GEORGE J. ZIMMERMAN
5700 Bunkerhill St., #2208
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15206-1182
412.760-2481 (Cellular)
412.624.7247 (Office)
EDUCATION
Vanderbilt UniversityReceived a PhD degree with a major in Special Education, minor in Psychology in December 1987
Western Michigan UniversityReceived a MA degree in Orientation and Mobility, August 1976
Kutztown UniversityReceived a BS degree in Elementary Education/Special Education for the Visually Impaired, August 1973
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
September 1993 - PresentUniversity of Pittsburgh
Associate Professor and Coordinator
Vision Studies Program
August 2000 – August 2008University of Pittsburgh
Associate Professor andChairman
Department of Instruction and Learning
July 1993 - August 2000University of Pittsburgh
Associate Professor and Associate Chairman
Department of Instruction and Learning
May 1994 -1997University of Pittsburgh
Coordinator
Program in Special Education
August 1988 - AugustUniversity of Pittsburgh
1993Assistant Professor and Coordinator
Vision Studies Program
September 1987 -Vanderbilt University
July 1988Project Coordinator - U.S. Department of Education, Rehabilitation Research and Demonstration. Supervise day-to-day operation of a field-initiated research grant to examine the orientation and mobility needs of geriatric visually impaired persons.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE (continued)
August 1987 -Peabody College of Vanderbilt University
December 1987Instructor - Special Education for the Visually Impaired. Develop syllabus and taught course in Anatomy and Physiology of the Eye.
September 1984 -Vanderbilt University
May 1987Doctoral Trainee - Special Education for the Visually Impaired. Develop syllabus and taught courses in Visual Impairment and Orientation and Mobility.
September 1984 -Peabody College of Vanderbilt University
August 1985Graduate Research Assistant - To John J. Rieser and Everett W. Hill, Departments of Psychology and Special Education.
September 1985 -Peabody College of Vanderbilt University
August 1986Director - Preschool Orientation and Mobility Project Resource Center. Managed, directed, and controlled operational and personnel activities for a southeast regional, federally funded resource screening center for preschool children with visual impairments.
September 1986 -Peabody College of Vanderbilt University
May 1987Project Evaluator - Developed and established data management system to evaluate effectiveness of interventions with individuals who were deaf and blind, and possessed concomitant disabilities.
August 1979 -Boston College
August 1984Lecturer - Developed syllabus, taught, and supervised graduate students in orientation and mobility.
Project Coordinator - Administered and supervised training grant for orientation and mobility services, Department of Mental Health, Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
July 1978 -Texas Commission for the Blind, Austin, TX
August 1979O&M Director - Managed, directed, and controlled operational and personnel activities for statewide orientation and mobility services at Criss Cole Rehabilitation Center.
University Supervisor - Provided on-site supervision to orientation and mobility interns from four national universities.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE (continued)
August 1977 -New Hampshire Low Vision Program, Derry, NH
July 1978Low Vision Therapist - Developed and provided direct services in a statewide, nationally funded Innovations & Expansion grant. Provided orientation and mobility and low vision services.
August 1976 -Derry Public Schools, Derry, NH
July 1977Teacher/Consultant - Itinerant orientation and mobility teacher for children who were visually impaired and possessed concomitant disabilities.
August 1974 - Provincetown Public Schools, Provincetown, MA
July 1975Teacher/Consultant - Itinerant teacher for children who were visually impaired and possessed concomitant disabilities.
August 1973 - Northeastern Intermediate Unit #19, Scranton,PA
July 1974Teacher - Itinerant teacher for children who were visually impaired and possessed concomitant disabilities.
