Role of the Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialists (COMS)

The Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialists (COMS) will:

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