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Overview & Contact
TSBVI Outreach Programs provides collaboration, training, and resources through our Orientation & Mobility (O&M) Consultants. We partner with statewide organizations, educators, students, and families to provide support, expertise, and collaboration.
How we can help:
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Answer questions and address specific O&M concerns.
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Collaborate on brainstorming solutions.
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Provide customized training and technical assistance to fit your needs.
Want to get in touch? Fill out our contact form below.
Let us know how we can help!
Looking for resources or want to get in contact with an Outreach provider? Contact Outreach for assistance from our experienced professionals.
Contact Outreach
Mary Shore
Mary is an SFASU graduate with 20+ years of experience in the VI field. Mary's role as an O&M consultant places a strong emphasis on supporting O&M concepts and skills in early childhood.
Scott Turner
Scott has enjoyed a career in Orientation and Mobility for over 30 years with work experience as an itinerant O&M Specialist and a Regional ESC consultant.
Southwest Orientation & Mobility Association (SWOMA) Conference
Each fall, TSBVI hosts the SWOMA Conference either in-person or virtually. This conference features 3–4 days of learning, connecting, and professional development for those in the field of orientation and mobility, specifically for Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialists (COMS). Visit the SWOMA Conference Page for additional information.
LiveBinders
- TSBVI Orientation and Mobility LiveBinder Shelf
- Orientation and Mobility for Students who are Deafblind LiveBinder
- Mobile Devices for Blind and Visually Impaired Users LiveBinder Shelf
Legal References
- Q&A: Expanded Core Curriculum Instruction and Orientation and Mobility Evaluations
- Federal Regulations for Special Education explain the federal education rules that protect students and disabilities nationwide.
- State Regulations for Special Education explain Texas rules that put federal and state special education laws into practices.
- State Laws for Special Education summarize key special education requirements found in the Texas Education Code.
- Students with Visual Impairments: Eligibility for Special Education
- The Texas Legal Framework is an online platform that explains special education laws and regulations.
Code References:
- IDEA, Related Services (Sec. 300.34)
- Pedestrian Laws in Texas (Sec. 552.010 specific to Blind Pedestrians)
- Texas Education Code (Specific to Children with Visual Impairments, Sec. 30.002)
- White Cane Definition and Service Animals in Texas (Sec. 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.
- Michigan O&M Severity Rating Scale – 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+).
- Guidelines and Standards for Educating Students with Visual Impairments
- a “go-to” document for everything about serving students with visual impairments.
- Benefits of O&M
- What is the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC)?
- Texas Deafblind Project