Vision Rehabilitation Therapy*
Vision Rehabilitation Therapists (formerly Rehabilitation Teachers) are specialists in independent living who provide instruction and guidance in adaptive independent living skills to adults, seniors and children who are blind, visually impaired, or have low vision. VRTs teach home management, daily living and recreation skills that enable students and clients to live independently at home, obtain employment, and participate in community life. Typically, VRTs work in rehabilitation agencies, schools, independent living centers and associations for the blind. A shortage of qualified VRTs, in conjunction with a growing older adult population, has resulted in an increased need for these professionals.
The Department of Graduate Studies in Vision Impairment offers a Certificate Program and a Master of Science Program in Vision Rehabilitation Therapy (formerly Rehabilitation Teaching). Both programs prepare individuals to provide comprehensive vision rehabilitation therapy services to blind or visually impaired adults/older adults by providing the course work and supervised field experiences that are required for Vision Rehabilitation Therapist (formerly Rehabilitation Teaching); certification by the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals (ACVREP). Course content emphasizes the following skill areas: home management; activities of daily living and personal management; crafts and leisure activities; auditory, written, technological and alternative methods of communication; and comprehensive rehabilitation assessment. Course work emphasizes the interdisciplinary team approach to problem solving as well as adult learning theories and strategies.
PCO offers part-time VRT Master’s and Certificate programs on-line, with on-campus attendance required during one intensive 10-week Summer Institute for all methodology and hands-on coursework. For students earning the VRT Master’s degree, an O&M certificate program is also available. Scholarships are available to qualified applicants through a five-year, $500,000 grant from the US Department of Education, Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA), Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS).
Course Sequence and Prerequisites
Both the Master of Science and Certificate Programs in Vision Rehabilitation Therapy (formerly Rehabilitation Teaching) are offered as part-time study.
All didactic course work must be completed prior to entry into the off-campus internship. Each student designs an Individualized Program of Studies (IPS) to ensure appropriate course sequencing and integration.
Computer Literacy
The Department of Graduate Studies in Vision Impairment requires graduate students to be computer literate upon entry into their respective programs of study. All instructors will expect that students know how to use a computer for word processing, PowerPoint and spreadsheets. Prior to entering the program, students who lack basic skills in using the computer for word processing should take a basic beginner's computer course from a local computer education program at a community college, college/university, or a computer education service. After entering the program, students requiring additional computer assistance may find help in the college’s Computer Assisted Learning Center. Master's candidates should assess their competence in algebra and refresh their knowledge base as needed.
For further information contact:
Almeda Ruger, Director
Vision Rehabilitation Therapy
aruger@pco.edu or voice- 215-780-1362
*(formerly Rehabilitation Teaching)