Welcome to the New Hampshire Department of Education
Division of Adult Learning and Rehabilitation
Services for Blind and Visually Impaired

This program plans and directs the functions of education, training and vocational rehabilitation and related services to individuals who are blind or visually impaired.  A registry of legally blind and visually impaired citizens is maintained by this program to establish eligibility for services as well as to document the status of legal blindness for individuals.

Service Delivery System:

Vocational Rehabilitation: Services are provided to eligible individuals based on the individual’s particular needs and vocational goal(s).  In addition to the Rehabilitative Services provided to all Vocational Rehabilitation customers, specialized services provided by SBVI counselors include: Low Vision, Technology and Rehabilitation Engineering, Orientation and Mobility, Counseling and Guidance relative to adjustment to vision loss and specialized skills training. 

 Sight Services for Independent Living: Is a statewide, community-based program serving adults age 55 or older with functional vision problems.  The mission of this program is to assist individuals to maintain independence at home and in the community.  The program enables participants to receive information about their vision loss, to learn about and receive evaluation in the use of vision aids and other adaptive devices, and to develop skills to maintain or regain confidence and cope more effectively with the effects of vision loss.

Business Enterprise Program: Services for Blind and Visually Impaired is the State Licensing Agency for Business Enterprise Program Operators. Designed by Congress under the Randolph Sheppard Act this program's intended purpose is to provide people who are legally blind with remunerative employment, enlarge economic opportunities and stimulate greater efforts toward self support.  Individuals licensed under this program operate businesses such as vending facilities and cafeterias on state and federal property. 

Registry of Legally Blind: Services for Blind and Visually Impaired is mandated by State law to maintain a registry of individuals who meet the legal definition of blindness and wish to receive benefits pursuant to that determination.  Individuals whose blindness is documented by an eye doctor and qualified by the State's consulting Ophthalmologist are considered to be certified and are eligible for Property and Income Tax reduction or exemption, Interest and Dividends tax reduction, a free NH Fishing License, Non-Driver’s Identification Cards, Walking Disability Placard, and a verification of blindness letter.

Services for Blind and Visually Impaired also provides services to employers.  Learn more about the occupations successfully performed by people who are blind/visually impaired.

For more information, contact us at one of our office locations.