Also called: O&M instructor, Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS)
Teaches blind and visually impaired people to travel safely and independently, using a white cane, hearing, and maps.
O&M specialists walk with a student through hallways, across busy streets, and onto city buses, teaching them to listen for traffic patterns and use landmarks. It's one of the most hands-on, life-changing teaching jobs.
Estimate.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Master's degree, about 6 years after high school. Master's or graduate certificate in orientation and mobility, plus ACVREP certification.
Ways in: Graduate school, Certification. Training cost: $60k – $150k.
Majors to look at: Special Education, Rehabilitation Sciences.
Growing about average. Small field with shortages.
Low risk for 10 years. Smart canes and GPS apps help, but teaching a blind student to cross streets and ride buses safely is in-person coaching.
Classes: Psychology, Physical education, Biology.
Official data: O*NET occupation 25-2059.
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