SPECIALIZED PROGRAMS

Orientation & Mobility Services

Helping students with visual impairments navigate their world safely, confidently, and independently through specialized O&M instruction.

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ABOUT THIS SERVICE

What is Orientation & Mobility?

Orientation & Mobility (O&M) is a specialized service for students with visual impairments that teaches them to travel safely and independently in their environment. Orientation refers to knowing where you are and where you want to go. Mobility refers to the ability to move safely and efficiently. Certified O&M Specialists (COMS) teach students skills including cane travel, use of environmental clues, street crossing, and independent travel in a variety of environments — from school campuses and neighborhoods to public transportation and community settings. O&M instruction is a critical component of the Expanded Core Curriculum for students with visual impairments and is typically written into the student's IEP. STS O&M services are available at school sites and in community settings across Southern California.

Independence begins with knowing where you are and where you're going.

WHO WE HELP

We Support Students With...

Visual Impairment

Students with visual impairments who need to develop safe and independent travel skills.

Cane Travel

Students learning to use a white cane for safe and independent mobility.

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Community Travel

Students learning to navigate community environments including streets, businesses, and public transportation.

School Navigation

Students who need support navigating their school campus safely and independently.

Cortical Visual Impairment

Students with CVI who need specialized O&M approaches based on their unique visual profile.

Transition

Students with visual impairments preparing for post-secondary independence and community participation.

WHAT TO EXPECT

What to Expect

O&M Assessment

Comprehensive evaluation of the student's current travel skills, visual functioning, and O&M needs in school and community environments.

Individualized O&M Program

Development of a systematic O&M instructional program targeting the student's specific travel goals.

Direct Instruction & Generalization

Direct O&M instruction in school and community environments to build independent travel skills that support educational access and post-secondary transition.

WHY CHOOSE STS

Why STS

Certified O&M Specialists

Our O&M providers are Certified Orientation & Mobility Specialists (COMS) with extensive experience working with school-age students.

Community-Based Instruction

We provide O&M instruction in real-world environments — not just in the clinic or classroom.

Team Collaboration

Our COMS work closely with VI teachers, classroom teachers, and IEP teams to ensure coordinated, comprehensive support for students with visual impairments.

IEP-Aligned

All O&M services are aligned with IEP goals and delivered in coordination with the educational team.