Links and information on certification in blindness and low-vision
This section allows you to review the requirements for certification, in your respective area of vision rehabilitation. We strongly recommend reviewing the requirements before making a decision on which area of vision rehabilitation you would like to pursue. It is equally important to regularly visit and review these requirements as you move through your program of study.
The Academy for Certification of Vision Education and Rehabilitation Professionals was established on November 6, 1999 and incorporated in January 2000, The Academy is a private, not-for-profit 501 (c) (6) organization. As an independent and autonomous legal certification body governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, The Academy is dedicated to meeting the needs of the vision services field and providing high-quality professional certification in the disciplines of low vision therapy, orientation and mobility, vision rehabilitation therapy, and assistive technology.
The CLVT uses functional vision evaluation instruments to assess visual acuity, visual fields, contrast sensitivity function, color vision, stereopsis, visual perceptual and visual motor functioning, literacy skills in reading and writing, etc. as they relate to vision impairment and disability. The CLVT also evaluates work history, educational performance, ADL and IADL performance, use of technology, quality of life and aspects of psychosocial and cognitive function.
The CLVT candidate must meet educational requirements outlined in the CLVT handbook. The CLVT candidate must meet internship requirements outlined in the CLVT handbook. The CLVT candidate must pass the required examination in order to attain certification.
THE CLVT will recertify every 5 years.
Orientation and mobility instruction is a sequential process in which visually impaired individuals are taught to utilize their remaining senses to determine their position within their environment and to negotiate safe movement from one place to another. The Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist exam offers professional certification in order to demonstrate professional competency that supports quality service delivery to persons with vision impairments. For some employment opportunities Certification is mandatory.
The COMS candidate must meet educational requirements outlined in the COMS handbook. The COMS candidate must meet internship requirements outlined in the COMS handbook. The COMS candidate must pass the required examination in order to attain certification.
A COMS Will recertify every 5 years.
Vision rehabilitation therapists instruct persons with vision impairments in the use of compensatory skills and assistive technology that will enable them to live safe, productive, and interdependent lives. Vision rehabilitation therapists work in areas that enhance vocational opportunities, independent living, and the educational development of persons with vision loss, and may include working in center based or itinerant settings.
The CVRT candidate must meet educational requirements outlined in the CVRT handbook. The CVRT candidate must meet internship requirements outlined in the CVRT handbook. The CVRT candidate must pass the required examination in order to attain certification.
A CVRT will recertify every 5 years.
A Certified Assistive Technology Instructional Specialist for People with Visual Impairments, ("CATIS"), is a highly trained expert who specializes in working with individuals who are blind, visually impaired or who have functional visual limitations, and empowers them to achieve their life goals for education, employment, avocation and independence through the use of assistive technology.
CATIS engage in a comprehensive approach to vision rehabilitation addressing visual, physical, cognitive, and psycho-social aspects related to training and integration of existing and emerging technologies. Methods and strategies include the use of visual techniques, non-visual techniques (auditory and tactual), strategies and problem-solving skills through the use of various Assistive Technology ("AT") devices and solutions.
A CATIS will recertify every two years.
The CATIS candidate must meet educational requirements outlined in the CATIS handbook. The CATIS candidate must meet internship requirements outlined in the CATIS handbook. The CATIS candidate must pass the required examination in order to attain certification.
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