A Step Forward

Looking for the best Professional Development for Orientation and Mobility Specialists? From O&M conferences to CEU workshops, this episode covers the top 5 sources of Professional Development Opportunities to advance your career and networking opportunities.💡 In This Episode:Why Professional Development Matters for O&Ms:Learn why attending symposiums and networking with researchers, professors, and peers is critical for moving your career forward.Top 5 Sources for O&M PD:Discover the five O&M PD resources where you can find quality information and strategies.Online vs. In-Person Conferences:Explore the pros and cons of in-person networking versus the convenience of online learning.Strategic Career Growth:Learn how to select training that addresses your current caseload needs, whether it's for CVI, adults, or deafblind students, and how to invest time in yourself to become the O&M Specialist your students deserve.📚 Free Resources:► ⁠⁠⁠Night Travel Skills PDF (For O&M Specialists): Get a comprehensive guide to help you teach night travel lessons effectively.⁠⁠⁠ ► ⁠⁠⁠5 Key Strategies Every Teacher Needs (For Classroom Teachers): A free PDF with five simple, quick things you can do right now to impact the lives of your learners with visual impairments.⁠⁠⁠ ► ⁠⁠⁠FREE SEE Community Membership⁠⁠⁠ 📅 ACADEMIC CALENDAR:January 28-30, 2026 | International Orientation & Mobility Online Symposium | Conference for O&M Specialists ⁠⁠⁠https://www.exceptionaleducators.us/iomos⁠⁠⁠Whether you’re a teacher, parent, educator, or advocate for special education and inclusive education, this video will help you stay informed about the latest strategies to help your students with visual impairments.Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the BELL ICON 🔔 so you never miss out on our latest content and updates on education!📢 Join the Conversation!Have questions or tips of your own? Drop a comment below and let’s chat about it. ⬇️Thanks for watching, and see you in the next video! 👋💌 FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL:⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/exceptionaleducators.us⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/exceptionaleducators.us⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linkedin.com/company/exceptionaleducators-us⁠

Ready for an Orientation and Mobility career? Learn how to become an O&M Specialist, explore university programs and career pathways, and discover what it takes to teach visually impaired students to travel safely and independently.We'll break down the steps to enter one of the most rewarding professions in visual impairment education. From choosing a university program to understanding the different teaching philosophies, we cover everything you need to know about a career in Orientation and Mobility (O&M).💡 In This Episode:Two Paths to Your O&M Career: Discover the two main routes to becoming an O&M specialist.O&M Certifications: Understand the crucial differences between the two main O&M philosophies and certifications. A Day in the Life of an O&M Specialist: What does this job actually look like? The Tools of the Trade: Learn why teaching methodologies differ, from the use of blindfolds to the type of long cane used.Full-time or Itinerant? Finding the Right Fit: Explore the pros and cons of being a full-time school district employee versus a contract O&M specialist.Resources mentioned in this video:► List of Universities with Programs for Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments: https://www.exceptionaleducators.us/blog/list-of-universities-with-programs-for-teachers-of-students-with-visual-impairments► International Orientation & Mobility Online Symposium | Conference for O&M Specialists: https://www.exceptionaleducators.us/iomos📚 Free Resources:► ⁠⁠⁠Night Travel Skills PDF (For O&M Specialists): Get a comprehensive guide to help you teach night travel lessons effectively.⁠⁠⁠ ► ⁠⁠⁠5 Key Strategies Every Teacher Needs (For Classroom Teachers): A free PDF with five simple, quick things you can do right now to impact the lives of your learners with visual impairments.⁠⁠⁠ ► ⁠⁠⁠FREE SEE Community Membership⁠⁠⁠ 📅 ACADEMIC CALENDAR:January 28-30, 2026 | International Orientation & Mobility Online Symposium | Conference for O&M Specialists ⁠⁠⁠https://www.exceptionaleducators.us/iomos⁠⁠⁠Whether you’re a teacher, parent, educator, or advocate for special education and inclusive education, this video will help you stay informed about the latest strategies to help your students with visual impairments.Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the BELL ICON 🔔 so you never miss out on our latest content and updates on education!📢 Join the Conversation!Have questions or tips of your own? Drop a comment below and let’s chat about it. ⬇️Thanks for watching, and see you in the next video! 👋💌 FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL:⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/exceptionaleducators.us⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/exceptionaleducators.us⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linkedin.com/company/exceptionaleducators-us⁠

