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Re: Guide Dog Training skill
Hi Kimberly Thank you so much for the detailed?information, and you did justice to my number 2 question. I accept the opportunity to reach out to you directly as soon as the need arises. On Tue, Mar 5, 2024 at 10:43?AM Stumph, Kimberly A via <kimberly.a.stumph= [email protected]> wrote:
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 ¡ª 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@...
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@...
|
Re: Assessing mobility level
Adding to Chris¡¯s comments, you can talk to the individual about the functional implications of their eye condition. ?I would ask them to describe their eye condition and then explain what legal blindness means related to their eye condition. ?(Most have not gotten any of this information from the eye doc only a diagnosis). I would ask, what are you not doing now that you were before vision loss? Then review how O&M can help with addressing those issues. ?I also review human guide as family members or friends are most likely trying to ¡®help¡¯. ?
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On Mar 3, 2024, at 8:09?PM, Chris Tabb <chris@...> wrote:
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.
¡ªChristopher J. Tabb, M.A., COMSchris@...Mobile:??512.660.2750<Certified_Orientation_and_Mobility_Special ist_(COMS(C)) SMALL IMAGE.png>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.
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???
|
Re: Guide Dog Training skill
Hello Benson,?
First off, all the best as you enter your O&M journey.?
I¡¯m going to boil it all down to something Lukas Frack once said about using a cane and using a guide dog.?
Paraphrased here:?
Using a guide dog is like learning to play hockey. You have to learn to skate (cane training) before you can learn to follow the puck.?
As a guide dog handler, I make use of different tactile cues than I would when using my cane and my sense of space is different but timing, understanding how to interpret feedback and knowing about traffic and street layouts is the same.?
Jenine Stanley? On Mar 5, 2024, at 10:43?AM, Stumph, Kimberly A via groups.io <kimberly.a.stumph@...> wrote:
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 ¡ª 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@...
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@...
Jenine Stanley Director, Customer Success & Engagement Aira Tech Corp. jenine.stanley@... Direct Dial: 1-614-600-7408
Access to visual information is a human right.? Customer Care? 1-800-835-1934 support@... Learn more about visual interpreting at https://aira.io.
|
Hi Kimberly and Christine! ?Actually, our research with having Gene cross the path of approaching vehicles blew my mind - drivers DO recognize the white cane and what it means. ?And the link that Chris sent (thank you Chris!!! ?You¡¯re the best) explains a study we did to find out if they¡¯d yield to people with canes that aren¡¯t white and found that NO, the cane needs to be white to be recognized. ¡ª Dona ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª Dona Sauerburger, COMS Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist for the blind www.sauerburger.org
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On Mar 5, 2024, at 10:50 AM, Stumph, Kimberly A via groups.io <kimberly.a.stumph@...> wrote:
?
My experience has been that in the United States, the colors do not have universal meaning. ?However, in other countries there is more of a color protocol.
With the advent of the readily available fashion colors, it seems to dilute any possible meaning that a specific color may mean.
More importantly, what is the purpose of color designations if the public does not know them and/or respect them?
Kimberly Stumph, MS, MEd, COMS, CLVT, CVRT
Maine Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Kimberly.a.stumph@...
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.
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!?
-- 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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Just for fun, you may also find this article interesting about the effect of color on drivers; it was from a JVIB article¡
| |
¡ªChristopher 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 5, 2024, at 7:36?AM, christine.janyszek@... wrote:
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!?
Technically you are correct (at least in the United States), but honestly it doesn¡¯t really mean what it used to anymore.?
?
The free white cane program by the NFB gives out all white canes, so an all-white cane does not always mean ¡°totally blind.¡± Also, some people with no light perception prefer the ability to change out their tips that the Ambutech cane allows,
so their canes will be white with the red lower segment.
?
Julie D. Henry, COMS
Orientation & Mobility Specialist
411 W. Front | Tyler, TX | 75702
O: 903.590.4356
?
?
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From: [email protected] < [email protected]> On Behalf Of
christine.janyszek via groups.io
Sent: Tuesday, March 5, 2024 9:36 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [OandM] White Cane Colors
?
?
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!?
|
My guess on the cane color question has to do with NFB-style versus non-NFB canes. Since the NFB training relies on total occlusion for all students, and the NFB cane is all white, then some people may perceive the all-white cane to be the totally blind cane. But that does not have to be the case. On Tue, Mar 5, 2024 at 10:50?AM Stumph, Kimberly A via <kimberly.a.stumph= [email protected]> wrote:
My experience has been that in the United States, the colors do not have universal meaning.? However, in other countries there is more of a color protocol.
With the advent of the readily available fashion colors, it seems to dilute any possible meaning that a specific color may mean.
More importantly, what is the purpose of color designations if the public does not know them and/or respect them?
Kimberly Stumph, MS, MEd, COMS, CLVT, CVRT
Maine Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired
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.
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!?
--
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@...
|
My experience has been that in the United States, the colors do not have universal meaning. ?However, in other countries there is more of a color protocol.
With the advent of the readily available fashion colors, it seems to dilute any possible meaning that a specific color may mean.
More importantly, what is the purpose of color designations if the public does not know them and/or respect them?
Kimberly Stumph, MS, MEd, COMS, CLVT, CVRT
Maine Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Kimberly.a.stumph@...
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
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.
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!?
-- 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@...
|
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 ¡ª 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@...
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
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@...
|
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!?
|
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 ¨C 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
|
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 ¨C 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
|
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!
|
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.
¡ªChristopher 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???
|
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???
|
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
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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TO APPLY:
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For Internal Employees: Login in to ADP ->Myself->Talent->Career Center
For External Candidates:?
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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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Chris Tabb
Shaun Basham