[Trainer-talk] O&M Instructor Wanted, Fort Worth

[David Andrews]

Position Vacancy: Orientation and Mobility Specialist



Job Location: Lighthouse for the Blind of Fort 
Worth, 912 W. Broadway Avenue, Fort

Worth, TX 76104



Basic Function:

The Orientation and Mobility Specialist is 
responsible for the organization, planning and 
instruction of orientation and mobility for 
persons with vision loss to assist with 
increasing independence, safety and achieving personal goals.

Principal Roles and Responsibilities:

Provide skilled assessment to determine 
individual orientation and mobility needs.

Develop a program of instruction to address 
immediate/long term needs and goals of a person 
with vision loss experiencing challenges with safe and independent travel.

Empower persons with vision loss with the 
development of skills and knowledge to enable 
them to travel safely, independently and 
confidently to the highest degree possible in 
familiar and unfamiliar environments.

Provide consultation, guidance, direction and 
support to family, friends and others in the 
community as needed regarding accommodating a person with vision loss.

Make careful observations and maintain appropriate records for documentation.

Compile a monthly report reflecting people 
served, progress and services provided.

Participate in continuing professional education 
and development activities such as reading 
literature, attending conferences and colleague collaboration.

Positively represent the Lighthouse for the Blind 
of Fort Worth and the interests of the blind 
community in local community events, boards, 
committees, coalitions and peer support groups.

Foster and maintain a network of positive working professional relationships.

Attend work on a predictable schedule and perform other duties as assigned.



Required Knowledge:

Knowledge of standard instructional methods, 
strategies and assessment techniques.

Knowledge of mobility aids including rigid, 
folding and adapted canes, electronic travel 
aids, human and dog guides, optical and non-optical devices.

Knowledge of orientation techniques used by 
persons with vision impairment including cues, 
landmarks, search patterns, soliciting/declining 
assistance, analysis of intersections and traffic patterns.

Knowledge of proximal geography, guide dog 
schools, local modes of public transportation, 
agencies and other organizations that serve persons with vision loss.

Knowledge of philosophy of orientation and 
mobility including ethics, certification 
standards, empowerment and advocacy issues.



Skill:

Skill in maintaining effective working 
relationships with persons with vision loss, 
service providers, state agency personnel, advocacy groups and others.

Skill in communicating effectively with courtesy, 
tact, diplomacy and discretion to individuals 
that may be difficult and/or exhibit a dynamic range of emotions.

Skill in the preparation of monthly written 
descriptive narrative reports for billing using 
industry appropriate terminology with proper grammar and punctuation.

Skill in coordinating approaches to service 
delivery for persons with vision loss.

Skill in using personal computer and familiarity 
with Windows environment and Microsoft Office.







Ability:

Ability to adapt teaching methods and tools to 
address individual needs and abilities.

Ability to demonstrate standards of ethical 
integrity, empathy and sensitivity.

Ability to encourage persons with vision loss to 
confidently overcome obstacles.

Ability to identify dimensions of dynamic problems and potential solutions.

Ability to multitask and prioritize while 
maintaining organization and efficiency.



Education/Certification:

The Orientation and Mobility Specialist shall 
possess the formal education equivalent to a 
Bachelor's Degree or higher in a rehabilitation 
science discipline from an accredited college or 
university with an established O&M training 
curriculum AND Certification by the Academy for 
Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and 
Educational Professionals (ACVREP) by the first 
anniversary of employment AND a minimum of one 
semester devoted to an internship in a qualified 
school or agency under competent supervision.

Transportation:

The Lighthouse for the Blind of Fort Worth does 
not provide a company vehicle or pay for a personal driver for any position.

  Office Hours:

  7:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Monday - Thursday

  Salary:

Salary range: $30,800.00 annually - $46,300.00 annually,

Commiserate with experience, education, knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Please email resume to lhall at lighthousefw.org

The above statements describe the general nature 
and level of work being performed.  They are not 
to be construed as an exhaustive list of all 
responsibilities, duties and skills required of 
the position.  Employees holding this position 
will be required to perform any other job-related 
duties as requested by management.  All 
requirements are subject to possible modification 
to reasonably accommodate individuals with a disability.

  Lighthouse for the Blind of Fort Worth, a 
non-profit organization, is an Equal Opportunity Employer.








         David Andrews and long white cane Harry.
E-Mail:  dandrews at visi.com or david.andrews at nfbnet.org