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Living with Vision Loss

​​​We work with students 14 and older who are legally blind (or have a condition that will lead to blindness) to help ensure a successful transition from high school to college or the workforce. The central focus of vocational rehabilitation (VR) counseling services includes:

  • Job exploration counseling
  • Work-based learning experiences, which may include in-school or after school opportunities or experience outside the traditional school setting (including internships), that is provided in an integrated environment to the maximum extent possible
  • Counseling on opportunities for enrollment in comprehensive transition or postsecondary educational programs at institutions of higher education
  • Workplace readiness training to develop social skills and independent living
  • Instruction in self-advocacy, which may include peer mentoring

​​​Click here for a brochure about our youth services.

Refer a student or youth for school to workforce transition services by completing this form:​


For reference, the following release of information will be used by our agency to share information with our partners:


Part of our Youth/Transition Services includes the Summer Work Experience Program (SWEP)- a 5-6 week specialized, ‘hands-on’, residential (dorm living) summer training program for Oregon teens age 16-20 who are legally blind. SWEP participants get the chance to complete a paid summer work experience, develop essential workplace skills, build self confidence and prepare for future employment opportunities. 
Want to learn more about SWEP? Check out our web page:

Please direct any questions to transition@ocb.oregon.gov​.​​​​​

Please note that in all our programs, OCB employees are subject to state mandatory reporter laws related to Child Abuse and Elder Abuse.
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