Blind and Vision Rehabilitation Services of Pittsburgh, formerly Pittsburgh Vision Services

   Formerly Pittsburgh Vision Services of Oakland and Bridgeville

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Employment Support

Blind and Vision Rehabilitation Services of Pittsburgh's Employment Support Program offers an array of services for persons with vision impairments and other disabilities to discover their career potentials. Employment Support Services can recommend workplace modifications to help a person coping with vision loss continue to work.  Career services can also  help a person prepare for, and retain with support if necessary, a job in the competitive workplace. Employment Support Services works with employers to identify qualified candidates for job openings, provides assessment of work sites, provides on-site training for staff, and maintains quality with long-term follow-up services.

Employment Support Services can provide worksite evaluations to recommend in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).  They also work directly with persons to recommend equipment and training for job accommodations due to vision loss.

There is no cost to employers seeking the services of Employment Support Services.  Individuals seeking evaluations and training are funded through the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation. Other funding and limited scholarships are also available.  Registration is ongoing.

 

Evaluation and Assessment

This service provides an individual the opportunity to develop vocational objectives through an evaluation process. This process may include the opportunity to work at a variety of employment sites to determine abilities and interests within a particular occupation.

Marketing/Job Development

Each individual served by the program is provided individualized services through the agency's Employment Consultant. The Consultant works with the individual to identify specific vocational goals and type of employment that is desired. The Consultant is responsible for contacting employers throughout Allegheny County to develop partnerships that will enhance employment opportunities.

On-The-Job-Training

On-the-job-training is provided to each individual using the supported employment model. Support is provided as needed and is available to the individual as long as they continue participating in the program.

Employment Partnership

An Employer Resource for:

  1. Expanding recruitment efforts by creating partnerships with PVS for qualified candidates

  2. Selecting, pre-screening and referring qualified applicants

  3. Developing training supports

  4. Providing in-service training for coworkers and staff in areas of diversity and disability awareness

  5. Consulting about ADA issues, reasonable accommodations, accessibility for customers and employees

A consumer resource for employment assistance in the following areas:

  1. Job Development

  2. On-the-job training

  3. Evaluation and assessment

  4. Career awareness activities

  5. Follow-up services

The process of identifying employment opportunities for persons with disabilities is based on the employers understanding of the supported employment model. The employer is provided information regarding the agency's employment services.

Business Advisory Council

The Employment Support Services Program is provided guidance and support from a voluntary advisory council. This council includes members of the business community who provide guidance in assisting persons with disabilities in obtaining employment. Companies and nonprofit organizations who are represented on the council include: Buchanan Ingersoll, Eat'n Park Restaurants, Food Gallery, Giant Eagle Markets, Girl Scouts of Western PA, Holiday Inn, Kaufmann's, Marcus & Shapira, Mellon Bank, Metz & Associates, Ltd., Pittsburgh Partnership, Pittsburgh Technology Council, Pittsburgh Temps, Pizza Hut, PNC Bank, SmithKline Beecham Consumer Healthcare, Society for Automotive Engineers, Thrift Drug, TOD Temporary Services, and US Steel.

 

For more information about Employment Support Programs, please call our

Resource Information Specialists at 412-368-4400 or 800-706-5050 (within Pennsylvania).

 

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