Orientation & Mobility Therapy:
Category 3 Certificate Program
Course Descriptions
The Pennsylvania College of Optometry through its Department of Graduate Studies in Vision Impairment offers professional preparation programs that are predominantly online with a summer residency and competency-based. These programs offer coursework and experiences to develop knowledge and skills necessary to provide educational and rehabilitation services to individuals who are visually impaired or totally blind including those who have multiple disabilities. These programs prepare students for certification by the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals and Pennsylvania Department of Education that certifies teachers and specialty areas in Pennsylvania.
Pre-Requisites
The Department of Graduate Studies in Vision Impairment requires graduate students to be computer literate upon entry into their respective programs of study. Many of the courses are online and require computer skills related to emailing, word processing, uploading and downloading files, searching the World Wide Web, and making presentations online. Prior to entering the program, students who lack basic skills in using the computer should complete a basic computer course from a computer education service, a community college, or university. After entering the program, students needing additional computer assistance may find help in the college’s Computer Assisted Learning Center. Master degree candidates participate in research courses that will require skills in setting formulas for calculations in spreadsheets or databases and creating graphic representations of data.
The Pennsylvania College of Optometry, by choice, declares and reaffirms its policy of complying with federal and state legislation and does not in any way discriminate in educational programs, employment, or in-services to the public on the basis of race, color, creed or religion, sex, national origin, age, or physical or mental disabilities. In addition, the College also complies with federal regulations issued under Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and The Americans with Disabilities Act.
700 Visual Impairment and Functional Implications
(Fall/Spring) (3 semester credits) (online)
Visual Impairment and Functional Implications addresses the anatomy and physiology of the eye including ocular development and development of the visual system. Topical areas include learning to see, age related changes in the eye, innervation of the eye, basic optics, and medications with their side effects. The course explores the functional visual implications of diseases of the eye, syndromes, and brain injury. Learners observe primary and low vision eye exams, learn about prescriptions of low vision devices, and demonstrate the ability to interpret eye reports and discuss their functional implications. The learner applies these topics to an individual's functional visual performance.
701 Foundations of Vision Rehabilitation and Education
(Summer) (1.5 semester credits) (online)
Foundations of Vision Rehabilitation and Education is a survey course representing disciplines dedicated to the education and rehabilitation of individuals who are blind or visually impaired. The course introduces learners to history, definitions, legislation, referral processes, education and rehabilitation planning, procedures and resources (human, physical, and financial), cultural diversity, and learning theories related to the needs of individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Learners will explore professionalism and ethics as well as issues related to accessibility, privacy, confidentiality, and advocacy.
702 Assessment
(Fall) (1 semester credit) (on-line)
The Assessment Course is an introduction to various types of assessments (e.g. psychological, educational, vocational, and physical) used to evaluate people with visual impairments and additional disabilities. The course covers a variety of informal and formal screening, assessment, and evaluation methods, including alternative and statewide tests, observation, history taking, and interviews. Additional assessments include outcomes-based, curriculum-based, and portfolio approaches. Learners discuss testing and assessment within an historical context including the development of standardized tests and their applicability for individuals with vision impairment. Learners study general testing procedures such as reliability, validity, and test bias. Learners examine their role and that of other professionals in the testing process, the interpretation of test results, and the importance of accurate and confidential record keeping.
706 Psychological and Social Dynamics of Visual Impairment
(Spring) (1.5 semester credits) (online)
Psychological and Social Dynamics of Visual Impairment explores the psychosocial factors affecting the process of adjustment to visual impairment across the life span. Through case analysis and consumer and family participation, learners explore a variety of issues related to adjustment including demographics, life stage, type of visual impairment, personality, self-concept, social support network, and the grieving process. The course also explores the impact of societal attitudes and stereotypes toward blindness and visual impairment. Learners are exposed to relationship building and effective communication skills strategies. An overview of the range of psychosocial interventions is provided including resources for referrals.
712 Independent Living Skills for Vision Professionals
(Summer) (1 semester credit) (college)
Independent Living Skills for Vision Professionals provides learners with hands-on instruction and laboratory practice (using low vision simulators and blindfolds) in the methods and adaptive techniques used by vision professionals in the following independent living skill areas: (a) cleaning skills and household safety, (b) labeling, (c) money identification, (d) grooming and self care skills, (e) time identification, (f) basic food preparation, (g) telephone skills, and (h) signature and handwriting guides. Classes emphasize the utilization of adaptive techniques and resource gathering, and address skills that are appropriate for children, adolescents, adults, and older adults.
755 Orientation & Mobility Foundations 1
(Summer) (2 semester credits) (online & college)
Orientation and Mobility Foundations 1 is the initial O&M survey course. Learners are introduced to the philosophies and definitions of O&M, concept development, spatial and environmental concepts, spatial mapping, and strategies for designing and making tactile graphics. Learners study the human senses, how they function, teaching strategies to increase sensory awareness and utilization, and sensory integration. Observation strategies and assessment tools specific to O&M are presented and studied. Critical characteristics of various environments used to instruct individuals with visual impairment are identified in relationship to specific O&M skills and techniques. Strategies for previewing all types of environments are presented and modeled. (Prerequisite to O&M Foundations 2).
750 O&M Basic Braille
(Summer) (.25 semester credits) (College)
Basic Braille for O&M Specialists provides learners with hands-on instruction in Braille for the purposes of: (a) identifying uncontracted Braille, (b) using a variety of tools to produce the Braille alphabet, numbers and punctuation, and (c) producing Braille labels for maps and diagrams. Classes highlight information about ADA signage regulations and resources for interpreting contractions used in Braille signage.
