VIDBE-Q Volume 69 Issue 4
Kevin McCormack
Kentucky School for the Blind Outreach
kevin.mccormack@ksb.kyschools.us
After serving as a certified orientation and mobility specialist (COMS) for
17 years, I began a new position that required the Certified Assistive Technology
Instructional Specialist (CATIS) credential (ACVREP, 2024). Because there are
not many COMS who have added a CATIS credential, I observed that I could add
a unique encouragement to my fellow COMS to consider adding the CATIS
credential. The thoughts I share are subjective and likely prompted by personal
traits and experiences.
Similarities in the Fields of O&M and AT
Orientation and mobility (O&M) and Assistive Technology (AT) intersect
with each other in multiple ways. For example, the long cane is itself considered
AT. There are many GPS apps and devices that travelers use in their O&M. It is
helpful to have AT knowledge in the use of smart phones, voice dictation, and
Professionally Crossing an Offset Intersection:
My Experience of Adding a CATIS Credential
to a COMS and Why You Might Consider It
