Community Support Services
Community outreach and assistance to blind, deaf-blind, or vision-impaired clients and Pittsburgh-area residents are at the heart of these programs.
Information and Referral
For details about Community Support Services, contact our Information and Referral Specialists at 412-368-4400, PA toll free 800-706-5050, or email at Info&ref@pghvis.org. Referrals to BVRS may be made by members of the medical community, family members, friends, or by the potential client himself.
Case Management
Case managers work with clients and their families to develop service plans. They explain BVRS programs, costs and options, and also offer information about community services and resources.
Supportive Services
The Supportive Services team assists people who are vision impaired and hearing impaired continue to live independently in the community. Team members provide limited transportation to medical appointments and shopping, and volunteer services that include reading mail, serving as escorts to the store or bank, and helping with small daily chores.
Preschool Vision Screening
Every year more than 10,000 children are screened in nursery schools and daycare centers for deviations in normal vision by eight part-time BVRS staff members with the help of 800 trained community volunteers. When problems are detected, parents are alerted so they may make follow up appointments with eye doctors.Children's Education Program
BVRS staff members who are blind or vision impaired travel with their guide dogs to speak to children in Allegheny County schools about what their lives are like without sight. Students are invited to ask questions. The goal is to educate children and expose them to the talents and abilities of people with vision loss. This program is open year round to preschoolers through high school students.
Disability Awareness Training for Employers
This professional training covers a variety of topics that are helpful to employers who are interested in hiring people with vision impairments or keeping valuable employees who are experiencing vision loss. Topics include assistive technology, accommodations, ADA Title I Employment, job site accommodations, disability etiquette, and the supported employment concept. Disability Awareness Training is available to businesses and employers.