Orientation and Mobility Specialist (O&M Specialist)
Role: Help individuals with vision loss navigate their environment safely and independently.
This may involve teaching clients how to use a white cane, orient themselves in unfamiliar
spaces, and travel using public transportation.
Skills/Training: Requires specialized training in orientation and mobility techniques.
Vision Rehabilitation Therapist
Role: Provide training to individuals with vision loss to help them perform daily tasks.
This can include teaching adaptive techniques for cooking, reading, using technology,
or managing finances.
Skills/Training: Requires certification in vision rehabilitation therapy.
Assistive Technology Specialist
Role: Help individuals with vision loss use technology to improve their daily lives. This
might involve teaching clients to use screen readers, braille devices, or specialized
software designed for accessibility.
Skills/Training: Knowledge of accessible technology and assistive devices is essential.
Low Vision Therapist
Role: Work with individuals who have partial vision loss to help them make the most of
their remaining sight. This may include teaching techniques for maximizing visual
efficiency, as well as recommending appropriate low vision aids (magnifiers, specialized
glasses).
Skills/Training: Specialized training in low vision rehabilitation.
Braille Instructor
Role: Teach braille to individuals with vision loss so they can read and write independently.
Instructors work in schools, rehabilitation centers, or one-on-one settings.
Skills/Training: Certification or training in braille instruction.
Social Worker (Specializing in Vision Loss)
Role: Provide emotional support and practical guidance to individuals adjusting to vision
loss. This might involve connecting clients with resources, helping them with rehabilitation
plans, and offering counseling services.
Skills/Training: A degree in social work and specialization in disabilities or vision loss.
Blindness Advocate or Disability Advocate
Role: Advocate for individuals with vision loss to ensure they have access to resources,
opportunities, and rights. This could involve working in policy, legislation, or helping
clients navigate systems like healthcare and education.
Skills/Training: A background in advocacy, law, or social work.
Teacher of Students who are Blind or Visually Impaired (TBVI)
Role: Teach students with vision loss in a specialized or inclusive educational setting.
This can include working with children in special education programs or teaching independent
living skills.
Skills/Training: Requires certification in special education or teaching with a focus on blindness
and visual impairment.
Accessible Media Specialist
Role: Produce and adapt media to be accessible for individuals with vision loss. This can
include converting text into audio, creating tactile graphics, or providing captions
for videos.
Skills/Training: Knowledge of accessibility standards and media production.
Employment Specialist for Individuals with Vision Loss
Role: Help individuals with vision loss find and maintain employment by providing job coaching,
resume building, interview preparation, and workplace adaptations.
Skills/Training: Background in vocational rehabilitation, career counseling, or disability services.
Counselor for Vision Loss or Blindness
Role: Support individuals in coping with the emotional challenges of vision loss, including
helping them adjust to their new life circumstances. This role might be found in rehabilitation
centers, hospitals, or private practice.
Skills/Training: Counseling degree or certification, with a focus on vision loss and disability.
Customer Service/Support for Visually Impaired
Role: Work in customer support roles, providing specialized services for individuals with
vision loss, such as assistance navigating websites, interpreting product information,
or supporting customer inquiries.
Skills/Training: Strong communication skills, knowledge of accessible customer service practices.
Accessibility Consultant
Role: Work with businesses or organizations to make their services, buildings, websites,
and content more accessible for people with vision loss. This could involve offering
recommendations and implementing best practices for accessibility.
Skills/Training: Knowledge of accessibility guidelines (such as WCAG) and assistive technology.
