Services
| Vocational Rehabilitation Services |
Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Services is a comprehensive state program to assess needs and to plan, develop and provide job-related services to blind or severely visually impaired individuals. Such services are designed to assist you to prepare for employment that is commensurate with your abilities, interests, and informed choice and consistent with your strengths, resources, concerns, and capabilities. VR services are available to you if you are blind or have a severe visual impairment and are not currently employed; or if you are seeking to advance in your present career. Contact: 501-682-5463 or 1-800-960-9270 |
| Transition Services |
The Division of Services for the Blind (DSB) provides transition services to eligible students with disabilities through the adult Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program to prepare blind and visually impaired students and youth to move from receiving special education services and services required under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, to receiving VR services. Contact: 501-682-5463 or 1-800-960-9270 |
| Supported Employment |
Supported Employment (SE) provides integrated competitive employment in the community for consumers who have the most severe disabilities and who need extended, ongoing support to maintain employment and community inclusion. SE is a “place then train” model. Consumers are placed in jobs in the community. Training and long-term support, are provided during employment. Contact: 501-682-5463 or 1-800-960-9270 |
| Older Individuals Who Are Blind |
This program provides independent living services to older individuals who are blind, conducts activities that will improve or expand services for these individuals, and conducts activities to help improve public understanding of the problems of these individuals. These services assist people in learning how to care for themselves, travel independently, and perform home management skills and other activities to promote self-reliance. Family involvement and support services are strongly encouraged. DSB contracts this service. Contact: 501-682-5463 or 1-800-960-9270 |
| Business Engagement |
The Division of Services for the Blind (DSB) Business Engagement team assists Arkansas with reliable staffing. We work with employers to alleviate misconceptions regarding blind and low vision inclusion and provide support services that positively impact your financial growth and company culture. With offices located strategically throughout Arkansas, our representatives serve every county in the state. Contact: 501-682-5463 or 1-800-960-9270 |
| Independent Living Rehabilitation Services for the Blind |
This is a coordinated system of services to improve the ability of an individual with a severe disability to function, continue functioning, or move toward functioning independently in the family, community or to continue in employment. Contact: 501-682-5463 or 1-800-960-9270 |
| Arkansas Information Reading Services for the Blind (AIRS) |
AIRS Live Audio Streaming Link The Arkansas Information Reading Services for the Blind (AIRS Radio) broadcasts readings of local and national newspapers and magazines daily over special television and internet channels to provide independent access to current information. Serving the blind and visually impaired of Arkansas, Arkansas Information Reading Services for the Blind broadcasts 24 hours per day, seven days per week on the SAP channels of AETN channels 2, 6, 9, 13, and 19, as well as online at airs.aetn.org. Readings are presented from the New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Arkansas Democrat/Gazette, and several State and regional newspapers and magazines. The Arkansas Telephone Reader (AIRS Plus) is a computer system that reads the Arkansas Democrat/Gazette and several local papers around Arkansas by a combination of digitized and human speech. The reader can access individual stories by using a touch-tone telephone, allowing them to read what they want, when they want, as well as access local programming. To access AIRS Plus, dial 844-888-0981. This service is free and does not need pre-registration. AIRS is also on social media. Check out the Facebook page at facebook.com/AIRSradio for updated news and local shows posted weekly. To contact AIRS Radio for more information, call 501-852-5125, or send an email to airs@myarkansaspbs.org |
Programs
| Vending Facility Program |
The Vending Facility Program (VFP) Services are available to eligible blind persons who are interested in and have the necessary skills to manage snack bars and vending machines throughout the state. VFP locates the sales site, equips, and stocks the facility initially, maintains the equipment, and provides oversight and record keeping. |
| Jump Start Program |
The Division of Services for the Blind (DSB) and the Arkansas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ASBVI) host the Jump Start career development program annually. This program is open to blind and severely visually impaired youth ages 16-21 years. Students are assisted in obtaining a part-time summer job and offered the opportunity to participate in recreational and educational enrichment activities. Please contact DSB Transition Manager LaTasha Mays for questions and/or concerns by phone at 501-366-4355 or email LaTasha.Mays@arkansas.gov. You may also contact your DSB counselor for questions and/or concerns. This interactive program will allow you to be in contact with and gain knowledge from other blind or visually impaired students. Please register for more exciting details. The Jump Start application is available each spring on the DSB webpage and through DSB Counselors. Completed applications are sent to: Division of Services for the Blind P.O. Box 3237 Little Rock, Arkansas 72203 |
| Referral Request for Blind Services |
Looking for services for the blind or visually impaired in your area? Send us your contact information and we will direct you to helpful services. Service Referral Contact Information |
