Independent Living Services for Seniors

Overview

The Senior Blind Program or Independent Living (IL) Program of Michigan's Bureau of Services for Blind Persons is a federal-state partnership providing services to Michigan residents age 55 and older who are visually impaired. Program participants are individuals whose severe visual impairment makes competitive employment extremely difficult to attain but for whom goals related to more independent living are feasible.

Services

Services include:

Information and referral
Rehabilitation teaching services
Orientation and Mobility
Low-vision services
Adapted aids and appliances
Daily living skills
Leisure activities
Counseling
Braille and other communication methods
Peer support groups

For more information about services for blind seniors from the Bureau of Services for Blind Persons, call 800-292-4200 toll-free.

Independent Living Program Referral

To request BSBP Independent Living services, a referral form must be submitted. Upon submitting the requested information, the individual or guardian seeking services will be contacted by a BSBP representative who will process the submitted referral form, provide program information, and assign a Rehabilitation Professional to discuss service needs. Request for independent living services can come directly from the individual, guardian, family, friends, and community advocates.

Request services

To request services for yourself or another person, please submit the BSBP Services Referral Form.

Get more information

Contact a Bureau of Services for Blind Persons office near you to speak to a Rehabilitation Professional in your area.

Independent Living Resources

Area Agencies on Aging

Find services in your county for seniors (from your local Area Agency on Aging).

Find your Local Area Agency on Aging

Michigan Centers for Independent Living

Find your local Center for Independent Living by clicking the link below.

Search for your local Center for Independent Living

Radio Reading Services

Hear newspapers and magazines on a special radio receiver loaned to you free of charge.

Learn more about Radio Reading Services

Frequently Asked Questions

Who may refer an individual for Independent Living services from the Michigan Bureau of Services for Blind Persons?

You may refer yourself, or any person you designate may refer you for services.
How do I qualify for Independent Living Program Services?

You must be a Michigan resident who is 55 years old or over, and you must be legally blind. This means your vision is 20/200 in your better eye with correction. When viewing the eye chart in your doctor's office, this will be the E at the top of the chart. You may qualify if your vision is 20/100 in your better eye with a statement of deteriorating vision. You may qualify if your field of view is 20 degrees or less.
How much will Independent Living Programs cost?

There is no cost for teaching services. Adaptive equipment may be provided at no cost within Bureau of Services for Blind Persons budget constraints. Discuss your options with the teacher/counselor assigned to your county.
Will my insurance cover the cost of magnifiers?

Not at this time. Discuss these concerns with your eye care provider.
What is the duration of Independent Living Program services?

This program is short-term. It is individualized by the teacher/counselor and the client. It is not designed to be a life-long program.
Can I receive financial assistance from the Independent Living Program?

This is not a financial assistance program. You may want to contact the following programs to discuss these concerns:

Area Agencies on Aging

Michigan Department of Health & Human Services

Social Security Administration
Does the Independent Living Program provide transportation?

No. You may want to contact the following:

Area Agencies on Aging

Public transportation such as bus or Dial-A-Ride services

Church

Family

Taxi Company
Are chore providers available through the Bureau of Services for Blind Persons?

No. You may want to investigate the following resources:

Area Agencies on Aging

Michigan Department of Health & Human Services
Where are services provided?

Services are provided in your home. Services are also provided at the Bureau of Services for Blind Persons Training Center in Kalamazoo.

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