Visually Disabled Juliana Cumbo Granted a Provisional License to Practice Acupuncture

by Will Morris, DAOM, MSEd, LAc

Juliana Combo is qualified and safe to practice. After meeting the requirements of clean needle technique, passing the National Certification examinations and treating hundreds of patients in her residency, Juliana Cumbo encountered the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners (TSBAE). In the fulfillment of their obligation to protect the public, the Board refused licensure to Juliana. However, questions arose about the impact of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on a state agency that receives federal funds: which requires compliance with the ADA. After an appeal and videotaping her practice of treating patients with a variety of diagnoses, Juliana demonstrated competency that proved "instructional" to members of the board. They voted to allow Juliana Cumbo a license to practice with certain restrictions such as practicing in a group.

Juliana changed the terrain. No longer are the media people saying "would you have acupuncture?" Rather, they are saying "would you have acupuncture from a blind acupuncturist?" This is a tipping point in terms of the cultural assumptions about acupuncture.

The odd thing is that the practitioners who countered Juliana's licensure had no awareness of the some 30,000 visually disabled practitioners in Japan. There are two Universities of Traditional Chinese Medicine in China that are conducting acupuncture programs for the visually disabled. The culture of the visually disabled is different than that of the visually able person. Touch, sound and smell are heightened in a way that is difficult to imagine. Consider attempting to read Braille. The Japanese have used acupuncture as a means of employment for the blind since the Edo Period (1603-1867).

The Academy of Oriental Medicine at Austin is delighted to see that the Board has chosen to grant Juliana Cumbo a license, but with concern about the additional requirements imposed on her. She has shouldered this burden for all persons who are ably challenged. Juliana is a hero. She has been an unstoppable force in her quest to gain knowledge. I am proud to have served as her teacher. Congratulations to Juliana for taking a leadership role in transforming lives and communities, and meeting these challenges with heart and skill.