Association for the Visually Impaired (AVI), Letter of Support
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.
AVI is a nonprofit organization and for over 35 years has been providing comprehensive vision rehabilitation programs to people of all ages who are blind or visually impaired residing in Rockland and Orange Counties. All of the services are free of charge. Our mission is to help consumers remain and or regain maximum levels of independence. Individuals who are blind or visually impaired can do just about everything a fully sighted person can do, but a little differently. It is the Vision Rehabilitation Therapists who provides the unique instructions and lessons that will enable blind people to overcome obstacles relating to vision loss and live in dignity within their own home and community. Vision Rehabilitation Therapists and Orientation and Mobility Specialists are specially trained and hold master’s level degrees from accredited universities specializing in the field of vision rehabilitation. Below is a brief description of VRT.
Vision Rehabilitation Therapists teach people who are blind or visually impaired the skills necessary so they will be able to maintain their household, prepare meals, pay bills, self medicate; learn how to utilize adaptive equipment, learn Braille, computer technology and much more. These are just some of the activities that sighted people do without hesitation and take for granted.
Orientation and Mobility Specialists teach people who are blind or visually impaired how to navigate their environment safely, cane skills, utilize public transportation, cross intersections safely and maximize use of remaining vision. Residents of Rockland and Orange Counties may find that walking from their front door to the mailbox is a challenge due to the length of driveways or uneven terrain where mail is deposited. It is the Orientation and Mobility Specialist who will teach a blind or visually impaired student how to get around their school halls or college campus and will also be taught where neighborhood stores are, the bus routes and where stops are located so they will be able to travel safely and confidently.
One of the most compelling reasons for licensure is to guarantee that only qualified professionals are working with blind consumers. Licensure will elevate the profession and provide an incentive to others to enter the field of vision rehabilitation. As people are living longer, the baby boomer generation beginning to face retirement; and with the increase in diabetes and other age-related eye diseases on the rise, without a doubt; there will be an increased need for professionals to provide lessons and instructions that will enable blind or visually impaired people to remain independent. Licensure will also position NY State as a leader in Vision Rehabilitation.
If you have any questions, or would like to discuss this issue, please do not hesitate to contact me at (845) 574-4950. I thank you for your continued interest in the lives of people who are blind or visually impaired.
Sincerely,
Laura M. Geberth, LCSW
President