[visionrehabtherapist] Re: Certification Follow-up
- From: "Elida Gares" <elidag@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: <mcinnisj@xxxxxxxxxxxx>, <Maduffy@xxxxxxx>, <visionrehabtherapist@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Sat, 17 Jan 2009 22:20:58 -0500
I too have both O&M and VRT degrees and certifications but
feel that I have every confidence in decisions I make when
working with consumers in RT. I think it depends on which
discipline you have the most passion for. I agree that O&M
skills are based on previous taught skills and there is an end
to the instruction when the consumer's goal has been reached. I
also believe that in RT the consumer may have ideas about what their
goals are but because they aren't familiar with techniques that allow
them to build on their skills or because society has already groomed them
that blindness means they can't do the cooking or cleaning, etc. they need
our guidance to "see" that they can be productive and capable. We need to
encourage (not force) them to try things they are reluctant to do because
someone has told them they don't need to do certain chores any more because
they can't see well. I think because RT is my passion I feel when I work
with a client I can make a difference in their lives, even if it is just to
get the appliances marked. Now the person doesn't need anyone to help them
to operate the appliances any more and then often times that gives the
person the confidence to call and say they want me to come back because they
now feel they can do more. Elida
-----Original Message-----
From: visionrehabtherapist-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:visionrehabtherapist-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of McInnis,
Janet (DLEG)
Sent: Thursday, January 15, 2009 9:21 PM
To: Maduffy@xxxxxxx; visionrehabtherapist@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [visionrehabtherapist] Re: Certification Follow-up
I would like to spend some time thinking on this, I have all kinds of
thoughts and ideas. But, just so you guys know, when I queried what a CVRT
was at an acronym site this is what I got:
CVRT Combat Vehicle Reconnaissance Tracked
so, we have some work to do!
I have an O&M degree and and RT degree, 1986 and 1987. As an O&M person, I
had more structure, more visibility and for lack of a better word, power
when working with a client. As an RT, I work more behind the scenes, take
myself less seriously, and oft times let the client guide me. It is the
nature of the job for me. There are so many ways one can cook, write, dial
a phone, tell time, use a magnifier, thread a needle, sign a check...
whereas, when I teach cane skills, I tend to be more rigid and do it my
way...
In the greater scheme of things, the O&M that I do, and it is not near
enough mind you, is simply one more aspect of my rehab teaching areas.
Anyhow, perhaps it is that we as VRTs have less an ego than mobility
instructors, less confidence in ourselves to make the strong statements
about certification, overwhelmed by jobs where we are never done (O&M is one
skill, that builds upon a previous skill...VRT has endless skill areas, we
are never done) or we feel like we are never done and are enablers in some
way. I don't know. But those are my initial thoughts. The CVRT being a
combat vehickle reconnaissance tracked is priceless, and I had to share that
with you guys.
Janet McInnis
________________________________
From: visionrehabtherapist-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx on behalf of Maduffy@xxxxxxx
Sent: Thu 1/15/2009 11:13 AM
To: visionrehabtherapist@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [visionrehabtherapist] Certification Follow-up
Hello again VRT Colleagues:
Thank you very much for the responses you've given thus far to my request
for feedback. I've received a number of long responses -- and I appreciate
your thoughtful tone very much.
After reading your responses, it occurred to me that your thoughts and
experiences would be even more valuable if you shared them with the list as
a whole. I understand that many of you wish to keep your responses
confidential and I will honor that. Still, I think we have the opportunity
to begin a much-needed dialogue about this issue -- and we should seize it.
Let me share an insight about certification that I have gleaned in my new
role as a web site editorial director:
We have an extensive resource section on VisionAWARE.org. (I'm a VRT -- I
can't control myself when it comes to resources. It's in my DNA.) Every day,
I receive requests from various organizations and individuals to list their
services, products, and other types of information. Many of these
individuals are unknown to me, because they are not directly related to our
field. I have to make decisions as to whether to list them or not, which I
call my "due diligence" process.
Do you know the very first thing I look at? I check certification or
licensure credentials. If such credentials are weak or nonexistent, I will
not list the individual, organization, or service -- and I will explain that
these credentials are the primary way that I, as a consumer advocate of
sorts, can make a semi-informed evaluation of the quality of that service.
Please keep your responses coming. I value all of them very much. I am
interested in hearing from colleagues who are certified, not certified,
almost-certified, formerly certified, and any other category/combination
that applies.
Thank you and best regards,
Maureen
Maureen A. Duffy, CVRT
Editorial Director
AWARE (Associates for World Action in Rehabilitation & Education)
Phone: 914-528-5120
E-mail: maureen.duffy@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Are you aware of our web site?
www.visionaware.org <http://www.visionaware.org/>
"Self-Help for Vision Loss"
________________________________
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