The Role of Orientation and Mobility (O&M) Specialists includes:

  • Perform Orientation and Mobility evaluations that focus on long and short term needs of the VI student needs
  • Confer regularly with parents, classroom teachers, physical education teachers, physical therapists, and other school/agency personnel to assist in home, community, and classroom modifications to ensure reinforcement of appropriate O&M skills that will encourage to travel independently in these settings.
  • The Orientation & Mobility Instructor works on the following educational and instructional strategies:
    • Instruct students with visual impairments in skills and knowledge that will enable them to travel independently with proficiency, safety, and confidence in familiar and unfamiliar environments, be responsible for the students’ safety during O&M instruction while fostering maximum independence during the lessons
    • Prepare and use equipment and materials such as tactile maps and models, order, distribute, and maintain canes
    • Consult with and advise school personnel on design and provision of safe efficient environments
    • Provide direct instruction in concept development, gross motor skills, visual efficiency skills, pre-cane and cane skills, map skills, accessing transportation systems, indoor and outdoor travel techniques
    • Emphasize social integration with peers and provide opportunities for interaction
    • Plan and utilize local Public transportation in and around their school, home and community.
  • Transition planning and execution to various campus environments