Keep up with the current changes to RSA requirements, learn about newly released OIB-TAC courses, upcoming events, and find links to curated resources for older blind service providers. Information is shared through the Weekly Brief.
The National Research & Training Center on Blindness & Low Vision is recruiting our next class of Vision Specialists in Vocational Rehabilitation! Our online graduate certificate program, funded by the Rehabilitation Services Administration, lasts one year (January to December). The courses are designed for professionals to help them become more effective in their work with individuals who are blind or have low vision. Applications will be accepted until October 1, 2025. To learn more about this program and how to apply, visit our Vision Specialist page on our website.
We would love for you to share this announcement with anyone who might benefit from it. If you need any other information or have questions about this program, please email Tony Candela at anthonycandela66@gmail.com.
Join OIB-TAC on August 15, 2025, at 2:00 CDT, for our next webinar! This rural health presentation provides an asset-based overview of rural America, highlighting the strengths, resilience, and innovation that define rural communities. Drawing on decades of experience in policy development, research, and cross-sector collaboration, the presentation emphasizes data-informed, community-rooted solutions that have the potential to transform health systems in rural areas and nationwide. It includes background on the unique characteristics and health needs of rural populations, while focusing on practical strategies to improve access to essential services. By highlighting promising practices and resources, this session aims to inform about opportunities to leverage existing rural assets to create sustainable, high-performing health systems that benefit all.
Alana Knudson, PhD, is a Senior Fellow in the Public Health Department at NORC at the University of Chicago and the Director of NORC’s Walsh Center for Rural Health Analysis. She has over 30 years of experience implementing and directing public health programs, leading health services and policy research projects, and evaluating program effectiveness for projects funded by federal agencies and private foundations. Dr. Knudson currently serves as the Project Director for the ETSU/NORC Rural Health Research Center, funded by the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy, and the Pennsylvania Rural Health Model Evaluation, funded by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation. She has experience in state and national public health, having worked at the North Dakota Department of Health and for the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO).
Dr. Knudson serves on the RUPRI Health Panel, the National Rural Health Resource Center Board of Directors, and is a member of the University of Maryland School of Public Health Community Advisory Council and the ETSU Center for Rural Health Research Advisory Board. Drawing on her roots growing up on a farm in North Dakota, she is committed to partnering with rural communities to identify evidence-based solutions that improve health outcomes and strengthen the economic vitality and well-being of rural areas.
Click here to register for the August Webinar!
August 5 – 7, 2025 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
The Association of Vision Rehabilitation Therapists (AVRT) is a professional organization dedicated to bringing together rehabilitation experts to share ideas, information, professional practices, and experiences.
AVRT strives to provide stellar professional development opportunities to Vision Rehabilitation Therapists, rehabilitation professionals, and educators working in the field of blindness, low vision, or related fields.
We are pleased to host the 2025 Annual Professional Development Conference in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Rehabilitation professionals, educators, administrators, researchers, and others are invited to submit a proposal for a presentation. This year we want to highlight the innovative nature of rehabilitation therapist services. We encourage presentations across the individuality, diversity, and variety of teaching techniques and resources.
The Call for Papers form may be submitted via e-mail attachment as a Word document. Call for Papers is due by Monday, March 3, 2025. Should you require additional information, kindly contact:
Dr. Linda Fugate, CVRT, AVRT Vice President, 2025 Conference Chair: avrtconferenceinfo@gmail.com
Join OIB-TAC on August 15, 2025, at 2:00 CDT, for our next webinar! This rural health presentation provides an asset-based overview of rural America, highlighting the strengths, resilience, and innovation that define rural communities.
OIB-TAC is excited to announce that it has been refunded a five-year grant from the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) under the U.S. Department of Education.
On May 30, the Older Individuals who are Blind Technical Assistance Center (OIB-TAC) presented at the 2025 Envision Conference in Dallas, Texas...
The 2025 OIB-TAC Conference brought together 32 state representatives, providing OIB program managers with the opportunity to connect, exchange ideas, and refine strategies for serving individuals who are blind or have low vision (B/LV).
OIB-TAC is excited to introduce Promising Practices in Action, a new initiative aimed at enhancing services for older individuals who are blind (OIB)...
This course is designed to offer practical strategies to enhance the everyday lives of individuals who have trouble seeing.
