Orientation & Mobility Division Sessions
If you are interested in moderating any of the sessions below, please click on the link "Click here if you are interested in moderating this session". An email window will appear and we ask that you inlude the session name and your full name if you are interested in moderating the session. You will be sent information on the process of moderating a session.
Thursday, July 22
| 8:00 am - 9:30 am | Certification, Licensure and Code of Ethics Updates What are the latest developments in O&M certification and licensure? What are the AER university standards? Where is the Code of Ethics? Be one of the first to get up-to -the-minute information. Have the opportunity to ask questions from the experts through panels and roundtable discussions. Learn more about the current issues in O&M and the impacts they’re making on our profession and your job as a COMS! Click here to download B.J. LeJeune's presentation handout
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William Wiener, Wendy Sapp, Garret Holm, B.J. LeJeune, Grace Ambrose Zaken
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| 9:45 am - 10:45 am | Yellow Tape is Not a Barrier Although yellow tape, orange cones, and snowfencing are not considered 'best practices', these devices are used almost always as a pedestrian barricade during sidewalk construction. Learn why & what is considered best practices and how to advocate to the highway & traffic engineering departments to use safe effective pedestrian barricades |
Meg Robertson, Boston, MA Moderator: Elizabeth Scheffe |
| 9:45 am - 10:45 am | Orientation and Mobility Specialists' Positioning Practices when Teaching Street Crossings: Is there a Standard Approach? Results of a survey that asked university instructors and O&M practitioners to select monitoring positions for street crossings under different conditions will be reported. Focus is on positioning by O&M Specialists who monitor visually. Discussion about standardizing what is taught in university O&M programs in this area will be included |
Kim Zebehazy, Ph.D., Vancouver, BC, Canada, George Zimmerman, Ph.D., Pittsburgh, PA, Rebecca Renshaw, ABD, Pittsburgh, PA Moderator: Kevin Hollinger |
| 9:45 am - 10:45 am | The Effectiveness of Master Trainer Courses to teach Electronic Mobility Aids (ETAs) and Electronic Orientation Aids (EOAs) The University of Louisville (UofL), Leader Dogs® (LD), the Association for the Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AER) collaborated with Humanware® to offer a Master Trainer Course at the AER International Conference in Chicago |
William Penrod, Ed.D., Louisville, KY Moderator: Karen Spruill |
| 9:45 am - 10:45 am | O&M Tic Tac Toe O&M Tic-Tac-Toe is a fun way for learners to review orientation and mobility concepts. This game can be adapted to any setting, and to any age group. Portability makes this game easy to transport, and minimal supplies assures easy construction by the instructor. |
Becky Smallwood, Indianapolis, IN Moderator: Susan Phillips |
| 9:45 am - 10:45 am | The Effects of Using Graduated Guidance to Teach Students with Visual Impairments Street Crossings Street crossing is an important part of orientation and mobility but previously no research has looked at how to best teach this skill. This study applied the researched method of graduated guidance for teaching the chained skill of street crossing to students with severe visual impairments.
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Tessa Wright, Nashville, TN Moderator: Scott Crawford |
| 9:45 am - 10:45 am | The Oregan Trail is Breeze! Thousands traveled the 2,000 mile Oregon Trail but 1-in-10 did not make it. Traveling the trail isn't as dangerous today but it's just as inaccessible to individuals who are legally blind. Learn how GPS technology allowed travelers who were legally blind to independently traverse two miles of the Oregon Trail. |
Sarah Johnson, M.A., Rochester Hills, MI, Meredith Newhouse, M.A., Rochester Hills, MI |
| 9:45 am - 10:45 am | A tool to encourage O&M Collaboration: One family at a time This presentation introduces a new tool for mobility instructors to reach out to families and promote meaningful collaboration. Presenters will discus the purpose, components and features of the recently developed O&M for Families Software program and how it can be effectively used within a comprehensive approach to family collaboration.
