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North Carolina
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As chairman of the State Rehabilitation Council and the North Carolina Commission for the Blind, I am privileged to present the 2008 Annual Report of the council and the commission.
Helen Keller once said, “Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.” This is truly demonstrated through the collaborative efforts of our Council members and Debbie Jackson’s professional team at N.C. Division of Services for the Blind. (DSB)
The following pages will describe the various programs and services available through the DSB that empower us to continue fulfilling our mission of enabling people who are blind or visually impaired to reach their goals of independence, employment and successful transition.
Whether you read about the Medical Eye Care Program, Business Enterprise Program, Transition Services, DSB Employment Services or others, the success comes from the expert staff at DSB and their collaboration with clients, families, eye doctors, schools, employers and other community partners.
Together, we truly can and will do so much for those North Carolinians who are blind or visually impaired seeking independence, employment and successful transition.
Beth A. Butler
Chairperson
State Rehabilitation Council (SRC)
NC Division of Services for the Blind (DSB)
The “Path to Independence” has led our consumers in many directions. For some of our high school students, it led to their first job and first paycheck. For some, it led them into the world of technology through the use of screen reading software enabling them to stay in touch with family, friends, and information and resources available through the Internet. For some, it led to venturing out on their own with the use of their white cane for safe and independent travel. A trip to Camp Dogwood or the VIP Fishing Tournament at the Outer Banks was part of the Path to Independence for some of our consumers. And for some the path took them even farther from home.
Two of our consumers participated in the Paralympics in Beijing, China, where one competed in track and field and one in swimming competition. Another path took the consumer through graduate school and to a job as a speech pathologist. After participating in the Division’s Independent Living Rehabilitation and Vocational Rehabilitation Programs, one consumer’s path led him into the cyber world of Internet radio. And a couple of our consumers were led to Washington, D.C. where one works as a professor of musicology and another as an occupational therapist. These are just a few of the many examples that we can cite of the ways that our consumers have moved toward greater independence.
For some, the path has been smooth and straight, for others bumpy with detours. But all have persevered to get to where they are today. And for each of them, this greater level of independence is not an endpoint, but a stop along the way as they continue to grow in their personal and professional lives. The DSB staff and our partnering agencies are pleased to be part of these journeys and look forward to more successes in the coming year.
The data and narrative below will give you an understanding of some of the accomplishments in our program and service areas. Depending of the funding source for the program, some information is reported based on the State Fiscal Year, July 1, 2007 through June 30, 2008 and other data is based on the Federal Fiscal Year, October 1, 2007 through September 30, 2008. We have noted the year as state or federal in each case.
Debbie Jackson
Director of
North Carolina Division of Services for the Blind
Individuals with blindness or visual impairment who want to obtain, regain, or maintain employment may be eligible for Division of Services for the Blind Vocational Rehabilitation (DSB-VR) services. These individuals can choose from an array of programs and services that best suit their individual needs to reach a goal of successful employment through support and assistance provided by DSB staff that includes:
DSB Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors,
Business Services Representatives,
Rehabilitation Engineer, Assistive Technology Consultants, and Assistive Technology Instructors,
Transition Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors,
Rehabilitation Center for the Blind Teachers, Vocational Evaluation staff, and Orientation and Mobility Specialists,
Low Vision Specialist,
Deaf-Blind Specialists, and
Administrative and Support staff
OUR RESULTS
In Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2008, DSB-VR served 3,438 people. Of these, 668 reached their employment objectives, 96 percent of whom had significant disabilities, and 661 were employed in competitive integrated work environments.
In 2000, the Division started its initiative, DSB Business Services, to identify and place individuals into competitive employment who would not get jobs without direct involvement of DSB professional staff with businesses in our communities.
By 2003, the initiative reported a 32.5 percent increase in people with blindness entering wage earning occupations. Since this time, every new rehabilitation counselor, business representative, and community employment specialist has received specialized classroom instruction and individualized coaching in building relationships with employers in their communities. Although statistics do not necessarily reflect an increase in direct placement success, some individuals are placed with employers without direct activity by the DSB staff member due to the existing relationship with the employer and their knowledge and confidence in the individuals served by DSB.
OUR RESULTS
In FFY 2008, 661 people entered competitive, integrated employment.
These individuals averaged more than 30 hours of work per week.
DSB VR’s Assistive Technology (AT) Services, provided statewide, include:
AT includes use of computers with screen reading programs with speech and/or Braille output, closed circuit televisions, lighting modifications, note-taking devices, Braille displays, Braille embossers, and other equipment that is individually designed according to the needs of individuals for successful employment or independent living.
