Administrative Contact

Sheila Arad
Supervisor of NTDSE Programs

Service Description

The NTDSE’s Orientation and Mobility (O&M) Program is an itinerant model service designed to meet the needs of students who are blind or who have diagnosed visual impairments. Students receive O&M services from Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialists (COMS) as outlined in their Individual Education Program (IEP). COMS are certified by the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation & Education Professionals (ACVREP). COMS provide instruction within the school building as well as out in the community, in the following service areas, including but not limited to:

• Concept Development

• Sensory Awareness and Perceptual Development

• Orientation

• Mobility Systems and Techniques:

• Blind and Vision-assisted Travel Skills

• Visual and Non-visual Street Crossing Techniques

• Assistive and Access Technologies

• Environmental Access

• Self-Determination

Information on the Expanded Core Curriculum for students who are blind or visually impaired can be found on the American Foundation for the Blind's Advocacy for the Alice Cogswell and Anne Sullivan Macy Act page.