Blind and Visually Impaired Services (BVIS) is a program of the Bureau of Rehabilitative Services (BRS), a Division of Disability & Rehabilitative Services (DDRS). BVIS provides services to eligible Hoosier’s that are blind or visually impaired.

The Randolph-Sheppard Business Enterprise Program provides entrepreneurial opportunities for legally blind clients of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS). These blind entrepreneurs manage a wide variety of food-service operations, including cafeterias, coffee shops, vending locations, and highway area vending sites. Through this program, blind individuals receive training and opportunities to become productive, tax-paying citizens and independent business owners.

The Older Blind/Visually Impaired Program expands independent living services for people who are age 55 and older, and have a severe visual impairment. Through a grant from the Department of Education, Older Blind Program, Indiana Blind and Rehabilitation Services provide funding to six (6) contractors: 

• ADEC/NILLS (Bristol) 1-877-342-8954
• BOSMA Enterprises (Indianapolis) 1-800-362-5463
• Indianapolis Resource Center for Independent Living (Indianapolis) 1-317-926-1660
• The Independent Living Center of Eastern Indiana (Richmond) 1-877-939-9226
• The League of Blind & Disabled (Ft. Wayne) 1-800-889-3443
• The Wabash Independent Living and Learning Center (Terre Haute) 1-877-915-9455

These services are coordinated statewide for Older Blind & Visually Impaired Hoosier’s. This program offers in-home training services, including but not limited to; cooking, money management, communications skills, Braille, grooming, mobility, and low vision aids.

Eligibility for the Randolph-Sheppard Business Enterprise Program is for individuals with a significant visual disability and are benefiting from VRS in terms of achieving employment. Applications for services are accepted at the time an individual with a disability reaches or nears the minimum age of legal employment.

Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS) Eligibility:

• Physical or mental disability resulting in a substantial impediment to employment
• Able to benefit from VRS employment
• Requires VRS to prepare for, enter, engage in or retain gainful employment
• Must be a United States Citizen, residing in Indiana
• Must be 18-years or older
• Complete all services on their Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE)
• Provide documentation of independent living skills
• Must have a high school graduate or GED equivalent
• Basic math skills required

Older Blind & Visually Impaired Services Program Eligibility:

• Must be age 55 or older
• Must have a severe visual disability or be legally blind

For information regarding resources for Blind Services in Indiana contact:

Jeanette Holeva <Jeanette.Holeva@fssa.IN.gov> or
John Trent: <John.Trent@fssa.IN.gov> or
Call Toll Free: 1-877-241-8144 or 317-232-1433

For information regarding the Older Blind/Visually Impaired Program contact:

John Trent: <John.Trent@fssa.IN.gov> or
Call Toll Free: 1-877-241-8144 or 317-232-1433

For information regarding resources for the Business Enterprise Program contact:

Locket Phillips: <Locket.Phillips@fssa.IN.gov> or
Call Toll Free: 1-877-241-8144 or 1-317-232-1433

• BVIS Archive