Blind and Visually Impaired: Orientation and Mobility - Advanced Certificate

Program Coordinators

Rosanne K. Silberman
(212) 772-4740
916 West
rsilberm@hunter.cuny.edu

Ellen Trief
(212) 772-4110
911 West
etrief@hunter.cuny.edu

This post-master’s, advanced certificate program is designed to prepare rehabilitation teachers who have academy certification and/or NYS certification in Blind and Visually Impaired. Graduates of this program will be eligible to obtain national certification from the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals (ACVREP) as orientation and mobility specialists. This program does not lead to NYS certification.

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.