​CSPG 202 - Orientation and Mobility Specialist PK-12

April 13, 2023

The Orientation and Mobility Specialist involves the knowledge and competence required to provide orientation and mobility services to persons with blindness or visual impairments that adversely impact educational performance in grades PK–12.

Required Credential

A person employed in the position of Orientation and Mobility Specialist must hold a current credential as an Orientation and Mobility Specialist issued by the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals (ACVREP) or the National Orientation and Mobility Certification (NOMC) issued by the National Blindness Professional Certification Board (NBPCB).

Staffing Assignment

A person employed in a position as an Orientation and Mobility Specialist is qualified to perform the following duties and functions:

• Conduct formal and informal assessments to evaluate Orientation and Mobility strengths and needs;
• Develop, recommend, and implement appropriate service delivery plans;
• Consulting with other education and rehabilitation personnel and family regarding the impact of blindness and visual impairment on the Orientation and Mobility process;
• Provide training and direct instruction in Orientation and Mobility techniques and in the use of Orientation and Mobility materials and devices including visual efficiency skills, utilization of residual vision, concept and sensory development spatial orientation, utilization of tactile, visual, and auditory maps;
• Travel skills in both indoor and outdoor environments;
• Utilization of mass transportation systems;
• Self-determination skills; and
• Familiarization to environments.

Special Considerations

An educator certified in this field may:

• Provide professional development regarding their training/skills;
• Serve in the role of mentor or advisor; and
• Assist students in understanding how to read content area materials.

Restrictions

Orientation and Mobility Specialists may only work with students as permitted in this CSPG and may not provide educational support services to students with visual impairments that are specifically reserved for a Visually Impaired PK-12 certified teacher.

References

Program Specific Guidelines for Certification

PA Public School Code: §1202, §1212, §1604

22 PA Code: Chapter 4: §4.21, §4.22, §4.23

Chapter 49: §49.11, §49.18 (a), §49.81, § 49.102 (b) (1) & (2)

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

This supersedes all earlier CSPG’s carrying this number and/or addressing this subject: No previous printing dates on this subject.

Summary of Changes