756 Orientation & Mobility Foundations 2
(Fall) (4 semester credits) (online & college)
Orientation and Mobility Foundations 2 addresses learning approaches, styles, and strategies used with specific groups within the population of individuals who are blind or visually impaired such as infants and toddlers, those with deaf-blindness, brain injury, and those with multiple disabilities. Learners study methods and approaches to teaching and applying advocacy skills. Individual planning for O&M students of all ages including those with additional disabilities is emphasized. Learners research national and international organizations and agencies directly and indirectly related to services for individuals who are blind or visually impaired, their families, and service providers. Learners design and construct adaptive canes. Learners become familiar with national O&M certification organizations and their requirements for application and re-certification.
757 O&M Techniques 1
(Summer) (2 semester credits) (college)
O&M Techniques 1 provides learners with instruction in basic skills and techniques used in independent travel by individuals with visual impairments including the use of human guide, independent travel techniques, orientation strategies, and long cane skills. Learners experience traveling and teaching in a variety of indoor and outdoor settings, under blindfold and simulated visual loss, and gain knowledge of instructional strategies, such as planning, sequencing and pacing of lessons. (Prerequisite to 758 O&M Techniques 2).
758 O&M Techniques 2
(Summer) (2 semester credits) (college)
O&M Techniques 2 provides learners with instruction in advanced skills and techniques used in independent travel by individuals with visual impairments, including crossing various types of intersections, locating destinations, route planning and using optical devices. Learners experience traveling and teaching O&M skills in a variety of indoor and outdoor environments including business and downtown areas. Emphasis is also placed on strategies, methods and materials for teaching individuals orientation and mobility skills in special environments such as shopping malls, department stores, and public transportation.
762 Orientation & Mobility for Individuals with Low Vision 1
(Summer) (4 semester credits) (online & college)
This course provides background, assessment and intervention strategies in O&M for persons with low vision. Topics include: history and development of low vision O&M, functional mobility implications of various eye conditions, O&M low vision evaluation, remediation strategies for mobility problems common to persons with low vision, and techniques for enhancing distance visual efficiency in various environments, as well as environmental assessment. This course emphasizes creative intervention strategies for the unique needs of individuals with varying functional vision levels. Emphasis is also placed on the assessment of developmental levels of vision, including those of individuals with multiple disabilities. Learners are provided with opportunities to apply principles of low vision assessment through the use of case studies, role play situations, and practice with resources and devices.
763 Fieldwork 1
(Summer) (0.5 semester credits) (TBD)
During O&M Fieldwork, learners observe a variety of O&M instructors working in various instructional settings, such as school, home, community and rehabilitation agencies. Learners become familiar with assessment and teaching strategies as they apply to individuals with visual impairments of all age groups and levels of ability.
764 O&M Co-Teaching 1
(Fall) (0.5 semester credits) (TBD)
During O&M Co-Teaching 1, learners apply newly acquired knowledge and skills in serving individuals with visual impairments through a partnership with certified orientation and mobility specialists who act as mentors, while they share responsibilities in the delivery of O&M services. Emphasis is on techniques and strategies for providing assessment and instruction to a variety of individuals with visual impairments, including those with multiple disabilities. Co-Teaching 1sites are selected from available local service settings (either community or center based) and take into consideration the learners’ needs.
765 O&M Co-Teaching 2
(Spring) (0.5 semester credits) (TBD)
During O&M Co-Teaching 2, learners continue the partnership with their assigned O&M mentors to further develop their knowledge and skill level in the various aspects of service delivery. As the course progresses, learners are expected to assume increasing levels of involvement and independence.
766 O&M Internship
(Upon completion of all coursework) (5.0 semester credits) (TBD)
The O&M off-campus internship assists students in developing and refining skills needed to provide quality professional services in O&M. During the Internship, learners benefit from joint agency and PCO supervision and mentorship while experiencing the various aspects of an O&M instructor's job including: assessment, planning and instruction, caseload management, report writing, and in-service training. PCO insures and selects on-site supervisors who are certified and have adequate experience.
777 Orientation & Mobility for Individuals with Low Vision 2
(Fall) (4 semester credits) (online & college)
This course provides background, assessment and intervention strategies in O&M for persons with low vision. Topics include: history and development of low vision O&M, functional mobility implications of various eye conditions, O&M low vision instructional strategies for mobility problems common to persons with low vision, and techniques for enhancing distance visual efficiency in various environments. This course emphasizes creative intervention strategies for the unique needs of individuals with varying functional vision levels. Emphasis is also placed on strategies for working with individuals with head injury, and driving with low vision. Basic optics of the eye and optical devices and instructional techniques with near distance and visual field enhancement devices are provided to enhance visual efficiency for person with low vision. Learners are provided with opportunities to apply principles of low vision intervention through the use of case studies, role-play situations, and practice with resources and devices.
780 - O&M Seminar: Beyond the Basics of O&M
(Fall) (1.5 semester credits)(On-line)
Beyond the Basics of O&M is designed as a forum for learners to explore specific areas of orientation and mobility instruction, such as assessment of novel and complex environments, issues of accessibility, use of electronic travel devices, dog guide use, and travel in adverse weather conditions.
781 O&M Seminar: Responding to Contemporary Issues in O&M
(Spring) (1.0 semester credits)(On-line)
Responding to Contemporary Issues in O&M is designed as a forum for learners to explore and discuss contemporary issues pertinent to the field of orientation and mobility, such as developing shared ownership, family participation, and effective collaboration with professionals and paraeducators.
Updated 1/9/2008