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 p.m. 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.
Click here to register for the September Webinar!
The National Research and Training Center on Blindness and Low Vision (NRTC) has a free resource to help you plan for White Cane Awareness Day on October 15! The Community Outreach Guide: How to Host a White Cane Awareness Day Celebration (October 15) will introduce you to the history of White Cane Awareness Day, provide inspiration for activities (from a signing ceremony to a large, public event), and offer general event tips to support you as you create a successful celebration. From links to resources to sample invitations and press releases, the guide is full of great information!
Please consider sharing it with colleagues and staff – especially anyone who provides leadership for community outreach events. While White Cane Awareness Day is celebrated on October 15, it’s never too early to start planning.
Join OIB-TAC on September 19, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. CDT, for our next webinar! Join us for an informational session about the Eye2Eye Peer Support Program for Vision Loss, a free, phone-based service out of Rutgers University designed to help individuals and families across the country adjust to vision loss.
On August 6, 2025, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the Association of Vision Rehabilitation Therapists (AVRT) honored Older Blind Specialist Jennifer Ottowitz with the Lenore Dillon Leadership Award...
The Time to Be Bold (TTBB) website has been updated with a modern design to better support older adults experiencing vision loss...
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.
