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Orientation and Mobility Specialists


Overview

Orientation and Mobility Specialists

Introduction

Orientation and mobility specialists help people with disabilities stay actively involved in society. They teach blind, visually impaired, and disabled individuals how to master the skills necessary to live independently and often encourage them to participate in various educational or recreational programs. Specialists also serve as a source of information, referring clients to financial aid, benefits, and legal advice. These workers may be employed directly by an individual or indirectly through community planning, research, and p...

Quick Facts


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Median Salary

$84,950

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Employment Prospects

Good

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Minimum Education Level

Master's Degree


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Experience

Internship


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Skills

Interpersonal
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Personality Traits

Hands On
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Earnings

The higher the degree held by specialists, the higher their earning potential. Those with a Ph.D. can take jobs in indirect service, research, and planning. Salaries also vary among regions; in general, social workers on the East and West Coasts earn higher salaries than those in the Midwest. During the first five years of practice, salaries increase faster than in later years.

Occupatio...

Work Environment

Orientation and mobility specialists work part of the time in an office, analyzing and updating client files, interviewing clients over the phone, and talking with other service agencies. Depending on the size of the agency, office duties such as typing letters, filing, and answering phones may be performed by an aide or volunteer.

The rest of their time is spent outside the office, inte...

Outlook

In September 2019, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that 61 million people live with a disability. Approximately 26 percent of adults in the U.S. have some type of disability. In addition to continuing the fight against discrimination in the workplace and in general society, the disabled also need assistance in order to live productive lives.

Future funding is an i...