The purpose of the training program is to train blind consumers through the combined efforts of the Division of Client Services, Kentucky Business Enterprises and the State Committee of Blind Vendors.
Kentucky Business Enterprises will offer a multi-week on the job training with an established Kentucky Business Enterprises vendor in a current vending location along with extensive classroom training. The Kentucky Business Enterpriese Director, with input from the blind vendors committee, will determine the number of trainees to be accepted for each training class.
Eligibility Criteria for Admission
- Meet a visual diagnosis as defined in the Federal Randolph-Sheppard Act at 20 USC 107e(1) and the definition of blindness established in 34 CFR 395.(c)I;
- Be certified that the consumer meets the genial criteria of eligibility for vocational rehabilitation services from the department;
- Have received a high school diploma or GED certification;
- Have financial skills for operating a vending business;
- Have verbal and communication skills;
- Have financial skills;
- Have public relations skills;
- Have personal hygiene and appearance for meeting the public;
- Be independent in performing daily living activities; and
- Have mobility skills
Assessment may be conducted at the McDowell Center or may be provided or arranged by the Office for the Blind Regional Orientation and Mobility Specialists, Assistive Technology Specialists, Independent Living Specialists, or Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors.
The confidentiality requirements enumerated at 34 C.F.R. 361.49 of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended, will be applied in this procedure.
Screening Process
The Screening Committee shall be composed of:
- The Kentucky Business Enterprises Director or designee;
- The Chair of the State Blind Vendors Committee or designee;
- A Kentucky Business Enterprises vendor appointed by the Chair of the State Blind Vendors Committee; and
- The Director of Client Services of designee
Evaluation Criteria
The Training Vendor(s) shall submit to the Kentucky Business Enterprises Director and the Counselor report evaluating the demonstrated progress of the Trainee at the end of each two weeks in the following areas:
- Financial skills needed to operate an independent business;
- Verbal and communication skills;
- Public relation skills;
- Personal hygiene and appearance for meeting the public;
- Management skills, including marketing and purchasing;
- Work skills; and
- Work habits
The Kentucky Business Enterprises Director, in consultation with the Training Vendor, shall determine if the Trainee will participate in classroom training. Further evaluation during classroom training shall determine the Trainee’s eligibility for licensure.
If at any time during the training program, it becomes apparent that the Trainee is not going to complete the program successfully, the Counselor should be notified, and the Trainee removed from the program.
Upon completion of vendor training, the trainees will be awarded a vending license, making them eligible to bid on vacant or new Kentucky Business Enterprises locations.