We are thrilled to celebrate Allyson Hedlund, a dedicated Rehabilitation Assistant for AVRE, for being awarded the prestigious RAD (Representation: Advancing Diversity) scholarship for the Orientation & Mobility (O&M) Master’s program at Salus University. This remarkable achievement is a testament to her dedication, hard work, and passion for serving individuals with blindness and low vision.
 
Allyson’s journey to this moment has been one of perseverance and commitment. After working in the Human Services field for several years, she decided to pursue a degree in Psychology at SUNY Empire. During her studies, she completed an internship with AVRE, which introduced her to the field of blindness & low vision. The experience left a lasting impact, and through AVRE’s Grow Your Own program, Allyson is able to continue her professional development while working as a Rehabilitation Assistant.
 
The RAD scholarship, funded by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), aims to support diverse professionals entering the field of O&M. The scholarship covers Allyson’s full tuition and additional student fees, allowing her to focus on her education and training without financial barriers.
 
Despite juggling a full-time job, graduate school, and a demanding schedule, Allyson has excelled in her studies. She recently completed her bachelor’s degree, was elected Program Representative for the Blindness and Low Vision Studies Program at Salus, and has demonstrated an unwavering passion for the field.
 
Reflecting on her journey, Allyson shared how AVRE played a pivotal role in guiding her path:
 
“The services that AVRE provides are unique and incredibly beneficial, and I have never worked with a population who was more excited and optimistic about receiving services. What a privilege it is to now be a part of so many people’s journeys, when this agency has been such a critical part of mine.”
 
We are incredibly proud of Allyson and excited to see her continue to grow in her career. Her hard work and passion for vision rehabilitation exemplify the mission of AVRE, and we know she will make a lasting impact in the field.
 
Congratulations, Allyson, on this well-deserved honor!