By training people to use sensory and cognitive information and by teaching safe travel skills, instructors provide the infant and adult alike with strategies for functional, safe movement in the environment. Students learn the importance of a team approach to problem solving and comprehensive rehabilitation services. In response to shortages of personnel in the rehabilitation and education fields specific to vision impairment, the Department of Graduate Studies offers a Master of Science degree and Certificate program in Orientation and Mobility. Core courses are shared with students in three other part-time degree programs, many of whom are currently working with visually and multiply impaired populations in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware or Virginia.
Students learn the importance of the team approach to problem solving and comprehensive services.
Course work prepares students to work effectively with individuals who have low vision as well as those who are totally blind. While field work placements are generally local, internships may be in other states in rehabilitation and educational facilities. Summer Certificate Programs in Orientation and Mobility are offered in summer formats in conjunction with the program, Education of Children and Youth with Visual and Multiple Impairments. Individuals who have completed, or are completing, the latter program, or those who have an academic undergraduate or graduate degree specific to educating individuals with visual impairments, may enroll in this program. This program is currently being offered in summers in Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Ohio, Oregon, Tennessee, West Virginia and a new one is to begin during 1999 in Oklahoma.