History & Future
VisAbility Pittsburgh, previously Blind and Vision Rehabilitation Services of Pittsburgh, Inc. (BVRS) is the primary nonprofit rehabilitation agency in Southwestern Pennsylvania for persons who are blind or vision impaired. One of the oldest nonprofits in the area, we proudly celebrated our centennial in 2010.
BVRS traced its roots to the Pittsburgh Blind Association and the Greater Pittsburgh Guild for the Blind. These agencies merged in 1997 to become Pittsburgh Vision Service. In 2005, after relocating to Homestead, PA, the agency was renamed Blind and Vision Rehabilitation Services of Pittsburgh, Inc.
In 2016, BVRS expanded its services into Fayette, Greene, Somerset, and Washington Counties. Our Uniontown office offers employment support for individuals and employers, and we provide support groups, transportation services, and vision screenings for children at our Somerset location.
In 2017, we relocated our headquarters to the Uptown neighborhood of Pittsburgh, where we are more accessible to our clients, staff, and volunteers. The motivation for our relocation was to have all of our programs and staff together in one centralized location that would create an inclusive environment and provide a continuum care model that would meet the needs of our clients in a more collaborative, efficient, and cost-effective environment. This move has positively impacted the individuals we serve and allowed us to achieve our strategic goals for the future of BVRS. Our new location has provided opportunities for expanded programming and new services that help our clients achieve greater independence and self-sufficiency.
To continue our dedication to providing and communicating about the resources most needed by our clients and communities, we rebranded in 2024 to become VisAbility Pittsburgh. For the future, our team is poised to deliver on innovative technology, programs and services to suit clients looking to see beyond the barriers of vision loss and blindness to achieve the life goals most important to them. We encourage all communities we serve to focus on the strengths of their abilities and Come See All That’s Possible!