Minnesota WorkForce Center - Wadena
124 - 1st Street S.E.
Wadena MN 56482
Phone: 218-631-7660 Fax #: 218-631-7676 TTY #: 218-631-7677
Toll Free 1-888-GET-JOBS

State Services for the Blind (SSB)

Services are provided on an individual basis and are designed to result in personal independence. We believe that blindness should never stop people from obtaining jobs or in engaging in any activities which reflect their potential and interests.

To receive services

In order for us to begin to assist you, we need a request from you for services and information about your eye condition and how it affects you. After reviewing this and, as needed, other information, a determination of eligibility for services will be made with you, and a plan of services will be developed.

Eligibility

To be eligible for rehabilitation services, you must have a visual disability which creates a barrier to employment or independence and you must meet the eligibility criteria.
Specific details, including criteria for each of the four rehabilitation programs, are described in the Vocational Rehabilitation, Independent Living, Self-Care and Child Rehabilitation section. There must be a reasonable expectation that services will assist you in achieving your rehabilitation goal.

You have a visual disability if you have:

20/60 or less corrected central vision in the better eye with best correction;
or
a loss of one full quadrant of binocular field vision;
or
a progressive eye condition which is likely to result in legal blindness (20/200 or less central vision in the better eye with best correction or side vision of less than 20 degrees).

After you are determined eligible for rehabilitation services from State Services for the Blind (SSB), you and your counselor will write an Individual Written Rehabilitation Plan (IWRP).
The plan is an agreement between you and SSB describing your goal, the services you will receive, how and in what way you and SSB will check your progress towards your goal, and your responsibilities.
You and your counselor will both sign the plan and you will receive a copy for your records.

Applying for services

You may apply for services, or someone may refer you. A rehabilitation counselor will be assigned once State Services for the Blind (SSB) receives your name. You must apply for services in writing. This can be a letter or a form provided by SSB.

Appeals

If you disagree with any action SSB plans to take or not take regarding your rehabilitation, you have the right to appeal.

Cost of Services

SSB is a public agency that gets almost all of its support from the State or Federal government. You, your friends, family and neighbors all support SSB by paying taxes. That's why there is no charge to you for most services received under a written plan with SSB. However, there are some exceptions and some steps that are required to make sure public monies are correctly spent.

Termination of Services

Services will end when you have received the services listed in your written plan, and have reached your goal. Your counselor will contact you to discuss closing your case before services are stopped. You have the right to appeal a decision to close your case. If you need services in the future, you can apply again.

For additional information contact:

Ralston DuBois
Brainerd WorkForce Center
1919 South 6th Street
Brainerd MN 56401
Toll Free 1-800-657-3779

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updated:04/11/2006