Services are provided by the rehabilitation engineer, six assistive technology consultants, and three assistive technology instructors located in the offices across the state. At the NCDSB’s Rehabilitation Center for the Blind in Raleigh, four assistive technology teachers and an assistive technology laboratory provide ongoing instruction and recommendations for individuals attending the center.
DSB recognizes the growing need for assistive technology to keep up with the expansion of technology in the workplace. This year, two instructor positions were added, one in the east and one in the west, to support the instruction conducted at the center, and mainly serve individuals through the Independent Living Rehabilitation Program.
OUR RESULTS
During FFY 2008, the Assistive Technology Consultants provided:
SUCCESS STORY – ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY SERVICES
Many technical obstacles were tackled by DSB’s vocational rehabilitation AT consultant, DSB VR counselor, and Tyler 2’s staff, including company President, Katie Tyler. The company’s advanced storage and retrieval programs set up to facilitate efficient operations made it difficult to integrate necessary assistive technology that included screen reading software. The modifications required ongoing assessment of the essential job requirements and of Ms. Clontz’s skills, research and development of possible modifications, technical support from software companies, communication with Tyler 2’s staff, and assistance from other DSB staff. The technologies were finally bridged together, allowing Ms. Clontz to perform all of her job duties. These job modifications allowed her to take on additional job duties, and she has received several “Tail Wagger Awards” for excellent performance over the time she has been employed.
AT is proven to be a key in the PATH TO SUCCESS for individuals who are blind or who have low vision, as it can lead to career opportunities with better salaries. Ms. Clontz is certainly a fine example!
The Business Enterprises Program provides food service and vending opportunities for legally blind operators. Facilities are located in federal and state owned properties, such as Interstate Highway rest areas and welcome centers, state and federal buildings like courthouses, and U.S. Postal Services facilities, as well as a few private sector locations. During State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2008, the Business Enterprises Program operated 83 food service and vending locations statewide. Potential operators must complete a six-week training course offered at the Rehabilitation Center in Raleigh, along with extensive on-the-job training before receiving a license to apply for and operate a Business Enterprises facility. Experienced operators in actual Business Enterprises facilities provide the OJT portion of the training.
OUR RESULTS
During SFY 2008, the Business Enterprises Program had:
SUCCESS STORY-BUSINESS ENTERPRISES PROGRAM
The new Beacon Coffee shop is located in the
Naval Regional Medical Center,
Camp Lejeune, Jacksonville
The Beacon Coffee Shop held its grand opening on September 23, 2008, with the commanding officer, Captain Jerry Cox, cutting the ribbon. Shop operator Benita Campbell and her staff serve up specialty coffees and teas as well as cappuccino, latte beverages and fruit smoothies. The shop also offers fresh baked goods such as waffles, cookies and muffins.
Supported Employment Services are provided for individuals with the most significant disabilities so they can reach their goal of successful competitive employment. Through employment, these individuals can move from dependence to independence via competitive employment in their communities. Because of the nature and severity of their disability, ongoing support services are required to learn and to perform required tasks of a job. Supported employment provides assistance such as job coaches, assistive technology, specialized job training and individually tailored supervision.
A job coach provides specialized on-site training to assist the individuals to learn and to perform the job tasks and helps them to adjust to the work environment.
Natural supports are provided by supervisors and co-workers, such as mentoring, friendships, socializing at breaks and/or after work, providing feedback on job performance, or learning a new skill together at the invitation of a supervisor or co-workers. These supports “naturally” occur, and enhance the social integration between the employee with a disability and his/her co-workers and supervisor. The natural supports are permanent, consistently and readily available, since they are on-the-job, and encourage long-term job retention.
DSB VR Supported Employment Services works through 15 private non-profit Community Rehabilitation Programs serving all counties in North Carolina. Services include assessment, direct job placement, intensive individualized on-site job training and coaching, and extended follow-up on the job site with the individuals and the employer to ensure a good job match.
OUR RESULTS
During FFY 2008, the Supported Employment Services provided:
The definition of VR Transition Services is:
“a coordinated set of activities for a student designed within an outcome- oriented process that promotes movement from school to post‑secondary activities, including postsecondary education, vocational training, integrated employment (including supported employment), continuing and adult education, adult services, independent living, or community participation”.
The activities must be based upon the individual student's needs, preferences and interests. They include instruction, community experiences, the development of employment and other post‑secondary adult living objectives, development of daily living skills, and on-going vocational evaluation. The goal is for the student to achieve the employment goal identified on their Individual Plan for Employment.
