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Services for People Who are Deaf-Blind

Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired provides advocacy, information and referral, evaluation, guidance and counseling services, and training in alternative skills for daily living for individuals who are Deaf-Blind and their families. Tactile, vibratory and other equipment that assists people in communicating and receiving environmental information is available.

Individuals may be referred for Deaf-Blind services who are legally blind or have progressive visual disabilities that will result in legal blindness and severe to profound hearing loss or significant difficulties communicating in home or community settings. There are no age requirements for services; however, this program primarily serves adults.

Deaf-Blind services staff work closely with other DRS programs to ensure that Oklahomans with dual sensory loss have equal access to all services and programs.

Oklahomans with combined vision and hearing loss may now get the latest communications technology – including iPads and smartphones -- free of charge through a program called iCanConnect.

iCanConnect, also known as the National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program, is managed in Oklahoma by Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired in the Department of Rehabilitation Services.

DRS was designated by the Federal Communications Commission to purchase equipment, assess individual needs, install, train and provide support to help eligible children, adults and seniors make the most of the communications equipment.

Products include those available to the general public and those adaptable through specialized equipment, such as screen enlargement software, screen readers or braille displays.

To qualify for iCanConnect, Oklahomans must be certified as Deaf-Blind by a medical, vision or hearing-related professional, educator or a community-based service agency.

Applicants’ incomes must not exceed 400 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.

For more information about iCanConnect in Oklahoma, call 580-310-5301, or email kgutierrez@okdrs.gov.  

How to Apply

Step 1: Locate an office nearest you, use this link to find the state office and contact information that serves your area.

Step 2: Call for an appointment

Step 3: Fill out an application

Step 4: Gather as much medical information as you can

Step 5: Show up for the appointment to complete the application

OR

You may complete an online self-referral, and someone from DRS will contact you to initiate the application process.

 

Keys to Success

  • Keep in contact with your counselor
  • Let him or her know if you move or change phone numbers
  • Complete any assignments

Eligibility

A person may be eligible for vocational rehabilitation from SBVI if he or she has blindness or a significant visual impairment that is a substantial barrier to employment and requires our services to prepare for, obtain, keep or return to work.

What to bring

Copy of documentation verifying the disabling condition(s), copy of academic transcript(s), Social Security card, picture ID, immigration status documentation if not a US citizen, medical insurance verification, if available.

Oklahoma Works brings all of our state’s workforce resources together, connecting employers, employees and job-seekers to information and programs that help build Oklahoma’s workforce.

Visit the Oklahoma Works website