Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS)

Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist (CVRT):

Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist Scope of Practice Vision Rehabilitation Therapist Eligibility Criteria Certification Handbook: (Word / PDF) Code of Ethics: (Word / PDF) Eligibility Application: (Word / PDF)

Applying for ACVREP Certification: A Step by Step Process

Exam Information

Attention University Students

Fees

Downloads

Specific areas of instruction taught by Vision Rehabilitation Therapists include:

1. Communication Systems (Braille, handwriting, recording skills, use of electronic reading systems, use of assistive technology and computer access technology, etc.).
2. Personal Management (grooming, hygiene, clothing organization, medical measurement, socialization skills, etc.).
3. Home Management (organization and labeling, repair and home maintenance, budgeting and record keeping, etc.).
4. Activities of Daily Living (cooking, cleaning, shopping, safety, money organization and management, etc.).
5. Leisure and Recreation (hobbies, woodworking, crafts, sports, etc.).
6. Psychosocial Aspects of Blindness and Vision Loss.
7. Medical Management (assessment and instruction and training of adaptive medical equipment).
8. Basic Orientation and Mobility Skills (sighted guide, safety techniques, etc.).
   Vision Rehabilitation Therapists work with a number of special populations among persons who are blind or visually impaired including persons who are deaf-blind, college students, persons over 55 years old, children in transition to adult services, persons who are multiply disabled, employed persons requiring "on the job training" or workplace management, and veterans.

There are colleges and universities that provide Bachelor's and/or Master's degrees in vision rehabilitation therapy. Individuals graduating from these programs are only able to meet a small percentage of the need, so many current Vision Rehabilitation Therapists majored in related professions such as education, teaching students with impaired vision, deaf education, orientation and mobility, rehabilitation counseling, rehabilitation, occupational therapy, psychology, and social work. Most jobs require that Vision Rehabilitation Therapists have a Bachelor's degree or higher. Many persons with vision loss find this a rewarding career area.

Over 65% of individuals who are blind are over 55 years of age. As America ages, the profession of vision rehabilitation therapy is expanding and the need for qualified professionals is growing. Certification is the main avenue to ensure that professional standards are met in preparing qualified vision rehabilitation therapy personnel.

There is a demand for certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapists, especially in supervisory positions, and both a professional and honorary distinction exists for these individuals. When a Vision Rehabilitation Therapist becomes certified, he or she can use the initials CVRT (Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist) with his or her signature. In addition, there are many reasons to seek certification, including:

1. Certification tells the public, and especially the consumer, that the Vision Rehabilitation Therapist has met basic and ongoing requirements of professional and ethical practice.
2. Certification assures consumers that the Vision Rehabilitation Therapist has the basic knowledge and skills required to provide services that will be more likely to result in reaching the consumers' goals safely and effectively.
3. Certification is likely to result in better salaries, professional advancement and promotion, and gives a sense of professional accomplishment.
4. Certification is likely to result in more respect from peers.
5. Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapists are more likely to be reimbursed by third party insurers.
6. Certification is more likely to protect the certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist in litigation; lawyers, judge and/or jury will understand that a credentialed professional has gone the extra step to prepare him or herself for practice.
7. Certification provides a mechanism for self-study during the recertification process.
8. Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapists are more likely to have studied ethical considerations for their practice.
9. Certification insures that the Vision Rehabilitation Therapist’s credentials are recognized nationally, and is the single best way to begin a process of developing national standards and acceptable levels of service.
10. Certification commands the respect of other professionals who also have stringent standards for professional practice.
    ACVREP is the only organization that certifies Vision Rehabilitation Therapists. To apply for certification in this area, download the Vision Rehabilitation Therapist Eligibility Application and Vision Rehabilitation Therapist Certification Handbook. The application will provide all of the information you need to apply for certification.

Once an individual has completed all of the necessary requirements and obtained certification, this credential will be valid for a period of five years and renewable by documenting direct service hours and/or participation in professional activities.