Transition Services are available to all students with blindness or visual impairment in North Carolina. Seven specialized programs have been established through formal agreements with local school systems to provide a DSB VR Transition Counselor and Community Employment Specialist to students in their systems. These include:
DSB VR counselors can begin working with students as early as age 14. While still in high school, services may include:
In 2008, DSB offered summer transition programs through the Rehabilitation Center for the Blind in Raleigh. These included:
Students in the specialized Transition Programs stayed in their home communities and participated in WOW paid internships and/or mini-centers for learning independent living skills. The mini-centers in the students’ home communities were developed by transition staff and the Independent Living Rehabilitation staff with assistance from orientation and mobility specialists and assistive technology consultants and instructors. The program included basic cooking, developing a shopping list, the purchase of the food and preparation, budgeting, doing laundry, use of public transportation systems, and information about self advocacy.
After graduation from high school, DSB VR counselors continue to assist the student until successfully employed. For students who attend required post-secondary training, staff provided services necessary to complete the training, whether it be for a short-term certificate program or an extensive post-graduate program. When they complete their training, and for students planning to go to work after high school, services will include job seeking skills training, job development and job placement services.
The goal of Transition Services is to identify candidates as early as possible, to assist them in the development of a career path of their choice, and to help them to be successful in competitive, integrated employment.
OUR RESULTS
During FFY 2008, the Transition Services achieved:
SUCCESS STORY-TRANSITION SERVICES
Stacie Dawn Harris was born on January 13, 1984 to Ricky and Patricia Harris, a middle child among her sisters Kim, Stephanie, and the youngest Christine. They soon learned she would face a life challenge unlike those of her sisters. Stacie had been diagnosed with Oculocutaneous Albinism. With best correction, Stacie is considered to be legally blind in both eyes. Although very bright and talented, she had found out early she had difficulty reading newspaper print and telephone books. She always asked for front row seating in school, but she still found it difficult to see all that was written on the blackboard. Stacie’s parents worked with the school system to assist her with obtaining books and other needed items in large print and she was able to obtain glasses, telescoping lenses and other adaptations to help her in school as well as at home.
As Stacie got older, it became apparent that she would require assistance beyond high school. With her academic abilities and talents, she needed to go to college. However, with the added challenges of knowing what accommodations would be needed and preparing for college, she would need assistance that the public school could not provide.
On April 15, 1998, her mother met with DSB VR’s transition counselor, Jim Baker, from the specialized transition program that serves Guilford County and Winston-Salem/Forsyth County schools. The Harris family learned that DSB would work with the family to ensure that she had the same opportunities as her fellow students. Stacie’s transition counselor met regularly with her and her teachers to help prepare her for her future and to keep her motivated to succeed. The counselor encouraged her to volunteer and participate in band and in part-time employment.
In 2000, Stacie attended the summer program at the Rehabilitation Center for the Blind. She participated in career and academic assessment, technology information assessment, college preparation classes, social skills classes, and a work site interview. Assistive technology that included a closed-caption television and computer software that enlarged print with speech were recommended for her. During that week, Stacie was exposed to “dorm life” in the provided dormitory facilities, using it as “practice” and in preparation for college life. After this experience, Stacie knew she had the ability to go on to a four year university!
Stacie began to consider which college she should attend and her DSB counselor was there to counsel her regarding which might be best for her. They considered and visited many, and Stacie decided to attend Appalachian State University (ASU). DSB was able to assist Stacie (along with her scholarships) with her tuition and fees throughout her career at ASU, including her pursuit of a graduate degree.
On May 11, 2008, Stacie Harris graduated with her Master of Science in Speech-Language and Auditory Pathology. On June 2, 2008, she fulfilled her life goal by becoming employed as a speech pathologist at Burlington Manor in Burlington. When speaking with her newest DSB transition counselor, Stacie spoke of being grateful for all DSB had done for her over the years and how she was inspired to share with others all that she had learned and experienced. Stacie would not only share with them her knowledge and skills regarding speech pathology and audiology, but of her own personal experience.
She feels that she has overcome the challenges of blindness!
Each year, DSB serves individuals with both vision and hearing loss through its Vocational Rehabilitation Program and the Independent Living Rehabilitation Program. The goal of services is to allow individuals to reach their maximum potential with training and support from DSB.