Discover the importance of Orientation and Mobility (O&M), the essential training for independence for individuals with visual impairments. In this new series we'll go through everything we need to know about Orientation and Mobility, so let's start off by discussing it's importance to not just our students with visual impairments but also in society.💡 In This Episode:What is Orientation and Mobility?: Learn the core definition.The Philosophy of O&M Teaching: Discover how O&M specialists do more than just give step-by-step instructions. A Global & Individualized Approach: Learn how training is adapted to individual and cultural needs.The Transformational Power of Movement: Understand the profound concept that "how you move is how you experience life."📚 Free Resources:► ⁠⁠Night Travel Skills PDF (For O&M Specialists): Get a comprehensive guide to help you teach night travel lessons effectively.⁠⁠ ► ⁠⁠5 Key Strategies Every Teacher Needs (For Classroom Teachers): A free PDF with five simple, quick things you can do right now to impact the lives of your learners with visual impairments.⁠⁠ ► ⁠⁠FREE SEE Community Membership⁠⁠ 📅 ACADEMIC CALENDAR:January 28-30, 2026 | International Orientation & Mobility Online Symposium | Conference for O&M Specialists ⁠⁠https://www.exceptionaleducators.us/iomos⁠⁠Whether you’re a teacher, parent, educator, or advocate for special education and inclusive education, this video will help you stay informed about the latest strategies to help your students with visual impairments.Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the BELL ICON 🔔 so you never miss out on our latest content and updates on education!📢 Join the Conversation!Have questions or tips of your own? Drop a comment below and let’s chat about it. ⬇️Thanks for watching, and see you in the next video! 👋💌 FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL:⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/exceptionaleducators.us⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/exceptionaleducators.us⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linkedin.com/company/exceptionaleducators-us⁠

Learn the proper guide techniques for the blind and visually impaired in this step-by-step tutorial. Mastering the Sighted Guide technique, a key orientation and mobility skill, is essential for anyone looking to provide safe, respectful assistance.💡 In This Episode, You'll Learn:The Foundation of Guide Techniques:Discover the correct way for a person to hold your arm for maximum communication and stability. How to Walk, Turn, and Navigate Curbs:Learn the mechanics of moving together, including how to walk in a straight path, stop and pause at curbs or terrain changes, and execute smooth turns that keep the guided person oriented and secure.Guiding to Objects & SeatingUnderstand the simple yet crucial technique for helping a person with a visual impairment locate objects, doorknobs, or chairs.The Most Common Mistakes to AvoidWe'll cover what NOT to do when guiding someone, ensuring the experience is respectful, comfortable, and puts the person with the visual impairment in control of their own movement.📚 Free Resources:► ⁠⁠Night Travel Skills PDF (For O&M Specialists): Get a comprehensive guide to help you teach night travel lessons effectively.⁠⁠ ► ⁠⁠5 Key Strategies Every Teacher Needs (For Classroom Teachers): A free PDF with five simple, quick things you can do right now to impact the lives of your learners with visual impairments.⁠⁠ ► ⁠⁠FREE SEE Community Membership⁠⁠ 📅 ACADEMIC CALENDAR:January 28-30, 2026 | International Orientation & Mobility Online Symposium | Conference for O&M Specialists ⁠⁠https://www.exceptionaleducators.us/iomos⁠⁠Whether you’re a teacher, parent, educator, or advocate for special education and inclusive education, this video will help you stay informed about the latest strategies to help your students with visual impairments.Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the BELL ICON 🔔 so you never miss out on our latest content and updates on education!📢 Join the Conversation! Have questions or tips of your own? Drop a comment below and let’s chat about it. ⬇️Thanks for watching, and see you in the next video! 👋💌 FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL:⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/exceptionaleducators.us⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/exceptionaleducators.us⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linkedin.com/company/exceptionaleducators-us⁠

