Site Logo Delaware Health and Social Services
    Site Logo Delaware Health and Social Services
    home icon > Division for the Visually Impaired > Advisory Councils

    Advisory Councils

    breadcrumb icon close icon

    Division for the Visually Impaired

    Apply for Services right arrow icon Eligibility Criteria right arrow icon

    Advisory Councils

    The Division for the Visually Impaired (DVI) works with several advisory councils to ensure that the voices of people with vision loss—and the communities that support them—are heard and valued.

    These councils include individuals who are blind or visually impaired, family members, advocates, professionals, and community leaders. Their ideas and feedback help shape the programs and services that make independence and inclusion possible for Delawareans with vision loss.

    If you’re interested in contributing your experience or perspective, we encourage you to attend a meeting or consider joining a council.

    Get Involved

    All meetings are open to the public, and you’re welcome to attend even if you don’t plan to serve on a committee. Check the Statewide Public Calendar for upcoming dates and meeting details.

    To apply for a council appointment, visit the Governor’s Boards and Commissions site.

    Calendar of Events

    Advisory Council on the Blind

    This council advises DVI, the Department of Health and Social Services, and the Governor on key issues that affect Delawareans who are blind or have low vision.

    Council members provide guidance on education, training, accessibility, and quality of life, helping ensure that programs are responsive to the needs of the community.

    🗓️ Meets the first Friday of each month (except July)

    Vocational Rehabilitation Advisory Council to DVI (VRAC-DVI)

    Mandated by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, this council serves as a bridge between DVI’s vocational programs and the individuals who use them.

    Members include advocates, professionals, and individuals with lived experience from across Delaware. They provide feedback and ideas that help ensure DVI’s employment services are inclusive, effective, and aligned with real-world needs.

    • Meets monthly

    Independent Living Advisory Council (ILAC)

    ILAC provides guidance on how to grow and improve Independent Living Services across the state. Members work closely with DVI and the State Independent Living Council (SILC) to ensure services meet the evolving needs of people living with vision loss.

    • Meets quarterly
    • To learn more or request an application, call (302) 255-9800

    Commission for Statewide Contracts to Support Employment for Individuals with Disabilities

    The purpose of this commission is to further the policy of the State to encourage and assist blind and other severely handicapped individuals to achieve productive gainful employment by assuring an expanded and constant market for their products and services. This meeting is held every 3rd Tuesday of the month, unless a quorum cannot be established then the meeting will be postponed.