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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?
  • 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.
    • DDS Supportive Technology for Vision Loss and Combined Vision and Hearing Loss (PDF) and DDS Assistive Technology Referral Form (DOCx)
  • 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 [email protected] 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.
For more information please contact: 
Lisa DiBonaventura,  M.A.,  COMS
Statewide Director Vision & Vision Loss Services
Department of Developmental Services  (DDS)
131 Emerald Street, Wrentham, MA 02093

Email: [email protected]
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"Focus" on Vision and Vision Loss: Meeting the Needs of Individuals with Intellectual Disability
  • MCB/DDS
    • About >
      • Site Accessibility & Download Policy
      • Vision Loss Terminology
    • APH Federal Quota Account >
      • APH Activity Ideas
    • DDS Collaborative Eye Care Centers
    • Orientation & Mobility/Low Vision Services >
      • Areas Served
      • COMS Log In
    • Let's Walk Together
    • Vision Loss Support Groups
    • EOHHS Resources
  • Eye Care
    • Find an Eye Care Provider >
      • By Town >
        • Ayer
        • Beverly
        • Boston
        • Burlington
        • Cambridge
        • Chelmsford
        • East Bridgewater
        • East Harwich
        • Fairhaven
        • Fall River
        • Falmouth
        • Fitchburg
        • Framingham
        • Franklin
        • Gardner
        • Greenfield
        • Holyoke
        • Lowell
        • Marlborough
        • Melrose
        • New Bedford
        • Newton
        • North Dartmouth
        • North Reading
        • Plymouth
        • Quincy
        • Revere
        • Sagamore
        • Salem
        • Sandwich
        • South Dennis
        • Spencer
        • Sturbridge
        • Sudbury
        • Taunton
        • Tewksbury
        • Waltham
        • Watertown
        • West Springfield
        • Worcester
    • Holyoke Vision Center
    • Shriver SEMA
    • MCPHS Eye and Vision Center
    • DDS Vision Care Guidelines
    • Eye Health & Safety
    • Eye Conditions & Simulations >
      • A
      • B
      • C
      • D
      • E
      • F
      • G
      • H
      • I
      • K
      • L
      • M
      • N
      • O
      • P
      • R
      • S
      • T
      • U
      • V
    • In the News
  • Everyday Life
    • Strategies
    • COVID Resources
    • Deafblind Resources
    • Orientation & Mobility >
      • Movement, Safety and Fun
    • Recreation >
      • Leisure and Learning at Home
    • Local & National Organizations
  • Tech and Access
    • Apps for Vision Loss
    • Technology Equipment
    • Technology Resources
    • Products for Accessibility
    • News and Information Access
  • Students
    • Birth - 22 >
      • Team and IEP
    • Transition
  • Connect
    • Focus Blog
    • FAQ
    • Contact
  • Training
    • "Focus Talks"
    • Conferences & Workshops >
      • "Focus" Conference Archive
    • Online Courses & Webinars
    • Downloadable Resources & Videos
    • Train the Trainer: Human Guide >
      • Trainer Log In (password needed)
    • Train the Leader: Support Groups >
      • Support Group Leader Log in (password required)