"Focus"
  • MCB/DDS
    • About >
      • Site Accessibility & Download Policy
      • Vision Loss Terminology
    • APH Federal Quota Account >
      • APH Activity Ideas
    • DDS Collaborative Eye Care Clinics
    • 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 >
        • Athol
        • Ayer
        • Beverly
        • Boston
        • Burlington
        • Cambridge
        • Chelmsford
        • Chelsea
        • East Bridgewater
        • East Harwich
        • Fairhaven
        • Fall River
        • Falmouth
        • Fitchburg
        • Framingham
        • Franklin
        • Gardner
        • Greenfield
        • Groveland
        • Holyoke
        • Lexington
        • Lowell
        • Marlborough
        • Melrose
        • New Bedford
        • Newton
        • North Dartmouth
        • North Reading
        • Plymouth
        • Quincy
        • Revere
        • Sagamore
        • Salem
        • Sandwich
        • Shelburne Falls
        • South Dennis
        • Spencer
        • Springfield
        • Sturbridge
        • Sudbury
        • Taunton
        • Tewksbury
        • Waltham
        • Wareham
        • Watertown
        • Wellesley
        • West Springfield
        • Winthrop
        • Worcester
    • NECO SEMA >
      • NECO Student Access
    • 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
    • Inspiring Lives >
      • Dejan
    • Focus Blog
    • FAQ
    • Contact
  • Training
    • "Focus Talks"
    • Conferences & Workshops
    • 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)

Home   >   MCB/DDS Services & Resources
COMS Log In

Orientation & Mobility / Low Vision Services

MCB/DDS Orientation & Mobility/Low Vision Services for Adults with Intellectual Disability & Vision Loss
Our mission as Certified Orientation & Mobility Specialists (COMS) is to serve the unique needs of individuals with intellectual disability who have vision impairment, legal blindness or deafblindness by maximizing each person’s independence and improving quality of life. Recognizing the vital role of family, teachers, caregivers, colleagues, and staff in meeting life’s goals, we work closely with the individual and with his or her important support system at home, the educational setting (during transition to adult services), work, day program, and/or in the community.

In achieving our mission, we strive to:
● Raise awareness of the high prevalence of vision impairment or blindness among individuals who have intellectual disability
● Empower individuals with intellectual disability to become advocates for themselves in terms of unique vision loss needs
● Educate on sensitivity to the impact of vision loss on a person’s life
● Attend to the transition needs of individuals throughout his or her environment each day, and during critical educational/age milestones over a lifetime
● Increase knowledge and skill level for both individual and support system members regarding safe travel techniques based on principles and variations of techniques as taught by COMS.
● Advocate for high quality eye exams for individuals with intellectual disability 

● Advise on the full repertoire of resources available to support individuals with vision loss regardless of additional disabilities
● Focus attention on need for additional funding for vision loss rehabilitation services for individuals with intellectual disability who experience vision loss including Orientation & Mobility, Rehabilitation Teaching, Assistive Technology, Vocational Counseling, Support Groups, etc.                          


MCB/DDS Mission Statement, November 26, 2013
Brochure of Services and Areas Served
  • Areas/Towns Served (by region)
  • DDS Central West Region PDF
  • DDS Central West Region (text only) RTF 
  • DDS Metro Region PDF
  • DDS Metro Region (text only) RTF
  • DDS Northeast Region PDF 
  • DDS Northeast (text only) RTF
  • DDS Southeast Region PDF
  • DDS Southeast Region (text only) RTF​​
Referral for Services
Referrals should be completed by an individual's DDS Service Coordinator or MCB Case Manager. Not sure which Region? Check the Areas/Towns Served. 
  • DDS Central West Region Referral PDF (fillable)
  • DDS Central West Region Referral RTF
  • DDS Metro Region Referral PDF (fillable)
  • DDS Metro Region Referral RTF
  • DDS Northeast Region Referral PDF (fillable)
  • DDS Northeast Region Referral RTF
  • DDS Southeast Region Referral PDF (fillable)
  • DDS Southeast Region Referral ​DOCX
Transition
In the year prior to a student’s transition to DDS adult services, referrals for Orientation & Mobility/Low Vision Services are encouraged. Read more about Transition. ​

Orientation & Mobility Assessment
Orientation & Mobility Assessments are provided by Certified Orientation & Mobility Specialists (COMS) to promote safe and purposeful travel for adults with vision loss, both indoors and outdoors through use of Orientation & Mobility techniques including human guide, trailing, protective techniques, voice guide, use of the long cane, use of the adaptive cane, and/or through use of other adaptive mobility devices.  During an evaluation, for an individual who has not received prior Orientation & Mobility training or service, a COMS evaluates what techniques best support travel, and teaches the individual, as well as family, staff and caregivers. Assessment also benefits individuals who have received prior service, to ensure correct use of O&M techniques and/or technique variations.  It is important that any noticed changes in the individual's vision, travel safety, recent accidents, mobility needs, etc. be shared with the COMS during the evaluation, as well as the results from recent eye exams. An O&M assessment should be scheduled, based on recommendations of a COMS, or as an individual's vision, mobility needs, living environment, day program, working situation, and/or staffing change.

