VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION for individuals who are blind or visually impaired Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation services www.mdrs.ms.gov The Addie McBryde Center At the Addie McBryde Rehabilitation Center, we provide a wide array of specialized services to persons who are blind or visually impaired which will enable them to adjust to vision loss and work and live independently. This one-on-one training is customized to meet the unique needs of each individual. The average duration of the training is 3 to 6 months with some consumers training in a residential setting. Services include Travel Training Vision Utilization Training Diabetic Counseling Computer Literacy and Access Technology Braille Instruction Daily Living Skills Coping Strategies for Adjusting to Vision Loss Adaptive Homemaking Strategies And More.... Business Enterprise Program Our Mississippi Business Enterprise Program offers legally blind individuals an opportunity to become self-employed businesspersons in a growing food service operation that combines the benefits and the resources of both the public and private sectors.This program is responsible for providing vending services on properties owned or leased by federal, state, or local government entities. If you are a prospective customer in need of vending or other food services, contact our BEP Manager for more information regarding the services we offer at 601.853.5280. Independent Living for the Older Blind Program If you cannot return to work or have retired, the Independent Living for the Blind program may be able to help. Independent Living Counselors are available to offer assistance to: Legally blind individuals over 55 years olds, and Legally blind individuals under 55 years old with at least one other disabling condition. Services include Instruction in alternative ways to perform tasks affected by vision loss Teach alternative home organization techniques Help you safely and effectively manage your medications Give you referrals for other services, such as talking books and free directory services Help connect with community activities Provide low tech adaptive aids Connect you with a vision loss support group If you are a person who is blind or visually impaired and need help securing employment, Vocational Rehabilitation for the Blind may be for you. An individual who is blind or visually impaired faces unique challenges. Our individualized support services are designed to enhance employment by helping develop skills to enter a profession, find a job, or even advance your career. Services Guidance and counseling Adjustment to blindness training Vocational assessments Training opportunities Job placement and follow-up Direct one-on-one personalized services If you have any questions or believe you may be eligible for services, please contact your local office: Administrative Offices 1281 Hwy. 51 North Madison, MS 39110 601.853.5100 1.800.443.1000 District I 51 County Road 166 Oxford, MS 38655 662.234.6092 District II 615-A Pegram Drive Tupelo, MS 38801 662.844.5830 District III 201 Highway 7 South Greenwood, MS 38930 662.455.1432 District IV 48 Datco Industrial Dr. Columbus, MS 662.328.8807 District V 2550 Peachtree Street Jackson, MS 39296 601.987.7403 District VI 1032 Center Pointe Blvd., Suite A Pearl, MS 39208 601.709.5625 District VII 1003 College Drive Meridian, MS 39307 601.483.5391 District VIII 1400-A Harrison Avenue McComb, MS 39648 601.684.3392 District IX 17 John Merle Tatum Industrial Drive Hattiesburg, MS 39401 601.545.5613 District X 13486 Fastway Lane Gulfport, MS 39503 228.575.3788 It is the mission of the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services to provide appropriate and comprehensive services to Mississippians with disabilities in a timely and effective manner. The Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services is an equal opportunity employer. Chris Howard, Executive Director Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services Post Office Box 1698 Jackson, MS 39215-1698 1.800.443.1000 www.mdrs.ms.gov