Connecticut
Connecticut Program Information
What are the eligibility requirements?
Eligibility for services in the Adult Services Program is based upon the following criteria:
- Adults who meet the definition of Legally Blind or Visually Impaired Progressive
- The individual must require independent living services to achieve a greater degree of independent functioning within the place of residence or within the community.
Documentation of eligibility for services will be obtained through attainment of a completed BESB Eye Report Form from an optometrist or licensed physician, which states the required and applicable acuities or visual field restriction, resulting in confirmation of being Legally Blind or clear and convincing evidence to meet the definition of Visually Impaired Progressive.
Residency in Connecticut on a permanent or temporary basis is not a condition of receiving independent living rehabilitation services. An individual need not be a citizen to be eligible to receive services from the bureau, provided that the individual has a valid visa or other qualifying status to be legally present within the state.
Services provided by the bureau are done without regard to income guidelines, and eligible individuals shall not be required to disclose annual earnings for purposes of determining eligibility.
What is the process of applying for services?
- Individuals may be referred to the Adult Services Program from a variety of sources that may include, but are not limited to the following:
• BESB Online Eye Report Form completed by a licensed physician or optometrist
• Self-referral
• Family member or relative
• Community-based organization
• Residential care facility
• Friend, neighbor, or advocate
• Any other bureau, Program, or Department
What documentation is required?
A completed BESB Eye Report Form from an optometrist or licensed physician, that states the required and applicable acuities or visual field restriction, resulting in a confirmation of Legally Blind or clear and convincing evidence to meet the definition of Visually Impaired Progressive is require for services.
What services are available?
Individuals eligible for independent living services provided through the Adult Services Program are deemed to require services to function independently in the residence or community at the time of eligibility determination. These services may be provided in the residence, in the community, in a group setting, or at the BESB office. Independent living services provided by the Adult Services Program may include, but are not limited to the following:
- Information and referral services, which may include volunteer services, community-based organizations, social networks, peer support groups, etc.
- Adjustment to blindness counseling
- Instruction in the use of techniques and devices to maximize residual vision or compensate for the loss of functional vision
- Activities of daily living and self-advocacy training skills to maximize independence
- Instruction in the use of a long white cane or short white support cane to travel safely in the residence and community, and other assistance with independent navigation
How do I get connected to the program?
For more information call 860-602-4000 or email ads.besb@ct.gov