msstate.edu/vision/. Applications are accepted from June 1st through October 1st for the program that starts in early January.