Click here to download the presenters handouts #1 |
Fabiana Perla, Ed.D., COMS, CLVT, Elkins Park, PA, Betsy O'Donnell, COMS, TVI, CLVT, Philadelphia, PA Terrie Terlau, Ph.D., Louisville, KY Moderator: Cahty Holden |
| 11:00 am - 12:00 pm | Deafblind Travelers Obtaining Assistance When No Pedestrians Are Present There are roads where it is difficult to solicit assistance because of the absence of passing pedestrians. The researchers present the results a pilot study which indicated that under particular conditions deafblind travelers can effectively gain assistance to traverse a street using a sign to get help from passing drivers. |
Eugene Bourquin, DHA, Sands Point, NY Moderator: Scott Crawford |
| 11:00 am - 12:00 pm | Don't Rearrange the Classroom The acquisition of "rote learning" habits in early childhood can be detrimental to concept learning, problem solving and adaptation to changing environments. Therefore, it seems reasonable that periodic rearranging of classrooms could enhance a child's concept development, sensory development and motor skills, thus improving orientation and mobility skills. |
Leo Randolph, M.A., Colorado Springs, CO Moderator: Amy Gunning |
| 11:00 am - 12:00 pm | Roundabouts: Issues and potential solutions for pedestrians who are blind This presentation will review research on roundabouts in the US and present information about issues and potential solutions to provide access for pedestrians who are blind or who have low vision. |
Janet Barlow, M.Ed., Asheville, NC, Richard Long, Ph.D., Kalamazoo, MI Moderator: Mickey Damelio |
| 11:00 am - 12:00 pm | Integrating GPS into the Dog Guide Curriculum - Leader Dogs for the Blind's Low Tech Orientation Methodology Leader Dogs for the Blind has embraced research that concludes that GPS reduces travel related anxiety. The integration of accessible low tech GPS into the dog guide curriculum is an orientation methodology that is simple, easy to use, and intuitive. Nearly 200 consumers have been impacted by this solution.
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Erica Ihrke, M.A., Rochester Hills, MI, Sarah Johnson, M.A., Warren, MI, Meredith Newhouse, M.A., Rochester, MI
Moderator: Lis Geohegan |
| 11:00 am - 12:00 pm | Orientation and Mobility: There, Here and Where. An investigation of the development of O&M; the present challenges in the field; and international issues and opportunities. The presenter will draw upon his more than twenty five years of experience in the blindness field to discuss: the evolution of teaching safe travel skills; the increased complexity of the travel environment; the spread of O&M worldwide and specific techniques that have evolved to deal with specific cultural environment |
Michael Meteyer, M.A., San Rafael, CA Moderator: Ruth Ferguson |
| 11:00 am - 12:00 pm | They Call Me an Expert As Vision Professionals we are experts & we need to become more comfortable in this role. Just teaching O&M, VRT & AT skills aren't enough anymore! We need work with other professions, they know who we are & what we do. Come learn different techniques in becoming a better advocate. |
Meg Robertson, Boston, MA Moderator: Kerrie Townsend |
| 11:00 am - 12:00 pm | ClickAndGo Wayfinding Maps: Introducing a new and comprehensive approach to wayfinding for blind and deafblind travelers: from universally designed tactile-low vision maps to a fully accessible technology that provides customized indoor and outdoor walking directions and virtual tours Our new technology, ClickAndGo Maps, is the blind and deafblind travelers "equivalent" to Google Directions. It allows a traveler to generate point-to-point fully accessible walking directions by choosing from easy-to-use drop-down menus, and then clicking "GO." Delivery is via our website or via interactive voice response from any standard telephone. Click here if you are interested in moderating this session
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Joe Cioffi, M.Ed., Saint Paul, MN |
| 11:00 am - 12:00 pm | O&M Clinical Competencies Evaluation Matrix (CCEM): Development and validation of a new evaluation tool to assess the clinical competencies of O&M interns. Results of this dissertation study, which involved the development of a new clinical competency evaluation tool, will be presented. Evidence of validity and reliability was collected. Participants included O&M university faculty and O&M clinical internship supervisors. Possible future uses for this tool will also be discussed.
