VIDBE-Q Volume 69 Issue 3
Laura Bozeman
University of Massachusetts Boston
Laura.Bozeman@umb.edu
History of the Program
The Vision Studies program at the University of Massachusetts Boston
(UMass Boston) grew and was based on the philosophy from the research gathered
in the 1990s and published in 2000. The dearth of professionals to meet the needs
of students and adults with low vision and blindness continues (Ambrose-Zaken &
Bozeman, 2010; Bozeman et al., 2018; Bozeman & Zebehazy, 2014; Ferrell, 2007;
Walker & Bozeman, 2002). The program incorporated the vision statement created
by the developers of the National Plan for Training Personnel (NPTP) to Serve
Children with Blindness and Low Vision. The statement embraced positive
outcomes for individuals with low vision and blindness.
We envision a future world in which each individual is valued by society. In
this society, the needs of each individual are respected and addressed.
The University of Massachusetts Boston
Vision Studies Program
