Job Description

SUMMARY: The Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS) assists students with visual impairments to achieve maximum independence through instruction in safe, efficient travel within the home, school, and community. Services also include instruction in compensatory skills including daily living skills, self advocacy, and recreation or leisure skills as related to orientation and mobility. Students may be functionally blind or have low vision. Community-based instruction is a critical component of the orientation and mobility program.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES. Other duties may be assigned.

• Participate in the referral and assessment process of visually impaired students
• Conduct evaluations of the orientation and mobility needs of visually impaired students. Areas of evaluation may include: concept development, orientation to the environment, techniques of effective and safe travel, use of low vision devices, sensory development, self-advocacy, personal safety, efficient use of vision for travel
• Develop appropriate IEP/IFSP O&M goals and objectives
• Recommend any modifications to program or specialized services needed based on the visual impairment.
• Develop and implement an instructional plan based on identified student needs
• Provide direct O&M instructional services to students with visual impairments and consultation to school staff, peers, and community
• Order, distribute, and maintain canes and low vision devices related to travel
• Use on-going, criterion based assessment to monitor and report on progress of students receiving instruction.
• Consult with staff, other professionals and parents regarding orientation and mobility programs, individual student needs and individual student progress.
• Conduct in-service programs for staff, families or communities.
• Perform duties directly related to orientation and mobility instruction including daily lesson plans, objectives, and progress monitoring.
• Consult with and advise school personnel on design and provision of safe efficient environments
• Provide direct instructional services to students with visual impairment in accordance with the evaluation.
• Maintain appropriate paperwork and documentation of services.