Nearly 90 percent of consumers receiving services through the New York State Commission for the Blind (NYSCB) are happy with the results. Respondents to a recent survey cite employment services as being the most important to them.

The NYSCB helped clients find jobs that pay an average of nearly $20 an hour – well above the national average hourly wage of $15.

“Federal wage statistics support and reinforce the positive feedback we received from the people we serve through our survey,” says NYSCB Associate Commissioner Brian S. Daniels.  “We help blind citizens live the fullest and most independent lives possible by providing needed supports. Being able to support themselves financially is fundamental to that mission.”

The satisfaction survey is the first of its kind and was conducted at the request of the State Rehabilitation Council, a panel of policy and operations advisers appointed by Governor Andrew Cuomo. The overwhelming majority of those surveyed said they are very satisfied with services.

NYSCB engaged Cornell University’s K. Lisa Yang and Hock E. Tan Employment and Disability Institute to conduct the survey, which was funded by NYSCB and the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS).  More than 300 consumers responded. The survey found:    

• 87% of consumers reported satisfaction with the services they received.
• Nearly two-thirds of clients who landed a job expressed satisfaction with the help they received in vocational goal setting and developing service plans.
• Consumers had increased positive feelings about themselves, their futures, the quality of their lives and their levels of independence after participating in Vocational Rehabilitation services.

Associate Commissioner Daniels said, “I am proud of our staff and our private sector service providers, who support and encourage the aspirations of those we serve. The passion and vigor with which consumers of NYSCB services pursue their vocations is a daily reminder that visual impairment is not a barrier to successful employment.” 

“The NYSCB State Rehabilitation Council is extremely pleased with the results of the Consumer Satisfaction Survey,” said Council Chair Pratik Patel. “We look forward to our continued work with NYSCB to maintain this high level of satisfaction.”

Many clients expressed satisfaction with services related to goal setting, planning and learning self-advocacy – services that have far-reaching effects on consumers’ lives.

About the Cornell University Employment and Disability Institute

The K. Lisa Yang and Hock E. Tan Employment and Disability Institute is an independent research team advancing polices aimed at creating equal opportunities for all people with disabilities.

About OCFS

OCFS serves New York by promoting the safety, permanency, and well-being of children, families, and communities. OCFS maintains an active social media presence.

About NYSCB

NYSCB provides vocational rehabilitation and other direct services to legally blind New York State residents, including children, adults, and elderly. One of NYSCB's primary objectives is to assist consumers in developing a vocational goal and participating in vocational training, working toward and achieving competitive employment.

“Like” the New York State Office of Children and Family Services Facebook page and follow @NYSOCFS on Twitter in English or the Spanish-language Twitter account, @NYSOCFS espanol.