This newsletter is designed to give information about entering the field of Vision Impairments. Whether you are interested in becoming a teacher of students with visual impairments (TSVI), a teacher of students who are Deafblind (TDB), or a certified orientation and mobility specialist (COMS), you are entering an exciting career with a wonderful network of professionals who promote both knowledge and support to enhance your skills in serving students with a visual impairment, including Deafblind.

If you are an administrator or work in human resources and wish to "grow your own" VI professional due to staffing shortages, please reach out to Kelly Bevis (kelly.bevis@region10.org) to discuss specifics about recruiting staff and, possibly, high school students to the field. Discussions will include who is a good candidate to grow into the position, recruitment procedures, emergency certification, and more.

Read on to learn more about this exciting and dynamic field!

Click HERE to see video stories about VI Professionals and their "WHY" for joining the field. Also included are infographics and other recruitment information.

You can get started by reviewing the University Contacts to learn more about how to become certified as a TSVI or O&M specialist.

The flyers below are an example of the information needed to apply to TTU's and SFASU's VI, Deafblind, and orientation and mobility programs. Enrollment is ongoing, Contact each university directly to received specific information on future application deadlines.

1. The applicant must have an initial teaching certification, in general education or special education, elementary, or secondary education, and
2. A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university
3. For information on how to obtain a Texas Teaching Certificate, follow this link: http://tea.texas.gov/Texas_Educators/Certification

Are you a paraeducator or paraprofessional earning a Bachelor's degree and teacher certification? You, too, may be eligible to apply for the certification or master's program to become a teacher of students with visual impairments (TSVI) or a teacher of students who are Deafblind (TDB). Contact TTU or SFASU to learn specifics. Note: TTU is the only university in Texas that offers certification and master's program to become a TDB at this time.

Texas Tech University offers a Deafbllnd Graduate Certificate Program. The coursework is available as a stand-alone TTU certificate or an area of emphasis with the Master of Education in Special Education.

Applications are open now for Summer II and due April 1, 2024!

There are a number of TVI and COMS positions open in Region 10. Read the monthly Region 10 VI Newsletter for current openings or contact Tammy Sidler for the most current information of positions in Region 10.

Statewide openings: LINK

TSVIs can become emergency certified if they have completed the Anatomy of the Eye and Braille courses with Texas Tech University, Stephan F. Austin State University, or other accredited university program. For the full process of becoming certified in Texas go to: TSVI Certification Process in Texas.

There is no emergency certification for orientation and mobility. Orientation and mobility interns must complete their university coursework and pass the ACVREP* exam before they can independently serve students with visual impairments. Check with your university contact about OM interns working under the supervision of a certified orientation and mobility specialist (COMS) until the ACVREP is passed.

The Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation & Education Professionals (ACVREP)* is a national certification for vision impairment specialists who provide services to individuals who are blind, deafblind, or have low vision. ACVREP is not governed by SBEC.