Concerned and frustrated that she was not going to be able to maintain her position working as a Cafeteria Assistant, Sandra V. became worried as to how she was going to provide for her family. Sandra was referred to the Bureau of Blind Services after visiting Quantum Vision in Swansea, Illinois. She recently sought medical attention and informed her Rehabilitation Counselor that she was diagnosed with bilateral cataracts and her best corrected visual acuities were 20/200 in her right eye and 20/50 in her left, but with glare her best corrected visual acuities are 20/400 in both eyes. Her reduced visual acuities consistently and substantially interfered with her ability to read printed material, operate a motor vehicle, and complete several of her required tasks without assistance from her coworkers.
Sandra expressed concerned that she was not going to be able to maintain her position as a Cafeteria Assistant without corrective surgery to help increase her visual acuities. Sandra informed her Rehabilitation Counselor that she had a long history of medical problems that have interfered with previous employment. Sandra is a breast cancer survivor, she had to have her right kidney removed and she has had other medical problems that have interfered with previous employment. She stated that due to her previous medical history that she currently does not have any insurance, and she is unable to pay for the procedure that she needs to correct her vision.
Sandra was able to receive physical restoration services through a job retention case with the Bureau of Blind Services to help with financial assistance towards her cataract removal surgery. The Bureau of Blind Services reviewed Sandra's household income and determined that they she was over the standard budget allowance to receive services, but they were able to pay a smaller portion towards the cost of the surgery to receive assistance. Sandra informed her Rehabilitation Counselor that without assistance from the Bureau of Blind Services that she would have not been able to afford the surgery on her own. Sandra is extremely grateful for the services that she received to assist with correcting her visual acuities. Sandra no longer has barriers towards maintaining her current employment. Her vision has been corrected to the point where she is now able to read standard print, maintain an Illinois driver's license and she no longer needs assistance from her coworkers to complete her required job tasks. Sandra stated that she is very blessed for the services that she received, and that she would not have known what to do without assistance from the Bureau of Blind Services.
DHS' Division of Rehabilitation Services is the state's lead agency serving individuals with disabilities. DRS works in partnership with people with disabilities and their families to assist them in making informed choices to achieve full community participation through employment, education, and independent living opportunities.
To learn more, call 1-877-761-9780 Voice, 1-866-264-2149 TTY, (312) 957-4881 VP, or read about DRS Services. Refer yourself or someone else for services using the online Rehabilitation Services Web Referral.
