Prestigious Awards in Vision Rehabilitation Awarded to Hunter College Faculty and Student

Hunter College’s Blindness and Visual Impairment (BVI) Program is thrilled to announce the recognition of faculty members Dr. Linda Fugate and Dr. Ian Shadrick, as well as graduate student Kathryn Blough, for their exceptional contributions to the field of vision rehabilitation and education. These individuals were honored with notable awards at recent professional conferences, reflecting Hunter College’s impact on the field of blindness and visual impairment.

Dr. Linda Fugate

Dr. Linda Fugate was recognized as the first recipient of the Lenore Dillon Leadership Award at the 2024 Association of Vision Rehabilitation Therapists (AVRT) Conference. Named after Lenore Dillon, a respected leader whose legacy includes extensive contributions to vision rehabilitation therapy worldwide, this award celebrates individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership, passion, and dedication to advancing the field. Dr. Fugate, the Vision Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) Program Director at Hunter, also teaches SPED 76000: Skills and Techniques for Rehabilitation Teaching I, SPED 76100: Skills and Techniques for Rehabilitation Teaching II, SPED 76200: Principles of Vocational Rehabilitation and Independent Living Rehabilitation for Adults with Visual Impairments, SPED 76300: Internship I: Rehabilitation Teaching for Individuals with Visual Impairments, SPED 76400: Internship II: Rehabilitation Teaching for Individuals with Visual Impairments and SPED71251: Independent Study taken by all Vision Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT)-only and Combined VRT/Orientation & Mobility (O&M) program students. Her leadership and dedication to mentorship have significantly shaped the program’s success.

Dr. Ian Shadrick

Dr. Ian Shadrick was awarded the Charlyn Allen Award also presented at the 2024 Association of Vision Rehabilitation Therapists (AVRT) Conference. This prestigious award celebrates Dr. Shadrick’s outstanding service, professionalism, and commitment to the field. Named in honor of Charlyn Allen, a distinguished leader in Missouri’s vision rehabilitation programs, the award is presented annually to vision rehabilitation therapists who exemplify dedication and leadership. Dr. Shadrick, an adjunct lecturer in Hunter’s Blindness and Visual Impairment (BVI) Program, teaches SPED 74100: Education and Rehabilitation of Individuals with Visual Impairments and SPED 74900: Orientation and Mobility for Students with Visual Impairments and Additional Disabilities.

Kathryn Blough

In addition, graduate student Kathryn Blough received the Professional Studies Scholarship from the New York State Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (NYSAER). A seasoned Teacher of the Visually Impaired (TVI) with almost 20 years of experience, Kathryn is completing an Advanced Certificate in O&M at Hunter. The NYSAER Professional Studies Scholarship, established in 1987, provides financial assistance to students pursuing advanced studies in visual impairment. Kathryn’s award reflects her dedication to advancing her expertise and her commitment to serving the needs of individuals with visual impairments in New York State.

The Hunter College School of Education proudly celebrates Dr. Fugate, Dr. Shadrick, and Kathryn Blough for their achievements. These honors underscore Hunter’s role in shaping future leaders and innovators in vision rehabilitation and blindness education.

Contact

For more information, please contact:

• Dr. Beth Brady, Program Leader of the Blind/Visual Impairments and Severe/Multiple Disabilities Programs, at lbrady@hunter.cuny.edu