New York State Commission for the Blind

(Program)

Administers programs and services to enhance employability, maximize independence, and assist in the development of the capacities and strengths of people who are legally blind. Programs include:

Equipment Loan Fund, which allows individuals to borrow up to $4,000 to purchase adaptive equipment.

Children's services for children who are legally blind, including early intervention rehabilitation, working with and empowering parents, arranging services to supplement educational activities, and ensuring a smooth transition to adult services.

Vocational rehabilitation programs for adults and youth ages 14 to 21 years, which provide a number of services, including assessment, information and referral, casework services, job coaching, orientation and mobility training, independent living skills training, and assistive technology assistance.

Independent living services for individuals who are not eligible for vocational rehabilitation services and who are not receiving services through another NYSCB Program. These services are provided based on individual need and may include orientation and mobility services, rehabilitation teaching, low vision services and devices, social casework, and adaptive equipment.

Eligibility: All services are available to New York State residents who are legally blind. Legal blindness is defined as having a visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better or stronger eye with best correction, or a restricted field of vision of 20 degrees or less in the better or stronger eye. If you are severely visually impaired but not legally blind, you may qualify for job save services that will help you retain employment and adapt to your impairment. If you are unsure if you are legally blind, or if you would qualify for job save services, NYSCB can assist you in determining eligibility.

Application Process: Call for information and services.

Required Documentation: Varies; call for required documentation.

Fees: None

NYSCB services are available statewide. Syracuse Regional Office: serving all ages in Broome, Cayuga, Chenango, Cortland, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga, Oswego, Tioga, and Tompkins counties; serving only adults in Chemung, Seneca, and Schuyler counties; serving only children in St. Lawrence County.

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New York State Office of Children and Family Services
(Agency)

Provides programs through the Syracuse regional office, including adult services, Commission for the Blind, child care, prevention, domestic volence, juvenile justice, and the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA).

100 South Salina Street
Suite 350
Syracuse NY 13202

Website: ocfs.ny.gov/main

Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 5 PM

Disabled: Fully Accessible