Notice from ICBVI
The Idaho Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ICBVI) is in the process of completing our triennial comprehensive statewide needs assessment (CSNA) as required by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Rehabilitation Services Administration. The purpose of the CSNA is to identify the vocational rehabilitation needs of individuals with blindness or vision impairments in Idaho. We will be seeking input from individuals with disabilities, community partners, and businesses as part of the process. We are posting this note to let you all know that we need your help!
Please take a few minutes and complete whichever survey applies to you by March 14, 2023. You can access the survey by clicking on the appropriate link below:
Idaho Blind 2023 CSNA – Individual Survey(current or former clients)
Idaho Blind 2023 CSNA – Transition Survey(students ages 14-21)
Idaho Blind 2023 CSNA – Partner Survey
Idaho Blind 2023 CSNA – Business Survey
We hope that you will be an active participant with us as we strive to comprehensively identify and meet the needs of individuals with blindness and vision impairments in Idaho.
Thank you!
Notice from
The Board of the Idaho Commission for the
Blind and Visually Impaired
In compliance with the Idaho Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ICBVI) rules and regulations, notice is hereby given that a regular meeting of the Board of the Idaho Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired will be held:
Tuesday, March 7, 2023
9:00 a.m. Pacific Time
The meeting will be held in at: The Coeur d’ Alene Resort 115 S. 2nd St. Coeur d’ Alene, ID 83814 Consumer input will be heard from 11:00 A.m. to 11:45 p.m
To join this meeting via phone,
please call
(720) 527-5931
Use Access code: 4831794#
If you are interested in participating, call 208-639-8374
or toll free in Idaho 1-800-542-8688
and ask for Angela Starr. You can also email your questions to astarr@icbvi.idaho.gov.
ICBVI Regular Board Meeting 3-7-23 Agenda (MS Word)
Welcome to the Idaho Commission for the Blind and
Visually Impaired (ICBVI) website.
ICBVI is a state agency which has
been serving Idahoans since 1967. The agency assists blind and visually
impaired persons to achieve independence by providing education,
developing work skills, increasing self-confidence and helping them
remain employed or prepare for employment.
What is Blindness?
A person is considered legally blind when the best
corrected visual acuity is 20/200 in the better eye or the person's
visual field is 20 degrees or less. The amount of remaining vision is
not the determiner of success. With proper instruction, a blind or
visually impaired person can perform most any task by employing
alternative techniques. ICBVI provides services for persons who are legally
blind, functionally blind or in danger of blindness.
ICBVI MISSION STATEMENT:
Our mission is to empower persons who are
blind or visually impaired by providing vocational rehabilitation,
skills training, and educational opportunities to achieve
self-fulfillment through quality employment and independent living.
Services for Adults, Seniors or Youth (Please click on the title headings for additional information).
Vocational Rehabilitation
VR Services may help you if you are
experiencing a vision problem that is preventing you from getting a job
or may be the cause of you losing a job. Our program is designed
to assist you in making informed choices concerning your career so that
you can become or stay successfully employed.
Transition services are available to students (ages 14-21) with disabilities. They are a coordinated set of vocational rehabilitation activities that are outcome oriented and promote movement
from school to post-school activities; including postsecondary and vocational training and competitive integrated employment. We offer specialized programs that focus on developing employability,
independence and self-determination to equip students to fulfill their life goals.
The ATC in Boise provides intensive instruction in
skills needed for a blind or visually impaired person to participate
fully in the mainstream
of society. The Center's goal is to provide training which will
allow the individual to perform any task, on the job or at home, as well
as his/her sighted peers. Instruction is available in the following areas:
activities of daily living, Braille and communications, industrial arts, keyboard and computer,
and orientation and mobility/cane travel.
This program makes it possible for blind individuals
to be financially independent and earn a living through the management
and operation of small businesses located in public buildings.
ICBVI provides specially designed services
for people of all ages who are experiencing vision loss. These services may
include home counseling, instruction in alternative techniques, peer support
groups and various low vision services.
ICBVI Guide to Independence
To preserve, stabilize or restore vision, ICBVI, along
with other state agencies, often can provide financial assistance for
medical costs to qualified individuals.
A low vision evaluation may be performed by an
optometrist at the ICBVI Low Vision Clinic or by an instructor in the
home. A variety of devices will be tried to assist individuals to make
the most of their remaining vision.
There are ICBVI Stores located in Boise and all
regional offices, which stock many items, including magnifiers and
talking, large print and Braille devices.
Braille Services
ICBVI consults with businesses and individuals needing materials transcribed
into Braille. We help choose an appropriate resource to do this, through
volunteers, projects with private and public agencies, as well as through our
own facilities.