This series on technology for orientation and mobility is intended to provide the Orientation and Mobility Specialist (OMS) with resources for working with an array of age groups across the life span, as well as providing resources to carry out other professional functions that support direct instruction with learners (e.g. consultation with other providers, paperwork, remote work locations, cloud systems, etc.). The options that exist today are continuing to expand and develop at an advancing rate. More apps, more devices, more equipment, all translate to more for professionals providing service to know about so they can share them with the learners they work with. The series will provide a starting place to begin your own learning experience so you will have the ability to share with learners you work with, as well as learn with them for new application of the skills as they progress in their abilities.

Introduction of Apps and Technology (for Preschool through Adult) for Accessibility

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) Apps
• Crowd Sourced Apps
• Text to Speech Apps
• CCTV or Magnification Apps
• Currency Readers
• QR Code Readers
• Digital Readers
• Apps for CVI

Navigation and GPS Apps

• Built in Map Programs
• Accessible GPS Apps (Designed for those with Blindness and Vision Loss)
• Mainstream GPS Apps
• Transportation and Route Planning Apps
• Local Transit Agency Apps
• Third Party Transit Apps
• Transportation Network Company (TNC) Apps (e.g. Uber, Lyft, etc.)

Accessibility Features of Smartphones

• VoiceOver on iOS
• Settings menu
• Rotor
• Gestures
• Practice Activities
• TalkBack on Android
• Settings menu
• Control menu
• Gestures
• Practice Activities
• Low Vision Accessibility

Managing Orientation and Mobility Caseloads/Workloads

• Creating Communication Tools for Teams
• Cloud Options
• Creating LiveBinders
• Scanning tools
• Mileage tracking
• Billing tools and time tracking
• Video sharing
• Remote conferencing
• Note sharing across platforms

Teaching O&M Clients How to Use Apps

• • Determining User Needs
  • Creating Maps
  • Having Maps Produced
  • Developing Map Skills
  • Accessible Maps
  • Types of Accessible Maps
  • Special Concepts and Apps for CVI

Deep Dive into GPS

• Understanding GPS
• What it can do
• What it cannot do
• Understanding Coordinates
• Converting Coordinates
• Blind Square
• Nearby Explorer
• Seeing Eye GPS
• Lazarillo
• Stand Alone Units (i.e. HumanWare Victor Reader Trek)
• Special Section on GPS for Pre-School through Elementary
• Searching
• Virtual Exploration
• Creating Landmarks
• User Options
• GPS and Beacons
• Understanding the basics
• Proximity versus Geocoordinates
• Where are the found?

This event addresses the following Standards from the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers: 1.1.2, 1.2.2, 1.3.2, 1.4.2, 1.5.2, 1.6.2, 2.6.2, 3.2.2, 3.3.2, 3.4.2, 3.6.2, 4.1.2, 4.4.2, 4.5.2, 5.1.2, 5.2.2, 5.3.2, 5.4.2, 6.2.2, 6.2.6, 6.3.2, 6.4.2, 7.4.2. It fits within the Priority Area of Children/ Student with Disabilities. This event is evidence and research based.