SUMMARY:
The Teacher of the Visually Impaired and Orientation and Mobility Specialist (TVI-OMS) evaluates and instructs students with vision loss. They empower students to achieve maximum independence by teaching academic adaptations, spatial awareness, and safe, efficient travel techniques across home, school, and community environments. The TVI-OMS provides specialized, one-on-one and small-group instruction to students on their caseload. They assess students, adapt materials, and lead individualized programs centered on academic access and foundational non-academic skills such as sensory efficiency, assistive technology, tactile literacy, and independent daily living routines.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Conduct functional vision and learning media assessments to determine how each student uses their vision in different environments and what media they use to access information.
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Assess travel needs, sensory processing capabilities, and physical tolerances to determine the most appropriate and effective mobility tools and strategies.
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Teach foundational non-academic skills including, but not limited to, sensory efficiency (using remaining senses), assistive technology, tactile literacy, and independent daily living routines.
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Adapt instructional materials, tactile maps, and 3D models to accommodate students with cognitive, motor, and hearing impairments.
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Collaborate with classroom teachers to provide accessible classroom materials, large print texts, and tactile models.
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Evaluate a student’s ability to navigate safely in both familiar indoor environments and complex outdoor areas and integrate orientation, movement, and communication into daily activities (e.g., transitioning from a wheelchair or finding a specific sensory area in the classroom).
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Teach students safe, efficient travel withing the school, home, and community whether using a long cane, adaptive mobility devices, or guided assistance.
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Develop and deliver curriculum to assist students with multiple disabilities with developing and understanding of body image, spatial relationships, and environmental concepts including, but not limited to, up/down, in/out, over/under.
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Build foundational readiness skills like protective techniques, trailing walls, and using auditory cues to locate objects and people.
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Instruct students on safe street crossings, interpreting traffic patterns, and utilizing public transportation.
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Assist students in conceptualizing their environment and map out routes between locations.
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As a member of the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) team, draft measurable, highly individualized goals, objectives, and transition plans in collaborations with the student’s multidisciplinary team.
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Track student progress and write formal assessment reports that adhere to state and federal education standards.
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Partner closely with parents, teachers, and clinical staff to provide holistic, continuous support and ensure a cohesive educational strategy.
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Educate paraprofessionals, school staff, and family members on how to properly implement visual accommodations, sighted guide techniques, and travel routines.
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Performs other duties as assigned
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/SKILLS REQUIREMENTS
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Bachelors degree in special education/vision impairment and certification in Orientation and Mobility; Masters degree preferred.
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Valid certification as a Teacher of the Visually Impaired (TVI) in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
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Current credential as an Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS) from the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals (ACVREP) or the National Orientation and Mobility Certification (NOMC) issued by the National Blindness Professional Certification Board (NBPCB).
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Three (3) years’ experience as a Teacher of the Visually Impaired.
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Two (2) years’ experience working with students living with multiple disabilities, including a strong understanding of the safety and communication support required for individuals with physical disabilities.
- Strong understanding of assistive technology and adaptive educational materials for students with vision loss.
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Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced environment and effectively prioritize tasks.
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Demonstrated strong attention to detail.
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Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a team.
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Demonstrated strong time management and organizational skills.
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Demonstrated excellent judgment with the ability to independently solve problems and make decisions with little or no need for direct supervision.
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Demonstrated ability to anticipate changes and/or identify issues and take appropriate and effective actions.
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Excellent customer interaction, collaboration, and written and verbal communication skills.
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Demonstrated intermediate experience with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, SharePoint, and PowerPoint.
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Knowledge of/Experience using electronic management/electronic records systems preferred.
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Must be able to perform CPR, First Aid, and crisis intervention using agency-trained protocols.
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Must possess a current, valid driver's license in the state of residence, have a minimum of three (3) years of driving experience within the United States, and have an acceptable driving record, which will be assessed through a review of the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) record.
