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New Jersey Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired
153 Halsey Street, 6th Floor
P.O. Box 47017
Newark, NJ 07102
Local Telephone: (973) 648-3333
www.state.nj.us/humanservices/cbvi/
E-mail: pamela.gaston@dhs.state.nj.us
Contacts
Frank Scheick, Manager, Fiscal Operations & Management Services, frank.scheick@dhs.state.nj.us
Bernice Davis, Executive Assistant to The Director, bernice.davis@dhs.state.nj.us
Marcus Stabile, Manager, Human Resources, marcus.stabile@dhs.state.nj.us
Donald Potenski, Manager, Joseph Kohn Residential Training Center, donald.potenski@dhs.state.nj.us
Vito DeSantis, Executive Director, vito.desantis@dhs.state.nj.us
Jack Thompson, Assistant Manager, Southern Regional Office, jack.thompson@dhs.state.nj.us
Pamela Gaston, Public Information Specialist, pamela.gaston@dhs.state.nj.us
John Reiff, Manager, Central Regional Office, john.reiff@dhs.state.nj.us
John Walsh, Coordinator, Vocational Rehabilitation Programs, john.walsh@dhs.state.nj.us
Jose Morales, Manager, Northern Regional Office, jose.morales@dhs.state.nj.us
Lorri Ghio, Confidential Assistant to The Director, lorri.ghio@dhs.state.nj.us
Delavar Basha, Supervisor, Business Enterprise Program, delavar.basha@dhs.state.nj.us
Bruce Kastner, Coordinator, Independent Living Services, bruce.kastner@dhs.state.nj.us
Amelia Ricciardi, Coordinator, Educational Services, amelia.ricciardi@dhs.state.nj.us
Ines Matos, Manager, Information Technology, ines.matos@dhs.state.nj.us
General Information
The mission of the New Jersey Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired is to promote and provide services in the areas of education, employment, independence and eye health through informed choice and partnership with persons who are blind or visually impaired, their families and the community."
CBVI was created in 1910 by the State Legislature and has several offices and facilities throughout the state.
Geographic Area Served: Entire State of New JerseyServices Offered
Assessment
CBVI works in collaboration with early intervention programs and the local school district to facilitate the inclusion of each student in the least restrictive, most appropriate, education program. Consultative services and guidance to local school personnel and EIP staff in the area of blindness or visual impairment as they affect placement, instruction material, and program modification are also provided.
Fee: None.
Braille and Reading Instruction
The ability to master the academic curriculum and/or IEP goals and lifelong literacy, an essential quality of life issue depends upon the knowledge and ability to use the various braille codes for many students receiving Commission educational services. Students currently receive alternative skill instruction from a certified teacher of the blind or visually impaired, two to four lessons per week.
Fee: Free
Community Outreach Programs
CBVI has established partnerships with other entities of the state government as well as community-based organizations to enhance communication and access to augmentative services for our consumers.
Computer Training/Assistive Technology
CBVI has regional state-of-the-art technology, resource and development centers that focus on innovative technical solutions for people with visual impairments. Each center gives eligible blind or visually impaired CBVI clients as well as the general public the opportunity to experience the cutting-edge technology available for people with visual disabilities. The RTACs also promote the integration of assistive technology into applications for use by individuals with visual disabilities at school, work, home and in other areas of the community, giving people with disabilities the computer skills required for entering the work force.
Counseling
CBVI services are designed to enable children and youths who are visually impaired to develop age appropriately and to participate equally with other students in regular classroom activities. Services include: services to deaf-blind children; counseling and training for families of infants and preschool children; tutoring in special areas; instruction in independent travel and daily living skills; reader services; and vision restoration and/or enhancement of the use of remaining vision.
Daily Living Skills/Independent Living Skills Training
CBVI offers instruction in daily living skills.
Early Intervention/Infant Services
Offers early intervention services (birth to age 3). CBVI staff will assess a child’s vision and, if eligible, offer specialized instruction tailored to his or her needs in the home. CBVI staff also works closely with family members and early intervention providers and health care providers to assist the child in making a smooth transition to preschool at age three.
Education Services
CBVI provides educational services from birth through high school years to eligible children and their families. These services are designed to allow students who are visually impaired to participate equally with other students in regular classroom activities.
Once a child is found eligible for services CBVI works closely not only with the child but also with family members and local school personnel. Teachers of the blind or partially sighted provide educational instruction.
School Age Services (ages 3 to 21): CBVI contracts with local school districts to provide comprehensive services to children in school. These services include assessment and evaluation of a child’s visual abilities, and when applicable, instruction in braille and related skills. Instructors provide information and training to family members, teachers, child study teams, and other school personnel. CBVI also will loan local school districts appropriate adaptive equipment and make aides and special educational materials available.
Deaf-Blind Services (birth through 21): CBVI offers special services to help meet the special needs of children who have difficulty with both vision and hearing. These include assessing the level of the child’s impairment, consulting with family members, teaching staff, and loaning the district special adaptive equipment and materials.
These special services are also available to all students when appropriate:
- Training in how to travel independently
- Social Casework Services
- Eye Health Nursing Services
- Vocation Rehabilitation/Transition Services
Fee: Most services are provided free of charge.
Libraries/Alternate Media and Learning Resources
GEORGE F. MEYER INSTRUCTIONAL RESOURCE CENTER: 973-648-2547; 375 McCarter Hwy., Newark, NJ 07114
Adaptive technology, braile and large print books, early child development and other teaching materials and technical aids and devices.
Fee: None.
Summer/Day Camps and After-school Programs
Each summer CBVI offers a Summer Recreational Program that provides students an opportunity to participate in a variety of day trips and other recreational activities.
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