A Step Forward

Kassandra Maloney

An Orientation and Mobility Specialist's roadmap to increasing their students' independence while staying sane in the work place.

  1. 25/11/2025

    Professional Development for O&M Specialists

    Looking for the best Professional Development for Orientation and Mobility Specialists? From O&M conferences to CEU workshops, this episode covers the top 5 sources of Professional Development Opportunities to advance your career and networking opportunities. 💡 In This Episode: Why Professional Development Matters for O&Ms: Learn why attending symposiums and networking with researchers, professors, and peers is critical for moving your career forward. Top 5 Sources for O&M PD: Discover the five O&M PD resources where you can find quality information and strategies. Online vs. In-Person Conferences: Explore the pros and cons of in-person networking versus the convenience of online learning. Strategic Career Growth: Learn how to select training that addresses your current caseload needs, whether it's for CVI, adults, or deafblind students, and how to invest time in yourself to become the O&M Specialist your students deserve. 📚 Free Resources: ► ⁠⁠⁠Night Travel Skills PDF (For O&M Specialists): Get a comprehensive guide to help you teach night travel lessons effectively.⁠⁠⁠ ► ⁠⁠⁠5 Key Strategies Every Teacher Needs (For Classroom Teachers): A free PDF with five simple, quick things you can do right now to impact the lives of your learners with visual impairments.⁠⁠⁠ ► ⁠⁠⁠FREE SEE Community Membership⁠⁠⁠ 📅 ACADEMIC CALENDAR: January 28-30, 2026 | International Orientation & Mobility Online Symposium | Conference for O&M Specialists ⁠⁠⁠https://www.exceptionaleducators.us/iomos⁠⁠⁠ Whether you’re a teacher, parent, educator, or advocate for special education and inclusive education, this video will help you stay informed about the latest strategies to help your students with visual impairments. Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the BELL ICON 🔔 so you never miss out on our latest content and updates on education! 📢 Join the Conversation!Have questions or tips of your own? Drop a comment below and let’s chat about it. ⬇️Thanks for watching, and see you in the next video! 👋💌 FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/exceptionaleducators.us⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/exceptionaleducators.us⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://linkedin.com/company/exceptionaleducators-us⁠

    18 min

  2. 18/11/2025

    How to become an Orientation and Mobility Specialist?

    Ready for an Orientation and Mobility career? Learn how to become an O&M Specialist, explore university programs and career pathways, and discover what it takes to teach visually impaired students to travel safely and independently. We'll break down the steps to enter one of the most rewarding professions in visual impairment education. From choosing a university program to understanding the different teaching philosophies, we cover everything you need to know about a career in Orientation and Mobility (O&M). 💡 In This Episode: Two Paths to Your O&M Career: Discover the two main routes to becoming an O&M specialist. O&M Certifications: Understand the crucial differences between the two main O&M philosophies and certifications. A Day in the Life of an O&M Specialist: What does this job actually look like? The Tools of the Trade: Learn why teaching methodologies differ, from the use of blindfolds to the type of long cane used. Full-time or Itinerant? Finding the Right Fit: Explore the pros and cons of being a full-time school district employee versus a contract O&M specialist. Resources mentioned in this video: ► List of Universities with Programs for Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments: https://www.exceptionaleducators.us/blog/list-of-universities-with-programs-for-teachers-of-students-with-visual-impairments ► International Orientation & Mobility Online Symposium | Conference for O&M Specialists: https://www.exceptionaleducators.us/iomos 📚 Free Resources: ► ⁠⁠⁠Night Travel Skills PDF (For O&M Specialists): Get a comprehensive guide to help you teach night travel lessons effectively.⁠⁠⁠ ► ⁠⁠⁠5 Key Strategies Every Teacher Needs (For Classroom Teachers): A free PDF with five simple, quick things you can do right now to impact the lives of your learners with visual impairments.⁠⁠⁠ ► ⁠⁠⁠FREE SEE Community Membership⁠⁠⁠ 📅 ACADEMIC CALENDAR: January 28-30, 2026 | International Orientation & Mobility Online Symposium | Conference for O&M Specialists ⁠⁠⁠https://www.exceptionaleducators.us/iomos⁠⁠⁠ Whether you’re a teacher, parent, educator, or advocate for special education and inclusive education, this video will help you stay informed about the latest strategies to help your students with visual impairments. Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the BELL ICON 🔔 so you never miss out on our latest content and updates on education! 📢 Join the Conversation!Have questions or tips of your own? Drop a comment below and let’s chat about it. ⬇️Thanks for watching, and see you in the next video! 👋💌 FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/exceptionaleducators.us⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/exceptionaleducators.us⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://linkedin.com/company/exceptionaleducators-us⁠

