Imagine the holidays without Grandma’s famous black cake. A recent diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy makes it harder for her to read her handwritten recipe, see the oven dial and set the temperature, or determine the color of the batter or cake. What if you became the vision rehabilitation therapist who can instruct her to use different strategies and techniques, increasing her safety, efficiency, and confidence so she can continue baking.
According to the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) in 2019, over 385,000 New Yorkers were living with vision difficulties. With fewer than 50 certified vision rehabilitation therapists in Brooklyn, you have the unique opportunity to make a significant impact by being the CVRT who speaks Creole, brings cultural understanding, and is passionate about increasing the independence of Caribbean New Yorkers living with low vision.
Imagine a student living with congenital blindness, attending classes, but not having access to braille instruction, tactile graphics, or large print. What if you were his subject matter expert, known as a teacher of students with visual impairments? There are an estimated 890 TVIs nationwide; however, no figures are available on the number of TVIs working in Brooklyn. During the research for this article, I discovered numerous employment opportunities for TVIs in Red Hook, Flatbush, Queens, and within the Department of Education.
So, how can you help address the nationwide shortage of vision rehabilitation and education professionals? Drexel University’s Blindness and Low Vision Studies program offers a comprehensive curriculum, online classes that allow you to learn while working, hands-on learning experiences, and possible funding opportunities, as well as internships that serve as pipelines to employment opportunities. With entry-level salaries of $80,000, being a Vision Rehabilitation professional is a vital career that can help hundreds of people living with low vision or no light perception live confidently and independently. The program at Drexel University is designed to equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in this field. So why don’t you consider becoming a. Blindness and Low Vision Studies professional? For more information, contact Fabiana Perla Phone: 215.780.1367
Email: fp348@drexel.edu
You can make a significant difference in the lives of many.
Kinshasa A. Coghill, MS. CLVT, COMS, CVRT, Brooklyn resident, vision rehabilitation professional, and BLVS recruiter at Drexel University.
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