2026/27 Certified SPED Specialist - Orientation and Mobility

Orientation and Mobility Specialist

Reports to: Coordinator of Auditory/Speech/Visual Impairment Services Pay Grade: AP03 Dept./School: Special Education Department Date Revised: May 22, 2019

Primary Purpose: Provide individual instruction for the visually impaired in their school, home, or environmental setting where the student can best learn skills and concepts for safe, independent travel.

Qualifications: Education/Certification: Bachelor's Degree Orientation and Mobility Specialist Certification through Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AER) Special Knowledge/Skills: Working with a variety of people Experience Minimum of five years with visually impaired and visually/multiple impaired students in school setting

Major Responsibilities and Duties: 1. Screen or evaluate newly identified visually impaired students and those visually impaired students who demonstrate increasing difficulty with independent travel. Re-evaluations are done every three years on visually impaired students. 2. Identify appropriate training skills or concepts for travel needs of the student. 3. Develop orientation and mobility goals and objectives to meet the individual need of the student. 4. Identify and adapt training environments for optimum learning of skills and concepts. 5. Individually adapt the orientation and mobility curriculum to meet the student needs, academic developmental level, and chronological age. 6. Provide direct instructional services with visually impaired students as outlined on the IEP including instruction in these areas: a. Gross motor skills b. Sensory discrimination and interpretation c. Spatial awareness d. Body image e. Self-protection f. Use of pre-cane devices if needed g. Long cane technique h. Cane technique modifications i. Low vision techniques j. Sighted guide k. Pre-cane orientation concepts l. Residential Travel 1. Map use 2. Daily living skills as needed for successful travel 3. Low vision aide use 4. Numbering systems 5. Car familiarization 6. Traffic flow analysis 7. Street crossings m. Commercial Travel instruction includes the following components: 1. Advanced street crossings 2. Soliciting aid 3. Self-familiarization skills 4. Organization of public facilities 5. Public transportation 6. Special case entries and escalators/elevators n. Transitional Travel - Skills as needed for post-educational placement with vocational training facilities, residences, and transportation systems to be used. 7. Provides consultative services to the student's teachers and parent. 8. Provides transition services needed each year and post graduation. 9. Arranges transportation for the student to the area of instruction. Professionalism, Morale, and Team Building 10. Exhibit poise, self control and accept constructive criticism. 11. Exhibit a positive attitude toward others. Treat other staff with respect and dignity. 12. Interact with others effectively and respond to customer needs in a courteous, respectful manner. 13. Answer all phone calls and emails within 24 hours of receipt. 14. Maintain confidentiality. 15. Work collaboratively with the Department to develop a common vision of excellence and to ensure attainment of team, department, and district goals. 16. Fosters collegiality and team building within the TEAM and Department. Other 17. Proactively manages time to fulfill expectations and requirements of the assigned job. 18. Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Equipment Used: None

Working Conditions: Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors: Self started, able to formulate own curriculum, flexible; physically able to drive; withstand outdoor environment.

EEOC Statement: Hays Consolidated I.S.D. will not discriminate against any person in employment or exclude any person from participating in or receiving benefits of any of its activities or programs on any basis prohibited on the bases of race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), sexual orientation, parental status, national origin, age, disability, family medical history or genetic information, political affiliation, military service, or any other non-merit based factor. These protections extend to all management practices and decisions, including recruitment and hiring practices, appraisal systems, promotions, and training and career development programs.

This document describes the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required. Positions are extended annually based upon availability of funding.

Signature indicates acknowledgement of the receipt of aforementioned information.

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