Clinical Rehabilitative Services (CRS) Credential in Orientation & Mobility

The Clinical Rehabilitative Services Credential qualifies graduates to work as Orientation and Mobility (O&M) specialists. This credential authorizes the holder to teach orientation and mobility techniques to individuals who are visually impaired or blind from infancy through adulthood. Specialists for the visually impaired teach orientation skills, such as using landmarks and sensory cues, familiarizing oneself with the environment, and guiding oneself towards a destination. Orientation and Mobility specialists teach mobility skills for route travel, street crossings, and use of public transportation. Instruction may take place outdoors and indoors in homes and public buildings. When appropriate, lessons in cane technique and maximum use of residual vision may also be taught to ensure safe and efficient travel.

Instructor and Trainee crossing a street
O&M Trainee on public transportation
Instructor and Trainee using a wheelchair and cane
O&M Trainee group celebration

Clinical Rehabilitative Services Credential in Orientation & Mobility (O&M) Coursework

Category I: Core Courses

Course # Course Title Units
SPED 788 Law, Ethics, and Instructional Planning 3
SPED 747 Physical, Health and Sensory disabilities: Implications and Management 3

Category II: Method Courses

Course # Course Title Units
SPED 655 Basic Orientation and Mobility for the Visually Impaired 3
SPED 749 Medical, Educational, and Rehabilitative Implications of Visual Impairment 4
SPED 753 Living Skills Assessment and Instruction for Learners with Visual Impairments 3
SPED 757 Visual Impairment: Special Populations 3
SPED 756 Orientation and Mobility Seminar 3
SPED 760 Methods in Orientation and Mobility: I 3
SPED 792
 
Methods in Orientation and Mobility: II 3
SPED 822 Methods in Orientation and Mobility: III 3
SPED 823 Methods in Orientation and Mobility: IV 3

Category III: Student Teaching

(Students enroll full time for a minimum of 12 units during semester of student teaching)

 

Course # Course Title Units
SPED 726 Student Teaching Workshop - Orientation & Mobility 3
SPED 731 Student Teaching in Special Education (Adult) 3
SPED 730 Student Teaching in Special Education (Child) 9
Total Units: 49