Re: Guide Dog Training skill
Benson, I want to share my thoughts on your questions.
1.Part of the guide dog experience should be the responsibility of every O&M. ?The O&M should be able to do the preparatory training and application info for the client. ?Upon return, the O&M needs to help with orientation to the new environment
and establishing routes.?
NOTE: it is important to become familiar with the guide dog schools as some have a specific way they work with the O&M as a team member.
The O&M instructs the handler, not the dog, so any instruction with the team consists of teaching/supporting the person. ?If the appearance is that the dog needs skills, then the handle has been taught how to do it. ?Do not hesitate to reach
out to the school if you feel the partnership is not safe. ?They will usually make a home visit to assess and remediate the problem.
2. The answer to the second question is: about age 25 (LOL). ?Kids are constantly changing. ?As they grow, their skills and needs change. ?When they learn a new skill or route, their confidence dips until mastery … and there is always something
new.
In general, we provide consistent services through age 21, then through any new skills needed for post secondary education or vocational needs. ?There will be plateaus at different stages — and it depends on how you define independence.
I am happy to share more if you want to reach out to me privately.
Kimberly Stumph, MS, MEd, COMS, CLVT, CVRT.
Maine Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired.
Kimberly.a.stumph@...
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EXTERNAL: This email originated from outside of the State of Maine Mail System. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize
the sender and know the content is safe.
Thanks for throwing more light.
-- Kimberly Stumph, M.S., M.Ed., COMS, CLVT, CVRT State of Maine Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired 207 446-7779 Kimberly.a.stumph@...
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Hi Everyone,?
I know you're all seeing a lot of these posts come through, here I am to add one more :). My name is Christine Brennan, I am a first-year student enrolled in the Master's Orientation and Mobility program at Salus University. I had a question about the colors on the white cane. I found some information about this online, but when I speak to actual O&M specialists working in the field, I've gotten some conflicting answers. I've seen some information about how an all-white cane means the individual is completely blind, and a cane with red on it means that the person is partially blind. Is there any sort of truth or consistency with this? Thank you all in advance!?
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Re: Guide Dog Training skill
Thanks for throwing more light.
|
Re: Guide Dog Training skill
Hi Benson,
?
I apologise if my response mislead you or maybe my information provided a misinterpretation (wasn’t clear). Its doesn’t matter what level of
residual vision a person has ?(re: being a guide dog owner) its about having all the skills and confidence to travel fluidly through the environment with less reliance on tactile clues but still know and be aware of where they are and what’s around them.
?
Shaun
?
Head of Rehabilitation Improvement
07771837922
Website:
Join us on Facebook:
Follow us on Twitter:
If you work at Guide Dogs and want to learn more about the Vision Rehabilitation Service, check out our Pawtal pages:
Please consider the environment – only print this email if necessary
?
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From: [email protected] <[email protected]>
On Behalf Of bensonemeka243 via groups.io
Sent: Tuesday, March 5, 2024 10:55 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [OandM] Guide Dog Training skill
?
?
Hi Shaun
This is quite informative. In other words, the people that benefit most from guide dogs are visually impaired people with residual vision, who develop other personal (special) skills in addition to their traditional cane mobility, and sensory motor skills.
And under these circumstances, travelling with guide dogs is quicker and smoother. Thanks so much, it is very helpful.
This email and any attachment to it are confidential. Unless you are the intended recipient, you may not use, copy, or disclose either the message or any information contained in the message.
If you are not the intended recipient, you should delete this email and notify the sender immediately.
Any views or opinions expressed in this email are those of the sender only, unless otherwise stated.
All emails, incoming and outgoing, may be recorded by Guide Dogs and monitored for legitimate business purposes.
Guide Dogs exclude all liability for any loss or damage arising or resulting from the receipt, use or transmission of this email to the fullest extent permitted by law.
The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association
Tel: 0118 983 5555
Email: guidedogs@...
Website:
Guide Dogs is a working name of The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association. Registered Office: Hillfields, Burghfield Common, Reading, Berkshire RG7 3YG.
A company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (291646) and a charity registered in England and Wales (209617), Scotland (SC038979) and Isle of Man (1334).
