VIDBE-Q Volume 68 Issue 2
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deafblindness, may also benefit from O&M instruction and ongoing opportunities
to become more independent.
There should be a formal or informal screening process to determine
whether each student with a visual impairment should be referred for an O&M
assessment. The process may or may not be a part of a Functional Vision
Assessment (FVA). Whenever possible, educational teams should seek input from
certified O&M specialists when developing screening tools and referral processes.
Best practices suggest the initial evaluation process for all students with visual
impairment should include an O&M assessment. When the educational needs are
re-evaluated for a student, the potential need for O&M should be re-evaluated.
O&M screening processes should include an observation of the student traveling at
different times during their school day. Natural environments might include the
playground, getting on/off the bus, stairs, crowded hallways, and sidewalks around
the school.
We strongly encourage TSVIs to actively inform educational teams about
the value of O&M. They are often the only educational team member with
background and experience with O&M. If educational teams are unsure, we highly
recommend contacting a certified O&M specialist who may be able to provide
information and assist teams in making an informed decision.
