In October 2019, the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation was combined with the Office for the Blind to help utilize funding and staff to more effectively operate the multiple programs operated within the offices. As a result, the Office of the Blind is now a Division within the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation.
Pursuant to KRS 163.4/0 and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended, the Division of Blind Services provides services to assist individuals who are blind and visually impaired in preparing for, obtaining, improving, and maintaining employment, as well as enabling them to live more independent and fulfilling lives.
The Division provides vocational rehabilitation of blind and visually impaired Kentuckians. Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors provide vocational counseling, evaluation, physical and mental restoration, vocational and higher education training, assistive technology training, adaptive devices, orientation and mobility training, and job placement services. The Counselors receive ongoing training to maintain certification and to gain knowledge of the latest developments in rehabilitation techniques. The Office provides services through the following avenues:
The Office has 10 field offices that provide direct vocational rehabilitation services to individuals with severe visual impairments.
The Charles McDowell Comprehensive Rehabilitation Center for the Blind is a facility in Louisville that provides training in vocational preparation, personal adjustment services, independent living skills, orientation and mobility skills, Braille, assistive technology, career assessment, vocational planning, work adjustment, and work experience.
In Lexington and Paducah, the Division operates two volunteer recording units that provide audio-recorded materials statewide for blind and visually impaired individuals.
The Business Enterprise Program trains and provides equipment to blind individuals for self-employment at vending facilities located statewide.
The Independent Living Program provides training to blind and visually impaired individuals in areas that will enable them to live and function independently.
Pursuant to KRS 163.470(11) and the federal Randolph-Sheppard Act, the Division of Kentucky Business Enterprise Program (BEP) establishes vending facilities on state, federal, and other property to provide remunerative employment for licensed merchants who are visually impaired. Business Enterprises staff provides management services and training to individuals who are visually impaired, identifies and develops new sites suitable for vending facilities, and repairs and replaces equipment in existing vending facilities.
The Business Enterprise Program also collects a set-aside, or fee based upon the percentage of gross sales from vending operations. The visually impaired merchants currently contribute five percent of their net income to be used for their own health insurance and an IRA. The funds received from the interstate vending contract are utilized exclusively in the Business Enterprise Program.
Pursuant to KRS 163.470 and Title VII of the Rehabilitation Act, independent living specialists provide short-term, individualized instruction for individuals who are blind so they may be able to function independently. Services include information, counseling, and skills training in activities of daily living. Mobility training, assistive devices, referrals to community resources in housing and transportation, and information on services offered by other agencies are provided. The service population consists mainly of individuals who are elderly or unable to work due to the severity of disabilities.
The Division employs independent living specialists who are located throughout the state. These specialists make home visits and provide specially-adapted aids and appliances such as Braille and talking watches, controls on stoves, writing guides, phone dials, and canes. They provide limited instruction in household tasks such as cooking, keeping time, and learning in the home. The specialists also work with families to educate them about blindness and how to promote independent living.
The budget includes additional General Fund in the amount of $2,800,000 in fiscal year 2027 and $2,300,000 in fiscal year 2028 to meet the federally required state maintenance of effort requirement for the Vocational Rehabilitation program to ensure that Kentucky receives the full formula grant award. The federal government will deduct a dollar-for-dollar amount from the federal grant award for not meeting the maintenance of effort requirement.
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