Providing financial support for those pursuing certification in both Visually Impaired and Orientation and Mobility.

In 2005 Missouri State University was pleased to introduced Project Diverse (Developing an Infrastructure for Visual Impairment Education for Regions, States, and Ethnic Groups. Project Diverse is a federally funded personnel preparation grant. This federal grant will provide Funding Support for a total of 32 individuals who desire a dual certification in Teaching the Visually Impaired and Orientation and Mobility (O&M).

The purpose of the project is to (1) increase the supply of Teachers of the Visually Impaired (TVI) and Orientation & Mobility (O&M ) Specialists through developing an infrastructure to support a quality Distance Education graduate level program for participants in Missouri and beyond; (2) develop coursework and related field experiences which imbed multicultural perspectives to better prepare professionals to work with students with visual impairments from various ethnic groups; (3) develop mentoring and professional development opportunities through Distance Education which can be accessed by program completers in various geographic regions in Missouri and other states; and (4) recruit diverse candidates to work in the profession of visual impairment.

Project Diverse consists of a 33-credit hour dual certification program leading to a certification in Visual Impairment and Orientation and Mobility. The Required Courses for this program are offered through the Missouri State University Online program and at onsite locations which are determined by the geographic needs of the participants.  Those interested in this certification begin the Application Process with a visit to the Teacher Certification Office.