Blind and Visually Impaired: Orientation and Mobility - Advanced Certificate

Blind and Visually Impaired Program Coordinator: Rosanne K. Silberman; 911 West Building; (212) 772-4740; rsilberm@hunter.cuny.edu, Ellen Trief; 921 West Building; (212) 772-4110; etrief@hunter.cuny.edu

The 18-credit advanced certificate program in orientation and mobility is designed to prepare rehabilitation teachers who have master’s degrees and academy certification and/or teachers of the blind and visually impaired who have New York State certification to serve as orientation and mobility specialists in educational programs for infants, toddlers, children and youths, and adults who are blind and visually impaired, including those with multiples disabilities. The focus is on the development of specialized knowledge and skills through course work and internship experiences in the field of blindness and visual impairment. Graduates of this program will be eligible to obtain national certification from the academy for certification of vision rehabilitation and education professionals as orientation and mobility specialists.

Admissions Standards

Undergraduate BA or BS degree from an accredited institution, with a GPA 2.8 or better, plus teacher of the blind and visually impaired teaching certificate.

OR

Master’s degree from an approved college in rehabilitation teaching or teacher of the blind and visually impaired with a GPA of 3.5 or better,
Evidence of acceptable written languages skills,
Three letters of recommendation,
Evidence of work, volunteer or personal experience with individuals with visual impairments,
An interview with a special education faculty member.

Progress Standards

Students must maintain an overall GPA of at least 3.0 in order to continue the program.
Students with more than one course grade below B in the first 12 credits will not be allowed to continue in the program.
A student who receives a grade F in any course in the first 12 credits will not be allowed to continue in the program.
Students with one grade of IN (incomplete) within the first 12 credits are restricted from registering for more than one additional course. Those with two or more INs will not be allowed to register for any courses.

NOTE: It is recommended that students with two or more INs take an official leave of absence.

Orientation and Mobility Course of Study

Total Credits: 18 credits

Exit Standards

Students must attain an overall GPA at least 3.0 to be recommended for the certificate.
Students must demonstrate consistently satisfactory written English in all coursework.