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A Message from the Director

Hi! Welcome to the Virginia Rehabilitation Center for the Blind and Vision Impaired (VRCBVI). My name is Melody Roane, and I am the Director of the Rehabilitation Center.

VRCBVI offers training in the skills of blindness to blind and vision-impaired Virginians and encourages people to develop positive attitudes about blindness.

As you enter the front lobby at VRCBVI, there is a quote on the wall that reads, “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you've imagined." From the first contact with VRCBVI, we want students to focus on the possibilities for their lives, rather than the perceived limitations. Our staff do an excellent job of challenging people to gain competency in the skills of blindness. We also work with them on looking at what the misconceptions of blindness are that are held by the general public and by the blind themselves.

Each training program is individualized, but for people who want to gain proficiency in the skills of blindness, we generally recommend a six to nine month training program. We have found that, if people can do the six to nine month program, they are less likely to return for additional training in the future, no matter what happens with their vision or family circumstances. Read more of the Director's message.


Latest News

Training sessions on Facebook

VRCBVI conducted a host of virtual trainings on subjects ranging from access technology, conversations about blindness, braille, O&M, PHM, health and diabetes education, goal setting, using apps, job searches, and many, many more. The Zoom hosted training sessions were recorded and shared on DBVI's Facebook page. Visit our page to access the recorded training sessions.

NBC12 Acts of Kindness at VRCBVI

Take a look at this NBC-12 Acts of Kindness feature story about VRCBVI’s Lead Orientation and Mobility Instructor, Becky Keller. Becky was nominated for this honor by one of VRCBVI’s current students.

VRCBVI featured on WRIC’s News 8 "Positively Richmond" segment

VRCBVI was recently featured on WRIC’s “Positively Richmond” segment of their 5:30 pm newscast. The story explains how the goal of the Virginia Rehabilitation Center for the Blind and Vision Impaired is to teach students the skills of blindness and debunk certain misperceptions about blindness. Watch the video

VRCBVI presents “Live Active, Live Healthy, Live Modern” Senior Retreats.

Two sessions, each five days for seniors experiencing vision loss and a plus one (a loved one, family member, or friend) Sunday – Thursday, August 11-15, 2024 OR Sunday – Thursday, August 18-22, 2024.

Click here for for more details and for information on how to apply: 2024 Senior Retreat brochure.

Who Is VRCBVI?

The mission of VRCBVI is to prepare blind, vision impaired, and DeafBlind Virginians for employment/employability and personal independence through the integration of individualized comprehensive blindness skills and employment skills and experiences.

Learn more about us...