State Helps Handicapped Land Employment
New York State leads the nation in employment statistics for theblindandvisuallyimpaired,accordingtoaarecentfederal report.
According to the Federal Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA), the state Commission for the Blind and Visually Handicapped (CBVH) placed 60 percent more blind and visually impaired workers in jobs last year than the next highest state.
The CBVH, which is under the purview of the state Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS), credited its partnership with the National Employment Team of the Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation for the high marks.
The vocational rehabilitation program helps those with visual impair- ments gain employment skills, and works closely with community organizations and vocational rehabilitation agencies to train and develop propsective job candidates. The employees who are placed through the CBVH program receive support not only from the agency but also from their supervisors and co-workers.
Entrants in the program have reported high levels of job satisfaction.
“Through this partnership, CBVH has been able to develop relationships with national private and public employers to obtain employment opportunities for the blind and visually impaired in New York State,” the agency said in a statement. “CBVH also works closely with community partners to increase sharing of job leads and develop relationships with local employers. “
“We are so proud that these valuable partnerships have resulted in career opportunities for the clients of CBVH, who bring valuable skills to the workforce,” stated OCFS Commissioner Gladys Carrión. “These jobs are prime examples of how best to provide growth opportunities for diverse populations and foster success.”
The federal report encompassed six broad categories; and the CBVH was one of only three state agencies in the nation that passed the 2011 standards in all six categories. The agency was also lauded for best practices in several areas, including the Summer Employment Experience Program for state youths, employer business kits designed to improve employment outcomes, and outreach initiatives to unserved and underserved individuals.
For more information about CBVH programs, or to find a local district office, call 1-866-871-3000 (TTY: 1- 866- 871-6000) or visit www.ocfs.state.ny.us/main/cbvh.