UNIVERSITY EXPERIENCE
University of Pittsburgh
Courses taught:
I&L2500 - Foundations of Special Education
I&L2530 - Anatomy of the Eye and Low Vision
I&L2535 -Education of the Visually Impaired I
I&L2537 -Anatomy, Physiology, and Educational Relevance of Eye Disorders
I&L2538 -Technology for the Exceptional Learner
I&L2540 -Foundations of Orientation and Mobility
I&L2541 -Program Development: Orientation and Mobility
I&L2543 -Braille and Nemeth Code
I&L2750 - Techniques of Orientation and Mobility I
I&L2850 -Practicum: Visual Impairment
I&L2857 -Level 3 Internship: Orientation and Mobility
I&L3515 -Doctoral Seminar: Vision Studies Research
George Peabody College of Vanderbilt University
SE 250 - Anatomy and Physiology of the Eye
SE 255 - Orientation and Mobility for Visually Impaired Children
SE 355 - Advanced Orientation and Mobility/Practicum
SE 356 - Seminar in Orientation and Mobility (Beginning)
SE 357 - Seminar in Orientation and Mobility (Advanced)
UNIVERSITY EXPERIENCE (continued)
Boston College
ED380 -Visual Handicaps: Physiology and Anatomy of the Eye;
Educational Implications of Eye Disorders
ED484 - Introduction to Orientation and Mobility Practicum.
ED583 - Foundations of Orientation and Mobility
ED 382 - Communications
ED 584 - Student Teaching (Peripatology).
ED 585 - Seminar in Peripatology.
ED 588 -Teacher Strategies for the Visually Handicapped.
ED 683 -Internship (Peripatology).
UNIVERSITY COMMITTEES
University of Pittsburgh
Chair, SOE Faculty and Staff Development Committee, 2009-2012
Member, BAE Committee, 2009-2011
Faculty Representative to HECSE, 1992-2011
Member, SOE Promotion and Tenure Committee, 2008-2010
Member, University Chair’s Retreat Committee, 2006-2007
Member, Dean’s Executive Committee, 2000-2008
Member, SOE Academic Affairs Committee, 1997-2000
Member, DIL Executive Committee, 1993- 2000
Member, Doctoral Fellowship Coordinating Committee, 1993-2000
Member, DIL Academic Affairs Committee, 1993-2000
Member, Dean’s Task Force on Admissions, 1999-2000
Member, Dean’s Task Force on Academic Advising, 1999-2000
Member, Committee on Sponsored Research, 1993-1999
Member, Dean’s Task Force on Distance Education, Summer 1997
Member, Dean’s Academic Program Priority Planning Task Force, Summer 1997
Member, DIL Technology Committee, 1992-1997
Member, University Senate, Student Affairs Committee, 1991-1997
Member, SOE Technology Committee, 1990-1996
Member, Provost's Advisory Committee on Undergraduate Programs, 1993-1996
Member, Promotion and Tenure Committee, 1993-1996
Member, Resources Committee, 1989-1996
Member, Teacher Education Steering Committee, 1991-1994
Coordinator of Admissions, Special Education, May 1989-1994
Member, Faculty Council, 1991-1994
Coordinator, Special Education Programs, Summer Sessions
Chair, Resources Committee, 1992-1993
Coordinator, DIL Brown Bag Seminars, 1991-1992
Coordinator, Pittsburgh Internal Campaign, 1989
Member, Faculty Search Committee, 1989-1990
UNIVERSITY COMMITTEES (continued)
Vanderbilt University
Member, Student's Doctoral Committee (Peggy Ann Cummins), 1999 - present
Doctoral Student Representative, Faculty Evaluation Committee, 1986-1987
Doctoral Student Representative, Personnel Preparation Program for the Visually Impaired, 1984-1985
Boston College
Chair, Recruitment Committee, 1981-1982
Faculty Representative, Conduct Board, 1980-1984
CONSULTANT
2003Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation & Education
toProfessionals, Tucson, AZ - Ad-hoc university faculty consultant to issues
2009related to national O&M certification.
2002Florida International University, Miami, FL
Content Consultant on Certification – Served as the certification content expert representing the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation & Education Professional.
