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.