top of page
< Back

Blind & Visually Impaired Resources BBVS

Student Transition Readiness into Vocation and Education

STRIVE ON

The Office of Vocational Rehabilitation’s Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services (BBVS) is pleased to offer STRIVE ON, Student Transition Readiness into Vocation and Education.

STRIVE ON is an opportunity to interact in a virtual environment with peers with visual impairments, create relationships, get to know yourself, and explore your capabilities in a fun and interactive setting.


https://www.dli.pa.gov/Individuals/Disability-Services/strive-on/Pages/default.aspx


If you have program questions or are interested in receiving information about STRIVE ON, please contact:


Grace Fontanez, MS

VR Specialist for Program Development

Bureau of Blindness & Visual Services

1130 12th Ave, Suite 300

Altoona, PA 16601

Phone: 814-949-7954

Email: grfontanez@pa.gov

Eligible students must be active customers of BBVS.

  • The program is available at no cost to eligible students who will be enrolled in 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th grade in the 2022-2023 school year.

  • Focus areas include assistive technology, personal management/independence, and employable skill sets.

  • Classes will be held utilizing Microsoft Teams.

  • Students should have the ability to independently access and actively participate in the classes each week.



OR

Your Local BBVS District Office Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor

​Altoona:


​866-695-7673


​Erie:


​866-521-5073


​Harrisburg:


​866-375-8264


​Philadelphia:


​866-631-3892


​Pittsburgh:


​866-412-4072


Wilkes-Barre:

866-227-4163



Links to Resources on Blindness and Low Vision


Please visit the website below for the current contact information for Consumer & Professional Organizations, Provider Agencies, Accessibility, and Federal Agencies.


Please visit the link below for current information.


American Foundation for the Blind

Phone: 1-800-232-5463 (Voice)

E-Mail: afbinfo@afb.net

 

Associated Services for the Blind

Phone: (215) 627-0600 (Voice)

E-Mail: asbinfo@asb.org

 

The Hadley School for the Blind

Phone: 1-800-323-4238 (Voice) or (847) 441-8111 (TTY)

E-Mail: info@hadley.edu

 

Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults

Phone: (516) 944-8900 (Voice) or (516) 944-8637 (TTY)

E-Mail: HKNCinfo@hknc.org

 

Pennsylvania Association for the Blind

Phone: (717) 766-2020 (Voice)

 

Learning Ally

Phone: 1-800-221-4792 (Voice)

E-Mail: Custserv@LearningAlly.org


Association for the Education & Rehabilitation of the Blind & Visually Impaired

Phone: 1-877-492-2708 (Voice)


American Council of the Blind

Phone: 1-800-424-8666 (Voice)

E-Mail: info@acb.org

 

National Federation of the Blind

Phone: (410) 659-9314 (Voice)

E-Mail: nfb@nfb.org

 

NFB – NEWSLINE (Registered)


Free service to those who cannot read regular newsprint


Phone: 1-866-504-7300

 

National Organization of Parents of Blind Children

Phone: (410) 659-9314 (Voice)

 

Pennsylvania Council of the Blind

Phone: 1-877-617-7407 (Voice)

E-Mail: pcb1@paonline.com


ADA General Information

Phone: 1-800-949-4232 (Voice/TTY)

E-Mail: adainfo@transcen.org


Social Security Administration Phone: Call your local SSA Office for general information or call SSA in Baltimore, MD at 1-800-772-1213 (Voice) or 1-800-325-0778 (TTY) to request information in alternate formats.

bottom of page