Delaware Division for the Visually Impaired (DVI)
1901 North DuPont Highway, Biggs Building
New Castle, DE 19720
(302) 255-9800
The Division for the Visually Impaired (DVI) provides various types of low-cost technology devices and training in the use of many other types of equipment to people of all ages with visual impairments. DVI is required to cover these items for persons who are legally blind and may cover these items for those who have low vision. Higher tech equipment may be purchased as part of DVI's Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) services, which are offered to legally blind adults (20/200 or worse in best eye with correction). DVI's VR services operate in much the same way as those of the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (see the DVR section), so DVI/VR counselors may assist with employment, independent living services, and locating other options for equipment, such as the work incentive programs available under Social Security. Contact the DVI office for additional information.
DVI also provides accessible curricular materials and technology to any school district requesting such items. The costs for this are sometimes shared with the school district.
DVI's services also include an Education Program, in which teachers and counselors work to minimize the effects of a visual handicap on the development of infants and toddlers (birth to age three) and on the academic performance of students age 4-21 who are blind or visually impaired. DVI has a variety of other services, including a Business Enterprise Program which provides employment opportunities in the food service industry, the Delaware Industries for the Blind which includes skills training and competitive and supported employment, and a Materials Center which provides consumers with materials in reading mediums of their choice for personal, educational, and/or professional use.
DVI provides services to persons age 55 and over through its Independent Living Services Unit. There are no income or eligibility limits for the elderly population, and the array of services includes assessment, low vision evaluation, and training.
Some persons served by DVI may also be eligible for a variety of services through the Division of Developmental Disabilities Services (DDDS) (see the DDDS section of this manual).
