Teacher of the Visually Impaired: Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS)

To maximize the effectiveness of your application it is recommended that you provide a cover letter which describes the specific training and experience that you have for the position(s) that you are applying for and that you ensure that the certification information in your SchoolSpring profile is updated. Your MA DESE certification number will allow us to verify that you possess the correct license. Please ensure that your SchoolSpring resume specifically is updated as this will be used to determine your Degree and Step placement on the Teachers salary OBJECTIVE:This teaching position is responsible for assessing and providing direct instruction to students who are visually impaired deafblind or blind in areas specific to their needs as visually impaired or blind learners. Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialists (COMS) are also responsible for making recommendations for appropriate accommodations and assisting the classroom teacher with those accommodations to ensure that students who are low vision deafblind or blind have access to the school community and the community at-large. The COMS provide may provide direct instruction in skills that fall directly under transition related RESPONSIBILITIES:1. Evaluate students in classrooms on and around campus at internship sites or paid work sites and within home and/or community environments to determine if they required specialized instruction from an Orientation and Mobility Specialist 2. Understand sensory development which includes visual auditory vestibular kinesthetic tactile olfactory and proprioceptive senses and the interrelationship of these systems concept development including body image spatial temporal positional directional and environmental concepts motor development including motor skills needed for balance posture and gait as well as the use of adaptive devices & techniques to assist those with multiple disabilities and the implications for school aged children.3. Direct instruction of orientation skills tactual skills use of computers and other assistive technology devices such as mobility specific apps and distance viewing devices such as monoculars regarding traveling or route planning skills listening skills protective techniques and sighted guide techniques. 4. Direct instruction use of a cane including pre-cane skills long cane training and adaptive mobility devices.5. Direct instruction in use of public transportation across city lines use of ride sharing services map skills route planning pedestrian travel skills analysis and identification of intersection and traffic patterns techniques for crossing streets techniques for travel in indoor and outdoor environments residential areas small and large business districts mall travel and rural areas and personal safety awareness skills when traveling.5. Direct instruction in the appropriate use of different public transportation taxis and/or specialized paratransit services6. Help teachers become familiar with the unique educational needs and learning characteristics of students with visual impairment 7. Provide information to classroom teachers physical education teachers bus drivers/monitors cafeteria staff playground staff maintenance staff Teacher of students with visual impairments paraprofessionals and Therapists (O.T. P.T. Speech etc.) regarding travel strategies for students with visual impairments8. Provide in-service training to school staff regarding Sighted Guide assistance how the student travels (use of long cane use of vision etc.) emergency evacuation such as fire drills etc. classroom/school environment set up9. Interpret medical eye reports and functional vision assessments to help school personnel including teachers of special subjects such as physical education dance drama etc. understand the students eye condition and its implications for safe travel and or movement.10. Make recommendations regarding the physical environment such as classrooms hallways gym cafeteria playground areas etc. regarding lighting conditions seating glare reduction safe/efficient movement around the environment equipment use and storage11. Train staff when to reinforce and/or to assist the level of support a student may need and to work effectively with the student regarding safe travel skills and how the student may use specialized equipment12. Observe classes and meet regularly with the classroom teacher parents and other specialists/therapists to evaluate and coordinate the students program and services13. Plan/confer with staff and other providers in all areas of the Expanded Core Curriculum for Visually Impaired Learners: orientation & mobility social interaction skills independent living skills recreation and leisure skills career education use of assistive technology and visual efficiency skills (in addition to the compensatory skills and communication modes listed in Section A) 14. Interact with local clubs and organizations that may provide social or recreational opportunities 15. Identify community service organizations that can help with the purchase of specialized equipment16. Provide ongoing support for developing positive attitudes within the community for inclusion of children with visual impairments often includes making presentations or speaking with community groups such as Lions clubs YMCA Knights of Columbus Easter Seals etc.17. Maintain contact with counselors and rehabilitation workers from the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind Department of Developmental Services Dept. of Mental Health Early Intervention etc18. In all cases serve as an active member of the students Educational Team helping to develop the IEPREQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:1. Certification as a COMS provided from the Academy for the Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals (ACVREP)PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:1. Masters Degree2. Mass DESE Licensure as a Teacher of the Visually Impaired3. Experience in providing professional development for teachers4. Excellent presentation and facilitation skills5. Strong organizational skills6. Ability to speak Spanish Portuguese Nepali Albanian Arabic Vietnamese or an African language7. Demonstrated experience with second language acquisitionDemonstrated ability to work with students who are blind deafblind or visually impaired with a wide range of additional disabilitiesWORK DAY Teachers work dayWORK YEAR: Teachers work yearSALARY: Appropriate step on Teachers salary scheduleTO APPLY: Any person interested in this position must submit a resume cover letter licensure and answer all questions on-line at This information must be submitted deadline does not preclude further advertisement or recruitment

Required Experience:

Unclear Seniority