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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>HI Gloria:</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2> if one wants to pursue a tvi degree one needs
some type of masters degree in education l aleast this is true in new York
state. I am a blind certified tvi in new York state and received my training via
Dominican college. Many university programs are listed on the following websites
<A href="http://www.aerbvi.org">www.aerbvi.org</A> and <A
href="http://www.afb.org">www.afb.org</A> IN addition, many tvi programs are
offered via online model which means you must be fluent in using a pc with a
screen reader with or without a Braille display. Many of the texts
universitiesrequire students to read to be a tvi are available from
afb press in an accessible format which means you can read or listen to the
desired chapter via one's computer. The courses in any tvi program follow the
following sequence, Four dations of blindness,i learning both the literary and
nemeth Braille code, anatomy of the eye, teaching acadeci subjects and skills
within the expanded core curriculum, teaching students who are blind and
visually impaired with multiple disabilities, learning how to teach assistive
technology and at least one semester of student teaching. You also learn how to
complete a functional vision assessment and a learning media assessment and to
be quite honest will need sighted assistance with completing a functional visual
assessmentYOu are taught how to use a braille writer and slate and stylus as
well as the abacus. The expandded corecurriculum consistsof the following skill
included but not linmited to: siganture writing, listening skills, social
skills, independent living skills, organizational skills, self advocacy, social
skills, career development, assistive technology, independent living skills,
communication skills including braille and visual efficiency skills eorientation
and mobility skills limited to teaching a student how to use sighted guide
andnot to teach the use of a cane etc. . Each state has its own criteria for
someone to become a tvi and if one moves from one state to another state one
needs to meet the state one moves to the tvi requirements. You mentioned about
considering becoming a rehab teacher in passing and the websites that Iindicated
above offer programs in this area. The differences a tvi serves infants
toddlers, preschool students nd school age students. A rehab teacher teaches
independent living skills to both kids and adults and the rt program is rigorous
and depenending what state you reside in the individual you serve will be
receiving rehab training for a fee weeks or sometimes for up to a
yearYou need to also pass a exam by the organizationacvrrep.org to bbecome a rt.
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>. The advantage being a tvi in my opinion is that
students are on a continuous basis. Good luck with your career choice. I hope my
advice is useful and helpful. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Sara Rooz</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Certified teacher the blind and visually
imp[ppaired in new York</FONT></DIV></BODY></HTML>