-- Head of Rehabilitation Improvement? +44 7771837922 Website:www.guidedogs.org.uk
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Re: Guide Dog Training skill
Hi Shaun
This is quite informative. In other words, the people that benefit most from guide dogs are visually impaired people with residual vision, who develop other personal (special) skills in addition to their traditional cane mobility, and sensory motor skills. And under these circumstances, travelling with guide dogs is quicker and smoother. Thanks so much, it is very helpful.
|
Re: Guide Dog Training skill
Hi Benson,
?
There are core and similar skills that both a cane user and a guide dog partnership need for them to be successful, well orientated and safe
when travelling.
?
For some people traditional cane mobility can often rely on tactile detection and landmarks to inform the person where they are in the environment.
These skills are not always appropriate or transferable for guide dog travel e.g. centre pavement travel and fluid movement around obstacles.
?
Both skills can rely on different landmarks and clues within the built environment (or a blend of both). For a guide dog owners, we often have
to focus on developing a person's skills on their routes with less emphasis on tactile landmarks and clues, sequence routes through alternative landmarks such as auditory and kinaesthetic to develop problem solving skills. The outcome is to increase the client's
awareness of the environmental information available to a guide dog traveller. With a focus on of finding environmental features, what’s underfoot ?and sounds that the person finds relevant. This can also aid skills around developing the ability to estimate
the distance walked relative to the time taken (time-distance estimation) and confidence to walk centre pavement (and be aware of veering). Naturally this is always complimented by maximising remaining vision through visual strategies and understanding how
residual vision can impact and enhance guide dog travel (and cane travel).?
?
Guide dog travel is often quicker, and clients need additional skills to know where they are in the environment and maintain their position
through use of other senses. Having these additional skills will also reduce stress placed on the dogs while they are learning/bonding and create less dependency on the dog by knowing where they are and where they are going.
?
Hope this helps.
?
Shaun
?
?
Head of Rehabilitation Improvement
07771837922
Website:
Join us on Facebook:
Follow us on Twitter:
If you work at Guide Dogs and want to learn more about the Vision Rehabilitation Service, check out our Pawtal pages:
Please consider the environment – only print this email if necessary
?
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From: [email protected] <[email protected]>
On Behalf Of bensonemeka243 via groups.io
Sent: Monday, March 4, 2024 9:34 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [OandM] Guide Dog Training skill
?
?
Hi everyone, my name is Benson, a first year O&M student of Salus University with no prior experience in O&M. I have learnt a lot from the topics and opportunities being discussed on this platform, and have a few questions, which are as
follows; (1) Is guide dog training a basic O&M skill, or a specialty skill? (2) How long on the average does it take for a child who is visually impaired from birth to gain confidence, and be able move around safely and independently? will it be a continuous
O&M training throughout the different stages of their lives into adulthood, or will they only need one at each developmental or growth stage? Thanks
This email and any attachment to it are confidential. Unless you are the intended recipient, you may not use, copy, or disclose either the message or any information contained in the message.
If you are not the intended recipient, you should delete this email and notify the sender immediately.
Any views or opinions expressed in this email are those of the sender only, unless otherwise stated.
All emails, incoming and outgoing, may be recorded by Guide Dogs and monitored for legitimate business purposes.
Guide Dogs exclude all liability for any loss or damage arising or resulting from the receipt, use or transmission of this email to the fullest extent permitted by law.
The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association
Tel: 0118 983 5555
Email: guidedogs@...
Website:
Guide Dogs is a working name of The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association. Registered Office: Hillfields, Burghfield Common, Reading, Berkshire RG7 3YG.
A company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (291646) and a charity registered in England and Wales (209617), Scotland (SC038979) and Isle of Man (1334).
-- Head of Rehabilitation Improvement? +44 7771837922 Website:www.guidedogs.org.uk
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Re: Assessing mobility level
Thank you so much for your response, this is really helpful! I had been picturing the assessment as a more direct conversation with the client, asking them about what they wanted to achieve through orientation and mobility and talking through their skill level before observing them in their daily routines. But your approach makes much more sense especially if they are new to their visual impairment and don't know much about orientation and mobility. I really like the idea of a role model; I think that would be very encouraging and motivating.
