Senior Equipment and Training Project
The Division of Blind Services (DBS) has been working in partnership with the Blind Services Foundation of Florida (BSF) on strategies to provide assistive technology and devices to more of our older blind customers. On June 21, 2023, BSF approved and funded the Senior Equipment and Training (SET) project, which is a pilot project aimed at achieving this goal. DBS also intends to make training available on the use of purchased equipment if such training is needed or requested. Finally, the last component the SET project seeks to accomplish is to renew licenses for Vispero products for individuals whose case is already closed.
We are excited about this opportunity to expand our reach to the older blind community through this partnership. To be eligible, the individual must:
- Be 55 or older.
- Have a diagnosed bilateral visual impairment.
- Be a Florida resident.
- Be a former or current Independent Living client of DBS.
- Must have legal status in the U.S.
General Questions
Below are general questions we have anticipated you may ask related to this project.
How does the individual apply?
The individual must contact the local DBS district office or local CRP (Lighthouse) for assistance with completing the Senior Equipment and Training Request Form. The form must be submitted to SET@dbs.fldoe.org. Once the form has been submitted, a DBS committee will review the request and submit a recommendation to the BSF. The BSF sub committee will review for final approval.
What information does the individual need to provide to DBS or CRP to apply for the project?
To apply for the project the individual must provide the following information at the time of request:
- Justification that supports the request, for example, description of need, benefit of use, recommendation supported by DBS Counselor, Instructor, etc.
- An itemized quote from the vendor with the cost of the item from within the last 30 days.
What additional documentation is required to submit a request under this project?
- CS-017 Authorization for Release of Information
- Eye Medical Report
To comply with confidentiality and safeguarding of personal information, the individual must complete DBS CS-017 Authorization for Release of Information to the BSF and this project.
If not already available in the current or previous case, an eye medical report from within the last year that supports bilateral visual impairment is required.
Can an individual or their legal representative complete the request form on their own?
No. The form must be completed and submitted for consideration by a DBS or CRP representative. Individuals are recommended to contact their local DBS or CRP office for assistance.
Does an individual need to apply for DBS services to receive assistance with purchases through the SET project?
If an individual is new to the requested device and/or requires training, they will need to have an open DBS case.
If the individual is an experienced user of the device and a former client, they do not need an open DBS case.
Are these requests required to be paid through the client management Aware database?
No. The individual does not need to be a current DBS client to submit a request form under this project. Payment is processed directly to the vendor.
What vendors can be utilized for this project?
Acceptable vendors for this project must be registered with the State of Florida vendor website My Florida Market Place (MFMP), have a working relationship with the agency, and be willing to participate in this project. Individuals may contact their local DBS or CRP office for more information on available vendors in their area.
What’s the maximum amount for equipment purchase requests under this project?
$2,500
Can the individual supplement the difference when the value of the equipment exceeds the maximum amount?
Yes, an individual may pay out of pocket for the difference when the value of the equipment exceeds $2,500.00. This must be arranged directly with the vendor in advance and included in the justification and quote provided.
How many times and how many devices can an individual receive assistance through this project?
Individuals can receive assistance through this project one time for one device.
Are there limitations or special consideration requirements for devices?
Yes, cell phones and mobility devices such as smart canes will not be sponsored by the project.
Individuals requesting smart glasses must consider all options available. Contact your local DBS or CRP office for more information.
Once a request is submitted, how long does it take to be approved?
Requests undergo a two-step review and approval process: 1) DBS review and 2) BSF review and approval. Requests will be reviewed by the DBS review committee weekly. Recommendations will be sent to the BSF board for a final vote. The BSF board will hold routine meetings.
How will the individual know if a request has been approved?
The DBS review committee will notify the requester of the BSF vote who will then notify the individual. The requester is responsible for coordinating between the individual, vendor, and CRP the training needs of the individual.
How will the individual receive the equipment once approved?
Equipment purchases will be delivered to the local DBS or CRP office for pick-up. For items delivered at DBS or CRP locations, it is the individual’s responsibility to coordinate pick-up. An in-home delivery may be arranged if set up and training is required. For Vispero license renewal requests, a link will be delivered via email.
Once the equipment is received, how is the vendor paid?
Receipts and equipment forms must be submitted by the vendor to SET.invoices@dbs.fldoe.org for payment processing. All payment inquiries from vendors must be submitted to this email address. Payments will not be processed until the requester provides confirmation that the individual has received their equipment.
Can a device be returned after it has been received?
Yes, if an individual is no longer in need of a device purchased under this project, then it can be donated to the local DBS office to be distributed to another individual in need. Donated devices must be in working order. The project will not replace lost, stolen, damaged, or unwanted devices.
Links to Download Request Forms
Download Senior Equipment and Training Project Request Form
Download DBS CS-017 Authorization for Release of Information Form
Download SET Equipment Receipt and Inventory Form