Learn the essential upper and lower body protective techniques for students with visual impairments. In this O&M guide, Orientation and Mobility Specialist Kassy Maloney demonstrates simple, step-by-step safety skills to prevent injuries from common obstacles like open cabinets, tree branches, and furniture. This is a crucial skill for safe, independent travel in any environment.💡 In This Episode:The Upper Body Protective Technique:Discover the correct way to shield the head and face from high obstacles.Modifications for Younger Students with Multiple Impairments:Not every student has the spatial awareness for the standard technique. Learn two effective modifications for younger children or students with multiple impairments to ensure they can stay safe while moving through familiar spaces like a classroom or home.Mastering the Lower Body Protective Technique:Learn how to protect the lower torso and groin area from low-lying objects.📚 Free Resources:► ⁠⁠Night Travel Skills PDF (For O&M Specialists): Get a comprehensive guide to help you teach night travel lessons effectively.⁠⁠ ► ⁠⁠5 Key Strategies Every Teacher Needs (For Classroom Teachers): A free PDF with five simple, quick things you can do right now to impact the lives of your learners with visual impairments.⁠⁠ ► ⁠⁠FREE SEE Community Membership⁠⁠ 📅 ACADEMIC CALENDAR:January 28-30, 2026 | International Orientation & Mobility Online Symposium | Conference for O&M Specialists ⁠⁠https://www.exceptionaleducators.us/iomos⁠⁠Whether you’re a teacher, parent, educator, or advocate for special education and inclusive education, this video will help you stay informed about the latest strategies to help your students with visual impairments.Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the BELL ICON 🔔 so you never miss out on our latest content and updates on education!📢 Join the Conversation!Have questions or tips of your own? Drop a comment below and let’s chat about it. ⬇️Thanks for watching, and see you in the next video! 👋💌 FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL:⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/exceptionaleducators.us⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/exceptionaleducators.us⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linkedin.com/company/exceptionaleducators-us⁠

Master night travel for the blind and visually impaired with these essential tips and tricks from a Certified Orientation and Mobility (O&M) specialist. This guide covers the best tools for safe travel at night for people with vision impairment.💡 In this episode:Essential Night Travel Tools: Discover the pros and cons of different options to illuminate your path and travel with confidence.Staying Seen and Safe: Learn why high-visibility gear is crucial for night travel. Building Your O&M Toolbox: It's all about having the right tools for the job. Assemble your personal orientation and mobility "toolbox" to overcome the fear of traveling at night.📚 Free Resources:► ⁠Night Travel Skills PDF (For O&M Specialists): Get a comprehensive guide to help you teach night travel lessons effectively.⁠ ► ⁠5 Key Strategies Every Teacher Needs (For Classroom Teachers): A free PDF with five simple, quick things you can do right now to impact the lives of your learners with visual impairments.⁠ ► ⁠FREE SEE Community Membership⁠ 📅 ACADEMIC CALENDAR:January 28-30, 2026 | International Orientation & Mobility Online Symposium | Conference for O&M Specialists ⁠https://www.exceptionaleducators.us/iomos⁠Whether you’re a teacher, parent, educator, or advocate for special education and inclusive education, this video will help you stay informed about the latest strategies to help your students with visual impairments.Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the BELL ICON 🔔 so you never miss out on our latest content and updates on education!📢 Join the Conversation!Have questions or tips of your own? Drop a comment below and let’s chat about it. ⬇️Thanks for watching, and see you in the next video! 👋💌 FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL:⁠https://www.facebook.com/exceptionaleducators.us⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/exceptionaleducators.us⁠⁠https://linkedin.com/company/exceptionaleducators-us⁠

