Introduction: A national validation study on the "Orientation and Mobility Visual Impairment Scale of Service Intensity of Texas (O&M VISSIT)" was conducted. Methods: Fifty-two of the original 115 interested participants completed the study that used a mixed-methods research design. After finishing the "O&M VISSIT" for…

"Student portfolios" have been defined as "a purposeful collection of student work that exhibits the student's efforts, progress and achievements in one or more areas" (Paulson, Paulson, & Meyer, 1991, p. 30). They are typically comprised of a careful selection of artifacts, documents, and reflections portraying a child's…

Introduction: To better serve students with visual impairments who are enrolled in personnel preparation programs training orientation and mobility (O&M) specialists, faculty should be aware of effective teaching strategies, tools, and resources to use. In this context, it is vital that instructors in personnel preparation programs for O&M…

Introduction: The purpose of the study was to survey orientation and mobility (O&M) instructors who are blind concerning the identification of accommodations, teaching techniques, and resources to teach students with visual impairments (i.e., blindness or low vision). Methods: The study utilized an online survey via Qualtrics (2019) with 27…

Over the last decade, many local education agencies (LEAs) across California imposed significant restrictions on community-based orientation and mobility (O&M) instruction. Administrators from these LEAs prohibited O&M Specialists from transporting students off-campus for instruction, with one large Southern California district going so…

Introduction: This study analyzed 39 data collection tools used by teachers of students with visual impairments when completing functional vision assessments (FVAs). Methods: In 2017, teachers of students with visual impairments submitted data collection tools used in the FVA process. These tools were then compared with the 23 FVA components…

Our article addresses how our not-for-profit organization responded to the COVID-19 pandemic by shifting our paradigm, in how we deliver programs. We created virtual programs and have been delivering them via the Zoom platform, to provide education and training to individuals adjusting to vision loss, and their family members.

Introduction: This aim of this online study was to determine what teachers of students with visual impairments (TVIs) and orientation and mobility (O&M) specialists learned and experienced in their professional preparation programs regarding physical education, physical activity, and sport for students with visual impairments. Methods: In…

Introduction: This research explored the psychosocial effects observed during the COVID-19 pandemic as it relates to orientation and mobility (O&M) services for children with visual impairments. The survey asked professionals to identify what were their experiences in providing O&M instruction in-person and online and to describe their…

Introduction: This study analyzed survey responses from 114 orientation and mobility (O&M) specialists regarding the content and procedures they used in completing O&M assessments. Methods: O&M specialists completed an online survey in 2020 on their assessment practices for children and youths who are visually impaired. Results: Over…

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to survey the faculty of personnel preparation programs that train orientation and mobility (O&M) specialists in the identification of accommodations, teaching techniques, and resources needed to teach students who are visually impaired (i.e., those who are blind or have low vision) and who are…

To prepare high school graduates with visual impairments for college, staff members at Perkins School for the Blind developed a nine month residential program, College Success@Perkins. This article describes components of the program design and provides data on eight students who successfully completed the program in the first cohort. It concludes…

Introduction: Performance standards drive current instructional practice. Disability-specific curricula is a critical component in preparing children for postsecondary transition. Currently, no standards govern instruction in orientation and mobility (O&M) skills for children with visual impairments. Standards for O&M would provide…

Editor's Note: This commentary is based on the conference sessions, "Orientation and Mobility Career, College and Community Readiness Standards," by Kathryn Botsford and Mary Tellefson, and "Engaging Students, Families and Teams for Success After High School," by Sheila Koenig, which took place on Thursday, February 28, 2019,…