The Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Blindness and Low Vision

On-campus Training, April 14 - May 17, 2008

Sponsor
The program is sponsored by the Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (RRTC) on Blindness and Low Vision and the Department of Counseling, Educational Psychology and Education (a CORE Accredited program) at Mississippi State University.

Purpose of the Program
The purpose of the program is to provide vocational rehabilitation (VR) counselors and graduate students in VR programs with the expertise to address issues and techniques specific to visual impairment. The Vision Specialist program began in 1990 in response to a shortage of qualified counseling personnel in the field of blindness rehabilitation.

Stipends
Stipends include tuition and fees for coursework, per diem to cover costs of university housing and meals, and a travel allowance.

Prospective Participants
Prospective students include individuals who are employed in rehabilitation agencies serving persons who are blind and/or people who are in graduate training programs leading toward a Master's degree in Rehabilitation Counseling. In order to be considered, an applicant must:

• complete and return the application;
• submit a letter indicating they are interested in the program;
• submit two letters of recommendation;
• submit a transcript; and
• upon being accepted into the program, be accepted for the admission to the Graduate School at Mississippi State University.

Trainee Selection
Selection criteria include: (1) Current employment as a vocational rehabilitation counselor in an agency serving persons who are blind or visually impaired, OR current enrollment in a vocational rehabilitation counseling Master's degree program; (2) Acceptance for admission to the Graduate School at Mississippi State University; (3) Willingness to sign an agreement to be employed in a public rehabilitation agency for the required time period; (4) Completion of an introductory course in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling OR at least one year of experience in vocational rehabilitation counseling; and (5) Ability to complete all four courses during one 10-week spring session. Three of the courses are to be completed in a 6-week time period. The remaining four weeks will be devoted to practicum hours (hands-on time) in the field.

In addition, applicants without a Master's degree will be asked to submit a letter of intent to pursue that degree. Prospective trainees who are graduate students without experience in the field of rehabilitation of individuals with visual impairments will be required to have an interview with the director or case services supervisor of an agency serving persons who are blind or visually impaired, and will be required to have a letter of recommendation submitted as a result of that interview. Applications will be reviewed with the Project Advisory Committee who will make recommendations for selection. Final selection will be made by project staff. Individuals who meet acceptance criteria, but are not initially selected, will be placed on a ranked waiting list and will serve as substitutes in the event that one or more selected trainees are unable to participate.

Limited Admission
Admission is limited to the eight most qualified individuals. Women, individuals with visual impairments and traditionally underserved populations are encouraged to apply.

Program Course Description
COE 6303: Rehabilitation for Persons who are Visually Impaired (3 credits).
Course content includes physiology, special issues and procedures, and legislation related to vocational rehabilitation of consumers with visual impairments.

A. Medical Aspects of Vision Loss

1. Structure and function of the eye
2. Medical terminology
3. Diseases and conditions of the eye causing visual impairment
4. Correction of dysfunction related to visual impairments
5. Medication concern

1. Adventitious versus congenital visual impairment
2. Educational services and training issues
3. Family services
4. Counseling techniques
5. Adjustment to Blindness

1. Vocational Evaluation
2. Job Readiness
3. Job-Seeking Skills
4. Job Placement
5. Self Employment
6. Business Enterprise Program

1. Case Status Issues
2. Preparing IPEs
3. Caseload Management
4. Informed Choice
5. Ticket to Work

1. Children and Youth
2. Elders
3. Diabetics
4. Deaf-Blind persons
5. Persons living with AIDS
6. Persons with Traumatic Brain Injury
7. Persons with Psycho-Social Disorders

1. Cultural Diversity
2. Ethics

1. Role of the O & M specialist
2. Issues related to O & M
3. Sighted guide techniques/basic cane techniques

1. Role of the rehabilitation teacher
2. Functional vision abilities and their impact on rehabilitation teaching services
3. Activities of daily living
4. Using community resources
5. Communication skills and resources (Braille and Manual Alphabet)
6. Overview of technological adaptations

1. Synthesized Speech Equipment and Software
2. Tactile equipment
3. Large print equipment and software
4. Braille output equipment
5. Optical Character recognition
6. Telecommunications and the Internet
7. Information Systems
8. Technology in Beta-Testing Phase

1. Interfacing
2. Organizing resources
3. Evaluating access software
4. Compatibility
5. Funding options
6. Developing an individual technology plan
7. Job analysis techniques
8. Regulations and the role of the technology specialist
9. Choosing the appropriate computer access system
10. Choosing the appropriate training program
11. Accessories, service contracts, and ethics

The Vision Specialist in Vocational Rehabilitation Programs is funded through a grant from the U. S. Department of Education, Rehabilitation Services Administration.

This entire site is and and approved.
For information regarding this site's content, e-mail RRTC
Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Blindness and Low Vision

Last Modified: Thursday, October 20, 2005 13:38 CST
Copyright by MSU.1991

Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution.