Easy tips

What does an orientation and mobility specialist do?

What does an orientation and mobility specialist do?

Orientation and Mobility (O&M) specialists teach children and adults with blindness or vision impairments critical skills to remain oriented in their environment as well as specific mobility skills in order to travel safely, efficiently and as independently as possible within the home, at school, at work and in the …

How do I become an orientation and mobility specialist?

O&M SPECIALISTS An undergraduate degree in a related field such as Health Sciences, Psychology, Rehabilitation or Education is generally required for entry to these courses. Contact individual course coordinators for specific information on the course you are interested in.

What is Catis certification?

A Certified Assistive Technology Instructional Specialist for Individuals Who Are Blind or Have Low Vision, (CATIS), is a highly trained expert who specializes in working with individuals who are blind, low vision or who have functional visual limitations, and empowers them to achieve their life goals for education.

What are orientation and mobility skills?

Orientation and Mobility Program (O&M): O&M refers to training that enables blind and visually impaired individuals to learn to travel safely within their community. Specialized instruction will allow the student to learn safe techniques for crossing streets, using canes and accessing public transportation.

What is the difference between orientation and mobility?

Orientation refers to a person’s ability to use their senses to know where they are positioned in their environment. Mobility refers to the person’s capability and readiness to move in their environment.

Who needs orientation and mobility?

Orientation and Mobility (O&M) is a critical area for students with visual impairments as it is essential for the student to learn to move safely and efficiently and as independently as possible through all environments. The O&M will teach the student to move safely and efficiently through their environment.

How do I become an O&M instructor?

To become an O&M specialist, a bachelor’s degree is required but it is not necessary to have a teaching certification. Most programs require that you take approximately eight courses and complete an internship. Many programs offer a combination of distance and on site learning options.

What does a teacher of the visually impaired do?

The teacher of students with visual impairments’ contribution to the general education classroom is to consult with the classroom teacher on ways of making the general curriculum accessible to your child and be responsible for preparing classroom materials in formats that are accessible to your child.

What is TVI credential?

The TVI is a teacher first but has taken additional coursework to be specialized in visual impairments. To become a TVI, you must hold a teaching degree in general education or special education. Certification to be a TVI is an “Add-On” to your teaching license.

How do I become an assistive technology specialist?

The qualifications you need to become an assistive technology specialist often include professional certification and a bachelor’s degree. It may be possible to bypass training courses and earn certification with the right experience and educational background.

What is the most useful for orientation and mobility?

Dog guides are assistance dogs trained to lead people who are blind or visually impaired. Dog guides can be helpful for many, but not appropriate for everyone. The person who uses the dog guide must have excellent orientation and mobility skills.

What is an orientation and mobility assessment?

An orientation and mobility (O&M) assessment examines a child’s ability to travel safely both indoors and outdoors and with or without assistance. An O&M instructor, a professional who has specialized training in how to teach travel skills and concepts such as spatial awareness, will conduct the assessment.

What do you need to know about ACVREP certifications?

ACVREP Certifications ACVREP’s certification programs are designed to offer Vision Impairment Specialists, who provide services to individuals who are blind or have low vision, the means to demonstrate critical knowledge and skills that promote the provision of quality services and ethical practice.

What does it mean to be a Certified orientation and mobility specialist?

The Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist exam offers professional certification in order to demonstrate professional competency that supports quality service delivery to persons with vision impairments.

How is orientation and mobility taught to the visually impaired?

Orientation and mobility instruction is a sequential process in which visually impaired individuals are taught to utilize their remaining senses to determine their position within their environment and to negotiate safe movement from one place to another.

Can a certified assistive technology instructional specialist ( ACVREP ) schedule you?

ACVREP cannot schedule you for the exam until all supporting documents have been received. Upon review of your accommodations request, ACVREP will notify you of the accommodated exam procedures. If you do not pass the exam the first time you are allowed one free retake of the exam.

Author Image
Ruth Doyle