Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired

207-623-7948

Comprehensive Services for Visually Impaired and Blind Individuals of All Ages

A DBVI Success Story!

Watch a short video about a client who sought help getting employment! (MP4 format)

DBVI State Plan

• DBVI State Plan page

Vocational Rehabilitation Services

The goal of vocational rehabilitation services is to help you get a job, retain or return to employment.

You could receive:

• Individual counseling and guidance, and vocational assessment.
• Orientation and mobility instruction to develop independent travel skills.
• Other training, devices, treatment, job placement and follow-up services to enable you to succeed in a job.
• Starting at age 14, VR services are also available to assist students in transitioning from high school to work. See our Youth and Transition page
• Rules governing the Blind VR Program (Word)
• Apply for Vocational Rehabilitation On-line (Online Form)
• To apply for Vocational Rehabilitation Services (Word)

Extended Support Programs

The Extended Support Programs (Basic Support and Head Injured Support) provide services to persons with the most severe disabilities in order that they may maintain jobs in community-based supported employment settings gained through their participation in either of the two VR Programs the Bureau of Rehabilitation Services offers.

• Rules for Basic Extended Support Program (Word)
• Rules for Brain Injury Extended Support Program (Word)

Business Enterprise Program

Provides training and support to manage snack bars, cafeterias and vending machine facilities on state federal and municipal properties.

Visit the Business Enterprise Program homepage for more information

Independent Living Services

• Adaptive skill training provides alternative skills to accomplish activities of daily living.
• Homemaking skills training may include meal preparation, shopping, and cleaning.
• Individuals may be trained in a variety of personal management skills, such as managing money, dialing a telephone, and telling time.
• Mobility instruction assists individuals to travel safely through the use of alternative techniques.
• The services are provided by our multidisciplinary staff in conjunction with vision rehabilitation therapists from the IRIS Network.
• Rules governing the Blind IL Program (Word)

Education Services for Children

Comprehensive services for children and families begin as soon as a child is identified as blind or visually impaired. Our multidisciplinary staff, in conjunction with teachers from Catholic Charities Maine, work with parents and schools to develop and implement an individualized education program.

Financial Services

Any person legally blind and in need, may apply for SSI or SSDI at the nearest Social Security Office. For information, please call: 622-8348 or 1-800-772-1213

Real Estate Tax Exemption

Persons who are legally blind may receive a real estate tax exemption of up to $4,000.00 on their property valuation by applying through your local town office. You must provide a medical report that states you are "legally blind"

I.D. Cards for Individuals who are Visually Impaired and Blind

A card is available to visually impaired people who do not have a driver’s license. This card is acceptable identification for cashing checks, and other transactions. It may be obtained at any Department of Motor Vehicles office. The fee is $5.00.

Library Services

Maine State Library Talking Book Program provides books and magazines in a recorded cassette or disc format to people who are visually impaired, blind, or physically handicapped. Applications are available from the Maine State Library and from public library service centers throughout the state, or by calling the Special Services toll-free numbers:

• 1-800-762-7106

DBVI State Rehabilitation Council

The mission of the State Rehabilitation Council for the Blind and Visually Impaired is to provide leadership and diverse viewpoints in partnership with the Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired to develop and evaluate programs and services; to identify priorities that help create opportunities, increase independence and broaden access to the workplace for citizens of all ages who are blind or visually impaired.

• Advisory Council Homepage

For more information, please call the Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired office nearest you. Visits the BRS Office Directory for a list of office locations and contact information.