OccupationalTherapy.com Phone: 866-782-9924


Protocol for Becoming An Orientation Specialist

Al Copolillo, Ph.D., OTR/L, FAOTA

October 16, 2012

Share:

Question

How do you become an "Orientation Specialist" to treat vision impairments?

Answer

 

The Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals (ACVREP) certifies orientation and mobility specialists. Interested individuals can begin at this website: https://www.acvrep.org/certifications/coms to gather information on training and certification. This site opens to details on the scope of O&M practice.
 
In the left margin is access to the webpage: Orientation and Mobility Specialist Eligibility Criteria. Most OTs will fall into category 2, and should scroll down to see that. There is additional information on the application process, the certification exam, and associated fees.


al copolillo

Al Copolillo, Ph.D., OTR/L, FAOTA

Dr. Al Copolillo is Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Occupational Therapy at Virginia Commonwealth University. His research has explored how older adults with acquired vision impairments make decisions to use assistive technologies and the barriers and challenges they overcome to adjust to vision loss. Dr. Copolillo’s current interest includes use of assistive technologies for people with neurogenic vision impairment, and use of self-management interventions for people with low vision. 


Related Courses

Does Your Child Struggle in School? The Critical Link Between Vision & Learning
Presented by Lynn Hellerstein, OD, FCOVD, FAAO
Video

Presenter

Lynn Hellerstein, OD, FCOVD, FAAO
Course: #5427Level: Intermediate2 Hours
  'it was very informative with great examples'   Read Reviews
In this course you will learn how vision impacts learning. Through lecture, videos, demonstrations, and case studies, this course includes: common signs/symptoms of visual problems, the basics of visual screening, overview of visual treatment options including glasses and vision therapy, and classroom recommendations for the teacher or therapist.

Evaluation And Treatment Of Cerebral Visual Impairment Podcast
Presented by Karen Harpster, PhD, OTR/L, Dennis Cleary, MS, OTD, OTR/L, FAOTA
Audio

Presenters

Karen Harpster, PhD, OTR/LDennis Cleary, MS, OTD, OTR/L, FAOTA
Course: #5995Level: Introductory1 Hour
  'It was a very helpful intro on the subject'   Read Reviews
On the podcast, we will discuss the role of the occupational therapist in the evaluation and treatment of children with cerebral visual impairment (CVI). We will discuss how CVI affects performance in activities of daily living. This is part of the Continued Learning Podcast series.

Aging and Vision: The Occupational Therapy Role
Presented by Subah Gupta, MHS, OTR/L, SCLV, CBIS
Video

Presenter

Subah Gupta, MHS, OTR/L, SCLV, CBIS
Course: #5497Level: Introductory2 Hours
  'Best course I have taken so far this year! Great medical background of diagnoses along with very practical application and treatment interventions'   Read Reviews
Commonly encountered visual deficits in the geriatric population will be discussed including screening and intervention techniques within Occupational Therapy Practice Framework.

Case Studies for the Master Clinician- Vision Assessment in Home Care
Presented by Gina Green, MOT, OTR/L, Fawn Carson, MS, OTR/L, ATP
Video

Presenters

Gina Green, MOT, OTR/LFawn Carson, MS, OTR/L, ATP
Course: #3707Level: Introductory1 Hour
  'Great course!'   Read Reviews
This case study will examine vision assessment in home care. It will provide a comprehensive overview of vision and provide a review of the current literature.

Vision: School Strategies And Resources, Part 1
Presented by Kim Wiggins, OTR/L
Video

Presenter

Kim Wiggins, OTR/L
Course: #5781Level: Intermediate1 Hour
  'Looking forward to using these resources!'   Read Reviews
This course will discuss visual screenings, the primary components of the visual system, and visual strategies that can be used in the home, therapy, or classroom. This is part 1 of a two-part series and is part of the Vision Virtual Conference.

Our site uses cookies to improve your experience. By using our site, you agree to our Privacy Policy.