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North East Independent School District

Orientation and Mobility

Program Coordinator: Angela deBlois
 
Orientation and Mobility (O&M) Services support students with visual impairments through two delivery models managed by a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS):

  • Direct Services: Focuses on explicit instruction in safe, independent travel across school, home, and community settings. Specialists directly teach cane techniques, spatial awareness, route planning, street crossing safety, and the use of sensory feedback (visual, auditory, tactile) to build navigation and self-advocacy skills grounded in the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC).

  • Indirect (Consultative) Services: Focuses on collaboration, environmental safety, and campus accessibility. Specialists consult with school staff and families to evaluate physical environments (assessing contrast, lighting, and hazards), train team members on human guide and safety protocols, and align travel strategies with daily routines to ensure safe navigation and generalization of skills.

Both service models use ongoing data collection and progress monitoring to ensure physical environments remain accessible and IEP mobility goals are met.