The Orientation and Mobility Specialist involves the knowledge and competence required to provide orientation and mobility services to persons with blindness or visual impairments that adversely impact educational performance in grades PK–12.
Required Credential
A person employed in the position of Orientation and Mobility Specialist must hold a current credential as an Orientation and Mobility Specialist issued by the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals (ACVREP) or the National Orientation and Mobility Certification (NOMC) issued by the National Blindness Professional Certification Board (NBPCB).
Staffing Assignment
A person employed in a position as an Orientation and Mobility Specialist is qualified to perform the following duties and functions:
- Conduct formal and informal assessments to evaluate Orientation and Mobility strengths and needs;
- Develop, recommend, and implement appropriate service delivery plans;
- Consulting with other education and rehabilitation personnel and family regarding the impact of blindness and visual impairment on the Orientation and Mobility process;
- Provide training and direct instruction in Orientation and Mobility techniques and in the use of Orientation and Mobility materials and devices including visual efficiency skills, utilization of residual vision, concept and sensory development spatial orientation, utilization of tactile, visual, and auditory maps;
- Travel skills in both indoor and outdoor environments;
- Utilization of mass transportation systems;
- Self-determination skills; and
- Familiarization to environments.
Special Considerations
An educator certified in this field may:
- Provide professional development regarding their training/skills;
- Serve in the role of mentor or advisor; and
- Assist students in understanding how to read content area materials.
Restrictions
Orientation and Mobility Specialists may only work with students as permitted in this CSPG and may not provide educational support services to students with visual impairments that are specifically reserved for a Visually Impaired PK-12 certified teacher.
References
Program Specific Guidelines for Certification
PA Public School Code: §1202, §1212, §1604
22 PA Code: Chapter 4: §4.21, §4.22, §4.23
Chapter 49: §49.11, §49.18 (a), §49.81, § 49.102 (b) (1) & (2)
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
This supersedes all earlier CSPG’s carrying this number and/or addressing this subject: No previous printing dates on this subject.
Summary of Changes
| Date of Revisions | Major Changes to CSPG #202 |
|---|---|
| April 2023 |
|