What is the role of an Orientation and Mobility Specialist?

The role of an Orientation and Mobility Specialist primarily focuses on supporting individuals in navigating and functioning effectively in their environment. This includes teaching skills that enhance spatial awareness, orientation, and the ability to move safely and independently in different settings, whether it be schools, communities, or homes.

Orientation and Mobility Specialists assess the needs of individuals with visual impairments and equip them with the tools necessary to understand their surroundings, which may include the use of canes, guiding techniques, and strategies for using public transportation. The ultimate goal is to foster confidence and independence, enabling individuals to engage more fully with their environment without unnecessary barriers.

The other options, while relevant to broader educational and support roles, do not accurately reflect the primary responsibilities associated with this specialist. The focus here is on environmental navigation rather than physical therapy, visual aids, or academic tutoring, which fall under different professional expertise.