About the Vision Loss Therapist: Judith M. Sharko

Functional Summary: Director of Vision Loss Rehabilitation LLC, a human service provider specializing in training programs for health care staff working with visually impaired individuals. As a Certified Vision Loss Therapist, I have conducted hundreds of travel vision assessments, taught many individuals to apply safe travel techniques and designed treatment programs to assist staff serving the developmentally challenged and older adults with visually impairments. The custom designed staff training programs took place throughout New England and the Mid-Atlantic States. I have presented seminars at Boston College, as well as, on-site courses for specialists located in the United States, England and Israel.

Career Highlights: Director and Founder 1980- Present Vision Loss Rehabilitation, Portsmouth, NH

Founded Vision Loss Rehabilitation to provide custom designed Staff Training Programs and Treatment Plans for developmentally disabled individuals experiencing vision loss. These specialized programs were presented for health care staff in Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania.

Created the Vision Diagnostic Analysis Software, a computer application that translates data from eye exams into an easy to read and understand document. The Individual Vision Summary Report was originated to assist staff to understand the functional aspects of vision impairment as experienced by the individuals under their care.

Participated in a Low Vision Project sponsored by Division for the Visually Impaired, State of Delaware to address the visual needs of the older adult.

Conducted annual presentations for staff employed by the Keren Or School in Jerusalem. Presented methods and expectations for teaching cane travel to developmentally disabled individuals, using adaptive and prescription canes.

Served as a principal investigator for two National Institutes of Health grants: the first to develop an assessment tool to identify visually impaired persons requiring rehabilitation services; the second to develop a multi-media training package for the Staff Training Department and tested in several nursing homes.

Consulted on two federally funded grant programs, sponsored by Boston College and the Philadelphia Association for the Blind, to prepare staff to work with the visually impaired residents of nursing homes located throughout the Philadelphia area.

Conducted Laser Cane Courses for post master degree students attending the Electronic Travel Aids Seminar at Boston College.

Education:
BS, Suffolk University, Boston, MA
MEd, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA
Electronic Travel Aid Course, Boston College
Marketing for Small Business, Wharton School, Philadelphia, PA
Low Vision Course, Pennsylvania College of Optometry, Philadelphia, PA
Trainer/Supervisor of Mobility Assistants, AER, Atlanta, GA
Long Term Care, A Changing Environment, Salem State College
Assessing the Elderly Client, Salem State College

Certified by: Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation & Education Professionals