COMS

http://www.acvrep.org/images/coms_roadart.gif

Orientation and Mobility Specialist

Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialists (COMS) provide sequential instruction to individuals with visual impairment in the use of their remaining senses to determine their position within the environment and in techniques for safe movement from one place to another. The skills involved in this instruction include but are not limited to:
  • Concept Development, which includes body image, spatial, temporal, positional, directional and environmental concepts.
  • Motor Development, including motor skills needed for balance, posture, and gait, as well as the use of adaptive devices and techniques to assist those with multiple disabilities.
  • Sensory Development, which includes visual, auditory, vestibular, kinesthetic, tactile, olfactory, and proprioceptive senses, and the interrelationships of these systems.
  • Residual vision stimulation and training
  • Human Guide Technique
  • Upper and Lower Protective Techniques
  • Locating Dropped Objects
  • Trailing
  • Squaring-off
  • Cane techniques
  • Soliciting/Declining Assistance
  • Following directions
  • Utilizing landmarks
  • Search patterns
  • Compass Directions
  • Route Planning
  • Analysis and Identification of Intersections and Traffic Patterns
  • The use of traffic control devices 
  • Techniques for crossing streets
  • Techniques for travel in indoor environments, outdoor residential, small and large business districts, mall travel, and rural areas
  • Problem solving
  • The use of public transportation
  • Evaluation with sun filters for the reduction of glare
  • Instructional use of Low Vision devices
Information obtained from:
http://www.acvrep.org/Orientation_Mobility.htm


Last Modified on July 22, 2008