This page is a place to find resources and information related to Orientation and Mobility. The information and resources found here are intended for the whole Team: professionals, families, and students. This page is intended to provide access to a wide variety of information and resources related to students with visual impairments and deafblindness. Please send ideas for additional resources or features you would like included to Outreach Statewide Orientation and Mobility Consultant, Scott Turner at [email protected].
Quick links for sections on this page:
- Blogs, Listservs, and LiveBinders
- Education Codes and Legal References
- Resources
- Training Events
- Videos
- Websites
Blogs, Listservs, and LiveBinders
- Open ListServe on Orientation and Mobility; open to professionals, parents, and consumers
- TSBVI Orientation and Mobility LiveBinder Shelf
- Orientation and Mobility for Students with DeafBlindness LiveBinder
- Mobile Devices for Blind and Visually Impaired Users LiveBinder Shelf
Education Codes And Legal References
- Students with Visual Impairments: Eligibility for Special Education
- IDEA, Related Services (Sec. 300.34)
- Texas Education Code (Specific to Children with Visual Impairments, Sec. 30.002)
- Q&A: Expanded Core Curriculum Instruction and Orientation and Mobility Evaluations (Word Format)
- Region 18 Legal Framework – summarizes federal and state law by topic
- Information pertaining to students with visual impairments
- Information pertaining to students with DeafBlindness
- Special factors for blind and visually impaired
- TEA Special Education Rules and Regulations – a resource for federal and state laws, rules, and regulations that govern the delivery of special education services in public schools. (As of April 4, 2014 has not been updated to reflect changes related to HB 590 or SB 39.)
- Pedestrian Laws in Texas (Sec. 552.010 specific to Blind Pedestrians)Sec. 552.010 specific to Blind Pedestrians)
- White Cane Definition and Service Animals in Texas (Sec. 121.002, Sec. 121.005, and Sec. 121.006)121.002, Sec. 121.005, and Sec. 121.006)
Resources
Orientation and Mobility Visual Impairment Scale of Service Intensity of Texas (O&M-VISSIT) The O&M VISSIT: Orientation & Mobility Visual Impairment Scale of Service Intensity of Texas is designed to guide orientation and mobility (O&M) specialists in determining the type and amount of itinerant O&M services to recommend for students on their caseload.
New Mexico School for the Blind Orientation and Mobility Inventory Another option for ongoing evaluation of students’ present levels of performance and a terrific tool for planning appropriate goals and objectives.
Guidelines and Standards for Educating Students with Visual Impairments – a “go-to” document for everything about serving students with visual impairments.
General Orientation and Mobility Recommendations for Functional Programs
Michigan O&M Severity Rating Scale 2017 – two downloadable intensity of service scales from the Michigan Department of Education. One for students with visual impairments (OMSRS) and one for students with visual impairments and additional disabilities (OMSRS+).
T-TESS Texas Teacher Evaluation and Support System for COMS (PDF)
Introduction to T-TESS for COMS document for COMS and Administrators (PDF)
VI and O&M Preparation in Texas
What Should I Charge for Contractual Services? (PDF)
What is the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC)?
Training Events
Southwest Orientation and Mobility Association (SWOMA) is a Southwest regional conference. SWOMA typically occurs annually in or near the beginning of November. Visit the SWOMA Conference Page for additional information.
Videos
- Washington State School for the Blind, “Video Clips on Blindness Tips”
- Guide Techniques from Project IDEAL
- How a Blind Person Uses a Cane from BreakingBlind
- How To Offer Help To A Blind Person
- O & M Video for Parents from Arkansas School for the Blind
- Wheelchair Orientation and Mobility from Perkins
- Lighthouse O&M Folding Cane Construction from East Texas Lighthouse for the Blind in Tyler
- Lighthouse O&M Escalator Training from East Texas Lighthouse for the Blind in Tyler