VisAbility
VisAbility Pittsburgh is a 115-year-old nonprofit rehabilitation agency serving blind, visually impaired, and deaf-blind individuals across Southwestern Pennsylvania with vision rehabilitation, assistive technology training, employment support, and an ISO-certified manufacturing division.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1910
- HeadquartersPittsburgh, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What VisAbility does
VisAbility Pittsburgh, founded in 1910 (formerly Blind and Vision Rehabilitation Services of Pittsburgh / BVRS, rebranded in 2024), is a nonprofit rehabilitation agency headquartered at 1816 Locust Street in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The organization employs 47 staff across three offices in Southwestern Pennsylvania — Pittsburgh (headquarters), Somerset, and Uniontown — serving individuals who are blind, visually impaired, or deaf-blind across Allegheny, Fayette, Greene, Somerset, and Washington Counties. It operates a comprehensive continuum-of-care model comprising Vision Rehabilitation (low vision exams, optical aids, and occupational therapy), the New Beginnings residential training program (8–12 weeks), Independent Living Skills, Assistive Technology Training (including the fee-based BOSS at $1,750 and ProMOTE at $3,500 programs affiliated with National Industries for the Blind), Employment Support Services, an ISO Certified Industries Division whose workforce is 85% blind or low vision producing PennDOT road signs and government textiles, and Community Programs (Primary Vision Care, Children's Vision Screenings reaching 14,000+ children annually, Transportation, Community Transition, and Diabetes Prevention).
The organization monetizes through a hybrid nonprofit revenue model: recurring government funding from the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) and Bureau of Blindness & Visual Services, transactional revenue from ISO-certified manufacturing and service contracts (PennDOT road signs, state hospital and federal textiles, kitting, janitorial), fee-for-service training program tuition, Medicare and insurance reimbursements for low vision care, corporate and individual donations, cause-related marketing partnerships, and three annual fundraising events (Steelers Alumni Golf Classic, Blue Jeans Bourbon & Bingo, Shoot 4 Sight). Go-to-market is community-led and event-driven, relying on referrals from OVR, healthcare providers, schools, and word-of-mouth within the blind and visually impaired community. Technology delivery centers on training clients to use screen readers (JAWS, ZoomText, Fusion) and AI-powered visual assistance applications (Be My Eyes, Seeing AI, Ray-Ban Meta Glasses). VisAbility holds national accreditation from the National Accreditation Council for Blind and Low Vision Services (NAC) and is governed by an independent Board of Directors under President & CEO Erika Petach, who has led the organization for approximately 15 years.
VisAbility firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- VisAbility
- Legal name
- VisAbility Pittsburgh
- Website
- https://visability.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1910
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- VisAbility Pittsburgh is a 115-year-old nonprofit rehabilitation agency serving blind, visually impaired, and deaf-blind individuals across Southwestern Pennsylvania with vision rehabilitation, assistive technology training, employment support, and an ISO-certified manufacturing division.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Where VisAbility is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Pittsburgh
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices3 records
Markets served
VisAbility business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Others
Revenue model
- Manufacturing and Assembly Contracts: ISO Certified Industries Division generates revenue through government and private sector contracts for light manufacturing, assembly, screen printing (including 85% of PennDOT road signs), textiles, kitting, and janitorial services. Revenue is reinvested to support rehabilitation programs.
- Donations and Charitable Giving: The organization relies on generous donor support including corporate giving, matching gifts, cause-related marketing partnerships, in-kind donations, and planned gifts (bequests, insurance, real estate, charitable trusts).
- Training Program Fees: Revenue from fee-based training programs including BOSS ($1,750) and ProMOTE ($3,500). Scholarship opportunities available. Training and Compliance Grant may cover up to 80% of costs for NIB-affiliated agencies.
- Government Funding: Funded by the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) and Bureau of Blindness & Visual Services for employment support services and low vision rehabilitation programs.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | BOSS (Basic Office Skills for Success) Program |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | ProMOTE Program |
| Other | Multi-year contract | New Beginnings Residential Program |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Shoot 4 Sight Event |
| Subscription | Monthly | Low Vision Rehabilitation |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels5 records
VisAbility product offering
Product offeringCore offering
VisAbility is a nonprofit rehabilitation agency that provides vision rehabilitation, assistive technology training, orientation and mobility instruction, and independent living skills to individuals who are blind, visually impaired, or deaf-blind. It also runs an ISO-certified manufacturing and assembly division and offers early childhood vision services for children from birth through age six, along with employment support programs. The organization serves western Pennsylvania with a continuum of services delivered directly and through mobile community-based programs.
Product overview
VisAbility Pittsburgh is a non-profit rehabilitation agency offering a comprehensive portfolio of services for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. The organization operates as a unified service delivery model consisting of Vision Rehabilitation (including Low Vision Rehabilitation, Assistive Technology Training, New Beginnings residential program, and Independent Living Skills), Manufacturing & Assembly (ISO Certified Industries Division providing employment), Employment Support Services, and Community Programs (Primary Vision Care, Children's Vision Screenings, Transportation, Community Transition, and Diabetes Prevention). Additionally, specialized training programs like BOSS and ProMOTE provide assistive technology education. The services work together to provide a continuum of care from vision health services through rehabilitation and employment support.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Vision Rehabilitation Services
- Assistive Technology Training One-on-one and group instruction in screen readers (JAWS), screen magnification (ZoomText), the Fusion suite, AI-powered visual assistance, and other assistive technologies, enabling clients to use mainstream computers, smartphones, and digital tools. Targeted at individuals with vision loss seeking greater digital independence.
- Orientation and Mobility Instruction Specialized training in safe and independent travel, including white cane techniques, use of smart cane and GPS navigation devices, and route planning. Designed for individuals with vision loss who want to travel independently in their homes, communities, and workplaces.
- Independent Living Skills Training Instruction and adaptive techniques for everyday tasks including cooking, personal care, household management, money identification, and home organization. Targeted at individuals adjusting to vision loss and seeking to maintain independence at home.
- Employment Support Services Vocational services for individuals with vision loss, including career counseling, job-readiness training, job placement, on-the-job coaching, and supported employment. Designed to help clients prepare for, obtain, and retain meaningful employment.
- Manufacturing and Assembly Services Contract manufacturing services including inspection, kitting, packaging, and light assembly for government and commercial customers. The division is ISO 9001:2015 certified and provides meaningful employment for individuals with vision loss. Targeted at government agencies and businesses seeking high-quality outsourced assembly work.
- Early Childhood Vision Services (Birth to Age 6) Specialized early intervention services for infants, toddlers, and young children (birth through age 6) with vision impairments, including developmental support, family education, and transition planning. Services are delivered in homes, daycares, preschools, and community settings. Targeted at young children with vision loss and their families.
- Community Programs and Outreach Community-based programs including outreach events, awareness campaigns, support groups, and educational workshops designed to raise awareness of vision loss, reduce stigma, and connect individuals and families with available rehabilitation services. Targeted at the broader community across western Pennsylvania.
- Deaf-Blind Services Specialized rehabilitation, communication, and support services tailored for individuals who are both deaf and blind, including intervenor services, tactile communication training, and individualized rehabilitation planning. Targeted at the deaf-blind population, a distinct and underserved group within the broader vision loss community.
Companies that use VisAbility
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
VisAbility technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
VisAbility partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Seven partnerships are on record, tiered major, core and minor.
- 84 LumbermajorTitle sponsor of the 29th Annual Steelers Alumni Golf Classic, a premier charity golf event at Diamond Run Golf Club featuring Pittsburgh Steelers alumni.
- National Industries for the Blind (NIB)coreAffiliation with NIB provides access to the ProMOTE (Professional Mastery of Office Technology for Employment) training program. NIB offers Training and Compliance Grant which may cover up to 80% of ProMOTE program costs for affiliated agencies.
- Pennsylvania Vision FoundationmajorCollaboration through the Vision Benefits Program to offer free comprehensive eye exams and free eyeglasses to eligible individuals who qualify for assistance.
- Pennsylvania Association for the BlindmajorPartnership for transportation services serving Allegheny and Somerset Counties, enabling clients with vision loss to access door-to-door transportation for appointments and community needs.
