O&M Listervs
Join the O&M Division Listserv! The listserv offers comprehensive discussions on techniques, issues, and more. This is THE place where experts in the field exchange ideas.
Are you already subscribed to the listserv? To email the list, simply send an email to: [email protected].
You must be an AER member to be subscribe to this listerv. If you are an AER member, click here to subscribe.
If you are not an AER member, visit the AER home page and select “Join” to become a member!
AER O&M Outpost
AER O&M Outpost is an archive for the Division and contains other resources related to Orientation and Mobility. Please click here to view the AER O&M Outpost.
The Orientation and Mobility (O&M) Division of AER is now accepting applications for the
2019 DONALD BLASCH SCHOLARSHIP
Scholarships
Each year, the AER O&M Division sponsors the Donald Blasch Scholarship competition, which celebrates the memory of one of the founders of O&M university preparation and his long and distinguished service to the profession. Don for many years was chair of the Department of Blind Rehabilitation at Western Michigan University. The division awards two $1,000 scholarships each June. Recipients are chosen by a panel of approximately nine members of the Division. All individuals who are enrolled or admitted to one of the AER approved university preparation programs in orientation and mobility are eligible to apply.
Selection is based primarily on applicants’ variety and extent of experience (paid or unpaid) in human services endeavors, leadership work and leadership potential, and commitment/passion for the field of O&M as reflected in the 200 word essay and in the letters of reference. Financial need is not a criterion for selection. All eligible students are encouraged to apply for the scholarship. Award checks payable to the student will be issued by the AER O&M Division.
Click here to get the 2019 Donald Blasch Scholarship Award Application.
THE DEADLINE FOR RECEIVING APPLICATIONS FOR THE BLASCH SCHOLARSHIP IS
March 8th, 2019
All O&M students enrolled in AER-approved programs are encouraged to apply.
Webinar: 3D Pen Handout & Recording:
3D Pen Presentation Recording:
General Resources
Literature List for Deaf-Blind and O&M
Environmental Access Committee Water Cooler Session Resources and References
IDEA and Orientation and Mobility/Travel Training
Liability Insurance Considerations
Accessible Pedestrian Signals
About Accessible Pedestrian Signals
Guidance through Construction Areas
Design Guidelines for the Visual Environment
Shared Streets: Impacts for Pedestrians with Visual Impairments
Considerations When Requesting an Accessible Pedestrian Signal
Sample Letter Requesting an Accessible Pedestrian Signal
List of Accessible Pedestrian Signal Manufacturers
Roundabouts and Pedestrians who are Blind or who have Low Vision (updated version coming soon)
NMSBVI O&M Inventory
The NMSBVI Orientation & Mobility (O&M) Inventory was developed as a means of quantifying student progress across the many areas that make up O&M. The goal was to create a user friendly assessment tool that quickly allowed an O&M to identify areas of need for individual students. Further, there was a need to structure it in such a way as to allow paperwork averse O&Ms to easily track student progress over time. The Inventory aspires to meet these needs.
Click here to download the O&M Inventory Form in Excel
Click here to download the O&M Multiple Disabilities Inventory Form in Excel
For more information about this resource, please click to visit the New Mexico School for the Blind and Visually Impaired’s website
O&M Program Supervisors and Planners — Problems and Solutions
In 2000, in response to concerns about misunderstandings and misperceptions of program administrators which resulted in inappropriate O&M programs, the Orientation and Mobility Division established an Ad Hoc Supervisory / Program Planning Committee. This committee gathered ideas and resources which are posted here — if you can add any helpful suggestions or information, please contact Dona Sauerburger.
Problems include:
•Determination/justification of O&M services for children
•Limited O&M personnel to provide services
•O&M lessons restricted to building or campus, and/or no transportation to the lessons
For more information on each of the above topic areas, please visit http://www.sauerburger.org/dona/divcaseload
2011 O&M Survey Results
2011 O&M Survey Summary – PDF
2011 O&M Survey Summary– Word