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Association for the Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired
Division 11 Officers for 2000-2001:
Chair: Maureen Duffy, PCO Dept. of Graduate Studies in VI, 8360 Old York Road, Elkins Park, PA 19027-1598, (215) 780-1362; maduffy@aol.com.
Chair-elect: Bruci Hawkins, 1002 E. Shore Dr., Ithaca, NY 14850, (607) 277-5436; BruciHawkins@aol.com
Secretary/treasurer: Mary Beth Harrison, 395 Delaplaine Rd, #1E, Riverside, IL 60546-1865, (708) 447-5765; marydoug@chicagonet.net
Past Chair: Lisa-Anne Mowerson, 449 Manville Road, Pleasantville, NY 10570,
(914) 747-7447; LASM@worldnet.att.net
Message from the Chair: The Revolution Is Here and The Revolution Is You
Technology continues to influence our lives in profound and unexpected ways, doesn't it? In 1970, when I was a college freshman, I was exposed to my first computer. It was a noisy behemoth that filled an entire classroom and consumed an endless supply of punch cards as it performed complex calculations.
How the world has changed since that time! Pablo Picasso once said "Computers are useless. They can only give you answers." In 1970 I might have agreed as I gazed upon the computational monster ensconced in my classroom. But in 2001, on the cusp of a new century, computers have catapulted us into the bruising, percolating cyber-arenas of connection, communication, and information acquisition, especially for individuals with disabilities. I am pleased to announce that the profession of Rehabilitation Teaching has officially stepped into the arena and joined the technology revolution as well.
In January, we launched the first Rehabilitation Teaching Website at http://www.RehabilitationTeaching.org. Kathleen Celardo of KRV Web Design has created an attractive, user-friendly, and accessible site that - at long last - presents our dynamic profession to the world at large. It includes resources, publications, university programs, our Code of Ethics, current legislation, and an online version of the RT News. Please visit it frequently and give us your comments and suggestions for future updates. In addition, the RT Listserv has been restored and can once again serve as a valuable communication tool for Rehabilitation Teachers everywhere. Please be sure to partake of these marvelous communication and informational tools that are now available to you.
In this issue, we have prepared a series of questions and answers that respond to your queries about the new certification procedures for Rehabilitation Teaching. As you are aware, on December 2, 2000, certification of all vision rehabilitation and education professionals transferred from AER to the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation & Education Professionals (ACVREP). The new certification standards include a standardized test, as well as revised application procedures and fees. Be sure to acquaint yourselves with these new standards that represent a major step forward in our quest for enhanced reimbursement opportunities and professional stature.
And remember to have fun, too! Check this issue for the winner of our slogan contest, and learn about special projects and publications that Division 11 is developing for you.
Enjoy... Work hard... Talk to us!
Maureen A. Duffy, RTC
Chair, Division 11 2000-2002
SHOPPING
RT T-SHIRT: Cream colored, Hanes polo style T-shirt, with "Rehabilitation Teaching" embroidered in Hunter green over the left chest. Sizes Med. and X-lg. only $20.00
MOUSEPAD: Royal blue with the wording " Rehabilitation Teaching, a profession with a past and a future" SALE: $3.00
"RTs Are Really Terrific" pin: round, white with dark blue lettering
$1.00 each or 6 for $5.00
NECKCORDS: sold out!
Send your orders to: Maureen Duffy, PCO Dept. of Graduate Studies in VI, 8360 Old York Road, Elkins Park, PA 19027-1598, w (215) 780-1362, maduffy@aol.com
New items! Commuter mugs and baseball caps will be available this summer. Look for the announcement soon!
MEET A MEMBER!! Melissa Blyveis, Las Vegas, Nevada
How long have you been a Rehabilitation Teacher/vision rehabilitation professional?
My graduate program lasted two years, but I have been working as a professional for almost 5 months. It seems longer because my school program gave us so many opportunities to work with the community.
Tell us about your current job.
I work for the Bureau of Services to the Blind and Visually Impaired in Las Vegas, Nevada. It is the state agency here. My position right now covers two areas. I am the Orientation and Adjustment instructor for the Older Blind caseload and also, I am the counselor as well as instructor for the Life Skills caseload which covers a younger group of clients.
Thus, I manage cases and teach. My work is mostly itinerant (going to homes of clients), and I cover all of Southern Nevada.
Tell us something special about yourself.
I've recently started boxing and learning akido. I've always been athletic but I've never done anything like this. I really enjoy it and it is nice to feel able to protect yourself if ever needed.
Why did you join Division 11?
It's nice to have the option of being part of a group that focuses on what I have chosen to do with my life. I like knowing that there are others out there that have chosen the same path as I have and enjoy it as much as I do. Plus, it's nice to have resources that help keep me updated in my work. What could be bad about being a part of Div. 11?
University Update: University Directory
Inside this edition you will find a valuable directory: the new, annual Rehabilitation Teaching University Directory. It features universities and training programs that prepare professionals in the field of Rehabilitation Teaching. The University Directory will be a significant resource for members of other AER divisions who might wish to upgrade their skills, as well as a potent recruiting tool for individuals wishing to join our profession and for potential employers seeking qualified "new" hires. It will also provide information to assist agencies in upgrading the qualifications of existing staff. It is our goal to update the directory annually and make it available to all in Division 11 as a membership benefit. Many thanks to Bruci Hawkins for her work on researching and creating this document! Many thanks to Dona Sauerburger for allowing us to "borrow" from and build on the Division 9 University and College Personnel Preparation Programs directory. Her generosity made the organization and formatting of the enclosed RT University Directory infinitely easier!
Note to Universities
Barbara Hunt, RTC
The Academy has begun its work in certifying blind rehabilitation professionals. Now it is time for Division 11 to begin its work of guaranteeing that our personnel preparation programs meet the criteria that will ensure graduates can become certified.
In the next few months, Division 11 will be reviewing a number of personnel preparation programs at universities around the country. This is a significant responsibility and one that will enable our field to grow and prosper.
As newly selected chair of this committee, I am eager to identify certified RTs who are interested in assisting in this process. We will review the documentation of the universities, comparing it to the guidelines approved by the AER Board last fall, and make recommendations to the universities concerning their adherence to those guidelines.
If you are interested in being a part of this exciting task, please contact me by April 1. You can reach me in several ways: Phone (708) 524, 1351; e-mail clownbarb@aol.com; or mail 925 N. Taylor, Oak Park, IL 60302.
Quality Standards and Indicators for AER Divisions
Council of Division Chairs, April 2000
Approved by AER Board Nov. 2000
The Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired formed Divisions of Membership to encourage and promote professional standards and/or improvement of services to blind and visually impaired persons. These Divisions are responsible for providing quality services to their members.
In order to determine those services that are considered to be standards for quality and those that are indicators of quality, the Council of Division Chairs has provided the following criteria:
Standards of Quality Divisions
Divisions should strive to provide their members with the following:
- Officers will be elected and will assume responsibility for leading the Division
- A minimum number of members will be maintained (AER policy requires 50)
- Representatives of each Division will attend AER functions: meetings, conferences
- Members of leadership will be sent to AERLift
- Members will be surveyed on issues of importance to the Division
- Business meetings will be conducted at least biennially
- Member will receive communication from the Division on a regular basis: newsletters, flyers, e-mail
- Certification will be promoted
- Members will be recognized through awards at conferences
- A budget will be developed, and officers will exercise fiscal diligence.
- Division bylaws will be provided to members and will be on file at AER Central Office.
- Divisions will promote professionalism within the field of blindness and visual impairment (e.g. certification, professional development, and conference planning)
- Divisions will have a system of raising funds, including dues collection, to operate under projected budgets
Indicators of Quality Divisions
Divisions may also provide members with the following:
- Divisions may provide members with a written policy manual that governs the work of the Division
- Divisions may develop written goals, action plans and outcome measures
- Divisions may develop and maintain a Website
Product Review: Descriptive Video Service (DVS)
Reviewers/Authors: Kinshasa Coghill, Traci Godwin, Jeanne Smaltz; Graduate students, Program in Rehabilitation Teaching, Pennsylvania College of Optometry, Elkins Park, PA
Introduction: Two of the reviewers first learned of this service in class at PCO; the third reviewer was familiar with DVS through her place of employment. None of the reviewers had prior firsthand knowledge or experience with DVS, but all found the concept intriguing and felt it had value for consumers who are visually impaired.
Service Description: Descriptive Video Service (DVS) was developed in 1986 as a way to make visual effects of television programs and movies/videos more accessible and understandable to consumers with visual impairment. Many aspects of these media are strictly visual, and an individual who is visually impaired is not privy to them without someone describing what is happening. Through DVS and Descriptive Television (DTV), a narrator describes action, costumes, scenes, scene changes, and characters' gestures. This provides a person who is visually impaired with a more complete "picture" of what is happening on the screen.
Descriptive Television Service is made available through Public Broadcasting Networks and cable television, using technology developed by a PBS station in Boston, WGBH. In their brochure, DVS cites a 1998 report, The Needs of Minority and Diverse Audiences, noting there were 155 PBS stations in the U. S. carrying descriptive programming at that time.
DVT can be accessed in two ways. On newer televisions and VCRs, Second Audio Programming (SAP) is a standard feature, and directions for accessing this can be found in the product manual or by contacting the manufacturer directly. The second way to access the service is through a SAP receiver, a piece of equipment that allows the user to tune into the station carrying DVS. SAP receivers are sold by the following companies: Compol, Inc., 1-800-972-0881; Avocet Instruments, Inc., 1-800-443-0728; and FM Atlas, 218-879-7676.
A schedule of programming available on PBS can be accessed for the current month by calling the automated DVS information line @ 1-800-333-1203 or through their website, www.wgbh.org/dvs, although the schedule is not always current. Since specific programming and schedules vary according to locality, the consumer may obtain a more accurate schedule by contacting his/her local PBS station. PBS series that are always available via DVS include "Nature," "Mystery!" and "The American Experience."
The premium cable television station, Turner Movie Classics (TMC), makes more than 70 classic films available via DVS each time they are aired. These include "Casablanca," "Dr. Zhivago," and "Citizen Kane." In addition, the weekly 6:00 PM movie (Eastern Time) is always via DVS.
More than 200 videos are available for purchase through DVS Home Video Catalog. These are sold at current market value; there is no additional charge for the description. The free catalog is available in large print by calling 1-888-818-1999 and in braille by calling 1-888-818-1181. Some video stores carry DVS videos for rent, but availability varies according to the demand. The authors of this review were unsuccessful in their search for videos at their local rental stores. While more than 500 Blockbuster rental stores carry DVS videos, the ones we contacted were unaware of the service or discontinued it due to low demand. Consumers should inquire at the stores in their area, as many chain video rental stores are able to order the DVS videos from another store if the request is made in advance.
According to the DVS Guide, there are more than 1200 libraries in the United States that loan DVS videos to consumers. Staff at DVS advises that the consumer should inquire about availability at his/her community library. The Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped at the Free Library of Philadelphia recently added this service, and they carry a limited selection of videos. The application process is similar to that for the Talking Book program, and due to the limited selections available, only one video may be requested at a time.
Product review: Two of the authors of this review experienced the epic film "Titanic" via DVS and were pleasantly surprised by the experience. One of the two had not previously viewed the film and did so under blindfold. The film switches from present to past several times throughout its nearly 4-hour running time, and scenes change frequently throughout the film. This reviewer found the narrators' descriptions to be extremely helpful in following the story line, and she was able to "picture" the scenes and faces of the characters as the story unfolded, as well as to imagine the elaborate period costumes worn by the central characters. The reviewers agreed that the narration was in no way disruptive to the dialog and would greatly enhance the imaginations of individuals who are visually impaired. Both would recommend DVS to consumers.
The third reviewer contacted her local branch of the Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped in an attempt to borrow a DVS video for this review. Due to the high demand for the limited selection available, she was unable to do so. However, she was able to borrow a taped episode of the TV series, "Gomer Pyle, USMC," that had been narrated by the Narrative Television Network. She found the narrative descriptions to be high quality, easy to understand, and timed so as not to interfere with dialog.
Several consumers who have had experience with DVS reported positive experiences with the service. One consumer viewed three DVS videos, all of which he had viewed previously without benefit of descriptive narration. He stated he was surprised at how much he had missed without it. Another consumer subscribes to Turner Movie Classics and stated while his experience with DVS was limited, he did find the narration helpful.
