This information is for reference only. These classifications are no longer valid and were replaced 7/1/2020.
- Mobility Specialist For The Blind
- What will I be doing?
- Do I qualify?
- Can I be successful?
- Benefits
- How do I apply?
This is specialized and skilled work in providing adjustment services, orientation to surroundings and travel training to blind and visually impaired persons who receive services from the Rehabilitation Services for the Blind, Division of Family Services.
An employee in this class has responsibility for training blind and visually impaired persons so they will achieve the confidence and skills necessary to travel independently from one location to another in a safe, efficient and socially acceptable manner. Supervision is received from a District Supervisor, Rehabilitation Services for the Blind or other designated administrative superior.
Assesses blind and visually impaired persons, including those with multiple disabilities, to determine their understanding of spatial and directional concepts and their physical and emotional capability to participate in a planned sequential course of training in orientation and mobility.
Provides orientation of blind and visually impaired persons to the surroundings in which they live and/or work.
Communicates to clients and other significant persons information regarding the physical, psychological, social, educational, economic and employment implications of blindness.
Teaches blind and visually impaired persons the correct techniques for accessing various modes of public transportation (taxis, busses, trains, airplanes, etc.).
Prepares and teaches the use of tactile, Braille and auditory maps.
Teaches blind and visually impaired persons the effects of various weather conditions on the environment and how to travel in those conditions (i.e., the effect of wind, rain, or snow on traffic sounds; ice or silt on sidewalks).
Assists clients in obtaining alternatives to cane travel (i.e., guide dogs, electronic aids and optical aids) and teaches them to use the chosen alternative method in his/her environment.
Trains the client in the use of remaining vision, whenever applicable.
Teaches cane techniques such as arc, rhythm step, shorelining, touch and slide, diagonal, methods of locating stationary landmarks or other points of reference; how to judge traffic and intersection patterns in both residential and business areas and how to negotiate curbs and uneven terrains.
Observes the posture, gait, body movements and other gross motor techniques of blind and visually impaired persons, assesses the specific implications for travel and teaches correct posture, gait, body movements and other gross motor techniques necessary for learning and using travel skills.
Determines the appropriate type and length of cane for each client (when necessary cuts cane to desired length) and teaches client to determine when cane tips need to be changed and how to change them.
Interprets state statutes related to services and legal rights of blind and visually impaired persons to clients, other consumers and the general public.
Performs other related work as assigned.
(The following minimum qualifications will determine merit system eligibility and may be used to evaluate applicants for Missouri Uniform Classification and Pay System positions not requiring selection from merit registers.)
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with specialization in orientation and mobility, teaching the blind and visually impaired, rehabilitation teaching, special education, occupational therapy, physical therapy or closely related areas. (Specialization in other fields of study must be accompanied by a minimum of two years supervised experience in teaching blind and/or visually impaired persons.)
Prior to appointment an applicant must demonstrate proficiency in orientation and mobility as required and evaluated by the Rehabilitation Services for the Blind.
Please note that documentation that supports your eligibility (i.e. transcripts, employment records, etc.) may be required at any time during the application and hiring process. If you do not possess the minimum qualifications, please consider one of many other employment opportunities with the State of Missouri.
Do you possess the key skills which are considered essential for successful employment in this classification?
Thorough knowledge of the skills to perform and the ability to effectively instruct blind and visually impaired persons in cane techniques such as arc, rhythm step, shorelining, touch and slide, diagonal methods of locating stationary landmarks or other points of reference; how to judge traffic and intersection patterns in both residential and business areas and how to negotiate curbs, stairs, and uneven terrains.
Thorough knowledge of the skills to perform and the ability to effectively instruct blind and visually impaired persons in appropriate techniques of becoming oriented to the surroundings in which they live and/or work.
Thorough knowledge of and the ability to teach the correct techniques for accessing various modes of public transportation (taxis, buses, trains, airplanes, etc.).
Thorough knowledge of and the ability to teach blind and visually impaired persons the effects of weather conditions on the environment (i.e., the effect of wind, rain, or snow on traffic sounds; ice or silt on sidewalks).
Considerable knowledge of the physical, psychological, social, educational, economic and employment implications of blindness.
Considerable knowledge regarding alternatives to cane travel (i.e., guide dogs, electronic aids and optical aids) and the ability to teach blind and visually impaired persons to use the chosen alternative in his/her environment.
Working knowledge of first aid methods and skill in the application of first aid treatment.
Ability to observe the posture, gait, body movements and other gross motor techniques of blind and visually impaired persons, the ability to assess specific implications for travel and the ability to teach correct posture, gait, body movements and other gross motor techniques necessary for learning and using travel skills.
Ability to prepare and teach the use of tactile, Braille and auditory maps.
Ability to assess blind and visually impaired persons, including those with multiple disabilities, to determine their understanding of spatial and directional concepts and their physical and emotional capability to participate in a planned sequential course of training in orientation and mobility.
The following link will provide you with general information about State of Missouri employee benefits.
View benefits