Older Blind Independent Living Program

Purpose

Instructional Services for People Who are Blind assist the Department of Rehabilitation Service clients to regain or maintain maximum independence and self-sufficiency. Rehabilitation teachers provide instruction and counseling through a program designed to help individuals adjust to the loss of sight. Services include instruction in personal and home management, communication methods, reading and writing braille, keyboarding skills, low vision technology, adaptive techniques or devices, and recreation or leisure activities.

Contact(s)

Older Blind Independent Living Services Program website

 OKC
2401 N.W. 23rd. Street, Suite 91 (Shepherd Mall)
Oklahoma City 73107-2431

Office: (405) 522-3382
Fax: (405) 522-3332
Email: EBoykin@okdrs.gov

Tulsa
907 S Detroit Ave, Ste 500
Tulsa, OK 74120

Office: (918) 551-4900
Fax: (918) 551-4935
Email: CTipps@okdrs.gov

Eligibility

  • Individuals must be 55 years of age or older;
  • must be legally blind or have a progressive vision problem, which will lead to legal blindness in the foreseeable future and require services to enhance the quality of life;
  • legal blindness occurs when visual acuity with the best correction is 20/200 or less or when side vision results in a field restriction of 20 degrees or less; and
  • individuals that do not meet the vocational goal criteria for DRS may receive services through the Older Blind Independent Living Program.

AT Services Provided/Covered

  • Advocacy Training
  • Assessments & Evaluations
  • Case Management
  • Information & Referral
  • Training for Consumer & Family
  • Orientation and Mobility Training

AT Devices Provided/ Covered

  • Aids for Daily Living
  • Computers & Related
  • Speech Communication
  • Aids for Vision Impaired

How to Get the AT

  • Individuals are considered applicants when they:
    • have completed and signed an application form or have otherwise requested services (including, but not limited to requests made verbally, by telephone, in writing, by facsimile, etc.);
    • have provided the information necessary to initiate an assessment to
    • determine eligibility and need for services; and
    • are available to complete the assessment process as soon as the rehabilitation teacher has a document signed by the individual requesting Visual Services. This may be a formal application or a letter signed by the applicant, applicant’s parent, guardian, or other representatives, which provides the minimum basic information and request VR services.
  • In application status, the rehabilitation teacher will secure sufficient information to make a determination of eligibility or ineligibility for Older Blind services. The information needed may include a current visual examination and/or a low vision evaluation.
  • The rehabilitation teacher will make the eligibility determination decision within 60 days of application.

Pieces of the Puzzle

  • The Older Blind Program can provide an individual with a screen reader or screen enlargement software to assist them in using their existing computer, but the program does not purchase a computer.
  • The Older Blind Programs educates individuals on the use of the NEWSLINE®, a service that reads newspapers over the telephone to Oklahomans who are unable to read standard print due to blindness, visual impairment, a learning disability, or the physical inability to hold or turn the pages of printed material. For more information about NEWSLINE®, contact the Oklahoma Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped at (405) 521-3514 in Oklahoma City or (800) 523-0288 toll-free statewide.

Dispute Resolution Process

  • Individuals who disagree with a VS Program decision are encouraged to contact the local Program Manager to attempt an effective resolution of the issue. In the event of a reduction, suspension or cessation of VS services, individuals has a right to a case review by an impartial hearing officer, mediation, and/or assistance from the Client Assistance Program (CAP).
  • A request for a Fair Hearing should be made in writing to your VS rehabilitation teacher within 30 days of DRS informing you of the decision with which you disagree. The fair hearing will be conducted by a hearing officer within 45 days of the written “Request for a Fair Hearing” by the consumer.
  • Individuals filing a “Request for a Fair Hearing” may request a confidential mediation session to resolve grievances. Mediation is voluntary and subject to the agreement of both parties. In the event mediation sessions do not resolve the grievance, individuals retain their right to a fair hearing.
  • After filing a “Request for a Fair Hearing,” the administrative review must be conducted by the Program Manager and concluded within the same 45 days, with the results of the review provided in a written letter. If the review resolves the grievance, the Withdrawal of Request for Hearing Form must be completed; otherwise, the hearing will continue.
  • The written decision of the hearing officer including findings and grounds for the decision will be made to the consumer, hearings coordinator, and the director of DRS within 30 days of the completion of the hearing.
  • Individuals may request a review of the hearing officer’s decision by the Cabinet Secretary of Human Services within 20 days of the decision.
  • In the event an individual brings civil action regarding the decision, the final decision either by the hearing officer or the Cabinet Secretary will be implemented pending court review.

Assistance Provided For Appeals

  • The Client Assistance Program (CAP) assists persons with disabilities who are seeking or receiving services from any program funded by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended. CAP can:
    • advise clients of their rights and responsibilities under the Rehabilitation Act;
    • assist clients in communicating their concerns to DRS; and
    • represent the individual in the fair hearing process when appropriate and/or needed.
  • Additional information concerning vocational rehabilitation and the appeals process can be obtained from the CAP at (405) 521-3756 or (800) 522-8224 statewide.