Orientation and Mobility (O&M) is the field of professional service that aims to help individuals who are blind and who have vision loss to develop skills for safe and independent travel. This often includes working with a white cane or a guide dog, as well as learning to cross streets using one's auditory sense, and working with smartphones with non-visual or low vision accessibility software to access GPS information and transportation options. O&M is one of nine areas of the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC); areas that often are learned incidentally, but for those with vision loss and blindness, often need more deliberate instruction. Some of the areas of the ECC include: Self Determination, Independent Living Skills, Sensory Efficiency, Assistive Technology, etc. We will spend a bit of time talking about how an Orientation and Mobility Specialist works with children and adults across the age span, as well as the skills and strategies used by capable non-visual travelers.
About our Speaker:
Chris Tabb is an Orientation and Mobility Specialist working to advance the independence of students and clients, provide training opportunities and knowledge exchange for professionals and families, and bring accessible information to the community. He is presently employed at Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired (TSBVI), Outreach Programs, as Statewide Orientation and Mobility Specialist. Chris has worked as an Orientation and Mobility Specialist in California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, and Texas, providing services in residential programs, as an itinerant, an outreach specialist providing technical assistance, and as a private contractor. He enjoys working with all age groups, including infants and toddlers, school-age students, adults, and senior populations. Chris’ greatest professional interests are all things Orientation and Mobility, as well as Assistive Technology.
How to Attend this meeting via Zoom using your computer: