Orientation and Mobility Specialists: Job Description, Education, Skills and Duties, Earnings and Outlook
Submitted by: paula
Job Overview Rehabilitation centers, institutions and facilities are available to help disabled people. The people who are responsible in assisting people with disabilities are called orientation and mobility specialists. They are sensitive to the needs of the people who are visually impaired, disabled and blind. Orientation and mobility specialists empower these people to live independently.
Education, Knowledge and Trainings Required
High school classes will establish a strong foundation for those who want to pursue a career as orientation and mobility specialists. Classes that are useful include Math, Science, Journalism, English, Speech, Sociology, History, Psychology and Social Studies. It is also beneficial to know how to use computers since they can gather information about disability services through the Internet. Computer knowledge would make it easier for the applicant to teach clients using different computer softwares. An applicant can take undergraduate, graduate or certification-only orientation and mobility programs which are approved by The Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired. Mobility techniques and internship with disability agencies are included in the program. Social work programs are also available to prepare them in this field. The program includes social welfare policy and services, research, human behavior and the social environment, field practicum and social work practice. Certification requirement will depend on the state.
Skills and Abilities
Orientation and mobility specialists must be sensitive to other people especially to their clients. They need to know how to address their own perception. It is important that they can motivate and encourage their clients to be involved in the workplace and community. They need to be patient and understanding especially when working with the elderly. Good communication skills are needed since they will be teaching, counseling and interviewing clients, families and employers. Listening skills are essential to know the problems their clients are facing.
Duties
To be an effective orientation and mobility specialists, the applicant must know how to provide information to their client. They provide assistance and instruct those who are blind, disabled and visually impaired.
It is their responsibility to help also those clients who want how to operate a computers and use wheelchairs. Most of those practicing in this field serves as counselors for the client and their family. They are also involved in making the public aware about the challenges people with disabilities face in their daily life.
Earnings and Job Outlook
Social workers like orientation and mobility specialists can earn an average salary of $41,120 in a year. Some of the specialist have an hourly rate. It is estimated that more than 56 million have a disability problems. Because of the increase of those who are visually impaired, blind or disabled, orientation and mobility specialists have bigger job opportunities in the future.
Paula Hiz is a researcher and a human resource specialist who helps newly graduates, job applicants and post graduate professionals be aware of their job opportunities and available trainings for skills and practice upgrading.
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