Accessibility appears to be the major factor affecting consumers' ability to use this service. Many movie aficionados do not want or cannot afford to purchase all of the videos they want to view, particularly if they do not intend to view the film repeatedly. The cost of a premium cable channel may be restrictive, as well. In some areas, the limited offerings via PBS may not appeal to television viewers, especially those who need to purchase a converter to allow accessibility to SAP.
Expansion of Services: According to an article on WGBH's website, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has mandated the expansion of DTV by June 2002. Major networks will be required to provide at least 50 hours of described prime-time and/or children's programming per calendar quarter. Cable and satellite systems with at least 50,000 subscribers will be mandated to increase their descriptive programming in a similar fashion. All stations that carry emergency announcements (i.e., snow warnings) will be required to make these accessible to viewers who are blind or visually impaired.
Rehabilitation professionals should encourage consumers who are interested in DVS and DTV to contact video rental stores and PBS stations in their communities requesting expansion or addition of these services. However, the consumers need to be made aware that they will have to evidence their interest and need for them by making frequent use of the services.
Websites to Access for Further Information:
www2.edc.org/NCIP/LIBRARY/V&C/cronin.htm
Describes development of DVS
www2.edc.org/NCIP/LIBRARY/V&C/DVS_q&a.htm
Answers questions about DVS, including how feedback is obtained and used and how to find out about program scheduling.
www.blindness.about.com/library/weekly/aa071400a.htm
"Action Needed on Behalf of Descriptive Video," an article discussing the FCC ruling to expand descriptive TV programming and why special interest Groups should support this.
www.whbh.org/wgbh/access/dvs
National service responsible for DVS and DVT.
www.wgbh.org/wgbh/access/dvs/fccnews.html
Article "FCC Mandates Use of Described Programming and Accessible Emergency Announcements."
Other Descriptive Services and Related Resources:
The Narrative Television Network (NTN)
www.narrativetv.com
Founded by people who are blind and visually impaired.
Receives majority of its funding from the U. S. Department of Education.
Makes select programming audibly accessible via the Internet via the "RealPlayer," downloaded from the website.
Makes live theater and other special events accessible via a wireless receiver. Programs include "Will Roger Follies" and "Phantom of the Opera."
provides feature-length films on demand, free, 24 hours a day via its website.
MEMBERSHIP DRIVE
Our membership has increased these past two years, but we know there are many more RTs, RTAs, and related personnel that would benefit (as would the profession) from becoming a member of Division 11, AER. The best way to share the benefits of membership is when members of a Division ask others to join. To help motivate you, our current members to attract and find new members, we are sponsoring a one-year membership drive (until 12/01/01)
For every three new memberships to AER, Division 11 you submit, you will receive $30 towards any continuing education project you choose. Just send the three new membership forms, your name and address as sponsor, and the title/program you plan to attend to Maureen Duffy, Chair. Division 11 will reimburse you $30 towards the cost of attending the program.
BOOKS, WEB RESOURCES, AND ARTICLES: ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE
Maureen A. Duffy, RTC
Ageless Design: Your One Stop for Information on Alzheimer's Disease
http://www.agelessdesign.com
Contains information on Alzheimer-proof home modification; Alzheimer's Page; Alzheimer's Bookstore; links and resources
The Alzheimer's Association
24-hour Toll-Free Nationwide Hotline/Information and referral service: 1-800-272-3900
http://www.alz.org
Information on current research; drugs in clinical trials; treatment options; counseling for caregivers and families; insurance coverage and reimbursement; programs and resources
Alzheimer's.com
http://www.alzheimers.com
Information on risk factors, diagnosis, treatments, resources, and products
Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia: A Growing Challenge
http://www.agingsociety.org/Alzheimers.pdf
The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE: Folstein et al, 1975)
http://www.minimental.com
The MMSE is a widely used clinical instrument for the preliminary screening, diagnosis, and serial assessment of psychogeriatric patients, providing a very brief but formal and relatively thorough measure of cognition.
