DIVISION OF SERVICES FOR THE BLIND

PURPOSE

The overall objective of the programs, administered through the Division of Services for the Blind, is to assist legally blind persons in Arkansas toward the opportunity to live full and productive lives, with dignity and self-respect. DSB staff members recognize that blindness is a severe handicap and believe that blind persons are entitled to the full range of services, provided by the agency, to help them overcome their handicap. It is DSB's philosophy that the services staff be knowledgeable of the special problems of blindness, ar,~ believe in the capacities, worthiness, and dignity of blind persons and their ability to succeed if helped along the way.

BLINDNESS

Blindness does not always mean total loss of sight. A person whose visual acuity does not exceed 20/200 in the better eye, with best correction, or whose field of vision is restricted to 20 degrees or less is considered "legally blind." Some persons with rapidly progressive visual problems which will result in blindness may benefit from services of the Division of Services for the Blind.

VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION SERVICES

The objective of DSB's Vocational Rehabilitation Program is to prepare blind persons for work and help them find jobs. Under the program, any blind person who is interested in working is provided a thorough range of diagnostic services, medical services as required, necessary training, and for those who have the potential, assistance in finding jobs. One of the basic elements in the vocational rehabilitation process is to assist blind persons in dealing with problems directly related to blindness, to learn how to do things without sight, which normally would require sight. Mobility communications and activities of daily living, must be mastered. It is that blindness, in and of itself, is not a barrier to success. It is important too that the individual gain selfconfidence and self-discipline to meet and overcome the limitations blindness carries with it

INDEPENDENT LIVING REHABILITATION SERVICES

The objective of DSB's Independent Living Rehabilitation Services program is to assist blind persons who are unable to work or, for a variety of reasons, are not interested in working, to live as independently as possible. Major objectives of the program are: Assist the family of the blind, pre-school child develop and learn on the same basis as sighted children, and assist older blind persons in learning to care for th&ir individual needs so they may live in their home environment rather than an institution.

VENDING FACILITY PROGRAM

The Vending Facility Program provides employment opportunities as managers of snack bars throughout the State for those who are interested and have the skills for the work. The Program can provide training to qualified blind persons interested in managing a vending stand or food service facility. The facilities are located in public buildings, private industries and businesses and sell a variety of food and related items to the public. All locations are managed by blind persons who have been licensed by the Division of Services for the Blind. In addition to providing training, the agency finds the locations, equips and stocks them, provides supervision and fiscal management, in-service training, maintains and replaces equipment. The Program provides guaranteed earnings for all managers employed.

LIBRARY SERVICES

Library services for the blind and visually impaired are available on a statewide basis through the Arkansas Library Commission, Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped. These services include the distribution of Talking Book Machines and Tape Cassette Playback Machines as well as the lending of reading material reproduced on records, tapes, in braille or large print. The staff of the Division of Services for the Blind will be happy to assist interested persons in making arrangements with the Library.

ARKANSAS RADIO READING SERVICE

The purpose of this non-profit organization is to establish radio information service for blind persons living in a radius of 50 miles of Little Rock. Broadcasts are received on special receiving sets attuned to the frequency of the sub-carrier of the broadcasting station. Each person whose certification is verified will be eligible for a receiver. Forms are available from the Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, #1 Capitol Mall, Little Rock, AR 72201.

HOW REFERRALS CAN BE MADE

Any severely visually handicapped person who is interested in receiving any of the described services or who desires additional information about services to the blind should get in touch with any one of the offices listed on the back of this brochure. The professional staff is always available to provide consultation on problems of blindness.

OFFICE LOCATIONS

LITTLE ROCK
State and Area Oflice
411 Victory Street
P.O. Box 3237
Little Rock, AR 72203-3237
371-2587 and 371-1501

BATESVILLE
Highway 25, North
P.O. Box 3699
Batesville, AR 72503-3699

Department of Human Services Div. of Services for the Blind
123 West 18th Street
El Dorado, Arkansas 71730
862-6631

FAYETTEVILLE
4044 Frontage Road
Fayetteville, AR 72703-5134
531-1151

FORT SMITH
Room 201-D
616 Garrison Avenue
Fort Smith, AR 72901-2521
782-6981

JONESBORO
2920 McClellan Drive
Room 1106
Jonesboro, AR 72401-7293
972-4925

PINE BLUFF
2505 West 18th Street
Pine Bluff, AR 71603-3943
535-1781

TEXARKANA
4323 Jefferson Ave.
Texarkana, AR 75502-1500
773-0563