Orientation and Mobility
Orientation and Mobility is specialized training provided by Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS) to individuals who are blind or visually impaired on specific strategies and skills for safe, efficient, and effective travel in both indoor and outdoor environments. Some of the skills that are taught include:
- Searching skills: locating items or places efficiently
- Sighted guide: using another person to aid in travel
- Protective techniques: specific skills which provide added protection in unfamiliar areas
- Use of public transportation
- Long cane skills: use of various cane techniques to clear one’s path or to locate objects along the way
Who is eligible?
- Adults in the metro Boston area who are served by the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) and who are blind or visually impaired may receive O&M services from MABVI. Referrals are made through the DDS service coordinator.
- Adults who are blind or visually impaired who qualify for the Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) waiver or the Money Follows the Person (MFP) Demonstration Waiver may receive O&M services from MABVI. Referrals are made through the waiver service coordinator.
- Adults who are legally blind may be able to receive O&M training from the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind
What do Orientation and Mobility Services include?
- Direct Services
- A variety of assessments (travel, low vision, environmental) are provided to establish a recommendation for additional Orientation and Mobility services and training.
- Person-specific Orientation and Mobility lessons that teach the specific skills and strategies necessary for safe, efficient, and effective travel.
- Consultative Services
- Trainings for the support network in understanding the needs of the individuals with vision loss. Training and consultation are provided for both person-specific and general issues.
- Education and Advocacy
- How to access community resources and vision-related assistive technology
- Eye care information
- Will attend eye exams
- Will attend Individual Service Plan meetings
Where are Orientation and Mobility services provided?
- Home
- Work
- Day program
- Vocational program
- Community
- Public transportation
How do I request Orientation and Mobility services?
- Individuals served by DDS must be referred for services by their service coordinator.
- Individuals participating in the ABI or MFP waivers must make inquiries with their case manager or service coordinator.
- Adults with low vision may contact our office on 888-613-2777, email us at mabvi@mabcommunity.org or complete our service referral form to inquire about rates.
Services we provide
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Adjustment Counseling
Your life changes when your vision changes. It’s normal for this to feel upsetting and difficult, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Our Adjustment Counseling program can help.
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Volunteer Help
We were founded by volunteers and today hundreds serve across the state. Volunteers can read mail, help with paperwork or grocery shopping, or be sighted guides for fitness and active living.
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Support Groups
The best support and advice is offered by people who really know what you’re going through – people who’ve had parallel experiences. Peers with shared experiences may even be able to anticipate your questions. While adjusting to vision loss, and even after you’ve grown accustomed to the change, a peer support group is a big help