I hadn't thought through talking with someone about their vision and trying to understand what that actually means in terms of what usable vision they may have left. I've observed a few lessons, but I haven't watched a new assessment to hear someone try to explain what they can or can't see. You've given me a lot to think through with that!
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Hi everyone, my name is Benson, a first year O&M student of Salus University with no prior experience in O&M. I have learnt a lot from the topics and opportunities being discussed on this platform, and have a few questions, which are as follows; (1) Is guide dog training a basic O&M skill, or a specialty skill? (2) How long on the average does it take for a child who is visually impaired from birth to gain confidence, and be able move around safely and independently? will it be a continuous O&M training throughout the different stages of their lives into adulthood, or will they only need one at each developmental or growth stage? Thanks
|
Re: Assessing mobility level
It is helpful to have a round of functional activities that need to be done regularly, such as getting the mail, visiting the grocery story, etc. Asking how they are doing in these areas, and where possible having them demonstrate, can be very helpful in getting a sense of where they are at. It is important to not be judgmental, negative, pessimistic, etc. They just are where they are and your start with them where they are at. You will likely be able to share about others you have met who are blind and low vision and how they are able to do things independently, they just go about them in a different manner than they may have done when functioning primarily through their vision. Role models can also be very helpful if you can connect them with other adults who are living their best life.
Often times, you will have an adult begin by saying “I can’t see anything”, because their idea of not being able to see is not being able to read the newspaper. If they have residual vision, you can help them begin to understand how to use it effectively, such as with eccentric viewing, visually efficient scanning, etc. And, if they are truly at a level of functional blindness, helping them connect with their auditory, tactile, proprioceptive, and kinesthetic senses will help them realize they really can relate to the world around them, just in ways they are not practiced at yet.
—Christopher J. Tabb, M.A., COMSchris@...Mobile:??512.660.2750 Digital Badge ConfirmationImage: ACVREP Digital Badge for COMSConfidentiality Notice: This e-mail and?any attachments are intended only for the?individual or company to which it is?addressed and may contain proprietary?information which is intended only for?dissemination to its intended recipients. Further, this e-mail may also contain?Protected Health Information and related?materials whose usage & disclosure is?further governed by HIPAA//FERPA?and?other federal regulations. If you are not?the intended recipient, be advised that any?unauthorized use, disclosure, copying,?distribution, or the taking of any action in?reliance on the information contained?herein is strictly prohibited. If you have?received this e-mail and are not the?intended recipient, you are instructed to?notify the sender by reply e-mail and?destroy all copies of the original message.
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On Mar 3, 2024, at 2:58?PM, Danihuber13@... wrote:
Hi! I am a beginning Orientation and Mobility Specialist at Salus University. I have really enjoyed being a part of this group and being able to start to become familiar with the issues that are current in our field and the opportunities that are available. I am interested in working with adults and had a question as I was thinking through some of these issues. When you meet a new adult client who is also newly visually impaired and discuss their hopes and goals for their O&M training, how do talk with them about assessing their mobility level particularly if they are still emotionally adjusting to their new situation???
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Hi! I am a beginning Orientation and Mobility Specialist at Salus University. I have really enjoyed being a part of this group and being able to start to become familiar with the issues that are current in our field and the opportunities that are available. I am interested in working with adults and had a question as I was thinking through some of these issues. When you meet a new adult client who is also newly visually impaired and discuss their hopes and goals for their O&M training, how do talk with them about assessing their mobility level particularly if they are still emotionally adjusting to their new situation???
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O&M Job Opening in Maryland
? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?COMS Position Available in Rockville, Maryland
? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Please see flyer attachment
Montgomery County Public Schools in Rockville, MD is?
seeking a
Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS)
to provide orientation and mobility assessment and instruction to students who are blind or visually impaired to develop the ability to travel independently and safely in
school and community environments.
Montgomery County has a well-structured public transportation system with bus/metro trains reaching out to Maryland, DC and Virginia to support critical post-secondary skill development.
