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Chapter 14. History and Progression of the Profession of Orientation & Mobility. Early Professional Devlopments. Gloucester Conference (1953) - - Father Thomas Carroll – discussed the need for trained personnel outside the VA
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Chapter 14 History and Progression of the Profession of Orientation & Mobility
Early Professional Devlopments • Gloucester Conference (1953) - - Father Thomas Carroll – discussed the need for trained personnel outside the VA • U.S. Office of Vocational Rehabilitation(1958) – identified education of O&M specialists as 2nd highest priority in field of VI. • National Conference on O&M (1959) • identified 3 main needs: • Selection of O&M personnel • Length of preparation – one year graduate study • Curriculum • Techniques and practice of O&M • Dynamics of human behavior as it relates to blindness • Functions of the human body • Study of the senses • Cultural and psychological implications of blindness
Development of University Programs • Federal grants provided funding for the first University O&M programs • Boston College (1960) • Western Michigan (1961) • 1962 – VRA awarded 30 grants in 22 states. Paid salaries of O&M’s in the field from these two programs. • 1966 – Demand for university trained O&M’s was so high, another conference was held. More grants awarded. • SFA (1972) • Currently 21 programs in the world (19 in USA, 1 in Canada, 1 in NZ)
Standardization of Preparation and Certification • University Program review (National/international) • Functional Abilities Assessment (No longer used) • ACVREP • Exam • Certification • Re-certification • NOMC/NBPCB