O&M/GDMI Working Group
Dedicated to promoting and supporting the O&M and GDMI professions
Dedicated to promoting and supporting the O&M and GDMI professions
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Who we are…
- As a result of our Summit Strategic Planning, AER's O&M Division agreed to cull information and develop an O&M Division strategic plan, which they expect to be ready for implementation soon.
- In July, 2016, AER passed a resolution which may address the primary action plan for our second goal (increase funding streams for our work) with a plan to achieve third-party funding for O&M and other vision rehabilitation professionals. The resolution proposes for AER to work with other organizations of and for people who are blind / visually impaired, consulting with experts in health care and administration.
- The "Forum for the Advancement of the Field of Blindness and Vision Impairment Professionals" was established by a group of organizations and individuals including AFB, Salus University, ACVREP, AER, and VisionServe Alliance.
They just published their White Paper which discusses some of our Summit's goals (access to health insurance billing/Medicare, professional preparation, and research-based practices).
- To become involved with the Orientation and Mobility Division's strategic plan, contact Justin Kaiser, Chair of AER's O&M Division.
- To become involved with AER's National Working Group on Third-Party Coverage for Specialized Services, contact AER's president Joe Catavero or director Lou Tutt.
- To become involved with the Forum for the Advancement of the Field of Blindness and Vision Impairment Professionals, contact Mark Richert, Director of AFB's Public Policy (202-469-6833).
- 2014 O&M / GDMI Strategic Plan -- Vision and Five-Year Goals
- Members of the O&M/GDMI Working Group's Steering Committee.
- Reports of the results of the O&M/GDMI Strategic Planning Summit as well as analysis of a survey that examined the needs of professionals.
- Archives -- a glimpse into the origins of this effort, as well as blasts from the past including:
- First Strategic Planning for O&M, Denver Colorado, 2000 -- historic pictures and description of the first strategic planning for the O&M profession.
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We are Orientation and Mobility (O&M) Specialists, Guide Dog Mobility Instructors (GDMI), and students/apprentices whose purpose is to develop and implement a strategy to support O&M/GDMI professionals and the people they serve and ensure the future success of the O&M/GDMI profession.
Some background information about this effort is on our Archives Page.
The O&M/GDMI Strategy Summit
developed a Strategic Plan to advance our profession!
Developed through an on-line, professionally-facilitated planning process involving O&M and GDMI professionals, consumers and employers, the O&M/GDMI Strategic Plan is posted at O&M/GDMI Strategy Summit. |
What is next?
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We are pleased that we helped stimulate a national conversation which has the potential to continue our efforts and lead to the changes which we know are necessary.
Leaders and professionals in our field are beginning to look at how to improve and expand our service delivery, including health insurance billing, and we are excited about some of these initiatives:
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We hope that you will become engaged in these efforts, providing input in decisions and helping to achieve the goals of our Strategic Plan!