Join a strong, established Vision Program at MCPS serving students ages 3-21 with a large team of TVIs and O&M Specialists, braillists and paraeducators working with students, families,?and school teams in a collaborative and supportive environment.?
Full-time position with amazing benefits; Salaries are one of the highest in the state!
Applications at? ?
For more information & how to apply, please contact Dr. Susan Russell, Supervisor, Susan_Russell@...? or Dr. Liz Nehrbass, Instructional Specialist, Elizabeth_A_Nehrbass@...??
We have a TVI opening available as well
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Full Time O&M needed in Buffalo NY
Any Bills Fans out there?? Please share widely!?
Employment Opportunity
Orientation & Mobility Specialist
?
Job Description:
Provide Orientation and Mobility (O&M) instruction to referred individuals of all ages, who are blind/legally blind and reside, work or are enrolled in an education program within the eight counties of WNY to increase independence in accordance with the service plan.
?
Essential Functions:
·?????????Provide Orientation and Mobility Instruction to individuals of all ages as referred to VIA
·?????????Maximize the safety, functionality and independence of clients
·?????????Assess the needs of the client, establish goals and lesson plans for achievement
·?????????Document progress/outcomes and complete all reporting within established VIA and NYSCB contractual guidelines
·?????????Maintain all electronic documentation in accordance with established guidelines for all assigned individuals
·?????????Review all client information provided in NYSCB database and/or in client file
·?????????Complete PAL applications
·?????????Provide continuous and regular visits to meet identified goals and achieve successful outcomes
·?????????Complete all reporting and data entry to both internal and external databases including case closure, in timely manner
·?????????Order adaptive equipment in accordance with internal guidelines and seeking appropriate authorization from Assistant Director when applicable, dispense and train
·?????????Communicate regularly and effectively with clients, teachers, parents, VIA and NYSCB staff to ensure successful outcomes
·?????????Stay current on trends, adaptive equipment and assistive technology in the field
·?????????Develop and implement curriculum for summer youth programs
·?????????Attend conferences, seminars and trainings related to the provision of O&M and/or job development
·?????????Conduct trainings as determined by Vice President or Assistant Director
·?????????Maintain a basic knowledge of current Assistive Technology and stay current on knowledge and use of new adaptive equipment directly related to the provision of O&M
·?????????Acquire appropriate CEUs in order to maintain certification
·?????????Lead and/or participate in the development of special programs or projects at the direction of the Vice President or Assistant Director of Rehabilitation Services
·?????????Attend and be prepared for all NYSCB, departmental and VIA agency meetings
·?????????Act as Mandatory Reporter if necessary and complete annual on-line training certification
·?????????Provide instruction to students attending Statler, Transitions, Onsite, YES or any VIA program as directed
·?????????Sit on agency or external collaborating agency committees acting as a liaison to inform staff on external organizations/policies as well as keeping other agencies informed on VIA
·?????????Participate and provide supervision to O&M student interns
?
Competencies:
- Proficient in MS Office: Word, Excel, Outlook and Internet along with general applications
- Demonstrate flexibility, patience and detail-orientation in completion of duties
- Demonstrate excellent internal and external customer service
- Caring and counseling skills with an ability to balance agency policy with the individual perceptions and sensitivity of clients
- Effectively work with individuals of diverse backgrounds
- Maintain confidentiality and professionalism in a fast paced environment
- Effectively communicate with colleagues, customers, vendors and/or outside agencies
- NYS driver’s license and reliable transportation OR the ability to travel effectively within assigned geographic area required, including the ability to transport equipment
?
Qualifications:
- Master’s Degree in Orientation and Mobility or equivalent certificate program completion required
- ACVREP certification or eligibility to sit for the certification exam required
- Regularly lift and carry equipment of 15 pounds or more
- Regularly stoop and kneel
- Regularly sit for a minimum of 2 hours at a time
- Regularly stand for a minimum of 2 hours at a time
- Regularly walk outdoors for a minimum of 1 hour at a time
- Regularly perform repetitive motion of the wrists, hands and/or fingers?
- Routinely crawl
Salary Range: $52,750.00 To $60,000.00 Annually
?
