Florida Department of Education Opens All Vocational Rehabilitation and Blind Services Locations
October 7, 2022
FDOE Press Office
850-245-0413
DOEPressOffice@fldoe.org
Florida Department of Education Opens All Vocational Rehabilitation and Blind Services Locations
~ VR and DBS offices have returned to full operations in every Florida county in the wake of Hurricane Ian ~
Tallahassee, Fla., October 7, 2022 – Today, Commissioner Manny Diaz, Jr. announced the Florida Department of Education’s (FDOE) Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) and Division of Blind Services (DBS) are now fully operational in all 67 counties, including in Southwest Florida.
“I am so proud of our VR and DBS staff who have put their constituents first, doing whatever necessary to continue services and operations throughout this challenging time for our state,” said Commissioner Manny Diaz, Jr. “Most importantly, some of Florida’s most vulnerable populations will continue to receive timely, uninterrupted support.”
VR and DBS collaborated to ensure there were no lapses in client services, even sharing office space in areas where storm damage affected the ability to return to certain buildings. Both divisions play an important role in helping individuals with disabilities and visual impairments to secure meaningful employment and independence, a joint mission that is especially vital during this time of recovery. VR staff will also be onsite at the Disaster Recovery Center in Fort Myers beginning Friday, October 7, 2022, to readily support clients in Southwest Florida.
About the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
The Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation assists people with disabilities, ages 14 and older, in securing competitive, integrated employment. Each year they assist over 5,000 Floridians in obtaining employment, leading to better outcomes for families, communities and the Florida economy. VR’s vision is to become the first place individuals with disabilities turn when seeking employment and a top resource for employers in need of qualified employees. To learn more, visit https://www.rehabworks.org/index.html.
About the Division of Blind Services
The Florida Division of Blind Services helps blind and visually impaired individuals achieve their goals and live their lives with as much independence and self-direction as possible. Their mission is to ensure blind and visually impaired Floridians have the tools, support and opportunity to achieve success, while helping to create a barrier-free environment in the lives of Floridians with visual disabilities. To learn more, visit https://dbs.fldoe.org/.
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