Adult Services | Children's Services | Referrals for Services

ROLE OF THE CERTIFIED ORIENTATION AND MOBILITY SPECIALISTS (COMS)

The Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialists (COMS) are responsible for:

• Orients students to home, neighborhood, schools and the community
• Teaches indoor and outdoor orientation and skills for safe and independent travel
• Consults with family and educational team members
• Teaches concepts about the body, space, direction, movement and the physical environment
• Encourages movement, body concepts and spatial awareness with infants and toddlers
• Teaches students to use the long cane and optical devices, such as a monocular, when necessary and how to control glare for light sensitive students.
• Teaches students to use their existing vision to travel safely and independently
• Provides in-service training in the area of O&M for paraprofessionals, teachers, families and any other team members
• Serves on the team that prepares and monitors the student’s IEP, IFSP or 504 plan.
• Teaches community travel, including skills to cross streets and traveling on public transportation and control sensitivity
• Consult with Low Vision doctors