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Rebecca Renshaw, Ph.D. (ABD), MSL, COMS, Pittsburgh, PA |
| 1:45 pm - 3:15 pm | Nonvisual Cues for Aligning to Cross Streets Presentation will review street crossing situations at which additional alignment cues may be needed, and discuss recent research on several different potential cues. |
Janet Barlow, M.Ed., COMS, Asheville, NC, Billie Louise (Beezy) Bentzen, Ph.D., Berlin, MA Moderator: Diane Fazzi
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| 1:45 pm - 3:15 pm | How and When to Use Various AMD Configurations and Cane Modifications Exploring various AMD configurations, cane modifications and non-electronic cane attachments currently available through commercial purchase or in-office assembly... includes products new to the market. The VI/Blind population, being a very diverse group, requires wide-ranging equipment and modification resources to find a good functional instructional fit for each individual. |
Lynn Geautreaux ,M.S., Baton Rogue, LA Moderator: Loana Mason
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| 1:45 pm - 3:15 pm | Utilization of Web-based Maps for O&M The utilization of web-based mapping technologies for O&M instruction and/or use by travelers with low vision will be explored. This presentation will identify how the features of web-based maps have proven successful in fostering independence, encouraging confidence, enhancing safety, stimulating problem-solving and increasing efficiency for travelers with low vision. |
Kevin Hollinger, M.A., M.Ed., Saint Charles, MO Moderator: Sarah Johnson |
| 1:45 pm - 3:15 pm | Options and methods for Transitioning From Cane to Dog Guide This unique interactive workshop will teach strategies to promote independence. We will focus on translating orientation skills from the familiar cane travel modality into the related but distinctly different mode of dog guide travel. Participants will acquire the tools and approaches necessary to help travelers transition between the modes |
Jay Stitley, Morristown, NJ, Lucas Franck, M.A., B.A., Morristown, NJ, William Henry , M.A., B.A., Meadowview, VA Moderator: Raychel Callary |
1:45 pm - 3:15 pm |
O&M for the Visually Impaired Wheelchair User The session will include descriptions of techniques used by visually impaired wheelchair users to operate their manual wheelchairs, electric wheelchairs, and scooters. Topics will include assessment, monitoring safety, navigating tight spaces, alignment at street crossings, and stopping a chair in an emergency |
Scott Crawford, M.A., Lafayette, LA Moderator: Karen Spruill |
| 1:45 pm - 3:15 pm | Geo-Caching:Looking for small boxes in the Woods using the million dollar GPS Technolgy. Learn how you can have fun with a GPS and a walk in the woods! Learn about GEO-Caching and how it could be used in planning creative outdoor activities. Discussion will also include how to find a cache, how to set up your own geo-cache and how to follow a 'travel bug". |
Meg Robertson, Boston, MA Moderator: Susan Phillips |
Friday, July 23
| 8:00 am - 9:00 am | Don't Look Now....The Ostrich Syndrome Health care reform, aging baby boomers, budget-strapped states and school districts...these issues and more will impact how O&M, vision rehabilitation and education service are delivered in the very near future. Don't hide your head in the sand....like an ostrich....take a look at the future of our field and hear about why you should care. |
Roxanne Mayros |
| 9:15 am - 10:45 am | Developing Evidence Based Orientation & Mobility Services: Defining the Need and Methods Orientation and mobility services are widely perceived as restoring independent functioning in visually impaired individuals. However, most O&M specialists do not provide objective evidence to support their practice. In this presentation we will explore why evidence based practice is necessary and provide tools for conducting evidence based O&M. Click here to download presenters handout #1 |
Gregory Goodrich, Ph.D., Palo Alto, CA, Richard Ludt, M.A., COMS, Pleasanton, CA, Matthew Collins, M.A., COMS, Phoenix, AZ, David Patten, M.A., Palo Alto, CA Moderator: Rebecca Renshaw |
| 9:15 am - 10:45 am | Repairing and Modifying Canes and Making AMDs of Various Shapes, Sizes, and Configurations Participants will learn quick and easy methods for repairing and refurbishing canes and … making AMD configurations. Techniques will include removing and replacing worn grips, restringing folding canes, converting folding canes to use slip-on tips, making arc extensions, and making various types of AMD configurations. |
