The Division for the Visually Impaired (DVI) offers a number of programs to help those who are blind or with low vision train for, find or advance in their jobs. From training to technology to workplace accommodations, we can help you achieve your employment goals.
We also help Delaware businesses adopt inclusive hiring practices and create accessible, productive work environments.
Vocational Rehabilitation
Whether you are new to the workforce, returning to work after vision loss, or looking to move ahead in your career, DVI can help with:
- Career counseling and goal setting
- Training and certifications
- Assistive technology evaluation and training
- Job placement assistance
- Workplace accommodations and orientation
You do not need to be unemployed to use Vocational Rehabilitation services. We can help you build skills to work more hours
Youth Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS)
Pre-ETS develop the transition from school to postsecondary education or to an employment outcome for students aged 14-22, ultimately increasing opportunities to practice and improve workplace readiness skills through work-based learning experiences in competitive, integrated settings, and increasing opportunities to explore postsecondary training options, leading to more industry-recognized credentials, and meaningful postsecondary employment for students with disabilities.
How to get started
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| Step 1 – Complete an application | We can help you fill out an application in any DVI office location, or you may contact our central intake coordinator at (302) 255-9800. |
| Step 2 – Determine eligibility | To be eligible for Vocation Rehabilitation Services, you must: • Have a documented visual impairment or legal blindness that is a significant barrier to employment • Require services to prepare for, get, do or keep a job. • Corrected visual acuity of 20/70 or worse in the better eye, or a visual field restriction of 20 degrees or less, documented by a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist |
| Step 3 – Create a plan for employment | Meet with your Vocational Rehabilitation counselor to come up with your employment goal. Together, you will plan out what you are going to do to achieve that goal and how we can best help you. |
| Step 4 – Congratulations, you got a job! | Your Vocational Rehabilitation counselor will continue to offer support in the first few months of your new job until you are ready to succeed on your own. If you need help in the future, just let us know. We’re here to help. |
| Locations | |
| |
To get started, contact our central intake coordinator at (302) 255-9848.
Pathways to Employment
This Medicaid program helps low-income youth and young adults, ages 14-25, with disabilities—including visual impairments—prepare for work, find jobs and succeed in the workplace.
- Our employment navigators can help young workers with:
- Training in assistive technology, mobility and orientation
- Career exploration and planning
- Supported employment (individual or group)
- Financial coaching and benefits counseling
- Non-medical transportation and personal care assistance
- View the State Plan Amendment (PDF)
- To enroll in Pathways to Employment or refer someone who might benefit from the program, contact the Delaware Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC).
Employment Navigator
| Provider | Phone | Counties | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Division of Developmental Disabilities Services (DDDS) | (302) 744-9600 | New Castle, Kent, Sussex | Accepting referrals |
| Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities (DSAAPD) | 1-800-223-9074 | New Castle, Kent, Sussex | Accepting referrals |
Career Exploration and Assessment
| Provider | Phone | Counties | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Easter Seals of Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore | (302) 324-4441 | New Castle, Kent, Sussex | Accepting referrals |
| Service Source Delaware | (302) 765-1232 | New Castle, Kent, Sussex | Accepting referrals |
| University of Delaware, Center for Disabilities Studies | (302) 831-6974 | New Castle | Accepting referrals |
Supported Employment (Individual and Small Group)
| Provider | Phone | Counties | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| ARC of Delaware | (302) 996-9400 | New Castle, Kent, Sussex | Accepting referrals |
| Autism Delaware, Inc. | (302) 224-6020 | New Castle, Kent, Sussex | Accepting referrals |
| Community Integrated Services | (302) 376-8259 | New Castle, Kent, Sussex | Accepting referrals |
| Easter Seals of Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore | (302) 324-4441 | New Castle, Kent, Sussex | Accepting referrals |
| Elwyn Delaware | (302) 658-8860 | New Castle | Accepting referrals |
| Heartwood Corporation | (302) 629-9002 | Sussex | Accepting referrals |
| Kent-Sussex Industries | (302) 422-4014 | Kent, Sussex | Accepting referrals |
| Service Source Delaware | (302) 765-1232 | New Castle, Kent, Sussex | Accepting referrals |
| St. John’s Community Services | (202) 274-3400 | New Castle, Sussex | Accepting referrals |
| Thrive Real Life Independence | (302) 261-2139 | New Castle, Kent | Accepting referrals |
| University of Delaware, Center for Disabilities Studies | (302) 831-6974 | New Castle | Accepting referrals |
Benefits Counseling
| Provider | Phone | Counties | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Community Integrated Services | (302) 376-8259 | New Castle, Kent, Sussex | Accepting referrals |
| Service Source Delaware | (302) 765-1232 | New Castle, Kent, Sussex | Accepting referrals |
Financial Coaching
| Provider | Phone | Counties | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Service Source Delaware | (302) 765-1232 | New Castle, Kent, Sussex | Accepting referrals |
Non-Medical Transportation
| Provider | Phone | Counties | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| LogistiCare Solutions, LLC | (302) 677-8900 | New Castle, Kent, Sussex | Accepting referrals |
Personal Care (Including a self-directed component)
| Provider | Phone | Counties | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Easter Seals of Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore (self-directed care) | (302) 324-4441 | New Castle, Kent, Sussex | Accepting referrals |
| JEVS Human Services (self-directed care) | (215) 854-1800 | New Castle | Accepting referrals |
| The Royal Touch, Inc. | (302) 249-0877 | New Castle, Kent, Sussex | Accepting referrals |
Orientation, Mobility Assistive Technology
| No authorized providers at this time. |
Business Enterprise Program
DVI’s Blind Entrepreneurs Program prepares Delawareans with visual impairments to become independent, self-employed managers in the food service industry. Trainees learn necessary skills to run cafeterias, snack bars, and vending routes in federal and state properties. The program includes instruction on all aspects of food service and business management. Opportunities include both full-time and seasonal positions.
Employers: Ready to hire a worker with a visual impairment?
Hiring someone who is blind or has low vision doesn’t just support inclusion. It brings skilled, resilient talent into your workforce.
DVI’s Business Consultants can help with
- Job site assessments and reasonable accommodation
- Training on accessibility tools and inclusive practices
- Connections to qualified job applicants
- Support with tax credit opportunities through the Disability Access Tax Credit
| Myth | Truth |
|---|---|
| Accommodations are expensive. | Many accommodations, such as better lighting or simple assistive tools, are low cost or free. |
| Hiring someone with a disability increases legal risk. | Employees with disabilities are no more likely to file claims than anyone else. |
| Insurance costs will increase. | Research shows hiring employees with disabilities does not raise insurance premiums. |
Let’s Get Started
If you or someone you know is living with vision loss and wants to pursue employment or self-employment, DVI is ready to help.
Call us at (302) 255-9800 to speak with a team member about your goals.
