Attitudinal Survey About Blind O&M Instructors

This study evaluated the attitudes of currently certified orientation and mobility specialists toward orientation and mobility specialists who are blind when teaching orientation and mobility to persons who are visually impaired. Based on the literature review, little to no research has been conducted on attitudes of certified orientation and mobility specialists towards colleagues who are blind. A survey was designed to address this gap by investigating attitudes and perceptions of these specialists toward their colleagues who are blind.

The results were significantly positive in all areas except the item concerning accommodations. The accommodations statement was worded in such a manner that the data were actually positive in regard to perceptions about the abilities of blind certified orientation and mobility specialists. Participants gave the highest ratings to professional development. This was followed by the orientation and mobility skillsets for intersection and Q&A. The correlations of the attitude scores were generally positive and statistically significant as well.

These findings demonstrate a positive trend in the attitudes of certified orientation and mobility specialists toward orientation and mobility specialists who are blind. The results are another step toward the realization that vision may not be a required component for orientation and mobility instruction.

This study serves as a point of comparison for future research to determine if this attitude is truly a trend. Positive trends may indicate equitable opportunities for orientation and mobility specialists who are blind.