This study gathered data on orientation and mobility services from questionnaires of 15 Iowa teachers serving visually impaired students and 11 supervisors of vision programs. Results indicated a lack of knowledge on the subject, a recognized shortage of qualified staff and services, and a need for students' skills evaluation. (PB)

A study involving 322 children whose individualized education programs contained goals and objectives that require vision or orientation and mobility services found that most were placed in full or part-time regular classrooms and that the most frequently reported services included ordering books and materials and Braille reading and writing. (CR)

This article investigates the needs of the visually impaired over age 65 population and suggests rehabilitation services that could remedy the implications of age-related visual impairment. These include service-delivery programs that include peer support groups and one-on-one instruction, adaptive communication strategies, and orientation and…

The article reviews the history of orientation and mobility (OM) training for the visually impaired with emphasis on the increasing need for paraprofessional mobility assistants. Results of interviews with OM specialists (N=64) provided information on types of personnel trained, methods of training, and skills taught to OM assistants. (DB)

This article argues that orientation and mobility (O&M) training should be part of functional and meaningful activities for children and youth with severe multiple disabilities including a visual impairment. Evidence is provided that out-of-context instruction has not been effective, and the role of the O&M instructor is discussed. (DB)

Describes a transdisciplinary model of blind rehabilitation service delivery used at the SouthWestern Blind Rehabilitation Center (SWBRC). SWBRC brought together representatives from orientation and mobility, rehabilitation teaching, low vision, and manual skills to provide comprehensive services to veterans with visual impairments. A case study…

A study examined the short-term outcomes achieved by 70 older people with visual impairments who received rehabilitation services. Results found rehabilitation services were associated with reduction in the use of medical doctors, reduction in the use of in-home professionals, and increased confidence and increased ease of use in public…

Usher's syndrome is described, with emphasis on the visual symptomatology characteristic of retinitis pigmentosa. Also discussed are the services needed by individuals with Usher's Syndrome, the syndrome's psychosocial aspects, ways to prevent self-defeating behavior, orientation and mobility, and classroom adaptations. (JDD)

This paper reviews literature on employment skills needed by persons with visual impairments, noting skills employers look for among employees generally (such as employee attitudes, communication, and basic knowledge) and skills needed by employees with visual disabilities (such as orientation and mobility skills). Implications for career…

This Department of Education Notice of Policy Guidance explains services to students with visual impairments under Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act as amended in 1997. An editor's note focuses on requirements for providing Braille and orientation/mobility instruction. The notice has sections on application of free…

Analysis of 41 questionnaires completed by graduates of either undergraduate or masters degree programs in orientation and mobility training of people with visual impairments found that most respondents were still active as mobility instructors, most were in school programs, and most expressed a need for more knowledge of training students with…