Lynn Gautreaux, M.S., Baton Rogue, LA Moderator: Laura Bozeman |
| 9:15 am - 10:45 am | Using Routines with Non-Ambulatory Infants & Pre-Schoolers to Encourage the Development of Purposeful Movement This session will share routines that have motivated infants and pre-schoolers to start moving and develop purposeful movement. A videotape will show 2 of the routines with a step by step demonstration on how to implement them. Participants will be able to develop specialized routines for their students after the discussion of effective methods, materials and goals . Click here to download the presenters handou#1 Click here to download the presenters handout #2 |
Marjie Wood, Austin, TX Moderator: Carol Otten |
| 9:15 am - 10:45 am | Work Zone Ahead!!!: Requirements for providing information to navigate safely through a construction area Presenters will discuss the requirements in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) for providing information to visually impaired pedestrians, then work with attendees to set up an accessible construction detour outside the hotel and discuss some of the pros and cons of options with manufacturers |
Janet Barlow, M.Ed., COMS, Ashville, NC, Tim Cox , Cleveland, OH Moderator: Kerrie Townsend |
| 11:00 am - 12:00 pm | Finding My Way on the Yellow Brick Road or Traveling Through Oz with GPS: The Experiences of Working with Three Systems Global Positioning Systems (GPS) technology enhances safe and independent travel. Like other travel tools, "one size does not fit all." Learn about orientation and mobility services that feature active use of the Sendero, the Trekker, and the Trekker Breeze for students in preschool through high school |
Craig Phillips, MS Ed.D., COMS, Lenexa, KS Moderator: Paul Clary-Archuleta |
| 11:00 am - 12:00 pm | Geocaching is for Everyone Everyone is catching the Geocaching bug! Learn about Geocaching, different GPS units, and modifications for low vision and blind students. Learn how to acquire geocache information online, how to enter GPS coordinates onto selected GPS units, and examples of modifications to meet students' needs. |
Ann Hegstrom, Adel, IA Moderator: Pam Rasberry |
| 11:00 am - 12:00 pm | How the presence and actions of quiet vehicles impacts alignment, gap detection, vehicle detection, and vehicle path discrimination Results of recent data collection on interaction of pedestrians who are blind and hybrid vehicles is discussed. Tasks included making alignment decisions, determining the trajectory or path of a vehicle, detecting crossable gaps in traffic, walking toward idling vehicles, and detecting oncoming traffic. Implications for O&M instruction are made. |
Robert Wall Emerson, Ph.D., Kalamazoo, MI, Dae Shik Kim, Ph.D., Kalamazoo, MI Moderator: Fabiana Perla |
| 11:00 am - 12:00 pm | Mobility Assessment Course (MAC) - Standardized measurement of outcomes following scanning training for Neurological Vision Deficits following Acquire Brain Injury This presentation describes the development and implementation of a standardized Mobility Assessment Course (MAC) that was used as a primary outcome measure in a clinical trial that evaluated the use of compensatory scanning therapy in a group of patients following Stroke. |
Allison Hayes, B.Sc., Thebarton, SA, Australia, Gayle Clark M.S., Kew, VIC, Australia Moderator: Karen Spruill |
| 11:00 am - 12:00 pm | Trekker Breeze: Use with children and adults with visual impairments, including those with multiple disabilities An introduction to the Trekker Breeze, it's functions and capabilities, accompanied by discussion and videos of students, including those of multiple disabilities, using the device during orientation & mobility instruction. |
Julie Hapeman, Milwaukee, WI Moderator: Rod Kossick |
| 11:00 am - 12:00 pm | Foundations of Orientation and Mobility: The Third Edition Foundations of Orientation & Mobility: The Third Edition is a presentation and review of this new publication from AFB and its role in the development of the body of knowledge that forms the basis of the profession of orientation and mobility Click here to download the presenters handout #1 |
Richard Welsh, Ph.D., Pittsburgh, PA Moderator: Bill Muir |
