22VAC45. Department For The Blind And Vision Impaired
VAC AGENCY NO. 45
DEPARTMENT FOR THE BLIND AND VISION IMPAIRED
AGENCY SUMMARY
The Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired is vested with general supervision of vocational rehabilitation and independent living services provided to individuals who are blind, vision impaired, or deafblind. It is either mandated or authorized to provide specialized programs which include special education services; rehabilitation teaching and independent living services; vocational rehabilitation services; special library services for persons who are blind or otherwise have print disabilities; manufacturing, retail, and contract services for the purpose of creating employment opportunities for people who are blind; training, licensing, and providing management support for persons who are blind to operate businesses on public property. The department also is authorized to operate a residential rehabilitation center, the Virginia Rehabilitation Center for the Blind and Vision Impaired. Code of Virginia, Title 22.1, Chapter 13, Article 2; Title 51.5, Chapter 12.
The department is designated as the state agency to implement federal laws providing for workforce services including, career counseling, transition services including pre-employment transition services to students and youth, employment supports such as job training, development and placement, and other rehabilitation services to persons who are blind, vision impaired, or deafblind. Vocational Rehabilitation services are provided in accordance with a State plan for vocational rehabilitation approved by the U.S. Department of Education Rehabilitation Administration. Code of Virginia, Title 51.5, Chapter 12, Article 3.
The department is designated as the state agency to administer the Randolph-Sheppard Act Vending Facility Program within the Commonwealth through the Virginia Enterprise Program in accordance with the Javitts-Wagner-O'Day Act (41 U.S.C. § 46 et seq.). The department is authorized to place people who are blind in businesses located on Federal, State and other property and manages the priority granted to blind individuals for operation of such businesses on public property. In cooperation with the Department of Transportation, the department is authorized to operate vending machines at rest areas on the interstate highways in Virginia and may promulgate regulations to govern such operations. Code of Virginia, Title 51.5, Chapter 12, Article 4.
Regulations, manuals, instructions, and forms governing the various programs under the department's administration have been issued and can be accessed through the agency website. Additionally, procedures applicable to complaints or grievances concerning any services offered directly by the department have been published and are publicly available.
Regulations and other public information may be requested through the department's administrative office located at 397 Azalea Avenue, Richmond, VA 23227 or by telephone (804) 371-3140. The agency may charge for the actual costs of providing information in response to these requests. Internet address: http://www.vdbvi.org/.
Rev. 7/2024