<html xmlns:o="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" xmlns:w="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:word" xmlns:m="http://schemas.microsoft.com/office/2004/12/omml" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40"><head><meta http-equiv=Content-Type content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name=Generator content="Microsoft Word 15 (filtered medium)"><style><!--
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--></style></head><body lang=EN-US style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><div><p class=MsoNormal>To Orientation and Mobility Specialists:</p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I have some questions for anyone with their orientation and mobility certification. These questions pertain to the Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialists (COMS) and the National Orientation and Mobility Certification )NOMC). As an individual pursuing a master's degree next year in Orientation and Mobility, I wonder why there is such a vast division between these two certifications. I am aware that in the past, sighted individuals did not think that a blind person could teach Orientation and Mobility; therefore, the NOMC was to combat this. So, I do not need a history lesson on this. </p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I wonder why there is still a division between these two certifications and why it is still difficult for a blind person to obtain their COMS, but a sighted person can get both their COMS and their NOMC. Does anyone have any insight into this and knows of any blind people who have received their COMS or are dual-certified in both their COMS and their NOMC? I am just wondering why there is a separation of these certifications. Why must a blind person obtain a different accreditation than a sighted person? Anyone with any insight into this would greatly appreciate it. Thanks, and I am looking forward to some responses. </p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Kind Regards,</p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Jackson Schwoebel</p></div><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><div><p class=MsoNormal>Jackson T. Schwoebel, A.A.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>He/Him/His<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Secretary | Ohio Association of Blind Students<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Phone: (706) 905–1963<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Business Email: jtschwoebel@yahoo.com<o:p></o:p></p></div><p class=MsoNormal>NFB Email: jtschwoebel.nfb@gmail.com<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>