| 11:00 am - 12:00 pm | Lives on the Line - The Importance of Standards in the Training of Service Dogs The Guide Dog foundation, the world's only dually accredited provider of assistance dogs presents history, methodology and practical examples behind its unique program to serve consumers with a variety of disabilities. The mechanics of accreditation and demonstrations of implementation provide a fuller understanding of the industry Click here to download presenters handout #1 Click here to download presenters handout #3 |
Jenine Stanley, Columbus, OH
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| 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm | Updates on strategies and techniques for teaching of street crossings Janet Barlow, M. Ed., Ashville, NC, Billie Louise (Beezy) Bentzen, Ph.D., Berlin, MA , Lukas Franck, M.A., Morristown, NJ |
Janet Barlow, M. Ed., Ashville, NC, Billie Louise (Beezy) Bentzen, Ph.D., Berlin, MA , Lukas Franck, M.A., Morristown, NJ Moderator: Rebecca Renshaw |
| 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm | Planning for O&M Instruction that Supports Elementary Grade Level Literacy This workshop will provide strategies for planning and implementing Orientation and Mobility (O&M) instruction that supports elementary grade-level literacy for students with visual impairments. Vocabulary development, spelling reinforcement, reading, writing, and use of literary themes to create heightened interest in school and community travel will be presented |
Diane Fazzi, Ph.D., COMS, Los Angeles, CA Moderator: Margaret Molenda |
| 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm | Acquired and Traumatic Brain Injury: Practical strategies for transferring scanning skills to a variety of Mobility and other Activities of Daily Living This presentation will discuss Neurological Vision Deficits. It will also outline the most common cognitive and perceptual deficits associated with ABI and the implications of these additional deficits on mobility and ADL programs. It will outline the importance of conducting assessments and the establishment of outcome measures following training. |
Gayle Clarke, LVT, Torrensville, SA, Australia, Allison Hayes, Torrensville, SA, Australia Moderator: Sarah Johnson |
| 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm | Drop-off Detection with the Long Cane:Effects of Cane Techniques, User Characteristics and Ergonomic Factors The study examined the factors related to drop-off detection with the long can: 1) cane technique-related, 2) user characteristics, and 3) ergonomic. The findings of the study may help cane users and O&M specialists select appropriate cane techniques in accordance with the cane user’s characteristics and availability of training time. |
Dae Shik Kim, Portage, MI, Robert Wall Emerson, Kalamazoo, MI Moderator: Cathy Holden |
| 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm | Providing Route Familiarization to a Guide Dog Team Providing route familiarization to dog guide teams is the focus of this multi-media presentation. Two different vignettes are presented and analyzed. Site analysis, protocol and "spotting" each team will be demonstrated. Strategies for developing successful route orientation will be discussed and demonstrated in each vignette. |
Linda Torres, M.A. San Rafael, CA Moderator: Debra Scott |
Saturday, July 24
| 11:30 am - 12:00 pm | Can Quiet Kill? Pedestrian and Bicyclist Fatalities Caused by Hybrid Motor Vehicles - United States, 2004-2008 Hybrid-electric vehicles (HEV) pose potential safety concerns for pedestrians/bicyclists because of their quiet engine sound at slow speeds. We will share results of our assessment of whether HEVs' quieter sound leads to increased fatalities to pedestrians/bicyclists using data from the 2004-2008 National Highway Transportation Safety Administration's Fatality Analysis Reporting System. |
Amy Freeland, Ph.D., Atlanta, GA Moderator: Audrey Dannenberg |
| 11:30 am - 12:00 pm | Career Reflections: The Influence of IMCs in my Teaching Practice In this session, I will share the story of my own professional journey in O&M through the experiences in my global professional learning community: the International Mobility Conferences articulating the life-long learning resulting from such an expansive professional learning design |
Donna McNear, M.A., Cambridge, MN Moderator: Rod Kossick |
