Description

Summary Description:

Orientation and mobility is the part of the educational process that prepares students with visual impairments to travel independently and safely. The itinerant O&M Specialist travels to the students’ assigned schools and/or homes to provide direct and/or consultative services relating to the visual impairment. These services enable the students to travel safely, efficiently, and independently in their home, school, and community environments.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide O & M services for children throughout the preschool and elementary education program. Provide consultation/direct services for infant/family teachers as requested.
• Evaluate all referrals to determine current level of skills and make recommendations regarding type of orientation and mobility service most appropriate for the child.
• Write objectives regarding child’s program to be included in each IEP or IFSP. Participate in all MDC, IEP, and other planning meetings regarding child.
• Teach all aspects of O & M training, including but not limited to: concept development, low vision skills, orientation skills, alternative mobility devices, and mobility skills to provide maximum independence for each student.
• Serve as liaison with school district, classroom teachers and parents, providing general education in the area of blindness and specifically Orientation and Mobility.
• Maintain necessary case records, reports, and other administrative tasks. Gather appropriate information from Districts and coordination of schedules with school based personnel.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master’s or Bachelor’s Degree in Orientation and Mobility from an accredited college or university.
• Must have or be eligible for ACVREP certification as an “Orientation and Mobility Specialist”.
• Knowledge of the developmental aspects of O & M as it relates to children including but not limited to impact of various eye conditions, capabilities of children for independent travel, impact of multi-handicapping conditions and techniques of teaching.
• Ability to establish a rapport with children and maintain effective relationship with children, their families, and others involved in the child’s educational program.
• Spanish language proficiency preferred but not required.
• Ability to travel between job sites