http://www.palliative.org/ca_mms_summary_abc.html
Copies of the MMSE and instructions for administration
National Institute on Aging
Alzheimer's Disease Education and Referral Center (ADEAR Center)
http://www.alzheimers.org
Information on National Institute on Aging News and research updates; publications; bibliographic database; clinical trials database
Mace, N. L. (1999). The 36-Hour Day: A Family Guide to Caring for Persons with Alzheimer's Disease, Related Dementing Illnesses, and Memory Loss in Later Life. Revised Edition. Baltimore: The Johns Hopkins University Press.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0801861497/qid=975628731/sr=1-2/107-3045929-2056516
New York Online Access to Health (NOAH)
Ask NOAH about: Alzheimer's Disease
http://www.noah-health.org/english/aging/aging.html#ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE
Links to descriptions, causes, diagnosis, treatment, research, information resources, and caregiving issues
The Nun Study Web Page
http://www.coa.uky.edu/nunnet
The Nun Study is an ongoing longitudinal study of aging and Alzheimer's Disease funded by the National Institute on Aging. Participants are 678 American members of the School Sisters of Notre Dame religious congregation who were 75-103 years of age.
Mark Your Calendars!
RT Blitz weekend in New York State, April 27-29, 2001 Contact Susan Hart for details at (845) 987-7198
2001: A Technology Odyssey, Aug 3-5 2001, Pittsburgh, PA. Contact Mark Uslan for details at (212) 502-7773 or muslan@afb.net
AER Chapter meetings:
NJ Chapter- March 29
AL Chapter- Oct 1-3 Contact Noel Stephens 256-761-3655 or nstep@aidb.state.al.us
AZ Chapter- Oct. 11-12
MI Chapter- Oct. 20
NY Chapter- Oct. 28-30 Contact John Kelly 845-469-8626 or jkellyinom@msn.com
National Vision Rehabilitation Day: Sept. 19, 2001. For more information contact
www.Lighthouse.org
AER 2002 International Conference, July 17-21 2002 Westin Harbour Court Hotel, Toronto Canada. Contact AER toll free at 877-492-2708
CONGRATULATIONS!
Barbara Hunt has agreed to Chair the Personnel Preparation Review Committee. She will be overseeing the review of five universities in the coming year, to ensure that quality programs prepare quality graduates who will be eligible for ACVREP certification. She will be taking the place of Stephanie Van, who has decided to be a full-time mom to Jamie, an active first-grader, and her newest arrival Paul Martin. Our thanks to Stephanie Van for her efforts to pave the way for all the hard work to come.
CONTEST WINNER!
In the September issue of the RT News, and via the RT Listserv, Division 11 announced a contest to develop new fundraising items. The response was outstanding and it was difficult to select a winner from among the many excellent and creative responses that our members submitted. Denise Rozell, AER Executive Director, asked me to compliment our members on the quality of your entries after following the Listserv discussion and submissions. I guess it's true - We RTs are naturally creative beings, aren't we?
The winner is Nancy Paskin, Director of Rehabilitation Teaching at Lighthouse International in New York. Nancy submitted the following slogan for the travel coffee mug: the Latin phrase "Qualiter Signum" in bold print, followed by the English translation "Whatever Works." The mug will also be imprinted with "Rehabilitation Teaching" and http://www.RehabilitationTeaching.org. When it is ready for sale, we will announce the price and ordering information in the RT News and on the Listserv.
Nancy's prize will be $30.00 toward her AER membership renewal. Congratulations, Nancy and thank you to everyone who participated.
THE RT LISTSERV
The RT Listserv has been restored. It has been disabled for some time, due to a server crash that was triggered by a vacation message. Please remember to either unsubscribe or change your listserv setting to "nomail" if you will be on vacation. Please note that you will have to re-subscribe even if you were a previous participant.
RT-L is the Rehabilitation Teachers and professionals discussion list.
To subscribe to RT-L, type the command:
SUBSCRIBE RT-L firstname lastname in the BODY of an emessage - substituting your actual first and last names - and send it to:
LISTSERV@UMBSKY.CC.UMB.EDU
To post to RT-L, once you have subscribed, send your emessage to:
RT-L@UMBSKY.CC.UMB.EDU
To unsubscribe from RT-L, type the command:
UNSUBSCRIBE RT-L in the BODY of an emessage, and send it to:
LISTSERV@UMBSKY.CC.UMB.EDU
To contact the listowner of RT-L, Bob McCulley, email either:
RT-L-Request@UMBSKY.CC.UMB.EDU or mcculley@UMBSKY.CC.UMB.EDU
Academy Q and A:
CHANGES IN REHABILITATION TEACHING CERTIFICATION: THE ACADEMY FOR CERTIFICATION OF VISION REHABILITATION & EDUCATION PROFESSIONALS (ACVREP)
Maureen A. Duffy, RTC
Chair, AER Division 11
On December 2, 2000, certification of all vision rehabilitation and education professionals transferred from AER to the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation & Education Professionals (ACVREP). In order to reflect nationally accepted standards and practices for professional certification, the new certification standards will include standardized tests in addition to verification of practice competency and educational preparation.