2002American Printing House (APH) for the Blind, Louisville, KY
National Consultant in O&M – Assisted APHstaff and research team with O&M product line development.
2002Western Pennsylvania School for Blind Children, Pittsburgh, PA
Program Advisory Member – Assist in the development of lessons in pre-orientation and mobility.
2001National Association of State Directors of Special Education, Alexandria, VA
Presenter – Blind Initiative Specialization Presenter to state directors of special education.
2000National Plan for Training Personnel to Serve Children with Blindness and Low Vision, Reston, VA
Steering Management Committee – Represent the AERBVI on this federally funded research project.
1999Pennsylvania Department of Education, Office of Special Education, Harrisburg, PA
Advisory Council, Comprehensive System of Personnel Development
CONSULTANT (continued)
1997National Plan for Training Personnel to Serve Children with Blindness and Low Vision, Reston, VA
Steering Management Committee – Represent the AERBVI on this federally funded research project.
1996Project Action, Pittsburgh, PA
Research Consultant - Advised ACCESS, Inc. in the development of an
observational survey instrument.
1995Project Action, Pittsburgh, PA
Research Consultant - Advised ACCESS, Inc. in the development of
an observational survey instrument.
1994Mohawk College, Brantford, Ontario
Program Consultant - Assisted Project Director with program development
and implementation of an O&M program.
1994South Carolina State University, Orangeburg, SC
Program Consultant - Assisted Project Director with program development
and implementation of an O&M program.
1993University of Massachusetts – Boston, Boston, MA
Program Consultant - Assisted Project Director with program development
and implementation of an O&M program.
1992Veteran's Administration Hospital, Atlanta, GA
Research Consultant- Member of a national group responsible for
assisting scientists in thedevelopment of an Expert System on Task Safety
in Orientation and Mobility
1991University of Arizona, Department of Special Education, Tucson, AZ
Program Consultant - Assisted Project Director with program development
and implementation of an O&M program.
1990State of Kentucky, Department of Special Education, Louisville, KY
Program Consultant - Assisted State Task Force in developing program
strategies to improve services to children with visual disabilities.
1989 Iowa Braille and Sight Saving School, Vinton, IA
Research Consultant - Developed and analyzed a survey instrument to
determine the O&M personnelneeds for the State of Iowa.
1988George Peabody College of Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
Research and Curriculum Consultant - Developed assessment
procedures and protocol for a three year Rehabilitation Research and
Demonstration Grant.
CONSULTANT (continued)
1987Veteran's Administration Hospital, Atlanta, GA
Reviewer - Consultant to research staff conducting spatial orientation
studies with aged persons who are blind.
1986 Pennsylvania College of Optometry, Philadelphia, PA
Curriculum Development - National consultant on a federally funded
grant to develop distance vision training curriculum for individuals who have
low vision.
1984Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Mental Health
CurriculumDeveloper - Orientation and Mobility for adults with mentally
retardation.
1984Children's Museum of Rhode Island
Designed an exhibit to allow young children to experience various
types of simulated visual impairments.
PUBLICATIONS
Zebehazy, K. T., Zigmond, N., & Zimmerman, G. J. (in press). Ability or access-ability: Differential item functioning of alternate performance-based assessment test items for students with visual impairments. Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness.
Zebehazy, K. T., Zigmond, N., & Zimmerman, G. J. (2012). Performance measurement and accommodation: The situation of student’s with visual impairment on Pennsylvania’s alternate assessment. Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness.
Zimmerman, G. J. and Zebehazy, K. T. (2011). Vision impairments. In Kauffman, J. M., Hallahan, D. P., & Pullen, P. C. (Eds.), Handbook of special education. New York: Routledge Publishers.
Zimmerman, G. J.,Zebehazy, K. T.,& Moon, M. (2010). Optics and low vision devices. In A. L. Corn & A. J. Koenig (Eds., 2nd), Foundations of low vision: Clinical and functional perspectives. New York: AFB Press.