TO APPLY:
?
For Internal Employees: Login in to ADP ->Myself->Talent->Career Center
For External Candidates:?
?
VIA is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Any person with a disability needing special accommodations to the application process please call Human Resources.
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Invitation to Mobility Matters, 2024
Hello O&M group,
You are invited to attend our virtual Mobility Matters summit which will be hosted on February 29th, 2024. We have a fabulous line-up of presenters and panelists- covering topics on AI, tactile art, tech communities of practice, inclusive library programs, and transportation.
The event will be captioned and ASL interpreting will be provided.? WA Clock hours and ACVREP credits are available.
Check out our??website and register today!??Registration will close on February 27th at 5 PM PST.?
Walk down memory lane?
?As we eagerly anticipate the conference, we wanted to provide you with access to previous summit's websites. These resources contain a wealth of information, including?speaker bios, presentation videos, presentation slides, and more! Feel free to explore these materials at your convenience to get a sense of the scope and vision of Mobility Matters. Hope you can join us!
Amy T. Parker, EdD & COMS Associate Professor Coordinator, Orientation and Mobility Program Portland State University,?College of Education Vanport Building-VB 423-K 8610 SW 5th AvenuePortland,?OR?97201,?US503-725-4695 tel
Mailing Address: 630?SW Mill St. Portland, OR 97201
pronouns: ?she/her/hers
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It's not that TVIs can't teach O&M, it's that TVI's must be dual-certified (as a TVI and a COMS) to also teach O&M. While I can't find an exact quote to explain it, I found the following from several different places: "Orientation and mobility was included the first time as a related service, with the passage
of IDEA 1997. Originally developed by the Veteran’s Administration to assist war-blinded veterans, the profession of Orientation and Mobility (O&M) has expanded to
include training from early childhood through adulthood. This service is provided by
individuals who are formally educated to assist persons who are blind/visually impaired
attain their O&M goals."? (from? )
From website:
A Certified Orientation & Mobility Specialist (COMS), is a highly trained expert who specializes in working with individuals who are blind, low vision or who have functional visual limitations, and empowers them to achieve their life goals for education, employment, avocation and independence. A COMS may be blind, partially sighted or sighted. COMS are engaged in a comprehensive approach to orientation & mobility addressing nonvisual, visual, physical, cognitive, and psycho-social aspects related to mobility training for individuals of all ages, as well as diverse needs and abilities. They are educated in a range of instructional techniques and how to recognize which approach is best suited to a particular learner. These techniques include, but are not limited to, inquiry-based learning, expeditionary learning, differentiated instruction, and direct instruction. COMS recognize that there is no single instructional strategy that would be best for everyone. COMS teach skills to meet the current and future orientation and mobility needs of their clients, accounting for each client’s goals, travel environments, and visual prognoses. They use a guided exploration and problem-solving approach that is customized to the goals and skills of each learner. Methods and strategies include the use of non-visual techniques (auditory and tactual) and visual techniques including the optimization of reliable remaining vision . Strategies and problem-solving skills are taught with the goal to develop independent travelers with a high level of self-confidence. The COMS has completed an extensive educational program and successfully completed a 350+ hour internship under the supervision of an experienced COMS. Furthermore, the COMS has met a rigorous standard by meeting the educational requirements, supervised fieldwork experiences in their internship and passing the certification exam. The exam was developed in collaboration with PhD level psychometricians following scientific, best practices standards for certification exams. A COMS will recertify every five years to ensure that they maintain current knowledge. COMS Certification Handbook
Also, the description from?differentiates between the licensure:? "It is required that TVIs have graduated from an accredited college/university
training program, and have Department of Public Instruction (DPI) Licensure
#825. It is required that O&M Specialists have graduated from an accredited
college/university training program, in addition to having a DPI #826 License."?
I hope that info is helpful!?
