DDS Supportive Technology Assessment
Frequently Asked Questions
I am interested in both an Orientation and Mobility and a DDS Assistive Technology Assessment. Which referral should be completed first or can these be submitted at the same time?
What is the difference between Orientation & Mobility (O&M) Services and Assistive Technology (AT) services?
Referrals have been made for both O&M and DDS Assistive Technology. How can I assist to make sure that collaboration between these two services occur?
- It can be beneficial to begin with the Orientation & Mobility referral which would be completed by a Certified Orientation & Mobility Specialist (COMS) who can then consult with the Assistive Technology evaluator. In this way, the COMS (who may have a longer service relationship with you) will be able, as other team members can too, to encourage use of equipment and carryover of skills. In cases where there is interest in vision loss mobility-related devices such as smart canes or apps, it will be imperative to include a COMS.
What is the difference between Orientation & Mobility (O&M) Services and Assistive Technology (AT) services?
- Orientation and Mobility Services from a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS) promote safe and purposeful travel for adults with vision loss or combined vision and hearing loss. Emphasis is placed on environmental access and safety both indoors and out, through use of Orientation & Mobility (O&M) techniques. O&M techniques include human guide, trailing, protective techniques, voice guide, use of the long cane, use of the adaptive cane, and/or use of adaptive mobility devices. COMS also serve by consulting to provide strategies for daily living with vision loss; offer sensitivity training for caregivers, colleagues and teams; provide functional vision assessments; offer advocacy for eye exams; and serve as a resource for additional resources and information.
- O&M Service brochures by DDS Region and Referral Forms for O&M Services by DDS Region
- For additional vision loss resources please see: focusonvisionandvisionloss.org
- Assistive Technology Services from a licensed or certified professional (ATP, OTR/L, PT, and/or SLP) address daily challenges of living with vision loss including accessing media, news, and information; engaging in activities of daily living, leisure, travel, and/or employment. AT Services specific to O&M, especially in collaboration with a COMS provide assessment and training with devices that offer navigation assistance, access to visual information, communication, and safety. Technology includes, but is not limited to smart devices, talking products, apps, video magnification devices, speech to text software, braille displays, and more.
- O&M services and AT services complement each other, working best when the AT provider and COMS collaborate to address safety and independence. Both services can be provided at home, day program, workplace and/or community settings.
Referrals have been made for both O&M and DDS Assistive Technology. How can I assist to make sure that collaboration between these two services occur?
- If ever you are unsure who is the COMS assigned, please feel free to contact Lisa.DiBonaventura@mass.gov who can assist to give you the contact information of the COMS. If at that time you also have the contact information of the Assistive Technology evaluator, feel free to provide this to Lisa who can share this as well with the COMS so that the two can connect and collaborate.