Archive for May, 2010

Certification Vs. Licensure Holm Weighs In

Tuesday, May 25th, 2010

Statement Regarding Certification and Licensure of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals Garett A. Holm  

First, it is important to note that I write this statement not as the President of the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals (herein ACVREP), or on behalf of said organization. Second, my comments are meant to be used in their entirety. (more…)

Hunter letter to Chair of Senate H.E. Committee

Tuesday, May 25th, 2010

May 24, 2010

Dear Senator Stavisky:

I write this memorandum in support of licensure for vision rehabilitation therapists (VRTs) and orientation and mobility (O&M) specialists and to thank you for your leadership on this bill to license VRT and O&M specialists (S.5581B). I want to thank you for putting the bill on the committee agenda two years ago. As you know it was passed by the entire senate 62-0. (more…)

Hunter letter to Senate Sponsor -Johnson

Tuesday, May 25th, 2010

May 24, 2010

Dear Senator Johnson:

I write this memorandum in support of licensure for vision rehabilitation therapists (VRTs) and orientation and mobility (O&M) specialists and to thank you for your leadership on this bill to license VRT and O&M specialists (S.5581B). Your work succeeded in getting the bill out of committee and passed by the entire senate just two sessions ago. I know because of you this bill will be on the Higher Education Committee agenda this session. (more…)

Hunter letter of Assembly Sponsor -Bing

Tuesday, May 25th, 2010

May 24, 2010

Dear Assembly Member Bing:

I write this memorandum in support of licensure for vision rehabilitation therapists (VRTs) and orientation and mobility (O&M) specialists and to thank you for your leadership on this bill to license VRT and O&M specialists (A.5581B). Your work has kept the bill active and I know because of you this bill will be on the Higher Education Committee agenda this session. (more…)

Hunter letter to Chair of Assembly H.E. Committee

Tuesday, May 25th, 2010

May 24, 2010

Dear Assembly Member Glick:

I write this memorandum in support of licensure for vision rehabilitation therapists (VRTs) and orientation and mobility (O&M) specialists and to urge you to put the bill to license VRT and O&M specialists (A.5581B) on your committee agenda this session. The lives of over a million New Yorkers with visual impairments are at stake. (more…)

Central Association Supports Licensure

Tuesday, May 25th, 2010

Dear Senator Stavisky:  

On behalf of the 184 Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CABVI) employees, 79 of whom are blind or visually impaired, we urge you to support New York State Licensure of Vision Rehabilitation Professionals and Orientation and Mobility Specialists (S.1262B/A.5581B). (more…)

Memorandum in Support of NYS VRT/O&M Licensure

Tuesday, May 25th, 2010

Memorandum in Support of New York State Licensure of Vision Rehabilitation Professionals and Orientation and Mobility Specialists (S.1262B/A.5581B)

Licensure is a consumer protection practice. If you ask the general public, they view licensure as a protection against unqualified service providers. Licensure specifies scope of practice, educational requirements, practicum or internship requirements, and title protection. You cannot practice or use the title of licensed professional when a profession is licensed unless you have met all the qualifying criteria.
(more…)

Letter of Support

Tuesday, May 25th, 2010

May 24, 2010 

Assemblywoman Deborah GlickLOB 717
Albany, NY 12248
 

Dear Assemblywoman Glick;

I have been legally blind since birth but until recently, my vision was sufficient for me to travel independently.  I have lived a very productive life, raised a family, earned an MBA, worked in some very interesting jobs and even enjoyed several sports and hobbies.

When faced with finding a new job, I was nearly run down by vehicles I never saw coming.  When that happened a few times, I soon became afraid to leave my home.  Knowing that I had employable skills but unable to even look for work, I became discouraged and depressed.

I never thought I would need a guide dog or cane, but fortunately, Orientation & Mobility Services were available to me and I am back on track.  I’m working, traveling independently and using the skills the O & M training provided me. 

  (more…)

VISIONS Memorandum in Support of New York State Licensure

Friday, May 21st, 2010

VISIONS Memorandum in Support of New York State Licensure of Vision Rehabilitation Professionals (S.1262B/A.5581B)VISIONS/Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired is a NYC based 84 year old nonprofit organization annually serving over 5000 participants of all ages who experience blindness or severe vision loss and their families and caregivers. (more…)

Association for the Visually Impaired (AVI), Letter of Support

Friday, May 21st, 2010

Assemblyman Jonathan Bing
744 Legislative Office Building
Albany, NY 12248
 
Dear Assemblyman Bing:
 
On behalf of the Association for the Visually Impaired (AVI), I would like you to know that this organization supports NY State licensure for Vision Rehabilitation professionals and I am hoping that you will also vote in favor of bill #05581B
  (more…)