Can anyone give me an “official” resource where it is specifically stated that a TVI doesn’t teach higher level O&M skills? This has become an issue in
several districts that currently do not have a COMS. We stress that the TVI can teach basic concepts and limited pre-cane skills such as trailing and protective techniques and can support the COMS by reinforcing skills, however, we have been asked where it
is specifically stated that a TVI cannot teach cane skills. We’ve all heard it and its common knowledge for most in our field, but we cannot find any source that specifically states this. We have found numerous “roles and responsibilities” and other
articles and sources that say what each does, but none specifically states that the TVI cannot teach higher-level O&M skills.
?
Thanks in advance for your help!
?
-- Joanna Credeur, M.Ed., M.A., COMS
Orientation & Mobility Specialist
Tennessee School for the Blind
115 Stewarts Ferry Pike ??Nashville, TN 37214
O: (615) 231-7443 ??F: (615) 871-9312
C: (337) 842-8977
Joanna.Credeur@...
?
![]()
?
“Creating Contributing, Participating Members of Society”
?
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Coby hear from the community of deafblind, and retired CVRT and ?occupational therapy.
Thank you Justin for those great resources.?
I am also wondering where the TDI of school system has her/his ethics and scope of practice documents, outlining responsibilities, of special education teacher?
Thank you.
?Coby livingstone
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On Feb 21, 2024, at 11:41?AM, Kaiser, Justin T. via groups.io <Justin.kaiser@...> wrote:
?
I ?found this specifically explained in Chapter 1 of
Partners in O&M: Supporting Orientation and Mobility for Students Who Are Visually Impaired?by Rona L. Pogrund and Nora Griffin-Shirley
Under Roles of the Teacher of the Visually Impaired?
“Other responsibilities may include co-teaching the use of orientation aids (e.g., tactile maps), optical devices
(e.g., telescopes, magnifiers), and sensory training (e.g., auditory training) (Fazzi, 2014; Griffin-Shirley & Trusty, 2017). However, teaching the use of the long cane, adaptive mobility devices, and electronic travel aids, along with complex travel in the
community, is the sole responsibility of the O&M specialist.”
Additionally the position papers from AER and CEC on Roles and Responsibilities of TVI would say what TVI's are qualified to do.?
The attached O&M Scope of Practice Paper from AER would say what qualifications someone should have to teach O&M skills.?
Justin
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You don't often get email from joanna.credeur@....
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|
CAUTION:
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Can anyone give me an “official” resource where it is specifically stated that a TVI doesn’t teach higher level O&M skills? This has become an issue
in several districts that currently do not have a COMS. We stress that the TVI can teach basic concepts and limited pre-cane skills such as trailing and protective techniques and can support the COMS by reinforcing skills, however, we have been asked where
it is specifically stated that a TVI cannot teach cane skills. We’ve all heard it and its common knowledge for most in our field, but we cannot find any source that specifically states this. We have found numerous “roles and responsibilities” and other
articles and sources that say what each does, but none specifically states that the TVI cannot teach higher-level O&M skills.
?
Thanks in advance for your help!
?
--
Joanna Credeur, M.Ed., M.A., COMS
Orientation & Mobility Specialist
Tennessee School for the Blind
115 Stewarts Ferry Pike ??Nashville, TN 37214
O: (615) 231-7443 ??F: (615) 871-9312
C: (337) 842-8977
Joanna.Credeur@...
?
?
“Creating Contributing, Participating Members of Society”
?
|
I ?found this specifically explained in Chapter 1 of
Partners in O&M: Supporting Orientation and Mobility for Students Who Are Visually Impaired?by Rona L. Pogrund and Nora Griffin-Shirley
Under Roles of the Teacher of the Visually Impaired?
“Other responsibilities may include co-teaching the use of orientation aids (e.g., tactile maps), optical devices
(e.g., telescopes, magnifiers), and sensory training (e.g., auditory training) (Fazzi, 2014; Griffin-Shirley & Trusty, 2017). However, teaching the use of the long cane, adaptive mobility devices, and electronic travel aids, along with complex travel in the
community, is the sole responsibility of the O&M specialist.”
Additionally the position papers from AER and CEC on Roles and Responsibilities of TVI would say what TVI's are qualified to do.?
The attached O&M Scope of Practice Paper from AER would say what qualifications someone should have to teach O&M skills.?
Justin
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You don't often get email from joanna.credeur@....