DSB employs five Deaf-Blind Specialists who are experts in the field of hearing and vision loss to serve individuals state-wide. Services include:
OUR RESULTS
During FFY 2008, Deaf-Blind Services assisted:
SUCCESS STORY – DEAF-BLIND SERVICES
MRS. SMITH FINDS ONE IS NEVER TOO OLD FOR SERVICES
Mrs. Edith Smith, living in Mecklenburg County, has macular degeneration, and a moderate hearing loss. Macular degeneration is a progressive disease that destroys central vision, which is needed to see details necessary for reading, identifying people, and driving. She contacted DSB for assistance to help her stay independent in her apartment and in her community. Each year, many people receive services from the Independent Living Rehabilitation program. What makes Mrs. Smith different from others who request DSB services is that she is 100 years old.
Mrs. Smith was born in Russell County, Virginia. She was married for 64 years and has one son. Mostly a full-time wife and homemaker, she worked part-time as a sales clerk in 1928 and again in 1960. When Mrs. Smith celebrated her 100th birthday, she received a signed letter and certificate from President Bush, for reaching that milestone. Mrs. Smith still values her independence and absolutely refuses to live in a retirement/assisted living community.
However, she needed DSB to help her to learn adaptive techniques for maintaining her home, to live safely, and to remain active in her community. Julie Ackiss, an independent living counselor, put labels on Mrs. Smith's appliances and assisted Mrs. Smith in obtaining cooking utensils, talking clocks, magnifiers, and specialized sunglasses to reduce glare. Ms. Ackiss realized Mrs. Smith had a hearing impairment and made a referral to Deaf-Blind Specialist Halina Milewska. Ms. Milewska found that even though she wears hearing aids, Mrs. Smith still can't hear at church and its senior luncheon meeting, an event that she attends every week at her church. Mrs. Smith had become so frustrated about not being able to hear that she was considering withdrawing from this event. Ms. Milewska demonstrated various types of assisted listening devices, and after several different trials, she found that an all-in one system that has a microphone, receiver and a headset helped her hear and understand at her church and at her senior luncheons. She is now able to add her input to the meetings, because she is able to hear the conversation. Mrs. Smith is thankful to the staff of DSB for assisting her in maintaining her independence at home and being able to stay active in the community.
The North Carolina Rehabilitation Center for the Blind and the Evaluation Unit are located on the campus of the Governor Morehead School for the Blind in Raleigh. Services focus on in-depth, comprehensive evaluations of rehabilitation needs and identification of services required. Individuals are referred by their DSB VR Counselor for:
The Rehabilitation Center provides specialized transitional programs each summer for teens. During FFY 2008, a video was developed for the use of field staff to better inform potential students of the services the center provides. It is on NC DSB’s website at www.dhhs.state.nc.us/dsb/training.htm#RehabCenter.
OUR RESULTS
During FFY 2008, the Evaluation Unit provided:
During FFY 2008, the Rehabilitation Center for the Blind provided:
Technology Support Services at the center also provide technical support, information, demonstrations and tours for visitors to the Technology Center throughout the year.
CONSUMER SATISFACTION
Each year, the State Rehabilitation Council, conducts a Consumer Satisfaction Survey of people who completed rehabilitation programs during the year. Surveys were mailed to 640 individuals whose cases were closed with an employment outcome. There were 275 completed surveys returned. The completed return rate was 43 percent.
Here is what our responding consumers had to say:
The Independent Living Services Program (ILS) provides assistance to individuals with blindness or visual impairment so they can reach their goal of the maximum independent living possible. DSB provides social workers for the blind, orientation and mobility specialists, and nurse eye care consultants that provide ILS services in all counties of North Carolina. Services provided to clients include:
OUR RESULTS
During SFY 2008, through the Independent Living Services Program:
The Medical Eye Care Program provides assistance with the costs of medical treatment for individuals who meet financial eligibility criteria for these services and who have no other financial resources, such as insurance, Medicaid or Medicare.
OUR RESULTS
During SFY State Fiscal Year 2008, the Medical Eye Care Program provided vision loss prevention or vision restoration services to 4,472 people including:
The Independent Living Rehabilitation Program (ILR) conducts mini centers for specialized training in independent living skills across the state. These are classes in local communities held once per week for about 10 weeks. The classes are organized by the independent living rehabilitation counselors, using DSB specialists and contractual teachers. It also works in partnership with Transition Services to provide mini centers for students in 2008.
OUR RESULTS
In SFY 2008, Independent Living Rehabilitation Services provided:
State Independent Living Council Meeting Schedule, 2009
January 14-15, 2009at the Country Suites, Burlington
April 9-10, 2009 at the Country Suites, Burlington
July 9-10, 2009 at the Country Suites, Burlington
October 8-9, 2009 at the Country Suites, Burlington
SUCCESS STORY - INDEPENDENT LIVING REHABILITATION PROGRAM
Henry Tate is an 87-year-old man with macular degeneration. Married over 65 years, he had been a successful farmer until his vision made it too difficult to work safely on the tractor. He felt like he was not even able to do much to help his wife in the home. After attending an ILR mini-center, he could prepare a simple meal, and found he could get books on tape from the Library for the Blind.
