Instructor-led

Orientation & Mobility Through the CVI Lens

Workshop participants will learn about dorsal and ventral stream dysfunctions and how the whole brain is used to map space and complete tasks relevant to O&M.

This course will provide an overview of Cortical/Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI) and its impact on Orientation and Mobility (O&M) instruction and assessment. Participants will gain an understanding of an overview of O&M and associated tasks in addition to an overview of CVI.

Course Objectives

This course will address some of the many ways that CVI can affect the acquisition of skills in the area of O&M, including the following:

  • A basic understanding of the field of Orientation & Mobility (O&M) for the visually impaired, the instruction techniques based predominantly on the Hoover Method, and the associated tasks that an O&M Specialist may be required to teach to their caseload
  • A beginner-level understanding of Cortical/Cerebral Visual Impairment; where it occurs in the brain; the specific functions of the dorsal and ventral stream of vision; and how the entire brain works together to create a visual image and map space as one moves through it
  • An overview of the dorsal stream and ventral stream. It will discuss how the two work together to support the visual system
  • Dorsal and ventral stream dysfunctions and how they impact tasks related to O&M
  • An overview of the visual behaviors of CVI and how these visual behaviors link to and impact O&M specific tasks
  • An overview of O&M assessment tools available for learners with ocular conditions as well as an overview of assessment tools available for CVI and how they can be adapted to fit the needs of a COMS completing an O&M assessment on a learner with CVI
  • How assessments may differ for learners with CVI and coexisting ocular impairments
  • How to set up your CVI students for success with accommodations in Individualized Education Plans
  • The importance of taking a holistic approach to education with CVI learners, due to the numerous internal and external environmental factors that can affect their vision

Required Text

This course will use the text Lueck, Amanda & Dutton, Gordon N., (2015). Vision and the Brain: Understanding Cerebral Vision Impairment in Children. New York: AFB APH Press, which is not included in the registration fee. Vision and the Brain is available through APH Press and Amazon.com.

Withdraw without Refund

Due to the high demand for this course, we are unable to refund fees to participants who withdraw after the course start date.  Please review the schedule and syllabus for this course to be sure that you will be able to participate fully.

Other Payment Option

To pay by Purchase Order, choose the Purchase Order option during checkout. Contact us at [email protected] for any questions.

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Meet the Presenters

profile photo of Jennifer Siff
Jennifer Siff, M.Ed., COMS
Jennifer is currently a full-time Certified Orientation & Mobility Specialist in the Secondary Program at Perkins School for the Blind. Jennifer currently provides direct instruction to students aged 14-22 who have visual impairments and multiple disabilities. Prior to working in the Secondary program, she spent 10 years in the Perkins Lower School program, working with students aged 6-16. Jennifer has a BS in Athletic Training from Northeastern University, as well as a Master's in Vision Studies, specializing in Orientation & Mobility, from the University of Massachusetts-Boston. Since beginning at Perkins 18 years ago, Jennifer has seen the rise in students diagnosed with CVI and has been empowered by other vision professionals to seek creative solutions to the unique problems it presents, particularly when traveling in the community. With this course, she is hoping to pay it forward!
profile photo of Emily Price
Emily Price, MS Ed., COMS, CVI Certified
Emily is currently employed with Perkins School for the Blind in the Deafblind Program as a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist. Emily works closely with students from age three to twenty-two with visual impairments, multiple disabilities, and dual sensory loss providing consult and support to the student, families and their teams. Emily has a Bachelor’s in Deaf Studies from Towson University, a Master’s in Education as an Orientation and Mobility Specialist, and a Graduate Certificate in Cortical/Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI) from Umass Boston. Emily’s interest in CVI was inspired by the students she works with at Perkins.
Dates:
September 25, 2023 - November 12, 2023
Level:
Intermediate
Length:
Multiple weeks
Credits:
3 Graduate
35 Continuing Education
35 Professional Development
35 ACVREP
35 CTLE
Cost:
$400 - Regular Price
Syllabus: