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VIDBE - Q Volume 63 Issue 1
Brief History
The university's O&M program began in 1972 and was initially funded by the
Texas Blindness Agency under a three - year grant designed to train specialists to work
with people who are blind. The grant was expected to fulfill the need for O&M specialists
across Texas. This underestimation of need has led to continual operation of SFA's
program for 46 years and counting.
Later, state legislators and field leaders encouraged the establishment of a
program to train teachers of the visually impaired at SFA. A major change occurred with
a partnership between SFA, the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, and
Texas Tech University that helped establish TVI certification programs at both
universities. The entities worked together un der the leadership of Drs. Phil Hatlen, Allen
Koenig and Dixie Mercer to establish program curriculum and standards. TSBVI and the
two universities still collaborate on issues of legislation and advocacy with TSBVI
continuing to provide support and leaders hip through partnerships and the innovative
mentor program developed through their outreach department.
SFA's O&M p ro g ram is nationally a ccre d it e d b y the Association for Education
and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired University Review Committee.
The VI p ro g ram works with the T e x a s E du c a ti o n A g e n c y and is accredited through the
Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation and by the Southern Association of
Colleges and Schools. Our graduates, both TVIs and O&M specialists, are employed
across the U.S. and internationally.