Zimmerman, G. J., Renshaw, R. L., & Zebehazy, K. T. (2009). Orientation and
mobility specialists positioning at intersections. AER Report.
Price, R. L., & Zimmerman, G. J. (2008). Using a tactile map with a 5-year-old visually impaired child. RE:view, Washington, D.C.: Heldref
Zimmerman, G. J., Zebehazy, K. T., & Fox, L. A. (2006). Standardizing O&M observations in personnel preparation. Proceedings of the International Mobility Conference 12,
Hong Kong.
PUBLICATIONS (continued)
Zimmerman, G. J. (2007). This mattered to me. Journal of Visual Impairment and
Blindness. New York: AFB Press
Zebehazy, K. T., Zimmerman, G. J.,Fox, L.A. (2005). Use of digital video to assess O&M
observation skills.Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness, 99 (10), 646 – 658.
Zebehazy, K. T., Zimmerman, G. J., Bowers, A. R., Luo, G., & Peli, Eli (2005). Establishing mobility measures to assess the effectiveness of night vision devices: Results of a pilot study.Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness, 99 (10), 663 – 670.
Zimmerman, G. J. (1997). The price of independence. In C. Holbrook, P. B. Smith, & B.
Brasher (Eds.),Replenishing the well: Insights and inspirations from the field of
visual impairment (pp. 67-68). Little Rock: Ozark Learning.
Corn, A. L., Ferrell, K. A., Spungin, S. J., & Zimmerman, G. J. (1997). What we know
about teacher preparation programs in blindness and visual impairment. Final
Report: National Policy Forum NASDSE on Training Educators to Work with
Students Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired, Contract No. HS92015001.
Washington, DC: NASDSE.
Zimmerman, G. J., & Roman, C. A. (1997). Services for children and adults: Standard
program design. In B. B. Blasch, W. R. Wiener & R. L. Welsh (Eds.), Foundations of
orientation and mobility (2nd edition, pp. 383-406). New York: AFBPress.
Dodson-Burk, B., & Zimmerman, G. J. (1996). Determining eligibility for individuals with
a visual disability: Guidelines for evaluating environmental barriers. ACCESS
Transportation Systems, Inc. (Document # 95-0088). Washington, DC: Project
ACTION/NIAT.
Zimmerman, G. J. (1996).Optics and low vision devices. In A. L. Corn & A. J. Koenig (Eds.),Foundations of low vision: Clinical and functional perspectives (pp. 115-142). New York: AFB Press.
Sauerburger, D., & Zimmerman, G. J. (1995). Transition: Travel skills for adult living. In K. M. Huebner, J. G. Prickett, T. R. Welch, & E. Joffee (Eds.), Hand in hand: Essentials of communication and orientation and mobility for your students who are deaf-blind. New York:AFB Press.
Roman, C. A., & Zimmerman, G. J. (1994). Mediated learning experiences and the
orientation and mobility process. RE:view, 26(2), 83-91.
Harley, R. K., Zimmerman, G. J., Straw, L. B. (1992). The development of programmedinstruction in orientation and mobility for aged blind adults. Educational Gerontology, 19, 43-57.
Zimmerman, G. J. (1992). Visual impairment, handicapping condition. In M. Alkin (Ed.),
Encyclopedia of educational research, Sixth Edition (pp. 1495 - 1500). New York:
Macmillan.
PUBLICATIONS (continued)
Zimmerman, G. J. (1992). Orientation and mobility training: Enhancing the employment
prospects for persons with blindness and visual impairments. Journal of Vocational
Rehabilitation, 2(1), 66-72.
Straw, L. B., Harley, R. K., & Zimmerman, G. J. (1991). A program in orientation and
mobility forvisually impaired persons over age 60. Journal of Visual Impairment
and Blindness, 85(3), 108-113.
Zimmerman, G. J. (1991). [Review of The art and practice of low vision]. Journal of Visual
Impairment and Blindness, 85(9), 363.
