Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS) Handbook, Section 2 - Scope of Practice for Orientation and Mobility Certification

Orientation and mobility instruction is a sequential process in which visually impaired individuals are taught to utilize their remaining senses to determine their position within their environment and to negotiate safe movement from one place to another. The skills involved in this teaching include, but are not limited to:

• Concept development, which includes body image, spatial, temporal, positional, directional, and environmental concepts.
• Motor development, including motor skills needed for balance, posture, and gait, as well as the use of adaptive devices and techniques to assist those with multiple disabilities.
• Sensory development, which includes visual, auditory, vestibular, kinesthetic, tactile, olfactory, and proprioceptive senses, and the interrelationships of these systems.
• Residual vision stimulation and training.
• Human guide technique.
• Upper and lower protective techniques.
• Locating dropped objects.
• Trailing.
• Squaring-off.
• Cane techniques.
• Soliciting/declining assistance.
• Following directions.
• Utilizing landmarks.
• Search patterns.
• Compass directions.
• Route planning.
• Analysis and identification of intersections and traffic patterns.
• The use of traffic control devices.
• Techniques for crossing streets.
• Techniques for travel in indoor environments, outdoor residential, small and large business districts, mall travel, and rural areas.
• Problem solving.
• The use of public transportation.
• Evaluation with sun filters for the reduction of glare.
• Instructional use of low vision devices.