Orientation and Mobility Specialists

High School

Because you will need a college degree and a well-rounded education, take your high school's program of college preparatory classes. These classes should include math and science courses as well as a foreign language. Strong communication skills are needed for this work, so to improve your skills in this area take four years of English. Speech and journalism classes are also beneficial. Courses in history, social studies, sociology, and psychology are also recommended.

A large part of the job is providing information about disability services, so you should be comfortable using the Internet and various computer programs. Not only will you have to be able to work with computers yourself; you may be required to teach clients how to use them, too.

Postsecondary Training

The Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (commonly known as AER) provides a listing of approved orientation and mobility programs at the graduate, undergraduate, and certification-only levels. Programs include instruction in mobility techniques, where students simulate blindness or limited vision with blindfolds or other devices. Internships with disability agencies are also incorporated into the programs.

Other specialists prepare themselves for the career by studying social work. The Council on Social Work Education requires that accredited bachelor's degree social work programs meet a series of rigorous standards, which have been developed by both educators and practitioners.

A master's degree or higher is typically the minimum requirement for entry-level positions in this profession. Graduate programs are organized according to fields of practice (e.g., mental health care); problem areas (e.g., substance abuse); population groups (e.g., the elderly); and practice roles (e.g., practice with individuals, families, or communities). They are usually two-year programs with at least 900 hours of field practice. Doctoral degrees are also available for those interested in research, planning, or community outreach jobs.