Whereas, The
current state of education of blind and visually impaired children is in
crisis; and,
Whereas,
There is a tremendous lack of trained
personnel, and a location to obtain
training in the education of non visual learners is not available in the State
of
Whereas, A
committee of Teachers of the Visually Impaired and Orientation and Mobility
Specialists (Washington TOVI Education Reform Committee), hereinafter referred
to as the committee, was established in 2007 to address these issues; and,
Whereas,
This committee has solicited the assistance and/or support of the National
Federation of the Blind of Washington in their efforts; and
Whereas, A
number of activities are taking place to address the two distinct issues of
personnel shortage and well trained personnel working with blind and visually
impaired children; and,
Whereas, The
committee has initiated a process to establish a Washington State “Endorsement”
in Education of Blind and Visually Impaired children as part of a standard
Washington State Teaching Certificate, which endorsement would include teachers
of the visually impaired and orientation and mobility specialists; and,
Whereas, As
part of this process the committee is now putting forward standards which an
applicant would be required to meet in order to qualify for a certificate of
endorsement; and,
Whereas,
This organization, by action and statement, has worked tirelessly to promote a
quality education for blind children in the state of
Whereas,
This organizations support of the efforts of the committee will be based on an
understanding of the role of the organized blind movement in the promotion of
the welfare of the blind in the State of Washington and in the United States;
and
Whereas,
Only with complete information and collaboration can this organization expect
its membership to lend its support to such an endeavor.
Now
Therefore:
Be It Resolved by the National Federation of
the blind of
that this
organization work in concert with the Committee to strive for a better prepared
teaching professional in working with blind and visually impaired
children. And,
Be It
Further Resolved:
that this effort proceed recognizing
the concerns that the organized blind
have in incorporating standards which are non discriminatory to blind
persons by adopting standards currently used at the Portland State University
Professional Training Program for the Education of Non Visual Learners. And,Be It
Further
Resolved:
that any endorsement program recognize the
most appropriate certification for Orientation and Mobility Specialists is in
the category of “Educational Staff Associate” (ESA) And,
Be It
Further Resolved:
that any
Orientation and Mobility Specialist will be considered for ESA by acquiring
education and training from a qualified program certified by the Academy for
Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals, ACVREP,
and/or by The National Blindness Professional Certification Board, NBPCB, the
two nationally recognized certification bodies in the area of Orientation and
Mobility for Blind Persons