About Us : Newsletters : VITP Visionaire Spring/Summer 2000
Please Note: As this is an archive of a previous newsletter, information may no longer be applicable. At time of original publication, however, all information was verified as accurate. The format of this publication may differ from what was originally published, and may include ommissions such as no longer-relavent contact information.
O&M Program Now AER Certified
In October of 1999, a University Review Team from the Association for the Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AERBVI) visited the NCCU-VITP to perform the final stage of review of the O&M Training Program. The results were a FULL, 5-year accreditation which allows graduates of the program to obtain international certification as Orientation and Mobility Specialists (COMS). Congratulations O&M!!
The VI Teacher Training Program has recently submitted their final documents in AERBVI for review by the University Standards Committee of Division 17. At the completion of their document review, an on-site visit will be scheduled. It is expected that the on-site review will be conducted within the next 2 months.
Low Vision Round Table
Dr. Brad R. Walker began a series of Low Vision Round Table (Grand Round) Discussions on Wednesday April 12, 2000.
The one hour sessions are designed to enable group interactions regarding low vision including: Report interpretation; Case Management Strategies; and Intervention/Treatment Options. Sessions will also provide a platform for Networking, Collegial Mentoring, and Consultation. Sessions are designed for entry level and advanced levels of understanding. Case studies and topics will be applicable to all age groups and clientele.
Seminars will be conducted in the Governor Morehead School for the Blind Tele-Classroom located in Lineberry Hall the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month. Tele-classroom orientation sessions will be initiated from 3:15 to 3:30. Low Vision case study presentation and discussion will be conducted from 3:30 to 4:30; follow-up and low vision networking is available from 4:30 to 5:00.
Depending upon availability, individuals or groups may be able to participate via local tele-classroom facilities. However, tele-classroom connections are limited and may incur a local fee. Transmissions will begin at 3:15 p.m. to allow for tele-classroom orientation. Transmissions will terminate at 5:00 p.m. For tele-classroom availability and scheduling in your area, please contact Mr. Ray Dragon at (919) 733-5440 or ray DOT dragon AT ncmail DOT net. One week notice is required for tele-classroom connection scheduling.
There is currently no charge for these Low Vision Round Table Discussions. Seating and tele-classroorn connections, however, are limited so please call to reserve your attendance as soon as possible. To register, please contact Mr. Ray Dragon at (919) 733-5440 or ray DOT dragon AT ncmail DOT net.
We invite you to join this collective to share your questions and share your knowledge. All interested parties are invited to attend.
Vision Clinic Planned
Efforts are currently underway through the NCCU-VITP/GMS Partnership to procure funding to establish a comprehensive vision services clinic for use by the Governor Morehead Center and the Visual Impairment Training Program. It is hoped that this clinic will provide a setting for clinical and functional vision evaluations of visually impaired students and clients, as well as serve as a practical, hands-on setting for pre-service and in-service training.
If you are interested in becoming involved, please contact Dr. Walker at (919) 715-6342 or brwalker AT nccu DOT edu.
What is H.R.2870?
Medicare Vision Rehabilitation Coverage Act of 1999
Medicare pays for rehabilitation services for people who have broken a hip or suffered a stroke, but currently provides no reimbursement for rehabilitation for people with vision loss. H.R.2870 is landmark legislation that would provide Medicare reimbursement for the services provided by vision rehabilitation professionals. In September 1999, Congressman Michael Capuano of Massachusetts introduced the bill in the House of Representatives.
The bill represents a significant advance in providing people who are blind or partially sighted with access to much-needed vision rehabilitation services that can enhance their safety, functional abilities and quality of life. It covers the core services that restore function lost to vision impairment. H.R.2870 is a first step toward comprehensive coverage.
For more information or to get involved, contact:
Lorraine Lidoff, Director
National Vision Rehabilitation Cooperative
15 Mechanic Street, #3
Provincetown, MA 02657
Phone and Fax: (508) 487-5815
E-mail: llidoff AT lighthouse DOT org
VITP O&M Dog School Trips
Students from the Orientation and Mobility program at NCCU went to The Seeing Eye dog guide school in January. The students, accompanied by Dr. Laura Bozeman and Ray Dragon, observed training for dogs that will eventually guide a person who is visually impaired. The 5 day trip started with a stay in NYC, and culminated in two days of working hands-on with the dogs TSE trains.
The Seeing Eye sponsors this annual trip for students in the O&M program as a way to teach future O&M Specialists about TSE's procedures of breeding, raising, and training dogs that guide people with vision impairment. The students enjoyed the opportunity and the wonderful hospitality provided by The Seeing Eye, and thank them for the great work they do. We look Forward to the next trip as well.
Students in the O&M program also traveled to Michigan to visit Leader Dogs for the Blind. Students learned about procedures for procuring a Leader Dog as well as the breeding, raising, and training aspects of the process. The O&M students accompanied trainers as they worked with the dogs and analyzed environmental situations that may prove challenging for the person/dog team.
The trip culminated with each student traveling (under blindfold) with different dogs in both indoor and outdoor environments. It was a great trip.