Adaptive Training:

Adaptive Training provides individualized training in home management, Braille, low vision aids, communication, and vocational skills delivered by professionally trained instructors. Most importantly, participants grow in self-confidence and become more independent.

Business Enterprise Program:

The Business Enterprise Program prepares legally blind persons to operate food service businesses in public buildings throughout the state.

Independent Living/Daily Living:

Independent Living/Daily Living offers individualized training in home management, daily living skills, mobility, and communication skills enhancements for persons age 55 and older. These services are also provided to persons under 55 years of age who are unable to pursue a vocational goal and can meet established income guidelines. Low vision aids are provided to clients as appropriate. The program provides clients the skills and confidence to maintain daily activities while remaining at home --decreasing dependence on others.

Low Vision Exams and Aids:

Low Vision Exams and Aids may include visual examinations and a variety of adaptive aids for employment and every day needs.  These aids allow individuals with low vision to maximize their remaining vision.

Mobility Training:

Mobility Training helps clients learn to maneuver safely and confidently in familiar and unfamiliar surroundings using remaining senses, a cane, and public transportation.

Nevada Committee of Blind Vendors:

The purpose of the Nevada Committee of Blind Vendors (NCBV) is to:

• Actively participate with the Bureau of Services to Blind and Visually Impaired (BSBVI) in the growth and development of the Business Enterprises of Nevada (BEN) program to expand and enhance economic and employment opportunities for blind people

• Engage in positive public relations activities

• Assist BSBVI identify training and other needs of vendors and potential vendors

• Enhance communications and cooperation between BSBVI, NCBV and the vendors

• Participate with and assist BSBVI in meeting its responsibilities under the Randolph Sheppard Act; and

• Promote the economic growth of all vendors by enhancing their knowledge, skills, and abilities

Committee meetings are held at least quarterly, alternating between Reno or Carson City and Las Vegas, usually with a teleconference link between the northern and southern regions so members unable to travel may attend.

Vocational Rehabilitation:

Vocational Rehabilitation focuses on achievement of a vocational goal. Services are designed to assist individuals in making realistic choices about their vocational futures. These services may include vocational evaluations, psychological testing, counseling and guidance, adaptive training, mobility training, job readiness training, learning job seeking skills, assertive technology, job site modification, and transportation.

How to obtain services:

BSBVI serves the entire state from offices located in Reno, Las Vegas, Carson City, and Elko.

Call your nearest BSBVI office and a bureau representative will advise you of the most convenient means to apply for services.

What is the cost?

Although most BSBVI services are free of charge, clients do participate in the cost of certain services if their personal financial circumstances allow such involvement.

Who is eligible?

Any person in Nevada who has a visual problem that is not correctable by glasses may be eligible for BSBVI services. Most people BSBVI serves are visually impaired but not totally blind. If the bureau is unable to offer assistance, the client is referred to the most appropriate agency.

Links to other Useful Sites: