Rehabilitation Services offers a variety of programs that teach blind, vision-impaired and deaf-blind clients how to use their other senses, special equipment and new techniques to live independently. General curricula have been established, but each student benefits from an individualized program. The time required to complete training is determined by the student's needs, abilities and previous experience.

 

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.

Clients whose vision cannot be helped with surgery, eyeglasses or medication can benefit greatly from outpatient services through our Low Vision Rehabilitation Program (PDF brochure). A specially trained optometrist, who has completed a residency in Low Vision, examines the patient to determine how much vision remains. The doctor then prescribes a number of optical aids to enhance the patient’s usable eyesight. Aids vary from simple hand-held magnifiers to higher tech video magnifiers such as the stationary and portable closed-circuit TVs and the Jordy, a video magnifier worn on the head. An occupational therapist, who also is a Certified Low Vision Therapist, then follows the doctor’s prescribed treatment plan and teaches the patient how to use the prescribed aids so he or she may more easily read, enjoy hobbies, watch television, write checks, maintain the home, and perform other activities.

Personal Adjustment to Blindness Training (PDF brochure) is a comprehensive, immersion program that teaches clients who are vision impaired and deaf-blind how to live independently in their homes and the community. Clients may commute or live in our residence while learning daily living techniques that include money identification, personal grooming, dining, safe cooking, housekeeping, as well as how to participate in community activities and enjoy recreational offerings. Clients learn Orientation and Mobility, including evaluation and training in sighted guide, the use of a prescription cane, sensory awareness, shopping, and how to use public transportation. Clients develop communication skills in basic Braille, telephone use, record keeping and audio equipment. Instruction in touch-typing will benefit the beginner who wants to proceed to computer training. Clients also benefit from leisure-time activities and a fitness program, and a nutritionist who is also a dietician.

The Computer Access Technology Center (PDF brochure) offers the highest quality training available in the use of adapted computers, software and other electronic devices. Our students include teenagers and adults of all ages including mid-career professionals, senior citizens and U.S. military veterans. Training is offered in basic computer literacy and word processing, instruction in assembling equipment, installing and updating software, system maintenance, and trouble-shooting. Training on business applications or custom software also can be provided. Workstations are equipped with a wide variety of technology including speech output, screen magnification, Braille displays and optical character recognition systems. Instructors also teach electronic note-taking devices, accessible personal data assistants (PDAs), and split-screen closed circuit TVs (CCTVs). Students either commute or stay in our residence. In-home or workplace instruction and training also can be arranged. Many of our students have never touched a keyboard, but after successfully completing courses, they are ready to compete in the educational and employment arenas, stay in touch with their friends through e-mail, shop or bank online, or enjoy computers for personal use.

Summer Youth Programs

 

The Career and Community Adjustment Program is designed to help students transition smoothly into work and adult life. In this individualized program, students develop independent living skills and earn a paycheck while exploring vocations. Placements are based on the student’s interest and abilities. There are two components.
    • BVRS’ Employment Opportunities Project (PDF brochure) offers job readiness classes, job shadowing in entry and professional jobs, community work experiences, and mentoring with adults with vision impairments.
    • Work experiences through Life’sWork include clerical, computers, stock and shipping, drafting, health services, skilled mechanical, electrical, and food preparation.

Summer Personal Adjustment to Blindness Training is a comprehensive program designed to help students age 16 through 21 develop the independent skills they need to manage their lives with vision loss. Students learn Braille, how to effectively use audio devices, labeling to keep track of information and personal items, and introduction to adaptive computers. Instruction is provided in orientation and mobility, safe and efficient cooking, dining techniques, shopping, clothing maintenance, grooming and maintaining a home or apartment. Students also benefit from classes in exercise, nutrition and health care, and learn to fully enjoy leisure time.

Students in all youth programs enjoy an active social schedule with structured and supervised leisure time activities during evenings and on weekends. Opportunities are provided for students to discuss personal adjustment issues, individually and in groups. Strict confidentiality is observed.

This program combines the agency’s best features to help the expanding senior population adjust, adapt and continue to live independently with vision loss. Clients benefit from personalized needs assessment and education in areas such as mobility, daily living activities, communications and basic computer skills. Services are provided in the client’s home, in their community or at BVRS.

In this introductory class, clients learn the basics of vision rehabilitation, including hands-on experiences with adapted equipment and techniques. Instruction is provided in keyboarding and basics to adapted computers, basic communication skills, adjustment to vision loss, enjoying the dining experience after vision loss, household management, living healthy and more. 

New Outlook Classes

These classes introduce senior citizens to vision rehabilitation services. Students commute to BVRS for New Outlook day classes that are designed to help them maintain or improve their ability to function independently within the home. Areas covered include safe cooking, personal finances and home maintenance. Group and individual counseling is an integral part of this program. Community Based Training visits to the client’s home often follow these classes.