The AER Orientation & Mobility Division would like to congratulate our current and past recipients of the Donald Blasch Scholarship. The O&M Division presents two scholarships in the amount of $1000.00, annually when funds are available to two outstanding students. Thank you to our panel of dedicated judges who reviewed and scored our many submissions.
2025 Recipients
Katherine Blough
Kate Blough has been an itinerant TVI in Westchester County, NY since 2006, working with students aged 4-21. She attends the Hunter College O&M certification program and serves on the NYSAER Board. Previously, Kate was the Vice President of The Association of American Publishers, the national book publishing trade association. She received her MA in Blindness & Visual Impairment from Teachers College in 2005 and BA in Political Science from the University of Akron in 1994. Kate has two daughters aged 19 and 23, and in her spare time she enjoys running, ceramics, sailing, traveling, and volunteering with Achilles.
Erin-Lynn Dimase
Erin-Lynn Dimase is a graduate student in Orientation and Mobility at Western Michigan University with over five years of experience in employment services and disability advocacy. She currently works as an Employment Specialist/Benefits Coach at CNS Healthcare and provides individualized care in a home setting. Erin-Lynn is honored to receive the Blasch Scholarship and is passionate about promoting independence for individuals with disabilities. Upon graduation, she looks forward to serving both children and adults as a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist.
2024 Recipients
Katie Fischer
Emily Vetter – Texas Tech
2023 Recipients
Jennifer Scheel- Portland State University
Suzanne Feigenson- Portland State University
For questions, contact Eric Shaw, Chair of the Blasch Scholarship Committee. [email protected]