Environmental Assessment
Environmental Assessments are provided by COMS as part of the O&M Assessment with the goal of increasing independence and preventing injury.  Suggestions for how to use color, contrast, lighting, furniture placement, handrails, etc. to homes, day programs, work, outdoor areas, or any area to make it safe, functional for those with vision loss, and in compliance with ADA standards are provided.

Functional Vision Evaluation
Functional Vision Evaluations are provided by COMS to offer a glimpse as to what a person may see and how they use their vision in familiar and unfamiliar settings, both indoors and out. Functional vision evaluations can offer low-tech recommendations as to how an individual can make the best use of vision and how to change an environment to make it visually comfortable and safe.  During the evaluation which typically takes place over a series of visits, the COMS talks with the individual, family and/or staff.  It is important that any noticed changes in the individual's behavior, interests, or light tolerance be shared with the COMS during the evaluation, as well as the results from recent eye exams.  Please note that a Functional Vision Evaluation does not in any way replace the need to see an Optometrist or Ophthalmologist. The information from a Functional Vision Evaluation can be used to generate questions for the eye care provider.

Vision Services
Vision Services address a variety of vision and vision loss related needs including: sensitivity training around vision impairment needs; strong advocacy for thorough eye exams to be completed on a routine basis; development of support systems so that eyeglasses/sunglass/protective eye wear can be worn regularly and maintained; identifying eye doctors who work most successfully with adults who have intellectual disability; consultation for sensitivity programs for successful post operative care after eye surgery; etc.

Consultation and Resource Information
Services may also include consultation for programmatic or activity ideas; assistance to problem solve regarding aspects of daily living or risk management for an individual with intellectual disability and vision loss; provide information regarding resources and equipment such as DVS, talking books, large print, etc. for people with vision impairment/blindness. Additionally, consultation may also be provided during DDS Supportive Technology Assessments.
  • DDS Supportive Technology for Vision Loss and Combined Vision and Hearing Loss PDF
  • DDS Supportive Technology for Vision Loss and Combined Vision and Hearing Loss RTF
  • DDS Assistive Technology Referral Form 
  • ​Frequently Asked Questions
​
Training
Extensive training for family members, caregivers and staff around sensitivity to vision loss, use of mobility techniques, results from assessments, available resources, etc. is an important part of services provided by Certified Orientation & Mobility Specialists.

See Also:

Picture:man and woman looking at the camera
NECO Center for Eye Care Southeastern MA
Picture
Picture
MCPHS University Eye & Vision Center 
Picture: man and woman using human guide walking down stairs
Let's Walk Together 
Human Guide Video
Picture
Technology Resources
Picture
APH Federal Quota Account
For more information please contact: 
Lisa DiBonaventura,  M.A.,  COMS
Statewide Director Vision & Vision Loss Services
Department of Developmental Services  (DDS)
Email: Lisa.DiBonaventura@mass.gov
About                   Contact                  FAQ
Site Accessibility & Download Policy
Please note: By posting these Web links, it is not our intention to endorse or recommend the sites. These sites are being offered only as informational resources.  
"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 Clinics
    • 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 >
        • Athol
        • Ayer
        • Beverly
        • Boston
        • Burlington
        • Cambridge
        • Chelmsford
        • Chelsea
        • East Bridgewater
        • East Harwich
        • Fairhaven
        • Fall River
        • Falmouth
        • Fitchburg
        • Framingham
        • Franklin
        • Gardner
        • Greenfield
        • Groveland
        • Holyoke
        • Lexington
        • Lowell
        • Marlborough
        • Melrose
        • New Bedford
        • Newton
        • North Dartmouth
        • North Reading
        • Plymouth
        • Quincy
        • Revere
        • Sagamore
        • Salem
        • Sandwich
        • Shelburne Falls
        • South Dennis
        • Spencer
        • Springfield
        • Sturbridge
        • Sudbury
        • Taunton
        • Tewksbury
        • Waltham
        • Wareham
        • Watertown
        • Wellesley
        • West Springfield
        • Winthrop
        • Worcester
    • NECO SEMA >
      • NECO Student Access
    • 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
    • Inspiring Lives >
      • Dejan
    • Focus Blog
    • FAQ
    • Contact
  • Training
    • "Focus Talks"
    • Conferences & Workshops
    • 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)