activities · 18
what they do
direct service · 3
- Providing Certification Documentation Certification Exam AdministrationProvides both digital and physical copies of certification certificates to individuals who have been certified.
- Supporting Professional DevelopmentProvides an online search tool for approved continuing education (CE) opportunities and offers a platform to view ACVREP-approved job postings nationwide.
- Supporting Professional Development ResourcesProvides an online search tool for approved continuing education (CE) opportunities and offers a platform to view ACVREP-approved job postings nationwide.
capacity building · 15
- Administering Certification Exams Certification Exam AdministrationAdministers a 140-item multiple-choice/multiple-select test to assess entry-level knowledge for various vision impairment specialist certifications, and offers one free retake for candidates who do not pass on the first attempt.
- Administering Certification Exams Certification Exam AdministrationAdministers a 140-item multiple-choice/multiple-select test to assess entry-level knowledge for various vision impairment specialist certifications, and offers one free retake for candidates who do not pass on their first attempt.
- Certifying Vision Impairment Specialists Vitreoretinal Surgery Education & TrainingEstablishes quality standards and offers certification programs for Vision Impairment Specialists in five roles: Certified Orientation & Mobility Specialists (COMS), Certified Low Vision Therapists (CLVT), Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapists (CVRT), Certified Assistive Technology Instructional Specialists (CATIS), and Certified Deafblind Intervenor Specialist (CDBIS).
- Certifying Vision Impairment Specialists Vitreoretinal Surgery Education & TrainingEstablishes quality standards and offers certification programs for Vision Impairment Specialists in five roles: Orientation & Mobility Specialists (COMS), Low Vision Therapists (CLVT), Vision Rehabilitation Therapists (CVRT), Assistive Technology Instructional Specialists (CATIS), and Deafblind Intervenor Specialists (CDBIS).
- Developing Certification Exams Certification Exam AdministrationDevelops certification exams, such as for Assistive Technology Instructional Specialists, in collaboration with PhD level psychometricians, adhering to scientific best practices.
- Developing Certification Standards and Exams Certification Exam AdministrationDevelops certification exams, such as for Assistive Technology Instructional Specialists (CATIS), in collaboration with PhD level psychometricians, adhering to scientific best practices. The organization also initiates public comment periods for new certifications and recertification changes.
- Developing Certification Standards and Exams Certification Exam AdministrationDevelops certification exams, such as for Assistive Technology Instructional Specialists (CATIS), in collaboration with PhD level psychometricians, adhering to scientific best practices. The organization also initiates public comment periods for new certifications and changes to existing ones.
- Facilitating Continuing Education and Job OpportunitiesProvides an online search tool for approved continuing education opportunities and offers a platform to view ACVREP-approved job postings nationwide for vision impairment specialists.
- Maintaining a Directory of Approved University Programs Vitreoretinal Surgery Education & TrainingMaintains a list of AERBVI Approved University Programs for Orientation and Mobility (O&M) and Vision Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT).
- Managing Professional Recertification Professional Certification MaintenanceRequires certified professionals to recertify every two, four, or five years, depending on the specific certification, by participating in ACVREP-approved continuing education activities and manages an online application process for recertification.
- Managing Professional Recertification Professional Certification MaintenanceRequires certified professionals to recertify every two, four, or five years, depending on the specific certification, to maintain current knowledge and participate in ACVREP-approved continuing education activities. The organization also manages an online application process for recertification.
- Public Comment Periods for New Certifications and Recertification Changes Certification Exam AdministrationConducts public comment periods for new certifications, such as for Occupational Therapists, and for proposed recertification changes, such as for the Certified Deafblind Intervenor Specialist (CDBIS).
- Requiring Supervised Internships for Certification Professional Certification MaintenanceRequires candidates for certification, such as Assistive Technology Instructional Specialists, to complete a 350+ hour supervised internship.
- Supervising Internships for Certification Professional Certification MaintenanceRequires candidates for certification, such as CATIS, to complete a 350+ hour supervised internship as part of the certification process.
- Supervising Internships for Certification Professional Certification MaintenanceRequires candidates for certification, including CATIS, to complete a 350+ hour supervised internship as part of the certification process.
strategies · 18
how they think
Theories of action extracted from this org's own source material. Click any to see the full field of orgs running the same approach.
- Certification to advance professional competency and service quality certification_and_professional_developmentThe organization designs certification programs to validate critical knowledge and skills, thereby promoting high-quality, ethical services and advancing professional standards in the field of vision rehabilitation.
- Comprehensive and Individualized Vision Rehabilitation comprehensive_vision_rehabilitationThe organization employs a comprehensive approach to vision rehabilitation that addresses visual, physical, cognitive, and psycho-social aspects. This approach utilizes a range of instructional techniques, including visual, non-visual (auditory and tactual) methods, and problem-solving skills with assistive technology, all tailored to the individual needs and goals of the learner.
