Minnesota State Services for the Blind

If you have vision loss, the Workforce Development Unit of Minnesota State Services for the Blind (SSB) can help you prepare for, find, and keep a job, and live as independently as possible.

Rehabilitation Counseling

If you have major vision loss that makes it hard for you to get and keep a job, you may be eligible for counseling, training, job skills, and job placement services from SSB.

Services vary depending on your individual needs. SSB counselors will work with you to figure out which services you will need to reach your job goal.

After you have decided on a goal and figured out what services you need to reach it, you work with a counselor to make a plan that will help you achieve your goal. SSB counselors know about vision loss and understand workplace demands so they can help you choose which options are the best for you.

For more information about SSB Rehabilitation Counseling, call 1-651-539-2300 or 1-800-652-9000.

Eligibility and Application

Eligibility for vocational rehabilitation services from the Workforce Development Unit of Minnesota State Services for the Blind (SSB) is based on several things. The main thing you must have to qualify is significant vision loss. People who get SSI or SSDI because of their vision loss are automatically eligible.

The Department of Employment and Economic Development provides a list of local SSB offices. To discuss your eligibility and the programs or services that might be available to you, or to ask for an application for services, you can:

• Call 1-651-539-2373 or 1-800-652-9000 and ask to speak with someone in the Workforce Development Unit, or
• Fill out the SSB Information Request form online and a member of the SSB staff will contact you