Zimmerman, G. J. (1990). Effects of microcomputer and tactile aid simulations on the
spatial ability of blind persons. Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness,
84(10), 541-547.
Stewart, I., & Zimmerman, G. J. (1990). Orientation and mobility services to visually
impaired students enrolled in Iowa public schools. RE: View, XII(1), 23-30.
Zimmerman, G. J. (1989).Visual impairment and the artist [Review of The world through
blunted sight]. Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness, 83(10), 520-521.
Rieser, J. J., Hill, E. W., Rosen, S., Long, R. G. Talor, C., & Zimmerman, G. J. (1985). The
Locomotionand mobility of low vision persons. Final Report. Washington, D.C.:
National Institute of Handicapped Research, Grant No. 1231413680A1.
EDITORIAL EXPERIENCE
Peer Reviewer, Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness, 1987 - present.
Peer Reviewer, Insight: Research and Practice in Visual Impairment and Blindness, 2008 – present.
Editorial Advisory Board, Insight: Research and Practice in Visual Impairment and Blindness, 2008 – 2012.
Peer Reviewer, RE:view, 1998 – 2008.
Editorial Advisory Board, The Journal of Vision Rehabilitation, 1989 - 1998.
Editorial Board, Exceptional Children, 1992 - 1995.
Peer Reviewer, Exceptional Children, 1990 - 1995.
Peer Reviewer, The Journal of the Association for the Severely Handicapped,
1990 - 1995.
Grant Reviewer, U.S. Office of Special Education, 1988 - present
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS AND OFFICES HELD
Life Member
Association of Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AERBVI)
Member, 1974 - Present
Council for Exceptional Children
Division for the Visually Impaired
Member, Board of Directors, 2005 - Present
Pennsylvania Association for the Blind
Member, Medical Advisory Committee, 2005 - Present
Pennsylvania Association for the Blind
Member, University Consortium, 2009 - Present
National Leadership Consortium in Sensory Disabilities
Member, 1992 - Present
Planning Committee, Penn-Del AER Spring Vision Conference
Chair, University Review Committee, 2011 - Present
AERBVI, Vanderbilt University Review
Special Education Program Representative, 1993 - 2011
Higher Education Consortium in Special Education
Member, Board of Directors, 2007 - 2009
AERBVI, Penn-Del Chapter
Co-Chair, Higher Education Committee, 2006 - 2008
National Center for Leadership in Visual Impairment
Member, University Faculty Committee, 2003 - 2007
Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation & Education Professionals (ACVREP)
Member, University Review Committee, 2006 - 2008
AERBVI, Orientation and Mobility Division
Chair, Professional Standards Committee, 2004 - 2006
AERBVI, Orientation and Mobility Division
Chair, University Review Committee, 2004 - 2006
AERBVI, International Board of Directors
Co-Chair, Restructuring Committee, 2006 - 2007
Penn-Del Chapter AERBVI
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS AND OFFICES HELD (continued)
Chair, 1995 - 2006
Central Atlantic Orientation and Mobility Association
Vice Chairman, Board of Directors, 2000 - 2002
ACVREP
Acting President, 2002
ACVREP
Chair, Orientation and Mobility Certification Committee, 2000 - 2002
ACVREP
Member, Board of Directors, 1993 - 2000
AERBVI International
Member, 1998 - 2001
Council of Chief State School Officers, INTASC, National Special Education Standards Drafting Committee
Co-Chair, 1998 - 1999
AERBVI, Steering Committee on Externalizing Certification
Past Chair, 1996 - 1998
AERBVI, Personnel Preparation, Division 17
Member, 1997 - 2000
Steering Management Committee, National Plan for Training Personnel to Serve Children with Blindness and Low Vision
