Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS) - Recruitment of Vision Professionals

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Blind/Visually Impaired, Deafblind

Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS)

  • Provide direct services to students and consultative services to families, teachers, medical personnel, and government agencies.
  • Instruct students of all ages (birth - high school) in the home, school, and community.
  • Work outdoors and indoors to teach skills, such as locating classes, using public transportation, or exploring everyday objects using available senses.
  • Instruct using a wide range of technology, such as a white cane, smartphone accessibility features, and apps for travel and orientation.

Academic Requirements

Academic Requirements for a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS):

  • Bachelor’s (SFASU only) or Master’s Degree (SFASU & TTU) or
  • Graduate certificate (SFASU & TTU), and
  • Practicum
  • Internship
  • Pass the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation & Education Professionals (ACVREP) exam

Financial Incentives

Both SFASU and TTU offer a service grant. Each university distributes funds according to its program guidelines, and it is a competitive process. For additional information contact advisors at the university of your choice.

Contacts

General information about becoming a COMS in Texas

Contact: Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired (TSBVI)
Email: outreach-certifcations@tsbvi.edu
TSBVI Professional Preparation Website 
Stephen F. Austin State University

Program Contact: Heather Munro
Email: omvi@sfasu.edu
SFASU TVI Website 
Stephen F. Austin State University

Orientation & Mobility Program Contact: Nora Griffin-Shirley
Email: N.Griffin-Shirley@ttu.edu
TTU Sowell Center Website

Video Testimonials

Chelsea Schumacher

Chelsea Schumacher's Personal Story on Becoming a Certified Orientation & Mobility Specialist Chelsea Schumacher is a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS). She started her career in the corporate world, but soon realized she wanted to work with students with visual impairments after attending the National Goalball Tournament.

Stephan Slawson

Stephan Slawson's Personal Story on Becoming a Vision Professional Stephan Slawson is both a teacher of students with visual impairments (TVI) and a certified orientation and mobility specialist (COMS) in south Texas. Learn more about how Stephan was inspired to become a vision professional.