South Dakota Program Information

What are the eligibility requirements?

Eligibility for independent living services is based on:

• The presence of a significant visual disability,
• The presence of a substantial limitation in ability to function independently in family or community or to engage or continue in employment
• Lives in South Dakota
• A reasonable expectation that independent living services will significantly assist the individual to improve their ability to function independently in family or community or to engage or to continue in employment.

What is the process for applying for services?

To apply for services, an individual can either call our local office or email to request an application. Application is made available to individuals who wish to receive services.  

What documentation is required?

No additional documentation is needed for the application or eligibility.  Staff review applicants' financial/economic status to determine if the individual is below 185% federal poverty guideline.  Individual financial status is necessary to determine who will pay for adaptive aids and devices. 

Available services:

• Training to travel safely
• Communication skills, including skills to tell time, use a phone, write letters, and read mail
• Homemaking, including reading appliances, measuring, identifying objects, and meal preparation
• Counseling, including peer support and referral to other organizations
• Low vision training to maximize the use of remaining vision, training in resuming leisure activities. 

Additional service information:

Rehabilitation teachers provide services to people who are visually impaired or blind in their own homes. Rehabilitation teachers provide skills and alternative methods for doing everyday activities. These skills increase a person's ability to live independently and increase the individual’s quality of life.  

Program contact information:

• Phone: 605-773-4644 or 1-800-265-9684
• Email: infoSBVI@state.sd.us  
• Mail: Service to the Blind and Visually Impaired
  Hillsview Plaza, 3800 E. Highway 34
  c/o 500 East Capitol Avenue
  Pierre, SD  57501
• South Dakota Division of Services to the Blind and Visually Impaired

South Dakota Division of Services to the Blind and Visually Impaired Brochure

Client Testimonials

"Outstanding program. I would highly recommend it to anyone who needs help, Orange raised dots help a lot. Use them on several things - TV remote, microwave, phone & tablet." 

"My magnifier reader is very helpful when reading my Bible and newspaper."

"The device presented was to be able to read that was primary reason for the request for assistance."

"The various services presented would have been an excellent aid in helping my mom, but she declined the services." 

"Caseworker, other staff & optometrist were very helpful & patient. I would highly recommend your services to anyone with severe vision loss from AMD. Thank you!"

Get to Know the Division of Service to the Blind and Visually Impaired

Get to Know the South Dakota Rehabilitation Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired