Location: Western Pennsylvania School for Blind Children in Oakland
Featured guests: Dr. Rebecca Renshaw (executive director), Laura Dobrich (physical therapist), Lexie McDowell (aquatics instructor), Karli Conrad, (physical therapist), Aaron Sutton (assistive equipment manager), Mark Kislan, (occupational therapy and dietary supervisor) and Debbie Frank (horticulture therapist)
3 things that surprised me:
1. The Western Pennsylvania School for Blind Children opened its first school in Lawrenceville in 1890 before moving to its current campus in 1894. Though the initial structure remains, the school has been modernized and expanded many times. Today the campus includes a swimming pool, a sports field, a greenhouse for horticulture therapy and even dorms for students who live on campus.
2. Pittsburgh philanthropist Mary Schenley donated the 5 acres of land where the school still stands today.
3. The cafeteria at this school personalizes every meal for each student. On the day I visited, broccoli was on the menu, and it was available in three consistencies. Some students had large florets, while others who might not be able to able chew as well received minced broccoli. If any students wanted to eat their broccoli through a straw, they could have it pureed. Each student has a detailed card detailing their preferences and allergies, plus any adaptive equipment they might require. The cafeteria has a corner of shelves, packed with every type of adaptive equipment I could imagine. There were specially designed cutlery and a variety of unique bowls and plates that could make eating more accessible for their students.
One thing that didn’t make the final cut: I visited a room where staff could 3D-print objects to help their students. One teacher wanted to explain what an aphid looked like to a group of students with limited vision, so she printed a giant model of one so they could feel its antenna and thorax for themselves.
Want more Yinzer Backstage Pass? Check out our visit to the construction site where the new Commercial Street Bridge is being built.
April 20, 2026April 20, 2026