Orientation and Mobility Certificate
Courses
The Certificate Program in Orientation and Mobility (O&M) is a sequence of 28 credits offered through the Graduate Special Education (Vision Studies) Program for those individuals interested in obtaining certification in O&M from the international certification organization ACVREP (Academy for the Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals).
Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments can complete the certification program in 19-25 credits.
Graduate Core Courses
- SPEG611 Physical and Functional Aspects of Orientation and Mobility
3 credits
Course Description: The student is introduced to the structure and function of the main systems of the human body and to chronic conditions which may affect them. Emphasis is given to disabilities most frequently seen in conjunction with visual impairments, and how the combined impact can affect O/M instruction. The course also explores the sensory systems, the mechanics of locomotion, and the psychomotor factors influencing mobility.
- SPEG612 Orientation and Mobility Assessment and Instructional Strategies: Children
4 credits
Course Description: This course is the first of two instructional strategy courses. It applies foundations and methods to the specific populations of preschool, elementary, and transition-age visually impaired children, including those with additional disabilities. Assessment tools are introduced and applied with an emphasis on the development of participants’ skills in observation, information gathering, and task analysis. Participants develop specific objectives and design lessons for instructing children. This course requires an additional minimum of 25 hours of instructional experience.
- SPEG613 Orientation and Mobility Assessment and Instructional Strategies: Adults
4 credits
Course Description: This course provides opportunities for students to explore demographics and services available to adults with visual impairments and how a variety of adults with unique needs might access those supports and services. O&M assessment and instructional strategies will be considered in relation to diverse adult populations, unique environments and emerging technologies. Actual case studies based on the lab component of this course will provide the basis for discussion and a foundation to the future practicum. The practical experience provided in the lab component of this course offers 25 hours of direct client contact.
- SPEG614 Visual Functioning
3 credits
Course Description: This course begins with a practical look at the functional impact of visual impairment through the use of simulated exercises. This is followed by a series of medically-related lectures by affiliated ophthalmologists. Topics include the structure of the eye, the assessment of normal and abnormal vision, optics, and the functional implications of common pathologies. Students discuss low-vision services and participate in "hands-on" training within a low-vision clinic.
- SPEG615 Braille I
3 credits
Course Description: This course prepares participants to teach the reading and writing of Grade 2 Braille. Students learn to write literary Braille using both a Perkins Brailler and a slate and stylus. Topics include reading-readiness, tracking, tactile discrimination, and reading methods.
- SPEG616 Implications of Low Vision
3 credits
Course Description: This course goes beyond the physical aspects of vision loss introduced in SPE G 614 to look at functional and psychological aspects. The course includes a review of clinical procedures and the interpretation of clinical reports. Emphasis is given to conducting individualized functional vision assessments. The previous study of optics is applied to optical low-vision devices. The course provides a practical, hands-on approach to learning through vision-simulation activities and the development of a functional vision-assessment kit.
- SPEG641 Methods of Orientation and Mobility with lab
4 credits
Course Description: This course examines the foundations of learning and teaching orientation and mobility. The weekly lectures provide an introduction to the principles of concept development, spatial orientation, and environmental analysis as these topics relate to independent travel by visually-impaired individuals. In addition, a teacher-guided practicum lab meets for weekly sessions, totaling 120 hours throughout the semester.
- SPEG698 Moderate Practicum
4 credits
Course Description: This course is for students who have completed course work and all prepracticum hours with both children and adults. Internships may be full-time or part-time, and interns are required to keep an ongoing diary of their experiences along with a capstone portfolio. Students must complete the clinical requirements set by AER, totaling 340 hours.