    20 min

  3. 11/11/2025

    The Importance of Orientation and Mobility

    Discover the importance of Orientation and Mobility (O&M), the essential training for independence for individuals with visual impairments. In this new series we'll go through everything we need to know about Orientation and Mobility, so let's start off by discussing it's importance to not just our students with visual impairments but also in society. 💡 In This Episode: What is Orientation and Mobility?: Learn the core definition. The Philosophy of O&M Teaching: Discover how O&M specialists do more than just give step-by-step instructions. A Global & Individualized Approach: Learn how training is adapted to individual and cultural needs. The Transformational Power of Movement: Understand the profound concept that "how you move is how you experience life." 📚 Free Resources: ► ⁠⁠Night Travel Skills PDF (For O&M Specialists): Get a comprehensive guide to help you teach night travel lessons effectively.⁠⁠ ► ⁠⁠5 Key Strategies Every Teacher Needs (For Classroom Teachers): A free PDF with five simple, quick things you can do right now to impact the lives of your learners with visual impairments.⁠⁠ ► ⁠⁠FREE SEE Community Membership⁠⁠ 📅 ACADEMIC CALENDAR: January 28-30, 2026 | International Orientation & Mobility Online Symposium | Conference for O&M Specialists ⁠⁠https://www.exceptionaleducators.us/iomos⁠⁠ Whether you’re a teacher, parent, educator, or advocate for special education and inclusive education, this video will help you stay informed about the latest strategies to help your students with visual impairments. Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the BELL ICON 🔔 so you never miss out on our latest content and updates on education! 📢 Join the Conversation!Have questions or tips of your own? Drop a comment below and let’s chat about it. ⬇️Thanks for watching, and see you in the next video! 👋💌 FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/exceptionaleducators.us⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/exceptionaleducators.us⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://linkedin.com/company/exceptionaleducators-us⁠

    12 min

  4. 04/11/2025

    How to perform Guide Techniques for Blind and Visually Impaired

    Learn the proper guide techniques for the blind and visually impaired in this step-by-step tutorial. Mastering the Sighted Guide technique, a key orientation and mobility skill, is essential for anyone looking to provide safe, respectful assistance. 💡 In This Episode, You'll Learn: The Foundation of Guide Techniques: Discover the correct way for a person to hold your arm for maximum communication and stability. How to Walk, Turn, and Navigate Curbs: Learn the mechanics of moving together, including how to walk in a straight path, stop and pause at curbs or terrain changes, and execute smooth turns that keep the guided person oriented and secure. Guiding to Objects & Seating Understand the simple yet crucial technique for helping a person with a visual impairment locate objects, doorknobs, or chairs. The Most Common Mistakes to Avoid We'll cover what NOT to do when guiding someone, ensuring the experience is respectful, comfortable, and puts the person with the visual impairment in control of their own movement. 📚 Free Resources: ► ⁠⁠Night Travel Skills PDF (For O&M Specialists): Get a comprehensive guide to help you teach night travel lessons effectively.⁠⁠ ► ⁠⁠5 Key Strategies Every Teacher Needs (For Classroom Teachers): A free PDF with five simple, quick things you can do right now to impact the lives of your learners with visual impairments.⁠⁠ ► ⁠⁠FREE SEE Community Membership⁠⁠ 📅 ACADEMIC CALENDAR: January 28-30, 2026 | International Orientation & Mobility Online Symposium | Conference for O&M Specialists ⁠⁠https://www.exceptionaleducators.us/iomos⁠⁠ Whether you’re a teacher, parent, educator, or advocate for special education and inclusive education, this video will help you stay informed about the latest strategies to help your students with visual impairments. Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the BELL ICON 🔔 so you never miss out on our latest content and updates on education! 📢 Join the Conversation! Have questions or tips of your own? Drop a comment below and let’s chat about it. ⬇️Thanks for watching, and see you in the next video! 👋💌 FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/exceptionaleducators.us⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/exceptionaleducators.us⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://linkedin.com/company/exceptionaleducators-us⁠

