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In many parts of the world, including the United States, there is a critical shortage of personnel uniquely qualified to provide educational and rehabilitation services to individuals who are blind or visually impaired, including those with multiple disabilities. part of the problem exists because there are so few university based personnel preparation programs directed toward preparing educators, Orientation & Mobility instructors, rehabilitation teachers, and low vision specialists to work with individuals who are blind/visually impaired. The result is that many individuals who are blind/visually impaired and need specialized instruction receive insufficient or no appropriate specialized instruction. Therefore, blind and visually impaired children and adults are put in jeopardy for fulfilling their potential in their personal lives as well as in their career goals and accomplishments.
There are many different approaches being used in the United States and elsewhere in personnel preparation and continuing education efforts both in academia and in the corporate world that fall under the general concept of distance education. This workshop will identify and explain several different approaches being used but will emphasize the strategies and flexibility of approaches utilized by the Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO). Many of the approaches are "grass roots" or "use the local talents and experiences" of professionals in the area needing the services. The students do not need to travel out-of state, although some may opt to do so for some course work.
PCO reaches out to states that do not have personnel preparation programs in the area of blindness and visual impairment. This may be in the area of education of children and youth who are visually impaired with multiple disabilities, as well as in the area of Orientation and Mobility, and/or Low Vision Rehabilitation. The first step is to contact leadership personnel in the state. This may be state level administrators, supervisors, superintendents or directors of special schools for children who are blind/visually impaired, parent leaders, rehabilitation personnel, or others interested in the education or rehabilitation of individuals who are blind and visually impaired and who in some type of leadership or position of influence.
Often times, personnel needs assessments have already been conducted, but if not, PCO encourages this be done and will provide assistance in designing personnel needs assessments. Once needs assessment data are analyzed and a definite need is demonstrated, discussions ensue between state or other leadership and PCO administration to determine type of personnel needed and the program thought to be the best to produce the needed personnel.
Many questions need to be answered such as the type of: program such as Education, O&M, or both; at what level such as certification or degree; the time frame such as consecutive summers, every quarter, over a two or three year period; and of course the level of funding and support available from the state or cooperating agency. PCO has succeeded in acquiring some federal funds to support student tuition and stipends. In some instances the state has provided the majority of funding, whereas in other instances it is shared to varying degrees.
PCO identifies local Program Coordinators, or Program Liaisons as well as faculty. Individuals who are in leadership positions in the field of blindness assist in the identification of potential instructors, lecturers, specialists, fieldwork sites, internship and practica supervisors. Identified potential program personnel are interviewed by PCO administrators and their vita, other documents and references are reviewed. All potential off-site faculty proceed through PCO's adjunct faculty application status. Once selected, the adjunct faculty are mentored by PCO administrators and teaching faculty. Local coordinators assist in disseminating program information, respond to calls of inquiry, and set up potential student interviews and program orientation with PCO faculty.
All program requirements for off-campus programs are identical to on-site. Competencies, expectations, performance outcomes are consistent among all programs regardless of location. New faculty are mentored throughout the process. Course syllabi, readings, and other instructional materials are also shared. Contact with on-site coordinators and instructors is maintained regularly through the traditional vehicles such as phone and ground mail, as well as the more high tech modes of communication such as use of electronic mail systems, and occasional interactive video lectures.
Combinations of traditional distance education strategies and others are used based on the needs of the states and the participant's preferences and capabilities. Coursework not specific to blindness that may be required for degree students, or as prerequisite courses may be taken at other local colleges and universities with prior approval from PCO. PCO strives to offer its approve programs with the same quality off-campus as it does on-campus and in a variety of ways to best accommodate the learners.