Frequently Asked Questions

The mission of the McDowell Center is to empower individuals who are blind and visually impaired to achieve greater education outcomes, become more effective in the workplace, and enjoy participation in community life.

Vocational Rehabilitation is not an entitlement program such as Social Security. Eligibility for participation in the OVR program is based on a reasonable expectation the person can enter/reenter the workforce upon completion of services, which includes those provided through the McDowell Center.

For persons declared eligible for OVR services who choose to come to the McDowell Center, there is no cost for lodging, food, in-house training services, and other basic services. Persons who come to the McDowell Center do not lose their Social Security/Medicare benefits or have them reduced. 

Yes, there will be a residential aide available in the evening and night to provide assistance as needed. Training is offered from 8:00am to 4:00PM in a learning environment designed to encourage independence and teach appropriate social/work skills that are vital to succeed at work and in the community.  

The Center serves individuals with a range of visual impairments, and a range of skills and abilities related to home management, computer skills, work readiness skills, and adjustment to vision loss.

Yes. Residential services at the McDowell Center typically closed for adults in July to serve transition aged youth, and for a few weeks during Winter Break and long weekends for other holidays. During these times classes are not held and students return home or make arrangements for their housing during this time. 

Individuals interested in attending the McDowell Center will complete an evaluation to determine what blindness services would most benefit them. The evaluations will include Home Management, Braille, Assistive Technology, Keyboarding, Orientation and Mobility, and a Vocational Evaluation. 

Once the evaluation is completed, the consumer can make an informed choice regarding ongoing training.  McDowell Center staff and the OVR counselor are good resources for helping make these decisions.

Yes. Course schedules are completely filled from time to time. When this happens, a waiting list for that particular service is created. Students are placed on a waiting list based on course availability.

There is not an exact answer to this question.  This depends on your vocational goals.  Six to nine months are typically needed to take all of the courses offered.  Your stay may be shorter or longer.

Once admitted, the student will identify persons with whom information can be shared by a signed release form.  The Center operates under state and Federal confidentiality guidelines to protect your information.  However, we encourage families and those who provide support to the consumer to be involved throughout the rehabilitation process.

The Center staff does not oversee or regulate a student's finances; however, training is provided in financial empowerment, including banking, saving, and budgeting.  A safe is available to secure cash, cards, and other valuables if desired.

The Center does not cash student checks or money orders. Students may want to consider opening an account at a local bank or using a bank debit or prepaid Visa card. Several banks have branches in walking distance from the McDowell Center including Chase, PNC, Fifth-Third, BB&T, and others.  Money Orders may be purchased at Kroger and at PL$. 

Several shopping centers are within a mile of the McDowell Center.  These include grocery stores, drug stores, restaurants, barbers/hairdressers and others.  Malls, Walmart and Target are a short ride away using public transportation. 

There are phones in each of the dorm rooms, but they are for calls inside the McDowell Center and in Louisville.   Phone cards for long distance calls are available for purchase at nearby retail/outlet stores. Students may also keep and use cellular phones, and there is good coverage in the area. Although there is no cable available in dorm rooms, the recreational area and the student kitchen have cable TV, and the Center has a wireless connection available to students. Viewing selection is on a "first come/first serve" basis. Students may also bring DVD players, and video game systems. 

Students may bring a personal computer. A wireless network connection is available for students. Students must abide by wireless rules that are discussed at the time of their admission.  

The Center provides transportation to students without a means to come to the Center and to travel home during breaks.  Also, transportation is provided to facilitate student training. However, transportation is not provided for students to return home for weekend visits.  Student can be trained on TARC3 paratransit, public transportation and ride shares.

Washers/Dryers are available to residential students free of charge in the dormitory. A residential aide will assist students doing their own laundry if needed. 

No. In times of high usage, students must share a room. Individual beds, dressers and locking closets are provided to each student in each room.  Each room has a shared bathroom.

It is not necessary or desirable to bring more than you might need to purchase items for personal grooming such as shampoo, soap, etc., or incidental items you might want such as snacks from the vending machines, meals out, etc. 

Dorm students may return home on weekends if desired.  Leaving for the evening, students must sign in/out, and leave a cell phone number.  Day students must sign in/out each day at the receptionist’s desk.

Yes, but keeping a vehicle on Center property is subject to a vehicle policy that will be provided to in-coming students at their Orientation session. 

The Center Nurse will discuss medications with students upon arrival.  Each student is required to keep their prescribed and over the counter medications locked in a med box in their individual closet. The Nurse will provide education and assistance with a self-administration system.

Effective August 1, 2006, smoking is not allowed inside state government buildings and offices by Executive Order of the Governor. Designated areas outside the building have been established where staff, students, and visitors can smoke.

 

​You will need to contact your Kentucky OVR Counselor and let them know. The Counselor will determine your eligibility for services and then forward your case to our admissions staff. Prior to service, you will receive a phone call from our Admissions Office followed up with a letter with more detailed information. If required, we will also arrange transportation services. 

​​The Center typically admits new students every week on Mondays.  Alternate arrangement may be made on an individualized basis.

​