Consistent with the purpose and principles of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
as amended, the Office for the Blind has established the following program
principles:

1. We value our consumers and respect their individual dignity, personal
responsibility, self-determination, and right to privacy;

2. We presume that our consumers, including individuals with the most
significant disabilities, are capable of engaging in competitive employment;

3. We believe that to meet quality employment outcomes, specialized
services of the highest quality such as rehabilitation teaching, assistive
technology, and orientation and mobility are essential for individuals who are
blind;

4. We believe our consumers must be active participants in their own
rehabilitation programs, including making meaningful and informed choices
about the selection of their vocational goals, objectives, and services they
receive;

5. We are committed to our responsibility to provide consumers with
program information in an accessible format, including Braille, audio
recording, and large print;

6. We value our staff of qualified rehabilitation professionals and believe
they can facilitate the accomplishment of consumers’ employment goals and
objectives.

These principles were developed in collaboration with the State
Rehabilitation Council and Office for the Blind staff with input from
consumers and other interested parties.