    5 min

  5. 28/10/2025

    How to Teach Upper & Lower Body Protective Techniques

    Learn the essential upper and lower body protective techniques for students with visual impairments. In this O&M guide, Orientation and Mobility Specialist Kassy Maloney demonstrates simple, step-by-step safety skills to prevent injuries from common obstacles like open cabinets, tree branches, and furniture. This is a crucial skill for safe, independent travel in any environment. 💡 In This Episode: The Upper Body Protective Technique: Discover the correct way to shield the head and face from high obstacles. Modifications for Younger Students with Multiple Impairments: Not every student has the spatial awareness for the standard technique. Learn two effective modifications for younger children or students with multiple impairments to ensure they can stay safe while moving through familiar spaces like a classroom or home. Mastering the Lower Body Protective Technique: Learn how to protect the lower torso and groin area from low-lying objects. 📚 Free Resources: ► ⁠⁠Night Travel Skills PDF (For O&M Specialists): Get a comprehensive guide to help you teach night travel lessons effectively.⁠⁠ ► ⁠⁠5 Key Strategies Every Teacher Needs (For Classroom Teachers): A free PDF with five simple, quick things you can do right now to impact the lives of your learners with visual impairments.⁠⁠ ► ⁠⁠FREE SEE Community Membership⁠⁠ 📅 ACADEMIC CALENDAR: January 28-30, 2026 | International Orientation & Mobility Online Symposium | Conference for O&M Specialists ⁠⁠https://www.exceptionaleducators.us/iomos⁠⁠ Whether you’re a teacher, parent, educator, or advocate for special education and inclusive education, this video will help you stay informed about the latest strategies to help your students with visual impairments. Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the BELL ICON 🔔 so you never miss out on our latest content and updates on education! 📢 Join the Conversation!Have questions or tips of your own? Drop a comment below and let’s chat about it. ⬇️Thanks for watching, and see you in the next video! 👋💌 FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/exceptionaleducators.us⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/exceptionaleducators.us⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://linkedin.com/company/exceptionaleducators-us⁠

    7 min

  6. 21/10/2025

    Essential Orientation and Mobility Tools for Night Travel

    Master night travel for the blind and visually impaired with these essential tips and tricks from a Certified Orientation and Mobility (O&M) specialist. This guide covers the best tools for safe travel at night for people with vision impairment. 💡 In this episode: Essential Night Travel Tools: Discover the pros and cons of different options to illuminate your path and travel with confidence. Staying Seen and Safe: Learn why high-visibility gear is crucial for night travel. Building Your O&M Toolbox: It's all about having the right tools for the job. Assemble your personal orientation and mobility "toolbox" to overcome the fear of traveling at night. 📚 Free Resources: ► ⁠Night Travel Skills PDF (For O&M Specialists): Get a comprehensive guide to help you teach night travel lessons effectively.⁠ ► ⁠5 Key Strategies Every Teacher Needs (For Classroom Teachers): A free PDF with five simple, quick things you can do right now to impact the lives of your learners with visual impairments.⁠ ► ⁠FREE SEE Community Membership⁠ 📅 ACADEMIC CALENDAR: January 28-30, 2026 | International Orientation & Mobility Online Symposium | Conference for O&M Specialists ⁠https://www.exceptionaleducators.us/iomos⁠ Whether you’re a teacher, parent, educator, or advocate for special education and inclusive education, this video will help you stay informed about the latest strategies to help your students with visual impairments. Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the BELL ICON 🔔 so you never miss out on our latest content and updates on education! 📢 Join the Conversation!Have questions or tips of your own? Drop a comment below and let’s chat about it. ⬇️Thanks for watching, and see you in the next video! 👋💌 FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/exceptionaleducators.us⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/exceptionaleducators.us⁠ ⁠https://linkedin.com/company/exceptionaleducators-us⁠

    9 min

  7. 14/10/2025

    How to Teach Street Crossing to Visually Impaired Students (O&M Skills)