How do I contact ACVREP to receive information on Rehabilitation Teaching (RTC) certification?
It is recommended that you contact ACVREP directly to obtain further information on the new certification process for Rehabilitation Teachers, which will include the administration of a multiple-choice examination, as well as verification of practice competency and educational preparation. To obtain a list of Frequently Asked Questions, or to access the ACVREP Website, contact Eileen Sifferman, President, P.O. Box 91047, Tucson, AZ 85752-1047. Phone: (520) 887-6816; Fax: (520) 887-6826. Website: http://www.acvrep.org. E-mail: info@acvrep.org. You may also access ACVREP through the Rehabilitation Teaching Website: http://www.RehabilitationTeaching.org
What is ACVREP (The Academy)?
ACVREP is an independent and autonomous legal certification body governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. ACVREP is a member of the National Organization for Competency Assurance and conducts certification programs according to standards established by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies. The primary purpose of ACVREP is to assist federal and state governments in improving public health and safety. This is accomplished by supporting and promoting quality services to individuals who are blind or visually impaired through standards of excellence for professionals involved in the delivery of vision rehabilitation and education services.
What are the benefits of ACVREP certification?
The creation of ACVREP represents a critical step forward in the development of independent certification standards that potentially will lead to increased reimbursement opportunities for consumers and rehabilitation professionals, including Rehabilitation Teachers. Certification indicates to employers, consumers, legislators, and policy-makers that we meet the practice standards and educational requirements of our respective professions. In many instances, ACVREP certification may assist in procuring employment or gaining career advancement. Ultimately, certification demonstrates commitment to professionalism, continuing education, and quality service delivery within our specific areas of expertise.
Which AER certifications will ACVREP assume responsibility for?
ACVREP will be the certifying body for Rehabilitation Teachers (RTC), Orientation & Mobility Specialists (COMS), and Low Vision Therapists (CLVT). Other former AER certifications will be discontinued by ACVREP.
Why has an examination been added to the ACVREP certification process?
In order to reflect nationally accepted standards and practices for professional certification, an examination to demonstrate competency is an integral component of the process. A certification examination is the recognized method to demonstrate professional knowledge and competency.
Who will be required to take the examination?
All individuals applying for ACVREP certification after December 2, 2000 will be required to take the written examination.
What if I already have “permanent” Rehabilitation Teaching certification?
Individuals holding “permanent” RT certification will have the option of having their names maintained in a directory that AER will maintain. Since nationally recognized standards for certification do not include “permanent” certifications, those individuals holding this certification who choose to transfer it to ACVREP must meet re-certification requirements within five years of the date of transfer. These individuals will also begin paying the prorated ACVREP fee of $80 per year ($55 for AER members) in the fourth year after such transfer. (See fee schedule below.)
Can I transfer my current Rehabilitation Teaching certification to ACVREP?
Permanent Certification: All Rehabilitation Teachers with “permanent” certification will have until May 31, 2001 to turn in their permanent certification and receive ACVREP certification in Rehabilitation Teaching (RTC). Reasons to consider upgrading your “permanent” certification to the ACVREP credential include the following: (a) it will be the required certification for Medicare reimbursement when H.R. 2870 passes; (b) it demonstrates commitment to professionalism and continuing education; (c) it is a valuable tool that reflects your high career standards; and (d) it represents a commitment to quality practice standards and professionalism.
“A”, “AA”, or “Renewable” AER certification: All Rehabilitation Teachers with current “A”, “AA”, or “Renewable” certification will automatically be grandfathered into ACVREP as certified and will not have to take the certification examination. As part of the legal separation of certification from AER and transfer to ACVREP, both parties have agreed that AER will pay ACVREP for the individual's certification for the period remaining on that AER certification. These individuals will not be required to take the examination and will apply for re-certification with ACVREP in the same year that their current AER certification expires.
