The Evolution From Home Teaching to Rehabilitation Teaching: Historical Roots, Essay Example

The current state of rehabilitation is the result of a long evolution and the journey of the blind toward social equality. This journey covered the four essential stages: (a) separation – when blind people were separated from society; (b) ward status – when blind people were given shelter and food; (c) self-emancipation – when talented personalities with visual impairments sought to re-establish themselves in society; and (d) integration – when blind people have been gradually included into education and rehabilitation programs. Since 1830, three schools for the blind have been operating in Massachusetts, New York and Pennsylvania (Ponchillia & Ponchillia, 1996).

Rehabilitation Teaching: A History

All techniques and methods for rehabilitation teaching were developed in various educational settings. In the evolution of rehabilitation teaching, several stages were identified. First, initiation: Dr. William Moon was the first rehabilitation teacher. Second, expansion: following Moon’s developments, the provision of home rehabilitation for the blind expanded; new programs were developed because reading and writing skills alone could not help the blind to meet their needs. Third, definition: the first meeting of rehabilitation teachers was organized in 1938, and the first standards for home-teaching were developed in 1941. Studies and philosophies were developed and performed, to support the expansion of the rehabilitation teacher profession. Fourth, refinement: the name change that took place in 1965 marked a new stage in the development of the rehabilitation teacher profession, and rehabilitation teacher became an official job title (Ponchillia & Ponchillia, 1996)

Professional Status

A profession is defined by a number of characteristics: special expertise gained through a prolonged specialized training; autonomy; commitment to the work; identify with the profession; ethics and collegial maintenance of standards. In rehabilitation teaching, professional knowledge and expertise lie in the understanding and knowledge of blind people’s adaptations in regard to the daily living tasks. Professional qualifications can be gained through a variety of university programs and standardized university curricula. Professional roles evolved and expanded to cover teaching, case management, and professional administrative activities. Professional certification has been initiated since 1941 and includes Professional Rehabilitation Teacher Certification, Types AA and A. Professional ethics is the distinguishing feature of any profession, and the Rehabilitation Teacher Code of Ethics includes six sections that detail the rehabilitation teacher’s commitment to each significant aspect of the profession. Professional practice in the field of rehabilitation teaching aims to establish rehabilitation teaching as a profession through ongoing development and professional growth (Ponchillia & Ponchillia, 1996).

References

Ponchillia, P.E. & Ponchillia, S.V. (1996). Foundations of rehabilitation teaching with persons who are blind or visually impaired. American Foundation for the Blind.