The article reviews the history of orientation and mobility (OM) training for the visually impaired with emphasis on the increasing need for paraprofessional mobility assistants. Results of interviews with OM specialists (N=64) provided information on types of personnel trained, methods of training, and skills taught to OM assistants. (DB)

Implementation of recommendations of a position paper on training Orientation Mobility (OM) assistants is considered with suggestions concerning the roles of the OM specialist and OM assistant, specific skill areas for training, the role of the agency or school, and a preparation program for the mobility assistant leading to certification. (DB)

This paper outlines the responsibilities of rehabilitation teachers working with individuals who are blind or visually impaired. University rehabilitation teaching guidelines approved by the Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired are summarized. Guidelines cover administrative requirements, faculty,…

Two studies examined the effectiveness of external-speaker announcements in identifying incoming buses to 21 adults with visual impairments, including the placement of external speakers, the ability to understand simultaneous bus announcements, and the speech enhancement of announcements. Announcements could be heard above ambient traffic sounds…

A survey of 217 AER-certified orientation and mobility specialists (COMSs) found the median annual income for full-time employed COMSs was $39,000. Of the respondents, 63.7 were women, 91.5 percent were white, and the median age was 43 years. The majority entering into the field had master's degrees. (Contains references.) (CR)

This article addresses the development of an orientation and mobility (O&M) certification examination by Division Nine of the Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired. It describes the collection of data that establishes the relative importance of the competencies necessary for O&M. (Contains eight…

This article discusses the significant personnel shortages in education and rehabilitation in the field of blindness and visual impairment and provides a brief overview of one approach to addressing this shortage, distance education. Distance learning environments and strategies are described, along with evidence of the effectiveness of distance…

A survey of 440 professionals working in the field of education and rehabilitation of individuals with blindness or visual impairments collected information about educational background; employment history; clients served; job responsibilities; salaries; and differences in earnings among center-based and itinerant positions, private nonprofit and…