- Comprehensive functional and holistic vision rehabilitation comprehensive_rehabilitationEmploys a holistic approach to vision rehabilitation that integrates clinical, functional, cognitive, psychosocial, and daily living assessments, addressing all aspects of a client’s life through multi-modal techniques and assistive technology.
- Comprehensive, multi-domain functional vision and rehabilitation assessment comprehensive_vision_rehabilitationThe organization uses a holistic evaluation and rehabilitation model that integrates clinical, cognitive, psychosocial, and daily living assessments to inform therapy, addressing the full scope of visual, physical, cognitive, and emotional needs in vision rehabilitation.
- Continuous Professional Development and Ethical Practice professional_developmentThe organization supports certified professionals in their continuous learning by requiring participation in continuing education activities to maintain professional competence and ensure high-quality, ethical vision rehabilitation and education services. This commitment to ongoing development ensures professionals are highly qualified and adhere to a Code of Ethics.
- Empowerment-Focused Intervention for Deafblind Individuals empowerment-focused_interventionThe organization adheres to an empowerment-focused philosophy for Deafblind Intervenor Specialists, positioning them as a "bridge" to the world for individuals who are deafblind, emphasizing "Do with NOT for" to promote independence and self-determination.
- Empowerment-focused "Do With, Not For" philosophy empowerment-focused interventionAdheres to a person-centered empowerment model—particularly for Deafblind Intervenor Specialists—positioning professionals as a "bridge" to promote independence by working collaboratively with clients rather than acting on their behalf.
- Empowerment-focused, person-centered intervention philosophy empowerment-focused interventionThe organization adheres to a "Do with NOT for" and "bridge not a barrier" philosophy, particularly in Deafblind Intervenor practice, emphasizing partnership, autonomy, and empowerment rather than dependency in service delivery.
- Financial incentives for multiple certifications multiple_certification_discountOffers discounted fees for individuals pursuing multiple initial or recertification credentials simultaneously, reducing financial barriers and encouraging broader professional qualification.
- Financial incentives for multiple certifications multiple_certification_discountThe organization offers discounted fees for individuals pursuing multiple initial or simultaneous recertifications, reducing financial barriers and encouraging broader professional credentialing.
- Incentivized Multiple Certifications and Recertifications multiple_certification_discountThe organization offers financial incentives, such as discounts on certification and recertification fees, for individuals pursuing or renewing multiple certifications simultaneously. This strategy aims to encourage broader professional development and recognition across various specializations.
- Individualized, learner-centered instruction using multi-sensory techniques individualized_instructionThe organization employs a tailored, guided exploration and problem-solving approach that customizes visual, auditory, and tactual techniques based on each learner's goals, abilities, and needs, ensuring instruction is responsive and adaptive rather than one-size-fits-all.
- Individualized, learner-centered instruction using multi-sensory techniques individualized_instructionUses a guided exploration and problem-solving approach that customizes visual, auditory, and tactual techniques based on individual learner goals, abilities, and needs, ensuring tailored instruction in vision rehabilitation and assistive technology.
- Mandatory continuing professional development and ethical standards professional developmentCertified professionals are required to engage in ongoing continuing education and adhere to a Code of Ethics to maintain certification, ensuring sustained professional competence, ethical practice, and high-quality service delivery.
- Mandatory continuing professional development and ethics professional developmentRequires certified professionals to engage in ongoing continuing education and adhere to a Code of Ethics to maintain competence, ensure high-quality service delivery, and promote ethical practice in vision rehabilitation.
- Standardized and Inclusive Professional Certification standardized_certification_processThe organization implements a standardized certification process for professionals, including a mandatory waiting period for exams to ensure fairness and efficiency. It also provides accommodations for candidates with documented needs, ensuring inclusive access to certification.
- Standardized and inclusive certification processes standardized_certification_processImplements a fair and efficient certification system with standardized scheduling (including a 30-day waiting period) and provides exam accommodations for candidates with documented needs to ensure accessibility and equity.
- Standardized, equitable certification processes with accommodations standardized_certification_processThe organization implements a consistent and fair certification exam scheduling process with a 30-day waiting period and provides accommodations for candidates with documented needs, balancing efficiency, fairness, and inclusivity in credentialing.
named programs · 2
what they call their work
Certified Assistive Technology Instructional Specialist (CATIS)
Certification program for specialists who empower individuals with visual impairments through assistive technology.
Certified Deafblind Intervenor Specialist (CDBIS)
Certification for professionals who support individuals who are deafblind, acting as a bridge to the world.
relationships · 4
who they work with
- AERBVI Partner — Lists AERBVI Approved University Programs for O&M and VRT.
- AERBVI Partner — Provides a list of accredited university programs for certification candidates.
- PhD level psychometricians Partner — Collaborated in the development of the certification exam using scientific, best practices standards.
- css@acvrep.org Partner — Contact point for arranging exam retakes and technical assistance