Orientation and Mobility

1 Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS) Job Description Job Title: Certified Orientation and Mobility FSLA: Exempt Specialist (COMS) Reports to: Program Manager of SPED Related Svcs Pay Grade: Admin/Prof 4 Dept. / School: Special Education Department Calendar Days: 187 Cont ract: Probationary/Term Revised: 5.9.2025 The Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS) teaches visually impaired students safe and independent travel skills at developmentally appropriate levels, while also providing instruction in non-academic areas such as daily living, self-advocacy, and recreation within the home, school, and community. Education/Certification:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university; Master's degree preferred
• Valid certificate in Orientation and Mobility from the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals (ACVREP)
• Valid Texas teaching certification preferred Special Knowledge/Skills:
• Knowledge of visual impairments and how it impacts literacy and education
• Knowledge and skills required to administer and interpret appropriate assessment and evaluation instruments
• Skill in organizing and conducting training activities and meetings.
• Ability to work with a wide range of students with visual impairments
• Knowledge of Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) process, IFSP Committee process, and Individual Educational Plan (IEP) goal setting process and implementation
• General knowledge of curriculum and instruction
• Knowledge of assessment as related to students with visual impairments Exper ience:
• Minimum three (3) years teaching or related experience in providing orientation and mobility (O&M) services to a wide range of students with visual impairments (preferred)
  1. Conduct orientation and mobility (O&M) evaluations for new referrals and three-year re- evaluations, addressing both short- and long-term student needs
  2. Document assessment results, highlighting student strengths and needs, and include recommendations for service frequency and duration
  3. Partner with Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments (TVIs) to conduct functional vision assessments related to independent travel
  4. Communicate effectively with low vision specialists, ophthalmologists, and optometrists regarding student evaluations and attend medical appointments when appropriate
  5. Contribute to the development of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), including Primary Purpose Qualifications Major Responsibilities and Duties 2 Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS) Job Description relevant goals, objectives, and service recommendations
  6. Complete and organize all documentation required for Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) meetings and attend those related to O&M services
  7. Maintain accurate records of assessments, IEPs, and student progress
  8. Provide regular progress updates to parents in accordance with district and program guidelines
  9. Deliver direct instruction in O&M skills aligned with each student's IEP, focusing on independent travel in various environments
  10. Develop sequential and meaningful instruction based on student assessments, IEP/IFSP goals, functional levels, and motivation
  11. Teach students safe, confident, and proficient travel in both familiar and unfamiliar settings
  12. Ensure student safety during O&M instruction while promoting maximum independence
  13. Prepare and utilize appropriate materials and tools (e.g., tactile maps, models, low vision devices, mobility aids, long canes) to support O&M instruction
  14. Provide orientation to new school buildings and schedules as needed
  15. Monitor and evaluate student progress through ongoing assessment and maintain detailed progress notes
  16. Provide consultation and support to parents, teachers (general and special education), school staff, and sighted peers to facilitate student success
  17. Collaborate regularly with parents, teachers, physical therapists, and other staff to recommend classroom and home modifications that reinforce O&M skills
  18. Facilitate collaboration with external agencies and organizations that serve students or infants with visual impairments
  19. Coordinate with Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) programs to deliver services to infants with visual impairments
  20. Respond promptly to inquiries and service requests for students or infants with visual impairments
  21. Provide in-service training for school personnel, administrators, parents, and peers to promote awareness and appropriate interaction with students who are visually impaired
  22. Maintain knowledge of local and community-based resources that may benefit students with visual impairments
  23. Offer technical and consultative support to school staff working with visually impaired students Other
  24. Submit timely requests for instructional materials, conference attendance, and reference resources
  25. Attend required campus and district meetings and trainings
  26. Participate in parent conferences, staffings, and team meetings regarding the educational needs of visually impaired students 3 Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS) Job Description
  27. Perform other duties as assigned by the Special Education Related Services Program Manager, Director of Special Education, or Superintendent of Schools None The evaluation of the Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist is the responsibility of the Lead COMS, in collaboration with the Special Education Program Manager for Related Services. A written evaluation shall be completed at least once during each school year. Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including personal computer and peripherals Posture: Prolonged sitting; occasional bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting Motion: Repetitive hand motions including frequent keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching Lifting: Occasional light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds) Environment: May work prolonged or irregular hours; occasional districtwide travel Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions, maintain emotional control under stress This document describes the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required. Work Environment Evaluation Supervisory Responsibilities
  28. <