Learn how to cross the street with a student who has a visual impairment in this step-by-step guide. We'll cover essential orientation and mobility skills for street crossing, helping teachers and parents effectively teach this crucial life skill.💡 In This Episode:Understanding the Environment: Intersections & Key Terms:Discover how to identify and approach different types of intersections, from T-shaped to plus-shaped. Cane Technique & Positioning at the Curb:Learn the correct way for a student to use their cane at curb cuts and truncated domes. Effective Prompting & Support:Find out how to support your learner without creating dependency. Safety Signals & AwarenessExplore techniques beyond the cane, including how to non-verbally communicate with drivers and use environmental cues to determine the safest time to cross. 📚 Free Resources:► Night Travel Skills PDF (For O&M Specialists): Get a comprehensive guide to help you teach night travel lessons effectively. ► 5 Key Strategies Every Teacher Needs (For Classroom Teachers): A free PDF with five simple, quick things you can do right now to impact the lives of your learners with visual impairments. ► FREE SEE Community Membership 📅 ACADEMIC CALENDAR:January 28-30, 2026 | International Orientation & Mobility Online Symposium | Conference for O&M Specialists https://www.exceptionaleducators.us/iomosWhether you’re a teacher, parent, educator, or advocate for special education and inclusive education, this video will help you stay informed about the latest strategies to help your students with visual impairments.Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the BELL ICON 🔔 so you never miss out on our latest content and updates on education!📢 Join the Conversation!Have questions or tips of your own? Drop a comment below and let’s chat about it. ⬇️Thanks for watching, and see you in the next video! 👋💌 FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL:https://www.facebook.com/exceptionaleducators.ushttps://www.instagram.com/exceptionaleducators.ushttps://linkedin.com/company/exceptionaleducators-us

What are the main types of cane skills for visually impaired learners? This episode covers Constant Contact vs. Two Point Touch, types of canes, and vital orientation and mobility tips for students with visual impairments.Learn not just how to use a cane, but how to use it with accuracy and confidence for maximum safety and independence.💡 In This Episode:The Two Foundational Cane Skills: Constant Contact & Two Point TouchDiscover the critical differences between these two techniques. We explain which skill is best for beginners and younger students, and which allows for faster, more efficient travel for experienced users.Choosing Your Tool: AFB vs. NFB Style CanesNot all white canes are the same. Learn about the AFB style cane and the NFB style cane.Step-by-Step Technique BreakdownMaster the correct form for safety and efficiency. We demonstrate proper hand position (midline), arc width (shoulder to shoulder), and the importance of contralateral movement to ensure you are always protected.Canes for Multiple Impairments & The Teacher's RoleLearn about adaptive mobility devices, like the safe toddles cane, for students with multiple impairments.Whether you’re a teacher, parent, educator, or advocate for special education and inclusive education, this video will help you stay informed about current events.Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the BELL ICON 🔔 so you never miss out on our latest content and updates on education!📢 Join the Conversation!Have questions or tips of your own? Drop a comment below and let’s chat about it. ⬇️Thanks for watching, and see you in the next video! 👋🎉 Join the SEE Community – It's FREE! 🎉🌎 Why? So you can:✅ Meet educators who share your passion✅ Get exclusive teaching resources & strategies✅ Learn the latest in Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) & O&MRegister Here: https://www.exceptionaleducators.us/ Struggling to support students with visual impairments? Get Your Free PDF Cheatsheet on how what educators should know to support their students with visual impairments: https://www.exceptionaleducators.us/5keys📅 ACADEMIC CALENDAR:Join the waitlist! "International Orientation & Mobility Online Symposium" | Conference for O&M Specialistshttps://www.orientationandmobilitysymposium.com💌 FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL:https://www.facebook.com/exceptionaleducators.ushttps://www.instagram.com/exceptionaleducators.ushttps://linkedin.com/company/exceptionaleducators-us

