VISUALLY HANDICAPPED ORIENTATION AND

MOBILITY INSTRUCTOR 47312

05/16/92 B

This is a single class series for positions that provide services to the visually impaired in the attainment of greater mobility both inside and outside their residence, for the purpose of achieving greater independence. This class is distinguished from the Visually Handicapped Instructor class by its responsibility for improving an individual's orientation and mobility skills. It also is distinguished from the Visually Handicapped Education Specialist by that class's dedication to clients 21 years and under.

Complexity of Work: Performs work of moderate difficulty in the development of self-motor patterns such as body awareness, balance, flexibility, strength, kinesthetic and vestibular awareness, sensory awareness, spatial and muscular memory, and developing skills with the use of walking canes, guide dogs, and visual aids. Plans and conducts diagnostic evaluations to determine client's needs for travel and mobility skills in sighted guide and self-protective techniques; basic cane techniques; client orientation to job site; basic and advanced residential, downtown, rural, and public transportation travel. Develops prescriptions for training based upon evaluation and client's personal objectives. Provides instruction in and information on types of travel aids, their availability, and where these aids can be obtained. Prepares instructional materials such as relief maps and mobility tapes, performs Low Vision case management activities which involves coordinating the client's Low Vision treatment and maintenance program beginning with initial clinical screening and functional visual assessment. Provides training with prescribed Low Vision aids and follow-up. Arranges for client's associated transportation needs. Maintains client's progress records. Conducts and completes monthly statistical reports. Remains current with regard to information and trends in Orientation and Mobility and Low Vision through professional organizations and interaction. Conducts tours and provides demonstration to educational groups, civic organizations, volunteers and other groups concerning Orientation and Mobility and Low Vision. Reviews needs for supplies and equipment for use in the Orientation and Mobility components and recommends their procurement.

Supervision Given: Supervision typically is not a factor.

Supervision Received: This class receives direction from a Program Supervisor or Regional Manager on administrative issues or work assignments. Develops work sequence and individual client development plans within established policies.

Scope: Performs a wide range of counseling/training and/or case management services which affect the social, physical, economic, vocational, and psychological well-being of visually disabled clients.

Impact of Actions: Inappropriate client needs assessment and training may have negative effects on both client and family well-being and may impede client progress toward greater independence. Major costs in time, money, court actions, services, family/community goodwill, and agency integrity may be incurred through errors in judgment or inappropriate decisions. Proficient case management impacts both client and the family by facilitating the client's ability to be a positive, contributing member of society, building client confidence, and by strengthening relations between the agency and the community.

Personal Contracts: Frequent internal and external contacts with clients, private and public groups, vendors, community agencies, civic organizations, human services professionals, medical personnel, educational administrators, social services agencies, and client's family members regarding client's evaluation and progress; to promote services and public support; and to obtain and provide information about programs and clients.

Knowledge: Considerable knowledge of Orientation and Mobility (O&M) principles, practices and procedures and of rehabilitative principles and techniques.

Skills: None identified for this class.

Abilities: Demonstrated ability to communicate with and to lead others; assess skills of visually impaired clients; and plan, implement, and modify individualized training plans.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE*

Licenses or Certification: None.

Education or Training: Graduation from an accredited college or university with major course work in Orientation and Mobility.

Level and Type of Experience: Some experience in Orientation and Mobility services.

An equivalent combination of training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge and abilities may substitute for this education and experience.

This class was studied and revised by a Classification Review/Specification Update team, effective May 16, 1992.