Apply Today

SFA Home / Education / Departments / Human Services / Programs

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.

Top of page

Future Students Visit Academics Students Faculty/Staff Library Alumni & Friends Administration