Blind & Low Vision Resources

Alternate Formats

• Alternate Formats Request (RS-9r) – Procedures
  Instructions for requesting documents in Braille and audio formats.
• Alternate Formats Request (RS-9r) – Form

Vendors & Providers

Independent Employment Specialists (IES)

• Independent Employment Specialist (IES): Description​
• DORS-Approved Independent Employment Specialists (IES)​

Orientation & Mobility (O&M) Specialists

• Orientation & Mobility Specialist: Description​​​
• DORS-Approved Certified Orientation & Mobility Providers​​​

Rehabilitation Teachers for the Blind

• Rehabilitation Teacher for the Blind: Description​
• DORS-Approved Rehabilitation Teachers for the Blind​

Out-of-State Providers

• DORS-Approved Out-of-State Vendors & Providers​

Guides & Fact Sheets

• OBVS at WTC Services Guide
  This guide describes the OBVS services available at the Workforce & Technology Center and gives instructions on how to create the Service Authorizations for each.

• OBVS Fact Sheet for OFS/EDU
  This fact sheet provides information to help determine which cases will be referred to OBVS staff for consultation and/or case transfers; it also includes points of discussion for staff when working with a job seeker who has reduced vision.

• OBVS Job Development Guide
  This guide provides an overview of specific areas for OBVS counselors and staff to address when assisting vision-impaired job seekers with becoming job ready.

• Important Information About DORS Independent Living Services (RS-6-IL)(LARGE Print)
  Required attachment to Independent Living Plan.

• Blindness & Vision Services Enhanced Rate Fact Sheet (RS-9u)
  To be provided to CRPs interested in providing services to blind, visually impaired and/or deaf-blind consumers.

• Scheduling Low Vision Evaluations​
  Instructions for authorizing Low Vision Evaluations at Wilmer Eye Institute and GBMC/Hoover Low Vision.
  

Forms

• OBVS Vision Request Form
  This form is to be sent by OBVS staff to ophthalmologists, low vision doctors, or other clinics to obtain specific vision information relevant for planning and service provision.

• Application for Independent Living Older Blind Services (RS-1L)

• Professional Disclosure Statement (RS-1m) - ILOB Teacher Template(LARGE Print)

• Independent Living Plan (RS-6g)(LARGE Print)

• OBVS Job Squad Referral (RS-8c)

• OBVS Career-Life Planning Referral (RS-8d)

Large Print & High Contrast Brochures

• Opening DORS to Employment: LARGE
• Opening DORS to Employment: High Contrast
• Informed Choice: LARGE
• Informed Choice: High Contrast
• Client Assistance Program: LARGE
• Client Assistance Program: High Contrast
  
• DORS Services for Students: LARGE
• DORS Services for Students: High Contrast​
• Office for Blindness & Vision Services: LARGE
• Office for Blindness & Vision Services: High Contrast
• Maryland Enterprise Program for the Blind: LARGE
• Maryland Enterprise Program for the Blind: High Contrast
• Independent Living Older Blind: LARGE
• Independent Living Older Blind: High Contrast​

Other Resources

• Visual Disabilities in the Workplace and the Americans with Disabilities Act (U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission)
  
• Creating an Inclusive Workplace for People Who Are Blind or Low Vision (American Printing House for the Blind)
• Cover Letter Writing Tips for Blind or Low Vision Job Seekers (American Printing House for the Blind)
• ​ Employer’s Guide to Accommodations for Blind and Low Vision Employees (American Printing House for the Blind)
• Getting Started: A Guide for People New to Vision Loss (Spanish) (American Printing House for the Blind)
• What You Need to Know About Hiring Blind and Visually Impaired Workers​​​ (Monster Jobs)​