As of December 2, 2000, individuals who apply for certification as a Rehabilitation Teacher will be required to meet all application criteria as stated in ACVREP guidelines. (See application guidelines below.)
What will ACVREP require for re-certification?
ACVREP has agreed to accept the current AER renewal requirements for ACVREP re-certification with regard to the requirement of direct service hours and/or professional activity points. See the ACVREP Website for re-certification information.
What fees are associated with ACVREP certification?
Since ACVREP will be responsible only for professional certification and will have no other source of income (i.e. no membership dues), the certification and re-certification fee will initially be $375 ($250 for AER members) with an application fee for first time applicants of $25 ($15 for AER members). Individuals will have the option of paying the full five-year certification fee at time of certification and re-certification or prorated to five equal yearly installment payments of $80 ($55 for AER members). The AER membership discounted rate is currently being offered in appreciation to the members of AER and AER Board of Directors for supporting the creation of ACVREP.
The fee schedule for ACVREP certification is as follows:
| Eligibility application fee: |
$25 |
($15 for AER members) |
| Examination fee: |
$50 |
($25 for AER members) |
| Retake examination fee: |
$50 |
($25 for AER members) |
| Five-year certification fee: |
$375 |
($250 for AER members) |
| Five-year re-certification fee: |
$375 |
($250 for AER members) |
| Certificate replacement fee: |
$20 |
($10 for AER members) |
Five-year certification and re-certification fees may be prorated for a yearly payment of $80 ($55 for AER members) over five years. A late fee of $25 to the re-certification fee and the prorated payment will be assessed 30 postmarked days after the due date.
Who is eligible to apply for ACVREP certification in Rehabilitation Teaching?
Individuals who have graduated from an AER-approved university program in Rehabilitation Teaching (AER program approval must be current), or
Individuals who have a Master's or Bachelor's degree in a related field and demonstrate training/experience credentials as per the Certification Eligibility Application Form with required supporting documentation. (See application process below.) All required forms may be downloaded from the ACVREP Website.
What is the application process for ACVREP certification?
The steps are as follows:
- Submit the Certification Eligibility Application Form with supporting documentation demonstrating having met ACVREP eligibility requirements for taking the certification examination and payment to ACVREP of the eligibility application fee of $25 ($15 for AER members).
- Upon receiving ACVREP approval to take the certification examination in Rehabilitation Teaching, submit the Application for Examination, pay the examination fee of $50 ($25 to AER members), and take the examination.
- Upon completion of the certification examination with a passing grade, pay the five-year certification fee of $375 ($250 for AER members) or the prorated yearly installment payment over the five-year certification period.
All required forms may be downloaded from the ACVREP Website.
Where and when will the certification examination be administered?
See the ACVREP Website for examination dates and locations.
REMINDER!
All Rehabilitation Teachers who are currently AER permanent certification only have until the end of May 2001 to turn in their certification and receive the new Academy certification for Rehabilitation Teachers. As of June 1, 2001 all persons seeking certification as a Rehabilitation Teacher will need to meet the certification requirements of the Academy.
Reasons to upgrade your certification:
- It will be the required certification for Medicare reimbursement when H.R. 2870 passes.
- It demonstrates commitment to professionalism and continuing education.
- It is a valuable tool that reflects your high career standards.
- It represents a commitment to quality practice standards and professionalism.
ADVERTISEMENTS
The RT News currently has a readership of over 500 vision rehabilitation professionals, the perfect audience to recommend and purchase products advertised in its pages. Advertisements help reduce the cost of publication and distribution of this newsletter.
Prices for advertisments:
- Full-page ad: $500 and full sponsorship of the issue
-
If you know of anyone interested in advertising in this publication, contact the editor, L. Mowerson at LASM@worldnet.att.net
Do Something RT this Spring!
March: Social Workers Month. Send a card to a social worker you admire and sign your name with the initials RT or RTC.
April: Occupational Therapy Month. Attend a local OT meeting or inservice. Network with local OTs and explain the profession of Rehabilitation Teaching.
May: National Nurse Recognition Month. Write a short news story for a local nursing publication or hospital newsletter about vision rehabilitation, emphasizing RT!
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