Welcome to the Idaho Commission for the Blind and
Visually Impaired (ICBVI) website.
ICBVI is a state agency which has
been serving Idahoans since 1967. The agency assists blind and visually
impaired persons to achieve independence by providing education,
developing work skills, increasing self-confidence and helping them
remain employed or prepare for employment.
What is Blindness?
A person is considered legally blind when the best
corrected visual acuity is 20/200 in the better eye or the person's
visual field is 20 degrees or less. The amount of remaining vision is
not the determiner of success. With proper instruction, a blind or
visually impaired person can perform most any task by employing
alternative techniques. ICBVI provides services for persons who are legally
blind, functionally blind or in danger of blindness.
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SERVICES for Adults, Seniors or Youth? (Please click on the title headings for additional
information).
Vocational Rehabilitation Services
VR Services may help you if you are
experiencing a vision problem that is preventing you from getting a job
or may be the cause of you losing a job. Our program is designed
to assist you in making informed choices concerning your career so that
you can become or stay successfully employed.
School-to-Work Transition (for ages 14+)
In order to help blind and visually impaired young
people to become self-sufficient adults, we offer specialized programs
which emphasize preparing students in the transition process from
secondary to post secondary or work experience. Beginning at the
age of 14, a VR Counselor can begin working with a student.
Assessment and Training Center
The ATC in Boise provides intensive instruction in
skills needed for a blind or visually impaired person to participate
fully in the mainstream
of society. The Center's goal is to provide training which will
allow the individual to perform any task, on the job or at home, as well
as his/her sighted peers. Instruction is available in the following areas:
activities of daily living, Braille and communications, industrial arts, keyboard and computer,
and orientation and mobility/cane travel.
Business Enterprise Program
This program makes it possible for blind individuals
to be financially independent and earn a living through the management
and operation of small businesses located in public buildings.
Independent Living
Services
ICBVI provides specially designed services
for people of all ages who are experiencing vision loss. These services may
include home counseling, instruction in alternative techniques, peer support
groups and various low vision services.
Sight Restoration Services
To preserve, stabilize or restore vision, ICBVI, along
with other state agencies, often can provide financial assistance for
medical costs to qualified individuals.
Low Vision Clinic
A low vision evaluation may be performed by an
optometrist at the ICBVI Low Vision Clinic or by an instructor in the
home. A variety of devices will be tried to assist individuals to make
the most of their remaining vision.
The ICBVI Store
There are ICBVI Stores located in Boise and all
regional offices, which stock many items, including magnifiers and
talking, large print and Braille devices.
Braille Services
ICBVI consults with businesses and individuals needing materials transcribed
into Braille. We help choose an appropriate resource to do this, through
volunteers, projects with private and public agencies, as well as through our
own facilities.
Accessibility
Statement:
This website was created using the web
coding standards of the W3C and the State of Idaho policies regarding
web content. This website can be viewed with compliant browsers as
it was created with Microsoft Web Expression Software.