Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services

Welcome to the Web Site of the Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services (BBVS). The mission of the Bureau is to assist Pennsylvanians who are blind or visually impaired gain the skills necessary to live and work independently in their communities.

 

BBVS services are provided throughout the Commonwealth by professional staff in District Offices located in the following cities: Philadelphia, Wilkes-Barre, Harrisburg, Altoona, Pittsburgh and Erie. Please consult the Department of Labor & Industry Web Page Regional map of Pennsylvania for the address and phone numbers of the BBVS District Office closest to you. However, you do not need to visit an office in order to receive services since our staff will be happy to make an appointment to come to your home and take an application for services.

The Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services is seeking nominations for awards to be presented at this year's Blindness Awareness Expo. Please visit the Blindness Awareness Expo Call for Nominations page for more information.

The Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program helps individuals prepare for or retain employment. Services offered can include but are not limited to: counseling and guidance; vocational evaluation; blindness skills training; orientation and mobility instruction; rehabilitation teaching; vocational and college training; occupational tools and equipment; and, job placement services. Services are based on an individual's needs and choices, and some or all of these services may be needed for the person to prepare for or retain employment. VR counselors work directly with the individual to determine an employment goal and what services are needed to reach that goal. An Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) is developed jointly by the counselor and customer.

Rehabilitation Teaching helps individuals learn how to safely and efficiently carry out daily activities at home, on the job and in the community. After a comprehensive evaluation, an individualized program of instruction is developed, and can include the teaching of Braille; home management skills; cooking and home repair as well as personal management.

Orientation and Mobility instruction teaches individuals to travel independently around their homes, workplaces, and in their communities. After an evaluation of need is completed, a training plan is developed to meet the customer's specific needs.

The Randolph-Sheppard Business Enterprise Program (BEP) assists persons operate food service businesses in commercial, industrial or governmental locations. Food services can range from a vending machine route to the management of a large cafeteria. BEP can also assist interested persons with entrepreneurial business ventures other than food service. These businesses might include: specialty product sales; franchise operations; gift shops; and, kiosks. Business sites and equipment are provided through the program, as well as ongoing assistance from BEP agents. Eligible persons enter this program through being served as customers in the BBVS Vocational Rehabilitation program.

This program serves individuals who are age 55 or older, and who are legally blind. It is designed to enable individuals to achieve or regain maximum independence within their homes and communities. Visual eligibility must be documented. There is a financial needs test for cost services. Available services include: advocacy; counseling; information and referral; blindness skills training; rehabilitation teaching; orientation and mobility instruction; and, low vision services.

These services include: counseling; advocacy for educational services; transition services; guidance and counseling for children and their families; community orientation and mobility instruction; children's summer programs; rehabilitation teaching; adaptive equipment; and, low vision services. Financial and visual eligibility must be established before the Bureau can purchase goods and services for an individual. An assessment is done to determine functional needs and a plan of services is developed to address those needs.

This program assists individuals to become more self-sufficient and independent in their homes and communities. Services are similar to those provided under the ILOB program. Individuals served by this program must meet financial eligibility requirements, as well as being visually eligible.

Prevention of Blindness Services are provided via contract and can include: pre-school vision screening; adult vision screening; eye safety programs in schools, industries, businesses, community organizations and senior centers; public education programs; referral for services/follow-up; and data collection.

 

The OVR Office Directory will help you find an OVR district office near you.
You may refer yourself to OVR at the CWDS website.