Concerning State O & M instruction

WHEREAS

Blind persons without excellent orientation and mobility skills are limited in all endeavors of life; and

WHEREAS

Blind persons with excellent orientation and mobility skills are free to enjoy all the benefits of life; and

WHEREAS

The Florida State Rehabilitation Center is our State's leading teacher of these skills; and

WHEREAS

The National Federation of the Blind has encouraged and promoted the use of a new model of orientation and mobility which has shown great success;  and

WHEREAS

Historically orientation and mobility skills have not been a strong teaching program within the Florida State Rehabilitation Center; and

WHEREAS

The Professional Development and Research Institute on Blindness at Louisiana Tech University, the National Association of Blind Rehabilitation Professionals, and the National Blindness Professional Certification Board (NBPCB) have joined together to present a day long workshop titled "Essentials for Effective Orientation and Mobility Professionals" giving voice and demonstration of these advanced methods;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED IN CONVENTION ASSEMBLED IN JACKSONVILLE THIS 31 DAY  OF MAY, 2004 THAT

The National Federation of the Blind of Florida invite and encourage the Director of and orientation and mobility teachers from the State Rehabilitation Center to attend the National Association of Blind Rehabilitation Professionals meeting at the National Federation of the Blind 2004 National Convention.