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Orientation and Mobility
Welcome to the Orientation and Mobility (O&M) Program. Since 1972
our program has been training students to work with persons who are blind
or visually impaired.
As Orientation and mobility specialists, our graduates provide children and
adults with visual disabilities those skills and services which will enable
them to move independently in familiar and unfamiliar environments. Graduates
from the O&M Training Program work for state rehabilitation agencies,
lighthouses for the blind, schools for the blind, and school districts throughout
the State of Texas and elsewhere in the United States.
Coursework for the O&M Training Program includes 15 hours of core courses
and 24 hours of additional vision courses, plus 6 semester hours from special
education, rehabilitation, speech and language pathology courses. Students
complete a beginning, an intermediate, and an advanced clinical practicum
in orientation and mobility, which provides hands-on experience in working
with persons with visual disabilities. A 12-hour internship affords
an excellent opportunity to work full-time in a rehabilitation setting with
either children or adults who are blind or have visual impairments and to
use the skills acquired in class.
If you are interested in more information on the Orientation and Mobility
(O&M) Training Program, contact Bob Bryant by email or
send him snail mail at:
Bob Bryant
Orientation & Mobility Training Program
PO Box 13019 - SFA
Nacogdoches, TX 75962
MAJORS & MINORS
The orientation and mobilityspecialist provides children and adults
with visual disabilities those skills and services which will enable the
individual to move independently in familiar and unfamiliar environments.
Majors are as follows:
Rehabilitation Services ore: RHB 220, 381, 383, 405, and EPS 485.
Additional required courses: RHB 325, 340, 400, 401, 402, 493, 495, 496,
SPE 442, 445.
COURSES (RHB)
220. Introduction to Rehabilitation Services - A survey
of the historical development of the present rehabilitation service system.
An introduction to the agencies and their services.
325. Introduction to Working with Persons with a Visual Disability-
The study of the visually handicapped person from the standpoint of emotional
and intellectual factors, cultural influences and interpersonal relationships.
340. The Eye, Its Function and Health - The structure, function,
and possible pathologies of the eye. Social, vocational and educational implications
of visual problems togetherwith skills in communicating with medical rehabilitation
specialists.
381. Interviewing and Helping Skills - An introduction to
the utilization of interpersonal communication skills and the various methods
of intervention used in human services delivery, A one hour per week laboratory
to enhance J) effective communication and interview skills is included. Prerequisite:
RHB 220
383. Psycho-Social Aspects of Disability - Provides an understanding
of persons with disabilities emphasizing psychological, social, and medical
aspects.
400. Beginning Clinical Practicurn In Orientation and Mobility -
6 semester hours, 2 hours lecture and 12 hours laboratory per week. An analysis
and implementation of those skills, techniques and principles which enable
the visually disabled individual to move independently with safety and efficiency.
Prerequisites: Consent of the instructor.
401. Intermediate Clinical Practicurn in Orientation and Mobility -
3 semeter hours, I hour seminar and 6 hours of laboratory per week. Field
instruction in orientation and mobility under the supervision of the field
study director and professional staff of the field study director and professional
staff of the cooperating agency, Prerequisites: RHB 325 and 400.
402. Advanced Clinical Practicurn in Orientation and Mobility -
3 semester hours, 1 hour seminar and 6 hours of laboratory per week. Advanced
field instruction in orientation and mobility under the supervision of the
field study director and professional staff of the field study director and
professional staff of the cooperating agency. (May be taken concurrently
with RHB 401) Prerequisites: RHB 325 and 400.
405. Rehabilitation Process and Practice - A study of the
process and practice of rehabilitation including intake, individual assessment,
planning, utilization of client and community resources, implementation,
and followup. Prerequisites: RHB 220, RHB 383.
493. Workshop In Rehabilitation - Coursewill be offered
under one of the following topics:
| a. Alcohol-Chemical Abuse | e. Social Service Delivery System |
| b. The Disabled | f. Manpower |
| c. The Disadvantaged | g. The Aged |
| d. The Visually Impaired | h. Community Organization and Services |
495. Internship I - Supervised work experience in rehabilitation
services agencies. Allows the student to apply personal values, theory and
a philosophy of working with persons with disabilities. Prerequisite: RHB
385 or RHB 401, 402.
496. Internship II- Practical work experience as described
in RHB 49& Prerequisite: RHB 385 or RHB 401, 402.
COURSES (SPE)
442. Visual and Multiple Impairments -Assessment
and instruction procedures including modifications, special equipernent and
working in the multidiscplinary team.
445. Orientation and Mobility Skills and Concepts - Development
of children and visually impaired children is considered. Body imagery, concept
development, spatial awareness and mobility is considered. Body imagery,
concept development, spatial awareness and mobility are emphasized.
COURSES (EPS)
485. Human Growth and Development - the study of
normal growth and development emphasizing social and emotional areas. Prerequisites:
Six hours of education or psychology.