Orientation & Mobility / Low Vision Services
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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
Referral for Services
Referrals should be completed by an individual's DDS Service Coordinator or MCB Case Manager.
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.
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.
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.
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.
