[visionrehabtherapist] Re: Working with Occupational Therapists
- From: Terrie Terlau <tterlau@xxxxxxx>
- To: "KFarrow@xxxxxxxxx" <KFarrow@xxxxxxxxx>, "visionrehabtherapist@xxxxxxxxxxxxx" <visionrehabtherapist@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Wed, 25 Sep 2013 12:56:20 +0000
Hello Kendra and all,
I am not a VRT, but have presented and exhibited for APH at a national OT
conference. I believe that the best way to get the unique skill set of VRTs to
be recognized and understood by the OT profession is to work with OTs. There is
now an OT certification in low vision, though I don't know the percentage of
OTs who have obtained this. I know that a very skilled OT/CVRT/CLVT
participated on the panel that developed this OT low vision certification. As
CVRTs work to gain access to third party funding, I believe that it is crucial
that the VRT profession provides clear statements of its areas of expertise and
that the profession works for state licensure. OTs are here to stay and they
can contribute greatly to the rehabilitation of numerous people with visual
impairments, as long as they are part of a team including a CVRT whose
expertise is specific to the skill sets and techniques useful to persons with
visual impairment. Although perhaps slightly off topic for this list, I do
think that it would be helpful to discuss/clarify boundaries between an OT
certified in low vision and an ACVREP-certified CLVT, and the work that a CVRT
does relative to low vision. As we see increasing numbers of older persons
experiencing low vision, I firmly hope that the VRTs and LVTs (and O&M
specialists) work toward state licensure so that these professions can be
utilized by the medical-model-based service providers who deal with elders.
Just my thoughts.
Terrie Terlau
Adult Life Project Leader
American Printing House for the Blind
From: visionrehabtherapist-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:visionrehabtherapist-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Kendra Farrow
Sent: Wednesday, September 25, 2013 8:43 AM
To: visionrehabtherapist@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [visionrehabtherapist] Working with Occupational Therapists
Good Morning,
My agency has been working to offer OT services to our clients along with VRT
services. I am wondering if any of you are in similar situations. Years ago we
had many discussions about this topic and our attitude was not positive toward
this trend. Now I feel this is here to stay and I would like to gather as much
information as I can about your experiences. How does it work at your
organization? After working with an OT, who does not have any vision
background, for 6 months, I feel this could be a positive improvement for our
customers if it is handled correctly. If I can get some information together I
plan to share this information with all of you as you are most likely facing
similar situations. If you would rather e-mail me off list feel free. I know
this issue is very sensitive, but I want to face it head on.
Thank you for sharing any thoughts you have on this topic.
Kendra Farrow
Vision Rehabilitation Therapist
Susquehanna Association for the
Blind and Vision Impaired
244 North Queen St.
Lancaster PA 17603
717-291-5951 ext. 4144
717-291-9183 fax
www.sabvi.com<http://www.sabvi.com/>
Independence is Our Vision
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