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Home >       
Transition from School to Adult Life: 
​
Orientation & Mobility/Low Vision Services
Transition from school for young adults eligible for services from the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS) adult services is a very important time of life. For students who also have vision impairment, legal blindness, or deafblindness, and who may have been followed by a children’s worker from the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind (MCB), there are additional vision loss related details to plan for and consider. 
The MCB/DDS Partnership Project is here to help. We provide direct and consultative Orientation and Mobility/Low Vision services, as well as offer resource information, training materials and events. Services are provided by Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialists (COMS) and Vision Rehabilitation Assistants (VRA). Our work is focused on each adult's unique vision loss needs. 

What Is the Cost?
There is no cost to adults receiving O&M/Low Vision Services through the MCB/DDS Partnership Project. Services are funded by MCB and DDS.

It all starts with a referral... 

​How to Refer 
Referral is initiated by the DDS or MCB Transition Coordinator using the Referral Form available for each DDS Region (Central West, Metro, Northeast, and Southeast) in the column to the right.  

When to Refer 
Referral should be made during the year 
of, and preferably at least 6 months prior to, the student’s planned transition. Transition to DDS adult services typically occurs between the ages of 18 and 22. 
Referral can also be made at any time an adult experiences a change in vision, mobility, and/or environment. 

Why So Early 
Early referral allows a COMS from our Partnership Project to meet the student, his/her Classroom Teacher, COMS and/or TVI both at school and in familiar locations where the student is confident and comfortable. By observing the student's current O&M skills and visual/nonvisual strategies in familiar environments the COMS (from our Partnership Project) is better able to support continued skill development and environmental needs 
during and after transition. 

What to Expect
​Soon after the initial referral is received the COMS will schedule a visit at school to meet with the student, current COMS, TVI, and classroom teacher. The COMS from our Partnership Project will work together with the current COMS/TVI to familiarize the student to new locations where he/she will spend time (home, work, day program, or community). 

​As needed, suggestions for safety, or environmental modifications at the new locations will be made, and an O&M Assessment or Progress note written. The COMS will train new staff in use of orientation and mobility techniques, sensitivity to working with a person with vision loss, and on other visual/nonvisual considerations important to consider for the student. 

What to Include with a Referral
Sharing of information truly helps.  Along with the referral form, please provide the student’s:
  • Most recent 3-year re-evaluation 
  • Current IEP O&M goals with progress notes and grid times 
  • Transition Planning Form (TPF) 
  • O&M Transition Report 
  • Recent reports from: 
    • Specialists: COMS, TVI, PT, OT, SLP, Behaviorist
    •  Eye Care Providers: Ophthalmologist (MD) and/or Optometrist (OD) 
Alternative Formats:
  • Transition Brochure PDF​
  • Large Print/Text Only RTF
  • Large Print/Text Only PDF​
​Please Share This Information:
  • Students
  • Parents / Guardians / Caregivers
  • School and DDS and/or MCB Transition Coordinator
  • School Team Chair
  • School Administration
  • Special Education Director
  • Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS)
  • Teacher of the Visually Impaired (TVI)​​
Brochure of Services and Areas/Towns 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 Orientation & Mobility/Low Vision 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 and Beyond 
​
How can Specialized O&M/Low Vision Services help?
Adults are on the move and so are we! Throughout an adult’s life there may be changes in employment, day program, residence, new staff to work with, and/or new or progressive vision loss concerns. MCB/DDS Partnership staff assists adults with vision loss during all of these life changes and transitions. We work with adults where they spend time and meet them at home, neighborhood, community, work, day program, and leisure activities.

Vision Loss Training & Support 
Working with adults, families, caregivers, support staff and clinical teams, we provide:
  • Sensitivity training, including use of Human Guide and all O&M techniques.
  • Consultation re: impact on daily life, work, and leisure.
  • Information on resources, materials, and events. 

Strategies
Living with vision loss presents unique challenges. We can help:
  • Safety, organization, and skill resources for independence and inclusion
  • Recommendations for maximizing use of functional vision and increasing participation.
  • Strategies for daily living, work tasks, leisure activities, and risk management. 

Accessibility 
Accessibility increases safety, independence, and visual 
function. We provide:
  • Recommendations for use of color, contrast, lighting, furniture placement, handrails, and more.
  • Identification of indoor/outdoor hazards and solutions. 

Mobility & Safety 

Confident, safe mobility promotes independence, and prevents falls/injury. We offer: 
  • Instruction and plans for use of Human and/or Voice Guide, Trailing, Protective Techniques, Long or Adaptive Cane.
  • Transportation and safety assessments.
  • Orientation skills training at home, neighborhood, work, and day program. 

Eye Care 

​Promoting eye care is important. We provide:
  • Advocacy for high quality eye exams. ​
  • Information at eye exams regarding use of vision in everyday situations.
  • Assistance with eyeglass tolerance.
  • Sunglass evaluation. 

Free Resources 
Opportunities await! We offer registration assistance: 
  • APH Federal Quota Account ​
  • Talking Book and Braille Library
  • U.S. Currency Reader Program
  • iCan Connect 
Collaboration and Oversight Details
​
MCB and DDS collaborate with and provide funding to private not-for-profit organizations for administrative support and specialized service by COMS and VRAs. Current partners include the Carroll Center for the Blind, MAB Community Services, and Shriver Clinical Services Corporation.  At this time VRA services are currently available only in the DDS Metro and Southeast Regions. 

Oversight for services is provided by the Statewide Director for Vision and Vision Loss Services at DDS in collaboration with MCB.

Getting to Know COMS and VRAs 
COMS on our Partnership Teams are University trained and certified through the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation & Education Professionals (ACVREP) to provide the specialized services that include mobility skill instruction (human guide, protective techniques, voice guide, trailing, long cane, adapted cane), orientation instruction to new routes and locations, functional vision and environmental evaluations, and blindness/vision impairment sensitivity training to staff and caregivers. 
​
VRAs work directly with individuals to practice the skills and programs developed by COMS including trailing, cane travel and human guide, braille reading/writing, set up of work space with proper lighting, contrast, and/or tactile information. The VRA does not conduct functional vision evaluations, mobility assessments or teach street crossings.
APH Federal Quota
Eligible adults can receive free products from the MCB American Printing House for the Blind Federal Quota Account (APH).  Please review the MCB/APH Federal Quota Account: Eligibility and Registration Information and ask your MCB or DDS Transition Coordinator to complete and send along the Pre-Registration form.

Students previously registered on the DESE APH account during school years, must also complete a new registration form for the MCB/APH Quota Account. Prior account eligibility on the DESE APH Account is not needed for a young adult to be found eligible for the MCB APH Quota Account. 

"Focus" Resources
​
Please bookmark the "Focus" website to access information regarding the full array of MCB/DDS Partnership Project resources, video, eye care provider list by town, and events including our annual “Focus” on Vision Impairment and Blindness Conference: Meeting the Needs of Individuals with Intellectual Disability and Vision Loss.

See Also: 

man guiding a woman on a sidewalk
MCB/DDS
Eye doctor examining a man's eye
Eye Care
man wearing glasses and baseball cap reaching for pepper in grocery store
Everyday Life
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
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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 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
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        • 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
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      • M
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      • P
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    • 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
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  • 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)