Vision loss is growing rapidly nationwide, and in New York State.  With the aging of our population and medical advances that allow low birth weight babies to survive their premature birth, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention predicts there will be 2.9 million people with age-related macular degeneration, 3.3 million people with glaucoma, and 7.2 million people with diabetic retinopathy alone by the year 2020, just 7 years away.

Vision rehabilitation professionals are specialists trained to help individuals with vision impairments understand their diagnosis and maintain their independence by learning orientation and mobility techniques-such as safe street crossing, and by mastering vital specialized adaptations for daily living and communication through the use of assistive technology for computers and other special electronic devices.   Vision Rehabilitation professionals often teach individuals who have lost their sight - individuals of all ages, children, adults, and older adults in their homes one on one.  

Vision rehabilitation professionals in New York State are asking to become licensed practitioners in New York.  They must be licensed to ensure quality services for newly visually impaired consumers through the assurances of State law and regulation of services for the field.

Please sign this petition and stand with us to provide the citizens of New York State with high quality licensed Orientation and Mobility Services and Vision Rehabilitation Services.  When you sign this petition you are standing up for the rights of persons with visual impairment to receive exceptional service from a vision rehabilitation professional. For more information please visit www.nyvra.org

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