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Training Options for VI Professionals

What is a VI professional?

"VI professional" is a term which includes both O&M specialists and VI teachers.

O&M specialists teach basic spatial concepts and independent travel skills to people who are blind and visually impaired. O&M service will help students with and without additional disabilities achieve increased independence and confidence. The skills taught emphasize the use of techniques which enable the person to travel safely, efficiently, and with grace in a variety of environments. A critical part of O&M service is training in functional settings, including the community. O&M specialists hold a national certification from the Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired. In the near future, O&M specialists will be certified by an independent organization; the Academy.

VI teachers are teachers who specialize in the disability-specific needs of students with visual impairments. A sample of these skills includes braille, social skills, use of adaptive equipment, and self-advocacy. Teachers certified to teach students with visual impairments hold a teaching certificate with an additional endorsement in visual handicaps by the State Board of Educator Certification.

What are the training options available to become a VI teacher or an O&M specialist?

Educator Preparation and Certification Program (EPCP, formerly ACP)

These programs in visual impairments are managed by an education service center (ESC) and approved by the State Board of Educator Certification. The program requirements are as rigorous as university programs, but offer a different philosophy and training option. The training is designed to meet the needs of the region. Training is conducted at the ESC. Region II offers VI training approximately every other year. They will be doing so during the 1999/2000 and the 2000/2001 school years. No EPCP training is available for O&M specialists.

On campus

Both Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA) and Texas Tech University (TTU) offer on-campus programs at the graduate or certification levels. SFA also has undergraduate programs in VI and O&M. Programs are also available in other states. These are listed a the end of this section.

Outreach

In an outreach program the university staff travels to a service center or district to provide training to participants in that geographical area. Both SFA and TTU provide outreach programs. Availability and locations vary from year to years.

Professional Development School (PDS)

Participants in the PDS attend training at TSBVI for three summers. This program started in the Summer of 1998 and is not taking new applicants. Should funding be continued beyond December 2000, another PDS program will be considered.

Distance Learning

Distance education is when the university professor is in a different location than the students. Professor and students may use interactive video, internet options, telephone conferences, or other combinations. For the VIP Program, distance education includes a mixture of instruction via the TETN system, the internet, and on-site instruction.

What are the prerequisites for becoming a VI professional?

VI teacher

Undergraduates at SFASU participate in a four-year undergraduate program. Those students must meet the requirements of the university.

All other options: Have earned a bachelor's degree program and hold a valid teaching certificate in any area, preferably in special education. Those who are not certified in special education must take a survey of exceptionalities course and a special education assessment course.

O&M specialist

Undergraduates at SFASU participate in a four-year undergraduate program. Those students must meet the requirements of the university.

All other options: Have completed a bachelor's degree.

What is the application process?

Texas has a collaborative professional preparation project. The collaborative partners include universities, regional service centers, TEA and the Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (formerly known as Texas Commision for the Blind) . In order to ensure the highest quality of VI professionals, participants must first apply to the project and then to the university. This process and the EPCP process are similar, but with different time lines and specifics of information needed.

For more information about the EPCP application process, contact Joyce West at 512-883-9288 ext. 2246. There are three steps in the VIP Program application process.

Except for on-campus programs, the steps for university-based programs are listed below.

• Complete the VIP Program application and provide all requested documentation. The documentation is provided or described in the application packet. You can get a copy of the application packet by contacting KC Dignan (512-206-9156) or a VI consultant at the nearest education service center.
• Attend an orientation session at the nearest ESC. Each region which hosts the distance learning program, and has new students will host the orientation session. During this orientation session, applicants will have the opportunity to meet with university personnel and VI professionals to learn more about becoming a VI professional, the VIP program, and distance education methods and experiences
• Applicants for the Fall 2000 semester may be contacted for an interview.
• Complete the university application. Once you have sent the VIP application, a university application will be sent to you. You will be given the opportunity to choose either SFA or TTU. Official transcripts are required in this part of the process.

What types of financial support are available?

As in many professional preparation programs, specifics about financial support for students will vary from year to year. To date, every effort has been made for the Program to absorb the costs related to distance learning methods.

Some regional service centers and some districts choose to provide a level of financial support to those in VI certification courses. This can be an excellent recruitment tool. The support provided can be in exchange for a commitment to work as a VI professional in a district for a specific period of time.

The TSBVI web site includes a page of links for information on financial aid.

Beyond Texas, what other training programs are available?

The Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AER) compiles a listing of all universities with a training program in visual impairments. Attached is a current copy of this list. You may also view and download a copy of this list at the AER web site (www.aerbvi.org/certification/universities.htm). On the web site version, you will be able to email contact persons directly.

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