    Learn how to cross the street with a student who has a visual impairment in this step-by-step guide. We'll cover essential orientation and mobility skills for street crossing, helping teachers and parents effectively teach this crucial life skill.💡 In This Episode: Understanding the Environment: Intersections & Key Terms:Discover how to identify and approach different types of intersections, from T-shaped to plus-shaped. Cane Technique & Positioning at the Curb:Learn the correct way for a student to use their cane at curb cuts and truncated domes. Effective Prompting & Support:Find out how to support your learner without creating dependency. Safety Signals & AwarenessExplore techniques beyond the cane, including how to non-verbally communicate with drivers and use environmental cues to determine the safest time to cross. 📚 Free Resources: ► Night Travel Skills PDF (For O&M Specialists): Get a comprehensive guide to help you teach night travel lessons effectively. ► 5 Key Strategies Every Teacher Needs (For Classroom Teachers): A free PDF with five simple, quick things you can do right now to impact the lives of your learners with visual impairments. ► FREE SEE Community Membership 📅 ACADEMIC CALENDAR: January 28-30, 2026 | International Orientation & Mobility Online Symposium | Conference for O&M Specialists https://www.exceptionaleducators.us/iomos Whether you’re a teacher, parent, educator, or advocate for special education and inclusive education, this video will help you stay informed about the latest strategies to help your students with visual impairments. Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the BELL ICON 🔔 so you never miss out on our latest content and updates on education! 📢 Join the Conversation!Have questions or tips of your own? Drop a comment below and let’s chat about it. ⬇️Thanks for watching, and see you in the next video! 👋💌 FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL: https://www.facebook.com/exceptionaleducators.us https://www.instagram.com/exceptionaleducators.us https://linkedin.com/company/exceptionaleducators-us

    14 min

  8. 07/10/2025

    How Do Blind People Use a Cane? | Using Constant Contact and Two-Point Touch

    What are the main types of cane skills for visually impaired learners? This episode covers Constant Contact vs. Two Point Touch, types of canes, and vital orientation and mobility tips for students with visual impairments.Learn not just how to use a cane, but how to use it with accuracy and confidence for maximum safety and independence.💡 In This Episode:The Two Foundational Cane Skills: Constant Contact & Two Point TouchDiscover the critical differences between these two techniques. We explain which skill is best for beginners and younger students, and which allows for faster, more efficient travel for experienced users.Choosing Your Tool: AFB vs. NFB Style CanesNot all white canes are the same. Learn about the AFB style cane and the NFB style cane.Step-by-Step Technique BreakdownMaster the correct form for safety and efficiency. We demonstrate proper hand position (midline), arc width (shoulder to shoulder), and the importance of contralateral movement to ensure you are always protected.Canes for Multiple Impairments & The Teacher's RoleLearn about adaptive mobility devices, like the safe toddles cane, for students with multiple impairments.Whether you’re a teacher, parent, educator, or advocate for special education and inclusive education, this video will help you stay informed about current events.Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the BELL ICON 🔔 so you never miss out on our latest content and updates on education!📢 Join the Conversation!Have questions or tips of your own? Drop a comment below and let’s chat about it. ⬇️Thanks for watching, and see you in the next video! 👋🎉 Join the SEE Community – It's FREE! 🎉🌎 Why? So you can:✅ Meet educators who share your passion✅ Get exclusive teaching resources & strategies✅ Learn the latest in Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) & O&MRegister Here: https://www.exceptionaleducators.us/ Struggling to support students with visual impairments? Get Your Free PDF Cheatsheet on how what educators should know to support their students with visual impairments: https://www.exceptionaleducators.us/5keys📅 ACADEMIC CALENDAR:Join the waitlist! "International Orientation & Mobility Online Symposium" | Conference for O&M Specialistshttps://www.orientationandmobilitysymposium.com💌 FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL:https://www.facebook.com/exceptionaleducators.ushttps://www.instagram.com/exceptionaleducators.ushttps://linkedin.com/company/exceptionaleducators-us

    13 min
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Información

An Orientation and Mobility Specialist's roadmap to increasing their students' independence while staying sane in the work place.

Ficha técnica

  • Creado por
    Kassandra Maloney
  • Años en activo
    2019 - 2025
  • Episodios
    228
  • Clasificación
    Apto
  • Derechos de autor
    © Kassandra Maloney
  • Sitio web del podcast
    A Step Forward