Blind and Vision Rehabilitation Services of
Pittsburgh (BVRS) with Rebuilding Together
Pittsburgh (RTP) Assistance for Visually Impaired
Seniors & Adults with Disabilities

Description:  The goal of the program is to assist vulnerable seniors, most of whom are 85 years old or older and many of whom are legally blind, to live independently in their homes and communities by ensuring the safety of their homes.  Additionally, this project provides training and support for family members, caregivers and staff of local senior care facilities.  United Way funds support qualified rehabilitation instructors to expand outreach programs to individuals’ homes and to serve additional seniors.  Transportation and community-based training costs for 200 participants, the cost of assessing, removing or modifying hazards in the homes of 75 participants and the costs of providing training to 1,125 caretakers, staff and family members of individuals living independently.

The Program Serves a Population with Great Needs:  The vision impaired seniors who are served are at great risk of institutionalization because they have a fall rate of nearly twice their full-sighted counterparts.  The vision-impaired have more difficulty getting outside, accessing transportation, and preparing meals.  BVRS provides services throughout Allegheny County, including Homestead, Munhall, Duquesne, and the eastern part of City of Pittsburgh.  For this project, RTP will focus on Homewood-Wilkinsburg, Hilltop, and West Pittsburgh.

The Program Achieves Measurable Results:  In 2009-10, most clients responding to the follow-up service survey expressed a better sense of independence and well-being, and had maintained residence in their own homes after completing training.  RTP reports that 91% of participants in their programs remain in their homes and stay current on their taxes for at least 5 years after receiving services.

The Program Applies a Sound Approach:  The two agencies’ combined services address a multiplicity of needs of vision impaired seniors and adults.  Each agency implements programs that it is qualified to implement: BVRS provides the counseling and training for seniors, their caregivers, and direct care workers that it has provided for decades focused on the hazards of decreased vision that accompany aging; and RTP provides the home safety modifications that it has always provided.

Alignment with Preferred Outcomes and Likelihood of Community Change:

• Remain safely in home/least restrictive community setting (200 of 250 tracked, or 80%)
• Adequate/improved nutritional, health, and/or functional status (200 of 250, or 80%)
• Necessary safety checks, home modifications, immunizations, and preventative health screenings (75 of 75, or 100%)

Community Outcomes:  The agencies propose to directly serve 1,375 participants through training, community service, supportive services, and home evaluations and modifications.  They will endeavor to reach thousands more by creating and widely disseminating a training DVD. The agencies will also co-host a legislative breakfast to make public officials aware of their partnership and the services offered in order to raise attention about the needs of the target population and to garner support for the services.