The Vocational Services Department offers employment services to employers and to clients with vision loss and other disabilities. The goal is to help clients prepare for, retain or secure competitive jobs. Also offered are structured day programs with age- and skill-level-appropriate activities for clients with a variety of disabilities. Vision loss is not required for day programs.

Information and Referral

For details about Vocational 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 potential clients themselves.

Deaf Blind Vocational Program  (PDF brochure)
This partnership between Blind & Vision Rehabilitation Services of Pittsburgh and the Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation provides vocational services to Pennsylvania residents with hearing and vision loss, and is one of only a few such programs in the United States. Participants in the Deaf Blind Vocational Program receive a variety of services and training that enhances their independence and assists them in securing competitive employment. Services include personal adjustment to deaf-blindness training, job readiness and job coaching, assistive technology training, orientation and mobility training. Residential accommodations are available.

Employment Opportunities Project  (PDF brochure)
This school-to-work transition program helps high school students who are blind or have other disabilities find employment. Services include job readiness preparation, mentoring, job shadowing, mock interviews, and community-based work assessments.

Insights Mentoring Program
BVRS' Employment Opportunities Project has launched the Insights Mentoring Program to match young people ages 14-21 who are blind or vision impaired with a successful and confident adult who also experiences limited vision. Click here for the details.

Employment Support Services
BVRS employment specialists offer assistance to both the employer and employee. Employers are assisted in retaining or recruiting and hiring qualified workers. Job seekers are assisted in finding competitive employment. Services include resume and interview preparation, job-seeking skill development, community-based assessments, work site analysis for accommodations, job coaching supports and follow-up services.

Community Transition Program (PDF brochure)
The goal of this adult training program is to develop, improve, and expand life-long learning opportunities for adults who have physical impairments or developmental delays. Clients enjoy a low staff to client ratio in this structured day program that provides community outings and activities designed to meet the individual needs and development goals of each client. The program is licensed through the Pennsylvania Office of Developmental Programs.

Employment Transition Services (PDF brochure)
Persons with vision loss or other disabilities benefit from a variety of jobs and work experiences including stuffing envelopes, collating, labeling and sealing envelopes, and repackaging bulk products, among other work. Participants also have the opportunity to develop vocational skills so they may find jobs in the community. They may also continue working at BVRS.

If you are a business or corporation, we welcome your subcontract work. By contracting with us, you will benefit from competitive prices while providing work for persons with disabilities. Employment Transition Services (PDF brochure) is licensed through the Pennsylvania Office of Developmental Programs.

Senior Transition Program (PDF brochure)
This older adult daily living center serves persons with a variety of disabilities who are age 50 years and older. In this structured day program, clients enjoy a variety of age-appropriate activities including cooking, community outings, and leisure time pursuits such as card and board games. Every month clients bake and sell specialty breads that are sold to BVRS staff. At the end of the year, clients use the proceeds to buy Christmas gifts for local families in need. This program is licensed by the Pennsylvania Office of Long Term Living through the Department of Aging.