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Trainee Selection

Trainee's must understand that this is a time intensive course. Upon acceptance into the program, trainees acknowledge and agree to completing the courses as directed. Trainees must have access to a computer daily in order to complete their assignments.

Selection criteria includes:  (1) Current employment as a vocational rehabilitation counselor in an agency serving persons who are blind or visually impaired, OR current enrollment in a vocational rehabilitation counseling Master's degree program; (2) Willingness to sign an agreement to be employed in a public rehabilitation agency for the required time period; (3) Completion of an introductory course in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling OR at least one year of experience in vocational rehabilitation counseling; and (4) Ability to complete all four courses during one continuous time period.   The remaining class will be devoted to practicum hours (hands-on time) in the field.

In addition, applicants without a Master's degree will be asked to submit a letter of intent to pursue that degree.  Prospective trainees who are graduate students without experience in the field of rehabilitation of individuals with visual impairments will be required to have an interview with the director or case services supervisor of an agency serving persons who are blind or visually impaired, and will be required to have a letter of recommendation submitted as a result of that interview.  Applications will be reviewed with the Project Advisory Committee who will make recommendations for selection.  Final selection will be made by project staff.  Individuals who meet acceptance criteria, but are not initially selected, will be placed on a ranked waiting list and will serve as substitutes in the event that one or more selected trainees are unable to participate.

If selected, those currently employed will be asked to get a letter of trainee support to be signed by their supervisor or agency director. Support includes time for completing projects and assignments, time off for the on-campus components, acces to on-line materials, opportunities to do field assignments, and computer support as needed. It is critical that students have daily access to a computer.