Orientation and Mobility Specialists and the young children they serve are invited to take part in a research project of the Birth to 6 Orientation and Mobility Skills Inventory (B6OMSI-re). This study seeks to establish the reliability and validity parametric characteristics for the assessment, using data from children who are blind or visually impaired. By improving the rigor of assessment tools, we can set the stage for improved service to our students.

This research includes conducting the full B6OMSI assessment for approximately 50 children from around the country, and with a variety of ages and levels of vision loss. Of course, the shutdowns from the pandemic have slowed data collection, so I am reaching out to the professional community for more help, in the hopes that despite the spring closures, enough little kids will need an assessment over the summer or right away at the start of fall.

The inclusion criteria for this study are:

• Orientation and mobility specialists serving qualified children
• Attend an online training session addressing standard administration and scoring of the B6OMSI
• Assessing a qualified child in the next three months

Qualified Children include:

• Children with a visual impairment, including blindness
• Ages birth to six years
• Consent of the family and child (forms provided)

If you believe you will have a need to assess a young child’s O&M skills in the next 3 months, and you
are interested in learning more about this study, please contact Sarahelizabeth Baguhn, doctoral candidate at Western Michigan University: s.j.baguhn@wmich.edu

ACVREP CEUs are available for COMS who participate, because this research includes professional training in the B6OMSI assessment tool.

Thank you for your consideration,

Sarahelizabeth Baguhn, PhDc, COMS