CALIFORNIA O&M LICENSURE Discussing the Realities for our Profession and our Clients

CA O&M Licensure Webinar rules Attendees are in listen only mode during the presentation. Headphones are recommended for the presentation, but a telephone option is available. Follow the instructions in your control panel to obtain a PIN to participate. Please type questions into the Question box on the right. Please indicate to whom the question is directed. If the Question box is not accessible to you, please your question to with the same information. We have allotted 15 minutes at the end of the Webinar for questions. Please use the “raise hand” option on your control panel. We are seeking ACVREP CEU approval for this event.

This Webinar is made possible by Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired California Association of Orientation and Mobility Specialists

Introductions Israel Martinez, S-CAOMS Matt Hogel, AER Licensure Task Force Brenda Naimy, CAOMS Anthony Candela, Southern California AER Ginger Croce, Moderator, AER Special Thanks to: Dr. Grace Ambrose-Zaken, John Kelly, Nancy Miller, Elga Joffee, and Brenda Naimy for their expertise and input.

Licensure…What is it? Wikipedia says… Licensure means a restricted practice requiring a license, which gives a "permission to practice." Such licenses are usually issued in order to regulate some activity that is deemed to be a threat to the person or the public or which involves a high level of specialized skill. The skill elements inspire governments not to allow a free-for-all, but to regulate the activity, and licensing is a well-established and convenient method of regulation.

Certification vs. Credentialing vs. Licensure Governing Body RegionMandatory?Other Key Differences Certification Academy on Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals (ACVREP) National Optional (unless required by employing agency)  National board sets standards & approves certification  No legal parameters preventing others from providing O&M services  Uniform standards across the country  Requires initial testing and ongoing continuing education  Grievances addressed by ACVREP committee Credentialing *California Clinical or Rehabilitative Services Credential California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) State by State Required to teach O&M to school-aged students in CA  State Commission on Teacher Credentialing sets standards and approves credentials  Requires at least one year of applicable graduate-level course work which may or may not have resulted in an advanced degree  Grievances handled by the CTC or employing school district Licensure Government Board of Professionals & Consumers State by State Required to practice O&M within the state with any consumer  Appointed govt. board of professionals & consumers sets standards & approves licensure  To practice O&M with any consumers, you must have a license  Grievances handled by governing board from State Dept. of Consumer Affairs

California already Licenses Dog Guide Professionals Board of Guide Dogs for the Blind License for guide dog instructors and institutions Dept. of Consumer Affairs Business and Professions Code

What does licensure mean for the O&M profession and consumers? Licensure: Establishes consistent standards and guidelines for practice Ensures only qualified professionals are teaching O&M Provides higher recognition and more equal footing in the medical field Enhances opportunity to obtain 3 rd party reimbursement for O&M services, which in turn… Increases availability of O&M services to those under-served

Licensure: Considerations AER Licensure Task Force update and guide Meeting with AOTA - takeaways Understanding the politics of licensure - how to get local support from your representatives Every state is different - what’s the best formula for your state

Licensure: Resources Kleiner, M. M. (2006). Licensing Occupations: Ensuring Quality or Restricting Competition? W.E. Upjohn Institute. New York Vision Rehabilitation Association (NYVRA).Licensed orientation and mobility specialists and visionrehabilitation therapists are needed now in New York. Retrieved on 04/01/2015 from New York Assembly State Bill. BILL NUMBER: A5451. An Actto Amend the Education Law, in Relation to the Licensing OfOrientation and Mobility Specialists and RehabilitationTherapists. Retrieval information: link through or direct access at (link verified 04/04/2015)

Previous California Licensure Efforts What sparked our initial interest in licensure in California? AER Conference in Los Angeles: O&M Division Licensure Interest Group Meeting JVIB Article, Toward the Establishment of State Licensure for O&M Specialists Exploration of Interest Panel Presentation at CAOMS Conference: Addressing State Licensure Approached California Board of Guide Dogs for the Blind at their regional meetings Hurdles Encountered Lack of consensus amongst O&Ms regarding need for licensure Anxiety about what would be required Concerns that some consumer organizations would not support licensure

What will it take to pursue licensing in California? People who are committed to: Educating O&M specialists, related professionals and consumers about licensure Creating consensus amongst stakeholders Developing an action plan Developing education/support materials Gathering support from AER Licensure Task Force Obtaining support from state senators Drafting a bill Ensuring support from all stakeholders Blindness organizations Advocacy groups, etc. Fundraising for professional lobbyists and other misc. costs

Political Climate Current Political climate Difficult to expand government Competition for funding Competing consumer interests Need to unite the professional stakeholders Guide dog licensing board experience and views on O&Ms Existing structure Licenses professionals and schools Licensed guide dog instructors include O&Ms

What now? Decide if CAOMS/AER California Chapters wish to pursue licensure Start a work group or committee to begin efforts Educate & poll stakeholders to probe sentiment Create support materials Seek support from profession and all stakeholders

Q&A Any questions?

Conclusion Thank you for attending AER is seeking ACVREP CEUs for this webinar. To record your participation, please provide your name, address, and phone info to Israel Martinez,