Orientation and Mobility Services
At Virtual TVI, we understand that many students who qualify as visually impaired also struggle with safe and independent travel. These students require O&M evaluations and services to succeed both at school and in the community. That is why we have added Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialists (COMS) to our team and now offer high-quality O&M services to schools across the country.
What Does a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist Do?
A Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS) is a nationally certified professional who works with individuals who are blind or visually impaired to develop the skills needed for safe and confident travel. While COMS are not classroom teachers, they hold national certifications from ACVREP and are qualified to work in any state. All of our COMS are fully certified, background checked, and experienced in school-based services.
They work with students on everything from understanding body parts, positional concepts, spatial awareness, and using a cane to navigating complex environments like streets, buses, and unfamiliar buildings.
What are Hybrid O&M Services?
Because certain O&M instruction must be done in person for safety reasons, we offer a hybrid model of service delivery. A Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist will travel to your district for one day to one week at a time to complete evaluations and provide intensive instruction. These in-person visits may include:
- O&M evaluations
- Compensatory services for missed O&M minutes
- Intensive short-term instruction
- Direct support with street crossings, public transit, and other real-world travel skills
If there is another district near you that also needs services, we may be able to coordinate visits so travel costs can be shared, making services more efficient and affordable.
After their visit, the COMS will provide written reports and can continue working with the student and team through scheduled video sessions for follow-up and reinforcement.
What May Be Taught In Person Versus Remotely
In-person instruction may include things such as:
- How to use a white cane
- Travel outdoors on campus or in the community
- Crossing streets and navigating intersections
- Learning to ride and use public or school transportation
- Accessing locations such as stores, libraries, and public buildings
- Any activity where student safety is a concern
Remote instruction may include things such as:
- Reading maps and planning routes
- Using GPS and travel apps
- Looking up public transportation routes and schedules
- Scheduling rides or transportation services
- Practicing spatial awareness, identifying body parts, and understanding cardinal directions
- Learning to use a monocular or other low vision travel tools
The COMS can also reinforce skills remotely by coaching live through video chat. An adult on-site can hold a phone while the student travels through the school, allowing the COMS to observe and provide feedback in real time.
Dual Certification Advantage
All of our COMS are also Certified Teachers of the Visually Impaired. This means that, depending on state licensure, they can also conduct TVI evaluations and provide in-person direct vision services while in your district. This allows us to maximize the value of each visit and reduce the need to coordinate services from multiple providers.
Ready to Schedule O&M Services?
If your district needs O&M evaluations, direct services, or compensatory support, Virtual TVI is here to help. Whether you are serving one student or many, we will work with you to create a flexible and effective plan to meet your needs and ensure your students receive high-quality, personalized support.
Contact us today to learn more or request services from a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist.