Adobe PDF Pub. 4805 (95k) Also available in Spanish, Chinese, Russian, and Arabic.
The New York State Office of Children and Family Services' Commission for the Blind and Visually Handicapped (CBVH) is equipped to provide rehabilitation services to residents of New York State who are Deaf-Blind. These programs include:
Services are available throughout the state from individuals who are fluent in various modes of sign language and are aware of the needs of Deaf-Blind individuals. Communication is provided in your preferred methods, including but not limited to Braille, large print, and tactile methods.
Any New York State resident who is legally blind and unable to understand most speech with optimum amplification may be eligible for Deaf-Blind services provided by CBVH. Legal blindness is defined as:
If you are severely visually impaired and deaf but not legally blind, you may qualify for some services.
If you are unsure if you are legally blind or whether you would qualify for job save services, CBVH can assist you in determining eligibility.
A vocational rehabilitation counselor can assist you in obtaining your first job, returning to work or keeping your present job.
A trained counselor will help to develop an employment plan which can include training and/or education. There will be ongoing opportunities to review and adjust the plan.
Once the goals of the plan are reached, CBVH will assist with job placement.
Services are also available for those interested in learning skills for independent home management. If you are 55 years or older (or under 55 and not seeking employment), programs and adaptive equipment are available to teach the skills necessary to maintain independent living. This includes kitchen safety, management of various household tasks and traveling safely in and around the home. In addition, social concerns can be addressed in order to remain involved with family and friends.
U.S. citizens who are legally blind and have hearing loss may be eligible to operate newsstands, snack bars and cafeterias in government buildings. Management skill training, stock loans and necessary equipment are provided. CBVH also furnishes continuing support services to program participants.
CBVH funds programs for children who are under 14 years of age or, if multi-disabled, under 22 years of age. A parent or guardian can apply for services on behalf of a child who is Deaf-Blind. Working with the family, a children's consultant helps develop a plan to meet the child's needs. The plan may include services provided in the home, the community and/or rehabilitation agencies. The children's consultant may provide counseling and guidance to the family, advocacy services, service coordination, educational consultation and vocational coordination.
Visit our website: http://www.ocfs.state.ny.us/main/cbvh/
If you are interested in any of the programs or services offered by CBVH and would like to receive an application, or if you require assistance in completing an application, please call the regional office located closest to you, or call the toll-free number listed on the back panel.
*Letters designate outstations.
295 Main Street, Room 545
Buffalo, NY 14203
(716) 847-3516
TDD: (716) 847-3500
*A. Jamestown
(716) 512-1121
*B. Dundee
(607) 243-7596
*C. Rochester
(585) 238-8110
TDD: (585) 238-8104
The Atrium, Suite 105 100 South Salina St.
Syracuse, NY 13202
(315) 423-5417
TDD: (315) 423-5426
*D. Elmira
(607) 737-1007
40 North Pearl St. 15th Floor
Albany, NY 12210
(518) 473-1675
TDD: (518) 473-1698
*G Saranac Lake:
(518) 891-7518
445 Hamilton Ave.
Room 503
White Plains, NY 10601
(914) 993-5370
TDD: (914) 993-5327
20 Exchange Place
2nd Floor
New York, NY 10005
(212) 825-5710
TDD: (212) 825-7367
*I. Harlem Office:
163 West 125th Street
New York, NY 10027
(212) 961-4440
175 Fulton Street
Room 300
Hempstead, NY 11550
(516) 564-4311
TDD: (516) 564-4325
New York State Office of Children & Family Services
Capital View Office Park
52 Washington Street
Rensselaer, New York 12144
Visit our website at:
http://www.ocfs.state.ny.us
For child care, foster care and adoption information, call:
1-800-345-KIDS
To report child abuse and neglect, call:
1-800-342-3720
For information on the Abandoned Infant Protection Act, call:
1-866-505-SAFE
For the phone number of your county adult services office, call:
1-800-342-3009 (Press Option 6)
Pub. #4805 (Rev. 9/06)
New York State Office of Children and Family Services · 52 Washington Street · Rensselaer, New York 12144-2796