After the mini-center, his ILR counselor, Ms. Charlene Chapman, visited in the home. The lighting in their home is very poor, and Ms. Chapman found they did so to keep their utility bill low. ILR purchased and installed energy efficient bulbs in the home. She discovered that Henry had never been able to get into their bathtub and had been taking sponge baths. ILR purchased a tub bench and a handheld shower spray specially fitted for their bathroom. The ILR counselor explained how to safely get in and out of the tub, which he is now using.
A third area of concern found by the Counselor was Mr. Tate’s inability to use the phone. He was concerned that if his wife or he would get hurt, he would not be able to get help. ILR purchased and installed a big button phone. The counselor provided instruction on how to use the 911 “button,” and put a bump dot for added ease of use and safety. She also set the phone‘s speed dialing system with five numbers of relatives and friends, and instructed him in its use.
Several weeks later, the ILR counselor called to check on him, and discovered that his wife had fallen in the home, resulting in a large gash in her head and loss of consciousness. Henry was able to dial 911 and then call his granddaughter for help. His wife is at home recovering. She said if Henry had not had that phone and learned how to use it, she feels that she would have died. Henry said he was glad that he learned how to use the phone and get help for his wife.
The State Rehabilitation Council (SRC) must comply with specific federal requirements regarding its composition. Cited below are the Council’s members and entity that each represents.
Beth Butler, Chairperson, Business/Industry/Labor
Allen Casey, Vice Chairperson, Disability Advocacy Group
Graham Watt, Workforce Development
Anita Heath-Cunningham, Parent Representative
Tommy Jenkins, At-Large
Julie Kagy, Department of Public Instruction
Ruth Haines, Statewide Independent Living Council
Kathy Brack, Client Assistance Program
Jay Williams, Representative of Vocational Rehabilitation participants
Richard Oliver, Community Rehabilitation Program Service Provider
Terri Meyer, Parent Training and Information Center
Ex Officio Members
Debbie Jackson, Director, Division of Services for the Blind
Eddie Weaver, Qualified Rehabilitation Counselor from DSB
DIVISION OF SERVICES FOR THE BLIND
2601 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699 – 2601
Website: http://www.dhhs.state.nc.us/dsb/
STATE OFFICE
Located on the campus of the Governor Morehead School in Raleigh
Office of the Director: (919) 733‑9822
Aids and Appliances: (919) 715‑0249
Business Enterprises Program: (919) 733‑9703
Communications Unit: (Produces Materials in Alternate Format): (919) 715-2436
Evaluation Unit: (919) 733‑4281 Voice/TTY
Independent Living Services: (919) 733‑9744
Medical Eye Care Program: (919) 733‑9744
Rehabilitation Center for the Blind: (919) 733‑5897
Rehabilitation Services: (919) 733‑9700 Voice/TTY
Vocational Rehabilitation Program
Deaf‑Blind Services
Independent Living Rehabilitation
Supported Employment Services
Transition Services
Rehabilitation Engineer
Technology Resource Center: (919) 733‑5897
Contact CARE-LINE 1-800-622-7030 for access to a Spanish Interpreter
DISTRICT OFFICES
| Asheville District Office | 50 S. French Broad Avenue Asheville, NC 28801 (828) 251‑6732 Voice/TTY 1 (800) 422‑1881 |
| Charlotte District Office | 5855 Executive Center Drive, Suite100 Charlotte, NC 28212 (704) 563-4168 Voice/TTY 1 (800) 422‑1895 |
| Fayetteville District Office | 225 Green Street Fayetteville, NC 28301 (910) 486‑1582 Voice/TTY 1 (800) 422‑1897 |
| Greenville District Office | 404 St. Andrews Drive Greenville, NC 27834 (252) 355‑9016 Voice/TTY 1 (800) 422‑1877 |
| Raleigh District Office | 309 Ashe Avenue Raleigh, NC 27606 (919) 733‑4234 Voice/TTY 1 (800) 422‑1871 |
| Wilmington District Office | 3240 Burnt Mill Road, Suite 7 Wilmington, NC 28403 (910) 251-5743Voice/TTY 1 (800) 422‑1884 |
| Winston-Salem District Office | 4265 Brownsboro Road, Suite 100 Winston- Salem, NC 27106 (336) 896-2227 Voice/TTY 1 (800) 422‑0373 |
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