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CAUTION:
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Can anyone give me an “official” resource where it is specifically stated that a TVI doesn’t teach higher level O&M skills? This has become an issue
in several districts that currently do not have a COMS. We stress that the TVI can teach basic concepts and limited pre-cane skills such as trailing and protective techniques and can support the COMS by reinforcing skills, however, we have been asked where
it is specifically stated that a TVI cannot teach cane skills. We’ve all heard it and its common knowledge for most in our field, but we cannot find any source that specifically states this. We have found numerous “roles and responsibilities” and other
articles and sources that say what each does, but none specifically states that the TVI cannot teach higher-level O&M skills.
?
Thanks in advance for your help!
?
--
Joanna Credeur, M.Ed., M.A., COMS
Orientation & Mobility Specialist
Tennessee School for the Blind
115 Stewarts Ferry Pike ??Nashville, TN 37214
O: (615) 231-7443 ??F: (615) 871-9312
C: (337) 842-8977
Joanna.Credeur@...
?
?
“Creating Contributing, Participating Members of Society”
?
|
I’m not sure if this train of thought will help, but maybe approach the question from a different perspective. Each discipline’s handbook states the responsibilities and scope of practice outlining
what is taught by each discipline instead of what it does not teach.
?
I’m not sure there is a document that states specifically that TSVIs
cannot teach O&M skills any more than there is a document stating that TSVIs and COMS cannot teach OT, PT, speech, and so on (unless licensed/certified by that field’s certifying body to do so). By nature, there are crossover skills within some skills
set, but each discipline has its own set of skills that are specific and unique to their scope of practice for which these professionals have been trained and certified/licensed to teach.
?
I hope this helps!
Blessings,
Debbie Fussell, M.Ed.
Certified Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments
Certified Orientation & Mobility Specialist
Mansfield Independent School District
1016 Magnolia Street
Mansfield, Texas 76063
debrafussell@...
O) 817-299-4311
F) 817-548-2175
C) 214-264-8747
?
Confidentiality Notice:?This
email may contain confidential information.? All information is intended only for use of the named recipient.? If you have received this email in error, do not read the information. Please immediately notify sender by telephone or by email reply.?
?
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From: [email protected] <[email protected]>
On Behalf Of Joanna Credeur
Sent: Wednesday, February 21, 2024 11:42 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [OandM] TVI vs O&M
?
WARNING: This email originated from
outside of Mansfield ISD.
Do not click links or open attachments
unless you recognize the sender & are expecting the message.
Can anyone give me an “official” resource where it is specifically stated that a TVI doesn’t teach higher level O&M skills? This has become an issue in
several districts that currently do not have a COMS. We stress that the TVI can teach basic concepts and limited pre-cane skills such as trailing and protective techniques and can support the COMS by reinforcing skills, however, we have been asked where it
is specifically stated that a TVI cannot teach cane skills. We’ve all heard it and its common knowledge for most in our field, but we cannot find any source that specifically states this. We have found numerous “roles and responsibilities” and other
articles and sources that say what each does, but none specifically states that the TVI cannot teach higher-level O&M skills.
?
Thanks in advance for your help!
?
--
Joanna Credeur, M.Ed., M.A., COMS
Orientation & Mobility Specialist
Tennessee School for the Blind
115 Stewarts Ferry Pike ??Nashville, TN 37214
O: (615) 231-7443 ??F: (615) 871-9312
C: (337) 842-8977
Joanna.Credeur@...
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“Creating Contributing, Participating Members of Society”
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Can anyone give me an “official” resource where it is specifically stated that a TVI doesn’t teach higher level O&M skills? This has become an issue in
several districts that currently do not have a COMS. We stress that the TVI can teach basic concepts and limited pre-cane skills such as trailing and protective techniques and can support the COMS by reinforcing skills, however, we have been asked where it
is specifically stated that a TVI cannot teach cane skills. We’ve all heard it and its common knowledge for most in our field, but we cannot find any source that specifically states this. We have found numerous “roles and responsibilities” and other
articles and sources that say what each does, but none specifically states that the TVI cannot teach higher-level O&M skills.