- Sight Center of Northwest PAminorPartnership to host the Type 2 Could Be You diabetes prevention program in collaboration with PA Diabetes Prevention and Education, helping individuals improve diabetes factors and live healthier lives.
- National Accreditation Council for Blind and Low Vision Services (NAC)coreVisAbility's Comprehensive Vision Rehabilitation Center holds national accreditation from NAC, demonstrating compliance with standards for blind and low vision services.
- Coal Ridge Sporting ClaysminorHost venue for the Shoot 4 Sight sporting clays fundraising event located in Weirton, West Virginia.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves11 records
Expansion highlights5 records
VisAbility competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- National Industries for the Blind (NIB): National umbrella organization coordinating manufacturing and training programs across affiliated nonprofit agencies for the blind. Already a strategic partner of VisAbility through the ProMOTE program and Training and Compliance Grant; sets standards that VisAbility's Industries Division operates under.
Direct peers
- Outlook Nebraska: Nebraska nonprofit offering vision rehabilitation, employment services, and a manufacturing division employing individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Comparable regional service mix with a self-funded manufacturing arm.
- The Chicago Lighthouse: Illinois nonprofit providing vision rehabilitation, assistive technology training, an ISO-certified manufacturing division, employment support, and pediatric vision services. Closely mirrors VisAbility's one-roof continuum-of-care structure with government and contract manufacturing revenue.
- Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (Grand Rapids): Michigan-based nonprofit delivering vision rehabilitation, low vision services, assistive technology, employment support, and children's vision screenings. Closely parallels VisAbility's service breadth within a single regional territory.
- LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired: San Francisco-based nonprofit offering a comparable continuum of vision rehabilitation, assistive technology training, employment services, and an industrial/manufacturing division employing blind workers. Operates a similar multi-program service model in a single regional market.
- Bosma Enterprises: Indiana-based nonprofit providing vision rehabilitation, assistive technology, employment services, and an industrial division producing packaged products and government contracts. Operates with a similar mission-aligned manufacturing model.
- Alphapointe: Kansas City-based nonprofit combining vision rehabilitation, assistive technology, youth programs, and a manufacturing division producing military and government products with a predominantly blind workforce. Closely parallels VisAbility's mix of rehab services plus contract manufacturing.
- Cincinnati Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired: Ohio nonprofit offering low vision rehabilitation, assistive technology training, employment services, and community programs for individuals with vision loss. Comparable mid-size regional rehabilitation agency model.
- LC Industries: North Carolina nonprofit operating an ISO-certified manufacturing division producing military, government, and commercial products with a majority blind/disabled workforce, alongside employment services. Comparable government-contract-anchored manufacturing arm.
- The Lighthouse for the Blind (Seattle): Pacific Northwest nonprofit providing vision rehabilitation, employment services, and a manufacturing division producing government products (including military items) with a majority blind workforce. Highly comparable to VisAbility's Industries Division structure.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
VisAbility social profiles
Digital presenceVisAbility financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
VisAbility leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles11 records
VisAbility funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
VisAbility M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about VisAbility
What does VisAbility do?
VisAbility is a nonprofit rehabilitation agency that provides vision rehabilitation, assistive technology training, orientation and mobility instruction, and independent living skills to individuals who are blind, visually impaired, or deaf-blind. It also runs an ISO-certified manufacturing and assembly division and offers early childhood vision services for children from birth through age six, along with employment support programs. The organization serves western Pennsylvania with a continuum of services delivered directly and through mobile community-based programs.
Is VisAbility a public or private company?
VisAbility is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was VisAbility founded?
VisAbility was founded in 1910. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is VisAbility based?
VisAbility is headquartered in Pittsburgh, United States, in the North America region.
How does VisAbility make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Manufacturing and Assembly Contracts are the primary driver. The others are donations and Charitable Giving, training Program Fees and government Funding.
Who are VisAbility's main competitors?
National Industries for the Blind (NIB) is listed as a broad incumbent. Direct peers are Outlook Nebraska, The Chicago Lighthouse, Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (Grand Rapids), LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Bosma Enterprises, Alphapointe, Cincinnati Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, LC Industries and The Lighthouse for the Blind (Seattle).
Does VisAbility have an API?
No public API is recorded for VisAbility.