Setting the Standard: Two BLVS Programs Celebrate 30 Years of Excellence

As the Orientation and Mobility (O&M) and Vision Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) programs each celebrated their 30th anniversary this past year, it’s the perfect opportunity for the University to reflect on the department’s continued excellence, innovation, and service.

What started as small programs with only a few students have now trained students from all over the world, including 28 states across the country, Canada, France, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Saudi Arabia, and Singapore.

One of those students — Suha Almusa, MS ’22 — came to Salus from Saudi Arabia. “There is a huge need for certified O&M professionals in my country, not only for adults but also for children who might face some challenges in walking and developmental delays because they cannot travel safely,” she said.

As a recent graduate of the program, it is believed Almusa is the only female certified O&M specialist in her home country, and as she transitions into professional practice, she is excited to share her knowledge and aims to establish an accredited O&M program in Saudi Arabia.

The program’s most significant accomplishments in the past three decades include:

• International reach

• Accreditation from the Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AER)

• High exam pass rates according to the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation & Education Professionals (ACVREP) reports

• Maintained relationships with external constituents (the BLVS department at Salus has been awarded $49.3 million in grants and contracts since its founding)

These achievements reflect the O&M and VRT programs’ long-standing commitment to producing competent and prepared professionals, ready to make an impact supporting children and adults with visual impairments.

“Our programs in BLVS have sustained steady growth and increased recognition both nationally and internationally,” said Fabiana Perla, MS ’93, EdD, COMS, CLVR, BLVS chair. “The programs prepare much-needed professionals to provide high-quality services for this traditionally underserved population. In addition, through a collaboration with the William Feinbloom Vision Rehabilitation Center and PCO, BLVS faculty and students provide rehabilitation services to patients, making comprehensive care and interprofessional practice a reality.”

The program’s impact is not only recognized by the University but is heavily emphasized by outside constituents. ”As a funder supporting many organizations working in low vision and blindness, I