Orientation and Mobility Specialist

Orientation And Mobility Specialist

Under the direction of the Director of Special Education, this position provides orientation and mobility (O&M) instruction to students from preschool through transition age who are Blind/Low Vision or Deafblind, including students with additional disabilities. Instruction focuses on developing the skills necessary for safe, independent, and efficient travel across school, home, and community environments.

Job functions include:

• Provide instruction in body awareness, laterality, directionality, spatial and environmental concepts, sensory development, foundational concepts, and orientation and mobility skills.
• Provide individualized instruction in human guide techniques, direction-taking, squaring off, self-familiarization, upper and lower body protective techniques, cane skills, street crossings, number systems, public transportation, and the use of optical aids, based on each student's needs.
• Develop individualized short- and long-term goals and objectives and design instructional activities to support student progress and achievement.
• Develop and maintain O&M service schedules for students identified as requiring instruction. Evaluate students to determine current skill levels, collaborate with instructional staff to integrate classroom and O&M instruction, and coordinate services to minimize disruptions to student schedules.
• Participate in special education meetings and processes as appropriate. Maintain accurate and current student records, communicate with parents and guardians, and prepare quarterly student progress reports.
• Collaborate with related service providers and other school personnel to support school improvement initiatives, strategic planning, and co-curricular activities.
• Serve as an active and collaborative member of the Student Services Department and the Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind. Participate in departmental, team, school, and instructional meetings as required.
• Participate in professional development activities, training, and workshops to maintain and enhance professional knowledge and skills. Provide in-service training to school staff as appropriate.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications include:

• Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
• Current certification as an Orientation and Mobility Specialist through the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals (ACVREP).
• Hold or be eligible for appropriate Colorado educator/special services licensure with an endorsement as a School Orientation and Mobility Specialist.

Preferred qualifications include:

• Colorado educator licensure with an endorsement as a Special Education Specialist: Visually Impaired, or an equivalent endorsement.
• Experience working with children with visual impairments and/or additional disabilities in an educational setting.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities include:

• Knowledge of and ability to apply current instructional methods and techniques for teaching orientation and mobility skills.
• Knowledge of the Expanded Core Curriculum for students with visual impairments, including students with multiple disabilities.
• Ability to collect, maintain, and analyze student progress data related to individualized orientation and mobility goals.
• Knowledge of and ability to assess and effectively use technology relevant to the position, including GPS navigation systems and other assistive technologies.
• Proficiency in common computer applications, including email, internet browsers, word processing, electronic calendars, presentation software, spreadsheets, and databases. Ability and willingness to maintain and develop technology skills independently or with available support.
• Ability to receive, respond constructively to, and incorporate feedback.
• Ability to work cooperatively and effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills.
• Proficiency in American Sign Language (ASL), or a demonstrated commitment to developing proficiency at the Novice level, as measured through an appropriate assessment tool and in accordance with CSDB policy.

Organizational relationships include:

• Reports to and is evaluated by the Director of Special Education.

Terms of employment include:

• This position is employed under an annual contract based on the standard number of working days in the academic year (currently 195 days, August through June). Salary is established in accordance with the Teacher Salary Schedule and is based on applicable education and experience.

Effective date:

• School Year 20262027

Working conditions/physical demands include:

• Work is performed in a school environment, including campus buildings and grounds, public transportation systems, and public thoroughfares. The position routinely requires light physical activity, including walking, standing, stooping, and crouching.
• Physical demands may include occasionally exerting force in excess of 100 pounds. Working with students with special needs may require more frequent physical exertion.
• The position also requires the ability to climb stairs, bend, reach, handle objects, and operate computer equipment and keyboards using fine motor skills.
• The position requires the ability to communicate and exchange information effectively, receive and interpret detailed information, compare and analyze data, coordinate information, provide instruction and training, and demonstrate effective interpersonal skills and professional behaviors.

Morgan Community College