Update with Video Summary!

Two years ago we challenged a new certificate in visual impairment that was created for OTs.

We were asked to wait and view the proposal and wait for the public comment period. 

The proposal was released last month and we have thoroughly read it multiple times.

We have made a short video explaining what is in the proposal.

The public comment period ENDS January 30, 2025. Please watch our summary and send a letter directly to ACVREP!

Or, go directly to our Dropbox for letter templates!

Dropbox with Call to Action Template Letters and Information

While you are welcome to continue to sign the petition, NO donations are necessary!

Read More Here:

Two years after ACVREP announced plans for a proposed certification for Occupational Therapists to provide blindness and low vision rehabilitation services, the proposal for a Certified Vision Rehabilitation Occupational Therapy (CVROT) was finally revealed.  Criteria and standards have been finalized and made public for a comment period, ending January 30th, 2025.

ACVREP states that the proposal’s goal is “advancing occupational therapy practices and ensuring that individuals with visual impairment(s) receive skilled OT services...” 

While much of the dialogue around this certification purports to address personnel shortages, there is reason to be concerned about its impact on quality of services. 

This YouTube video describes key issues and concerns.

The proposed CVROT places all four bodies of knowledge of the primary certifications in blindness and low vision—Certified Assistive Technology Instructional Specialists, Certified Low Vision Therapists, Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialists, and Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapists—on the shoulders of the CVROT, while reducing the amount of training and service time required to master all the content and standards (in some cases only requiring 24 hours' worth of direct service, and allowing content to be learned in “autodidactic” ways).   

If you find this concerning, respond to ACVREP's request for public comment. You can access the full CVROT proposal, template letters and other materials here. 

Do not put our patients and clients at risk due to substandard preparation of CVROTs

Encourage occupational therapists to pursue existing certifications, to alleviate shortages AND upkeep quality of services.