VIDBE-Q Volume 68 Issue 2
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have enacted additional requirements to ensure that all students who are visually
impaired are assessed for O&M services.
So where do educational teams begin? Educational team members, including
special education teachers, administrators, parents, and teachers of students with
visual impairments (TSVIs), should work collaboratively to ensure appropriate
referrals and in-depth orientation and mobility (O&M) assessments. Our
presentation focused on practical strategies for professionals and implications from
research.
Understanding the roles of each professional is a critical part of assuring
effective collaboration and referral processes. O&M specialists conduct
assessments, provide direct instruction, and consult with other team members
regarding each student's specific needs. Additionally, O&M specialists are solely
responsible for providing instruction related to the use of the cane and travel in
complex environments. TSVIs are often responsible for referring students for an
O&M assessment, reinforcing advanced O&M skills, and communicating with
classroom teachers and O&M specialists. At times, TSVIs may teach basic O&M
skills such as human guide and protective techniques.
Educational teams should discuss factors that might indicate an O&M
assessment is warranted. Possible questions to consider include:
