Orientation and Mobility Specialist

State of Colorado; Colorado Springs (CO); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and Dental plans

PERA retirement plans

Paid life insurance

Disability coverage

Flexible work schedule options

Remote-work options

Job summary

Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind (CSDB) seeks an Orientation and Mobility Specialist to instruct students from preschool through transition in safe, independent travel. You will work on campus, in the community, and at students' homes, building skills across body awareness and mobility systems.

The role requires ACVREP certification and a Colorado O&M endorsement, with the chance to collaborate with a multidisciplinary team and contribute to school improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
• ACVREP certification is required.
• Colorado educator/special services licensure with an O&M endorsement is required.

Responsibilities

• Provide O&M instruction to Deaf/Blind and Blind/Low Vision students.
• Develop goals and instructional activities for progress in mobility.
• Maintain student records and report progress to families and staff.
• Coordinate services with other providers to minimize disruptions.

Skills

O&M instruction

Assessment & progress data

ASL proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher

Tools

ACVREP certification

Colorado state licensure

Job description

Commitment

CSDB is a Deaf and Blind-led academy where language, leadership, and learning converge to generate agency.

Grounded in lived experience, students develop presence, purpose, and wayfinding - in a space built for growth, pride, and authenticity.

Aspiration

CSDB builds generations of thinkers, makers, and leaders who set new standards and transform the world.

General Responsibilities

Under the direction of the Director of Special Education, this position provides orientation and mobility (O&M) instruction to students from preschool through transition age who are Blind/Low Vision or Deafblind, including students with additional disabilities. Instruction focuses on developing the skills necessary for safe, independent, and efficient travel across school, home, and community environments.

Job Functions

• Provide instruction in body awareness, laterality, directionality, spatial and environmental concepts, sensory development, foundational concepts, and orientation and mobility skills. Instruction may occur on campus (indoors and outdoors), in the surrounding community, and within the student's residential environment, during regular school hours and, as needed, during evening hours.

• Provide individualized instruction in human guide techniques, direction-taking, squaring off, self-familiarization, upper and lower body protective techniques, cane skills, street crossings, number systems, public transportation, and the use of optical aids, based on each student's needs.

• Develop individualized short- and long-term goals and objectives and design instructional activities to support student progress and achievement.

• Develop and maintain O&M service schedules for students identified as requiring instruction. Evaluate students to determine current skill levels, collaborate with instructional staff to integrate classroom and O&M instruction, and coordinate services to minimize disruptions to student schedules.

• Participate in special education meetings and processes as appropriate. Maintain accurate and current student records, communicate with parents and guardians, and prepare quarterly student progress reports.

• Collaborate with related service providers and other school personnel to support school improvement initiatives, strategic planning, and co-curricular activities.

• Serve as an active and collaborative member of the Student Services Department and the Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind. Participate in departmental, team, school, and instructional meetings as required.

• Participate in professional development activities, training, and workshops to maintain and enhance professional knowledge and skills. Provide in-service training to school staff as appropriate.

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university.

• Current certification as an Orientation and Mobility Specialist through the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals (ACVREP).

• Hold or be eligible for appropriate Colorado educator/special services licensure with an endorsement as a School Orientation and Mobility Specialist.

Preferred Qualifications

• Colorado educator licensure with an endorsement as a Special Education Specialist: Visually Impaired, or an equivalent endorsement.

• Experience working with children with visual impairments and/or additional disabilities in an educational setting.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of and ability to apply current instructional methods and techniques for teaching orientation and mobility skills.

• Knowledge of the Expanded Core Curriculum for students with visual impairments, including students with multiple disabilities.

• Ability to collect, maintain, and analyze student progress data related to individualized orientation and mobility goals.

• Knowledge of and ability to assess and effectively use technology relevant to the position, including GPS navigation systems and other assistive technologies.

• Proficiency in common computer applications, including email, internet browsers, word processing, electronic calendars, presentation software, spreadsheets, and databases. Ability and willingness to maintain and develop technology skills independently or with available support.

• Ability to receive, respond constructively to, and incorporate feedback.

• Ability to work cooperatively and effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.

• Strong interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills.

• Proficiency in American Sign Language (ASL), or a demonstrated commitment to developing proficiency at the Novice level, as measured through an appropriate assessment tool and in accordance with CSDB policy.

Organizational Relationships

Reports to and is evaluated by the Director of Special Education.

Terms of Employment

This position is employed under an annual contract based on the standard number of working days in the academic year (currently 195 days, August through June). Salary is established in accordance with the Teacher Salary Schedule and is based on applicable education and experience.

Effective Date

School Year 2026–2027

Working Conditions / Physical Demands

Work is performed in a school environment, including campus buildings and grounds, public transportation systems, and public thoroughfares. The position routinely requires light physical activity, including walking, standing, stooping, and crouching.

Physical demands may include occasionally exerting force in excess of 100 pounds. Working with students with special needs may require more frequent physical exertion.

The position also requires the ability to climb stairs, bend, reach, handle objects, and operate computer equipment and keyboards using fine motor skills.

The position requires the ability to communicate and exchange information effectively, receive and interpret detailed information, compare and analyze data, coordinate information, provide instruction and training, and demonstrate effective interpersonal skills and professional behaviors.

Please note that communication relative to this position will occur primarily via e-mail correspondence.

Benefits

In addition to offering rewarding, meaningful work, we offer:

• Medical and Dental plans
• Strong, flexible retirement plans including PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan, plus pre-tax 401K and 457 plans
• Paid life insurance
• Short-and-long-term disability coverage
• Employee Wellness programsFlexible Spending Accounts
• Health Savings Accounts
• 11 paid holidays per year plus generous vacation and sick leave
• Flexible work schedule options and remote-work options
• Career advancement opportunities throughout the State system

Please refer to the CO-Jobs State Employment Opportunities website for the following information:

• State Employment FAQs
• Address Confidentiality Program
• ADA Accommodations
• Residency Requirements