How do blind people know where they are? This episode explains the crucial difference between landmarks vs. cues in orientation and mobility.⌚ Video Chapters:00:00 The Big Question: How Do Blind People Navigate?00:24 Why Orientation & Mobility is the Foundation of Success01:47 Definition of a Landmark (from the TAPS Curriculum)03:05 Definition of a Clue03:20 Practical Example04:06 A Tricky Example: Is an Elevator a Landmark or a Clue?06:07 Example: Landmark or Cue?08:22 This or That! Test Your O&M Knowledge09:39 Continue Your Learning (FREE Educator Resources)11:00 A Thank You to Our Community💡 In This Episode:Landmarks vs. Cues: DefinitionsDiscover the key difference and definitions of Landmarks and CuesReal-World Examples: Is It a Landmark or a Clue?We explore common examples you and your students will encounter.This or That! Test Your O&M KnowledgeJoin our interactive game at the end of the video! Kassy presents three common school-based scenarios and challenges you to decide if they are a landmark or a cue. Drop your answers in the comments!A: LandmarkB: CuesC: It dependsAnswers!1. School Water Fountain: A2. School Hallway Markers: C (drop your answers in the comments why!)3. School Front Office: AResources:► Night Travel Skills PDF (For O&M Specialists): Get a comprehensive guide to help you teach night travel lessons effectively.► 5 Key Strategies Every Teacher Needs (For Classroom Teachers): A free PDF with five simple, quick things you can do right now to impact the lives of your learners with visual impairments. ► FREE SEE Community MembershipThank you for being part of this amazing community. Your support helps us create valuable resources. If you found this video helpful, please like and subscribe so we can continue to grow!📢 Join the Conversation!Have questions or tips of your own? Drop a comment below and let’s chat about it. ⬇️Thanks for watching, and see you in the next video! 👋📅 ACADEMIC CALENDAR:Join the waitlist! "International Orientation & Mobility Online Symposium" | Conference for O&M Specialistshttps://www.orientationandmobilitysymposium.com💌 FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL:https://www.facebook.com/exceptionaleducators.ushttps://www.instagram.com/exceptionaleducators.ushttps://linkedin.com/company/exceptionaleducators-us

Discover the 4 essential skills for blind and visually impaired students that go beyond academics. In this video, we break down the four most critical skills that will be the domino effect for your student's success, transforming them from dependent learners into confident, independent adults.⌚ Video Chapters:00:00 - Introduction03:28 - The "Incidental Learning" Gap06:09 - Skill 1: Literacy through Object Calendars & Routines09:13 - Skill 2: Creating Pathways for Self-Advocacy10:37 - Skill 3: Mastering Social Skills13:00 - Skill 4: The Most Important Skill - Fostering True Independence15:00 - Actionable Tip: How to Stop Over-Prompting15:49 - Your Next Steps & FREE Resources💡 In This Episode:Incidental Learning:Uncover why 90% of learning is missed by students with visual impairments4 Essentials Skills for Blind and Visually Impaired Students:Identify the crucial skills that your students with visual impairments actually NEED in order to thrive!Your action planExplore the different ways you can do in order to teach these 4 Essentials Skills to your learners with visual impairments.RESOURCES MENTIONED:➡️ Get the FREE PDF | 5 Things Every VI Educator Needs:https://www.exceptionaleducators.us/5keys➡️ Join the Society of Exceptional Educators Community:https://www.exceptionaleducators.us/➡️ VI Foundations: https://www.exceptionaleducators.us/vi-foundationsWhether you’re a teacher, parent, educator, or advocate for special education and inclusive education, this video will help you stay informed about current events.Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the BELL ICON 🔔 so you never miss out on our latest content and updates on education!📢 Join the Conversation!Have questions or tips of your own? Drop a comment below and let’s chat about it. ⬇️Thanks for watching, and see you in the next video! 👋📅 ACADEMIC CALENDAR:Join the waitlist! "International Orientation & Mobility Online Symposium" | Conference for O&M Specialistshttps://www.orientationandmobilitysymposium.com💌 FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL:https://www.facebook.com/exceptionaleducators.ushttps://www.instagram.com/exceptionaleducators.ushttps://linkedin.com/company/exceptionaleducators-us