California Association of Orientation
and Mobility Specialists
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Roles
and Responsibilities of the Orientation and Mobility Specialist
· Instructs students with visual impairments in the development of skills and knowledge that enable them to travel independently, to the highest degree possible, in accord with the students’ assessed needs and the students’ IFSP/IEP/ITP Teaches students to travel with proficiency, safety, and confidence in familiar and unfamiliar environments Possesses the skills and abilities necessary to provide and coordinate this instruction Provides consultation and support services to families, regular and special education teachers, other school personnel, and sighted peers Confers regularly with parents, classroom teachers, physical education teachers, and/or other special education personnel to assist in home and classroom environmental modifications, adaptations, and considerations and to ensure reinforcement of appropriate orientation and mobility skills that will encourage the student with a visual impairment to travel independently in these settings Works with the teacher of the visually impaired to conduct the functional vision assessment as it relates to independent travel Conducts assessments which focus on both long-term and short-term needs of the student Includes in the assessment report the needs and strengths of the student and an estimate of the length and frequency of service necessary to meet identified needs Prepares sequential and meaningful instruction geared to the student’s assessed needs, IEP goals and objectives, functioning level, and motivational level Prepares and uses equipment and materials for the development of orientation and mobility skills; e.g., tactual maps, models, distance low vision aids, and long canes Transports students to various community locations as necessary to provide meaningful instruction in realistic learning environments Is responsible for teaching safe techniques to use at all times and in all environments while fostering maximum independence Provides orientation and mobility instruction, where appropriate, in the following areas: Body imagery Laterality Environmental concepts Gross and fine motor skills related to independent travel Sensory awareness, stimulation and training Spatial concepts Compass direction concepts Sighted guide procedures Basic protective and information gathering techniques Orientation skills Map skills Cane skills Use of residual vision Low vision aids related to travel skills Residential travel Travel in business districts and malls Procedures for crossing streets, including traffic control signals Use of public transportation systems Procedures for use of the telephone for information gathering and for emergencies Procedures for interacting with the public Knowledge and application of community address systems Procedures for travel and independent functioning in places of public accommodation Skills of daily living Sensory/motor skills in coordination with the physical or occupational therapist and teacher of the visually impaired Evaluates students’ progress on an ongoing basis Keeps progress notes on each student Participates in necessary parents’ conferences and meetings Provides in-service training to regular and special education personnel, sighted peers, and family members concerning the orientation and mobility needs of the student with a visual impairment and appropriate methods and procedures for interacting with the individual who is visually impaired that will foster maximum independence and safety
Hazekamp, J., & Lundin, J. (Eds.)
(1997). Program guidelines for students who are visually impaired.
Sacramento: California Department of Education.
Mobility: A Basic Freedom
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