Overview
This lecture explains the role of Orientation and Mobility Specialists (O&M) in supporting students with visual impairments, detailing their instructional, assessment, and support responsibilities.
Role of the Orientation and Mobility Specialist (O&M)
- O&M specialists teach students with visual impairments the skills needed to navigate classroom, school, and community environments.
- They focus on both orientation skills (identifying location and destination) and mobility skills (safe travel between locations).
- O&M specialists provide direct instruction, assessment, and technical support to students and staff.
Instructional Responsibilities
- Orient students to classroom, school, and community spaces.
- Teach specific routes to and from key locations like classes, cafeteria, library, and restrooms.
- Instruct students in developing concepts and using senses, low vision devices, and mobility aids.
Assessment Duties
- Assess students' functional vision use and orientation and mobility skill levels.
- Monitor and record student progress regularly, especially in the Expanded Core Curriculum.
Technical Assistance and Support
- Advise on environmental design adaptations (e.g., color, contrast, tactile markings) to increase accessibility.
- Suggest strategies to families and professionals for reinforcing independent, safe mobility skills.
- Consult with families, teachers, TVIs, and therapists as needed.
- Serve as a resource for referrals to additional services like low vision evaluations and guide dog programs.
- Provide input on services, equipment, and materials for IEP (Individualized Education Program) teams.
- Train IEP team members, peers, faculty, and staff on orientation, human guide techniques, and travel skills.
Practical Application Example
- During the first week, the O&M specialist teaches students how to navigate their new school using cues like voices and landmarks.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Orientation skills — Abilities that help identify current location, destination, and route choices.
- Mobility skills — Skills for traveling safely and independently from one place to another.
- Environmental design — Adaptations to make spaces accessible, such as improved lighting, tactile markings, and braille signage.
- Human guide techniques — Methods for safely escorting a visually impaired person in unfamiliar settings.
Action Items / Next Steps
- If working with students with visual impairments, consult with your school's O&M specialist.
- Consider the accessibility of classroom and school environments.
- Collaborate with O&M specialists and families to reinforce travel and orientation skills.