| 11:30 am - 12:00 pm | Drivers Yielding at Uncontrolled Crossings This session reports a study of drivers' yielding behavior to a pedestrian walking toward their path at crossings with no traffic control. Results include yielding relationships to the pedestrian with and without a cane, flag, and reflective vest. Associated sociological and cognitive theories will be discussed to aid interpreting results |
Eugene Bourquin, DHA, Sands Point, NY, Robert Wall Emerson, Ph.D., Kalamazoo, MI Dona Sauerburger, Gambrills, MD Moderator: Scott Crawford |
| 1:45 pm - 2:45 pm | Comparing the Morovision Multi-Use Minimonocular NVG (MUM 2) with the Nite Sport II night light; which is most useful? Night travel is a serious challenge for individuals with vision impairment. This presentation compares the Morovision Multi-Use Minimonocular Night Vision Goggle with the Nite Sport II night light. A variety of features are compared to determine which device is the most efficient and easy to use for night travel. |
Sharon Hammer, M.A., Palo Alto, CA Moderator: Cathy Holden |
| 1:45 pm - 2:45 pm | Step By Step Systematic Can Instruction What cane skills are needed to provide for safety, and how do we teach them? How should we adapt our teaching style to accommodate the learning needs for each stage of cane instruction? Put on your thinking cap and join us for a hands-on presentation / brainstorming, foot-stomping session! |
Dona Sauerburger, Gambrills, MD, Eugene Bourquin, DHA, Sands Point, NY Moderator: Ruth Ferguson |
| 1:45 pm - 2:45 pm | Advances in Guide Dog Training for People with Special Needs |
Steve Obremski, M.A.
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| 1:45 pm - 2:45 pm | Travel Instruction: Orientation and Mobility for Everyone with a Disability. Using traditional orientation and mobility techniques for the visually impaired to teach sighted persons with disabilities safe travel techniques Mobility Works, Inc. has taken the traditional orientation and mobility instructional concepts for the blind and visually impaired and expanded them to be applicable to any type of disability. These skills are taught in a non-disability specific format, providing travel skill training for anyone with any type of disability |
Diane DeJong, M.A., COMS, Webster, NY Moderator: Carol Otten |
| 1:45 pm - 2:45 pm | Factors Contributing to the Increased Risk of Falls Among the Elderly Falls are a leading cause of injury deaths among older adults. The cause of falls can be divided into two areas instrinsic and extrinsic factors. Tests and checklists can assess potential risk factors. Ways to minimize risk factors include modifying the home environment, medication management, and exercise programs are discussed Click here to download the presenters handout #1 |
Mary Ann Zelinsky, M.A., Mt. Home, TN |
Sunday, July 25
| 8:00 am - 9:00 am | Tactile Town This presentation will focus primarily on the research, development, and refinement of a |
Karen Poppe, B.A. |
| 8:00 am - 9:00 am | Who's Sitting Next To You? A 2009 Survey of AER Division 9 Members In 2009, 315 of AER's Division 9 membership participated in an online survey. We will share the results of our survey's section having to do with O&M's demographics. We will point out relevant implications; discuss the nature of our jobs today, and how we might best prepare for the future Click here to download the presenters handout #1 |
Malinda Carlson, M.A., Boring, OR, Joanne Mechling, M.A., Portland, OR |
| 8:00 am - 9:00 am | O&M and Play: Having Fun, While Facilitating Development in Multiple Areas of the ECC Research has shown that mature play as a child teaches life skills that are necessary to the success of an adult. However, there are significant barriers for children with visual impairment and access to play environments. Four children will be discussed, and the successful strategies implemented for overcoming these barriers. Click here to download the presenters handout
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Mickey Damelio, M.S., Tallahassee, FL Moderators: Sandy Lewis and Amy McKenzie |
| 8:00 am - 9:00 am | Yikes! Is This a Safe Strategy for Crossing the Street? How safe and reliable are the O&M strategies for crossing streets today? Bring your thinking cap and come join a lively discussion about what street-crossing strategies we teach and the principles behind them, and how we can evaluate their reliability.
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Dona Sauerburger, Gambrills, MD, Eugene Bourquin, DHA, Sands Point, NY Moderator: Ellen Bowman |