VIDBE-Q Volume 68 Issue 1
in the O&M program run for two years, however depending on the type of
internship students elect to complete, completion of the program varies between
two to three years.
The Visual Impairment Program has proudly certified/graduated over 100
TVIs since its first students were admitted in 2013 and 16 O&M specialists. The
program has maintained strong enrollment and is deeply invested in programs that
support services for those who are blind and visually impaired in Kentucky.
Students in both the TVI and O&M programs work with the Kentucky School for
the Blind (KSB), Visually Impaired Preschool Services (VIPS), the Kentucky
Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR), and the Kentucky DeafBlind Program.
Highlights from the Visual Impairment Program include collaboration with
OVR on the DeafBlind ECC Week and PATH programs. The Kentucky DeafBlind
Project offers their ECC Week each summer to young adults who are DeafBlind
between the ages of 14-21. This is a "team effort" with additional support from
Eastern Kentucky University's Teacher Preparation Program in Deaf and Hard of
Hearing (DHH) and contracted professionals to focus on the Expanded Core
Curriculum (ECC) and job readiness skills. Students are invited with their families
to gather for a week of activities that promote independence, opportunities to
connect other young adults who are DeafBlind, develop self-advocacy and
communication skills, and have fun. Each summer ECC Week is hosted in a
