How to get Started as an Itinerant Orientation and Mobility Specialist?

Becoming an orientation and mobility (O&M) specialist is a rewarding yet complex journey. It requires a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical field experience to effectively support individuals with visual impairments.

This blog post is based on Frank Vanderpool's presentation, Tips & Strategies for Beginning Itinerant COMS, from the 2023 International Orientation and Mobility Online Symposium. Kassy Maloney and Hecmarie Tosado-Rivera introduced Frank's session during the event, setting the stage for his expert insights.

Frank, a seasoned O&M specialist, shared his experiences and strategies for success in the field. The session concluded with a Q&A segment, giving attendees the opportunity to gain further clarity on his methods.

Frank Vanderpool's Background and Initial Thoughts

Frank began his career in special education at the Texas School for the Blind and has since worked across multiple school districts and with private students. His extensive experience has shaped his approach to working with students, always prioritizing respect, direct communication, and individualized support.

He shared a memorable story about a student with no functional vision who developed his own route to destinations, demonstrating the importance of recognizing and respecting individual travel strategies. He also recounted managing a student with behavioral challenges, highlighting the need for thorough knowledge of each student’s needs. Understanding a student’s medical and behavioral background ensures effective instruction and helps build trust in the learning process.

Knowing Students and Their Needs

A successful O&M specialist must understand their students' goals and progress. Frank emphasizes several key strategies:

• Using a Google Sheet to monitor progress and maintain daily notes.

• Educating staff about how visual impairments affect movement and engagement in the classroom.

• Motivating students through creative approaches, such as incorporating music and singing to keep them engaged while moving through hallways.

Collaboration with Classroom Staff

Building strong relationships with classroom staff is vital, especially in early childhood settings where multiple students and staff members are involved. Frank emphasizes the power of praise and encouragement in fostering trust and teamwork. Open communication between O&M specialists and teachers is essential to align on student goals. Additionally, he recommends using longer canes for staff to assist students, making mobility lessons more interactive and effective.

Working with Parents and Other Team Members

Parental involvement is key to a student’s success. Frank suggests maintaining regular updates for parents, ideally on a weekly basis, to keep them engaged in their child’s progress. Collaboration with other professionals, such as physical therapists, occupational therapists, and teachers of students with visual impairments (TSVIs), ensures a well-rounded approach to student support. Additionally, he stresses the importance of being prepared by carrying extra canes and arranging transportation in advance to avoid disruptions.

Planning and Preparation

Transportation and route planning are significant aspects of O&M instruction. Frank recommends:

• Exploring creative transportation solutions, such as using city buses or hiring drivers for students preparing for guide dog training.

• Previewing routes before lessons to identify potential hazards like complex intersections.

• Actively participating in IEP meetings to ensure that goals are specific, measurable, and tailored to each student’s needs.

Evaluations and Assessments

Evaluations play a crucial role in determining students’ needs and progress. Frank highlights several important practices:

• Using assessments like TAPS to measure student abilities.

• Carrying an assessment bag for early childhood intervention students.

• Collecting data on student travel in both familiar and unfamiliar environments to gain a comprehensive understanding of their mobility skills.

• Being mindful and sensitive when discussing limitations, such as wheelchair use, with parents to ensure supportive and productive conversations.

Contracting and Insurance

For those considering contracting with school districts, Frank provided valuable insights into the process. He advises:

• Maintaining relationships with special education directors to secure contracts.

• Setting fair rates for evaluations while ensuring liability insurance coverage.

• Forming an LLC for additional protection and credibility.

• Networking with other O&M specialists for professional growth and support.

Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Frank closed his presentation with words of encouragement, urging students with visual impairments to embrace self-advocacy and share their abilities. He emphasized that being an O&M specialist is not just a job—it’s an opportunity to make a lasting impact on students' lives. He also shared some of the most rewarding moments of his career, from holiday outings to dancing with students, highlighting the fun and fulfilling aspects of the job.