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Thanks in advance for your help!
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-- Joanna Credeur, M.Ed., M.A., COMS
Orientation & Mobility Specialist
Tennessee School for the Blind
115 Stewarts Ferry Pike ??Nashville, TN 37214
O: (615) 231-7443 ??F: (615) 871-9312
C: (337) 842-8977
Joanna.Credeur@...
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“Creating Contributing, Participating Members of Society”
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New seminar in DeafBlind history!
Dear everyone, John here: ? I am pleased to announce a new three-week email-group seminar, “Before Helen Keller: Hidden DeafBlind Histories, 1850-1903.” It has been argued that most communities’ historical periods—during which enduring discourses and habits are set into cyclical motion—tend to be brief. The DeafBlind community’s period of formation is no exception. It unfolded with astonishing speed, and a literature emerged immediately. The course brings us into contact with key primary sources that tell us this remarkable story. ? Everyone is welcome to consider joining us on this adventure! Continuing Education Units are available for members of the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf. ? Dates: April 1-19, 2024 ? RID CEUs: 3.0 ? Reigstration fee: $250 ? Registration deadline: March 20, or when full ? Description: ? This discussion-intensive seminar is an introduction to early DeafBlind community history, primarily through writings left behind by DeafBlind people. When and how did the community begin to form? How did early DeafBlind historical figures articulate their identities? What affordances did they seize on to launch networks? Several concepts will help us attempt to listen to the understories that have long eluded hearing and sighted historians. These include distantism, deaf-blind associations, retroactive reading, Emerson’s “perspiration,” Whitehead’s “attack,” and Manning’s “bodying worlds, worlding bodies.” ? Instructor: ? John Lee Clark is a DeafBlind poet, essayist, historian, translator, and Protactile educator. His collection of poems “How to Communicate” won the Minnesota Book Award and was a finalist for the National Book Award. His latest book, “Touch the Future: A Manifesto in Essays,” is the first book coming out of the Protactile movement to be published. He makes a home in St. Paul, Minnesota, with his partner, the ASL Deaf artist Adrean Clark, their three kids, and two cats. ? To apply: ? Contact me at jlc@... ? Interpretek is an approved RID Sponsor for Continuing Education Activities. The seminar is offered for 3.0 CEUs in Professional Studies. No prior knowledge is required. ? Feel free to spread the word.? Thank you! ? Looking forward to digging together— John ?
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Re: Congratulations, Freda Tepfer!
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On Fri, Feb 9, 2024 at 2:19?PM Kerrigan, Patricia via <pkerrigan= [email protected]> wrote: Yes, congratulations Freda!?
P. Maurie Kerrigan
Orientation and Mobility Specialist COMS
Low Vision Therapist CLVT
Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services
801 Market St., 6th floor, Suite 6034, Philadelphia, PA 19107
cell 215-268-2872
pkerrigan@...
________________________________
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> on behalf of Coby Livingstone via <coby.livingstone=[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, February 9, 2024 3:12 PM
To: [email protected] <[email protected]>
Cc: O&M AER listserv <oandm@...>; AER EAC <aer-eac@...>
Subject: [External] Re: [OandM] Congratulations, Freda Tepfer!
ATTENTION: This email message is from an external sender. Do not open links or attachments from unknown senders. To report suspicious email, use the Report Phishing button in Outlook. <<>>
?Congratulations!
Thank you.
?Coby livingstone
> On Feb 9, 2024, at 1:05?PM, Dona Sauerburger <dona@...> wrote:
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> ?Last night I had the pleasure of seeing Freda Tepfer receive an "Advocate Extraordinaire" Award from Penn Future at their 2024 Environmental Advocacy Celebration for her persistent advocacy for environmental accessibility -- congratulations, Freda!
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> It's so fitting that you are acknowledged for your tireless work, especially by such a respected environmental and social justice organization as Penn Future -- the Conservation Voters of PA! Someone in the audience chimed in to note that you have made a huge difference in their community in Erie, PA.? Way to go!
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> -- Dona
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> Dona Sauerburger, COMS
> Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist for the blind
> ahttps://
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Shaun Basham
Chris Tabb