Are you interested in promoting independence for people who are blind or have low vision? Do you want to take the first step toward a rewarding career in Vision Studies?
Explore this page to learn first-hand from professionals in Vision Rehabilitation Therapy, Assistive Technology Instruction for People with Visual Impairments (ATVI), and Orientation & Mobility about what it’s like to work in the field.
If their stories resonate with you, take the next step and apply for UMass Boston’s Vision Studies Program today and ask about our federal grant funding to help cover the cost!
Vision Rehabilitation Therapist
Follow the links below for more information
“I like to solve problems.”
“I love working with people and making connections in my community. I’m comfortable meeting new people in different places from all walks of life.”
“I want a job where every day is different.”
Does this sound like you?
Vision Rehabilitation Therapists (VRTs) work with people who are blind or have low vision to develop the skills they need to live and work independently.
Are you interested in a career as a Vision Rehabilitation Therapist? Take the next step: Apply for UMass Boston’s Vision Studies Program: Vision Rehabilitation Therapy track.
- What? Our VRT program is the only academic center for preparing Vision Rehabilitation Therapists (VRT) in New England.
- When? Apply by June 15, 2026, to begin in Fall 2026.
- How long? Complete our program in just 2 years or less and you’ll be on your way to a career as a Vision Rehabilitation Therapist!
- Where? Our MEd program in Vision Studies: Vision Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) and Graduate Certificate include a combination of online courses, integrated field hours, and practicum experiences.
Contact Daniel Norris at Daniel.Norris [at] umb.edu (Daniel[dot]Norris[at]umb[dot]edu) for more information and questions about how to apply.
Assistive Technology Instructional Specialist for People with VI
Follow the links below for more information
“I love working with new technology and exploring the latest trends.”
“I want to contribute to a world where there are no limits to who has access to technology.”
“I’m interested in helping people gain more independence in their lives.”
Does this sound like you?
Assistive Technology Instructional Specialists for People with Visual Impairments (ATVI) work with people who are blind or have low vision to learn new technologies that will help them live and work independently.
Are you interested in a career as an Assistive Technology Instructional Specialist for People with Visual Impairment (ATVI)? Take the next step: Apply for UMass Boston’s Vision Studies Program: Assistive Technology for Visual Impairments (VI) track.
- What? Our Assistive Technology for People with VI program is one of the first fully online academic programs for preparing students to become assistive technology instructional specialists for people with visual impairments.
- When? Apply by June 15, 2026, to begin in Fall 2026.
- How long? Complete our program in just 2 years or less and you’ll be on your way to a career as an Assistive Technology Instructional Specialist for People with VI!
- Where? Our MEd program in Vision Studies: Assistive Technology VI and Graduate Certificate include a combination of online courses, integrated field hours, and practicum experiences.
Contact Rachael SesslerTrinkowsky at R.SesslerTrinkowsky [at] umb.edu (R[dot]SesslerTrinkowsky[at]umb[dot]edu) for more information and questions about how to apply.
Orientation & Mobility
Follow the links below for more information
“I want a meaningful job where I can help people reach their personal goals”
“I want a job that involves 1:1 teaching, outside of a classroom setting.”
“I like jobs where I can connect with people, face-to-face. I don’t want to work on a computer all day!”
“I’m not ready to settle down. The world is my classroom — I have no desk, I have no chair, but I get to go almost anywhere.”
Does this sound like you?
Orientation & Mobility (O&M) Specialists work with people who are blind or have low vision to help them navigate their communities more safely and independently.
Are you interested in a career as an Orientation & Mobility Specialist? Take the next step: Apply to UMass Boston’s Vision Studies Orientation and Mobility Master’s Degree or Orientation and Mobility Graduate Certificate.
- What? Our Orientation & Mobility Specialist program is part of the School for Global Inclusion & Social Development.
- When? Apply by February 15, 2026, to begin in Summer 2026.
- How long? Complete our program in 2 years or less and you’ll be on your way to a career as an Orientation & Mobility Specialist!
- Where? Our MEd program in Vision Studies: Orientation and Mobility and Graduate Certificate include a combination of online courses, integrated field hours, and practicum experiences. Most O&M courses are online, but the O&M Praxis is only offered in-person, face-to-face
Contact Darick Wright at Darick.Wright [at] umb.edu (Darick[dot]Wright[at]umb[dot]edu) or Paula Kosior Paula.Kosior [at] umb.edu (Paula[dot]Kosior[at]umb[dot]edu) for more information and questions about how to apply.
Not Sure But Want More Information?
If you aren't sure the right fit for you but wanted to explore more about a career in visual impairments please contact Dr. Laura Bozeman at Laura.Bozeman [at] umb.edu (Laura[dot]Bozeman[at]umb[dot]edu)