Orientation and Mobility Specialists

Several organizations exist that focus on the occupation of orientation and mobility specialist. The Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professions (ACVREP) has developed standards for employees in the field of orientation and mobility which must be met in order for candidates to attain the title of certified orientation and mobility specialist (COMS). To learn more, visit https://www.acvrep.org/certifications/coms. The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) sees education as the key for the disabled to achieve the three major goals of the Americans with Disabilities Act. These goals are: full participation in society through independent living, economic self-sufficiency, and equal opportunity. The AAPD works to achieve these goals through focus on employment opportunities; access to health care, housing, and houses of worship; adaptation of technological advances and transportation options to the disabled; and special attention to the needs of veterans. The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) has an extensive section on its Web site on education and careers in occupational therapy (OT). The site lists accredited OT programs and features current students who explain why they chose to pursue a career in this field. AOTA also offers specialty certification in driving and community mobility. The Association of Education and Rehabilitation for the Blind and Visually Impaired has a mission "to serve and empower professionals to deliver standards-based practices that lead to improved educational and rehabilitative outcomes for individuals with visual impairment and blindness." Their four core values are compassion, diversity, independence, and integrity.