Judith Irene Nugent
Kingwood,Tx
Summary
Dedicated expert in visual impairment rehabilitation and education, noted for high levels of productivity, task efficiency and management of large caseloads. Proficient in designing personalized IEP goals, low vision therapy plans, performing FVE/LMA and ECC as well as Orientation and Mobility assessments, and applying proven techniques to foster student and patient independence. Experienced mentor of other CTVIs, COMS and CLVTs with a strong ability to promote best practices and optimal support for emerging professionals.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
VIST Coordinator
Michael E. Debakey VA Medical Center
03.2021 - Current
- Case Management for Visually Impaired veterans outside of Harris County
- Intake, ongoing review and referral to appropriate VA Blind Rehabilitation and Low Vision programs
- Development and administrative management of a roster of approximately 1250 low vision and legally blind veterans
- Ongoing monitoring of National Blind Rehabilitation database
- Ongoing coordination and networking with Low Vision OD’s, Therapists, Computer Training Specialists, O&M Specialists, Blind Rehabilitation Center staff, Primary Care Physicians, Staff Psychiatrists, Social Workers, CBOC Directors and staff, VISOR Program Directors, other national VIST Coordinators, and state and community agencies
- Ongoing coordination with veterans and their family members regarding progress and additional needs
- Clinical program development
- Establishment of clinical panels at various Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOC) assigned to the Michael E. Debakey VA Medical Center
- Daily time and attendance, monthly productivity reports and other administrative duties as required while serving as Acting Director
VISOR Therapist
Michael E. Debakey VA Medical Center
07.2018 - 03.2021
- Evaluating and providing therapeutic intervention for patients with varying levels of visual impairment
- Working closely with the low vision optometrists delivering low vision care to evaluate the use of optical and/or electronic devices for enhancing the use of vision for identified daily tasks.
- Assessing and training appropriate orientation-mobility techniques, as well as the use of appropriate environmental modifications such as positioning, organization, illumination control, marking, etc.: training in the use of environmental cues such as signage, shadow, contrast, form, pattern, and use of non visual techniques for safe and effective management of the environment such as audio or tactile markings, etc.
- Working with the family and others significant to the rehabilitation/education process to assist them in understanding the functional implications of vision changes, how the person with low vision is expected to progress through habilitation/rehabilitation, environmental modifications that will be helpful for enhanced function, coaching for home/work/school/leisure exercises and adaptation to change when feasible.
- Interpreting evaluations, assessments, medical, and other appropriate professional documentation on an on-going basis during the patient's rehabilitation program.
- Preparing, presenting and demonstrating low vision devices and treatment techniques to clinical trainees, patient family members/caregivers, VA personnel, community agency representatives, and persons on VA educational details.
- Compiled updates to VISOR Program Brochure and uploaded to VISOR shared folder in support of CARF and Joint Commission Site Evaluations
- Served on interviewing committee for candidates for vacant VISOR Therapist position
- Served as mentor for new therapist who was pursuing additional ACVREP certification
COMS, CTVI
Various Oklahoma and Texas Public Schools
02.1998 - 06.2018
- Formal assessment of student needs through Functional Vision Evaluation, Learning Media Assessment, Expanded Core Curriculum Evaluations and Orientation & Mobility (O&M) Evaluations
- Provision of direct instruction services to low vision and legally blind students/patients/clients
- Consultation/collaboration with family, teachers, medical staff and adult transitional service providers
- Completion of all required progress documentation, state & local registries and databases linked to securing funding for appropriate services
- Provision of Training/In-service to paraprofessionals and campus staff at beginning of school year
- Coordination with various vendors and district departments regarding ordering and repairs of specialized technology devices
- Direct/indirect supervision and rotational scheduling of 4 paraprofessionals between self-contained, inclusion/mainstreamed settings based on individual student needs in a 6th-12th grade Magnet School
Mentor Teacher
TSBVI
09.2008 - 05.2015
- Provision of professional guidance, support and collaboration for prospective and newly certified Teachers of the Visually Impaired and Orientation & Mobility Specialist
Adjunct Instructor
Peabody College of Optometry
06.1999 - 07.1999
- Provision of O&M training and instruction to Oklahoma Teachers of the Visually Impaired participating in the PCO Distance COMS Certification program
Education
BS Degree - Vocational Rehabilitation
Stephen F. Austin State University
01.1997
Associate Degree - Logistics
Community College of the Air Force
01.1996
Airman Leadership School -
Barksdale AFB
Barksdale AFB, LA01.1994
Air Force Tech School - IT Project Management
Keesler AFB
Keesler AFB, MS01.1990
Skills
- Case management and coordination
- Database management
- Low Vision/Orientation-Mobility Assessment & Training
- Work Planning and Prioritization
- Best practices implementation
- Data analysis and stakeholder engagement
- Training and mentoring
- Report writing
Certification
- Texas Certified Teacher of Students with Visual Impairment
- ACVREP: Certified Orientation & Mobility Specialist (COMS)
- ACVREP: Certified Low Vision Therapist (CLVT)
Timeline
VIST Coordinator
Michael E. Debakey VA Medical Center
03.2021 - Current
VISOR Therapist
Michael E. Debakey VA Medical Center
07.2018 - 03.2021
Mentor Teacher
TSBVI
09.2008 - 05.2015
Adjunct Instructor
Peabody College of Optometry
06.1999 - 07.1999
COMS, CTVI
Various Oklahoma and Texas Public Schools
02.1998 - 06.2018
BS Degree - Vocational Rehabilitation
Stephen F. Austin State University
Associate Degree - Logistics
Community College of the Air Force
Airman Leadership School -
Barksdale AFB
Air Force Tech School - IT Project Management
Keesler AFB
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