Chair, 1996 - 1998
AERBVI, Certification Review Committee
Board of Directors, 1993 - 1997
AERBVI Penn-Del Chapter
Chair, 1994 - 1996
AERBVI, Personnel Preparation, Division 17
Chair-elect, 1992 - 1994
AERBVI, Personnel Preparation, Division 17
Regional Director, 1992 - 1994
AERBVI, Orientation and Mobility, Division 9
Chair, 1993 - 1994
AERBVI International Credentialing and Licensure Committee
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS AND OFFICES HELD (continued)
Member, 1992 - 1994
AERBVI International Conference Planning Committee
Member, 1992 - 1993
AERBVI International Credentialing and Licensure Committee
Secretary/Treasurer, 1990 - 1992
AERBVI, Personnel Preparation, Division 17
Member, 1990 - 1992
AERBVI, Professional Issues Committee, Division 9
Member, 1990 - 1992
AERBVI, Personnel Preparation, Division 17, Awards Committee
Chair, 1990 - 1991
Program Committee, AERBVI Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference,
July, 1991, Pittsburgh, PA
Member, 1990
Committee on Endowed Chairs, American Foundation for the Blind,
November, 1990
Chair, 1989 - 1990
AERBVI, Penn-Del Chapter, Recruitment Committee
Secretary/Treasurer, 1988 - 1990
AERBVI, Low Vision, Division VII
Chair, 1987 - 1996
AERBVI, Orientation and Mobility, Division 9
University Review Committee
Board Member, 1984 - 1986
AERBVI, Tennessee Chapter
Member, 1986 - 1987
Program Planning Committee, 16th Annual Southeastern Regional Orientation and Mobility Association Conference
Nashville, TN
Member, 1985 - 1987
AERBVI Nominations Committee, Division IX
Member, 1984 - 1986
AERBVI Bylaws Committee, Division IX
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS AND OFFICES HELD (continued)
Member, 1982 - 1985
AERBVI Certification Committee, Division IX
Secretary/Treasurer, 1981 - 1984
Association of University Educators in Blind Rehabilitation
Executive Member, 1981 - 1983
American Association of Workers for the Blind, Division IX
Chair, 1981 - 1983
AAWB Nominations Committee, Division IX
Member, 1981 - 1983
AAWB Legislative Committee, Division IX
PRESENTATIONS
Zimmerman, G. J., Hofmeister, J. & Wood, M. (2012). Orientation and Mobility Roundtable.
Presentation given at the 2012 Penn-Del AER Spring Vision Conference, Grantville, PA.
Zebehazy, K. T., Zimmerman, G. J., & Renshaw, R. L. (2010). Orientation and Mobility
Specialists' Positioning Practices when Teaching Street Crossings: Is there a StandardApproach? Presentation at the 2010 AER International Conference, Little Rock, AR.
Sharma, V., Renshaw, R. L., & Zimmerman, G. J. (2010). Evaluating the use of GPS technology to measure the benefit of O&M instruction. Poster presentation at the 2010 Penn-Del AER Spring Vision Conference, Grantville, PA.
Renshaw, R. L., Zimmerman, G. J., & Zebehazy, K. T. (2009). Orientation and mobility specialists positioning at intersections. Presentation at the 2009 Penn-Del AER Spring Vision Conference, Grantville, PA.
Zimmerman, G. J. (2009). Professional Certification: ACVREP and Governmental Policies. General session presentation at the 2009 Penn-Del AER Spring Vision Conference, Grantville, PA.
Zebehazy, K. T., Renshaw, R. L., Zimmerman, G. J., Fox, L. A., & D’Andrea, F. M. (2008). Professional Consensus on Pre-Service O&M Training: What Errors Should Students be Trained to Observe?
Zimmerman, G. J. & McVeigh, V. (2007). Structural Committee presentation to the AERBVI, Penn-Del Spring Vision Conference.
Zimmerman, G. J., Zebehazy, K. T., & Fox, L. A. (2006). Standardizing O&M observations in personnel preparation. Paper presented at the International Mobility Conference 12, Hong Kong, China.