Orientation and Mobility Specialist Training Program

June 19, 1997

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 06/19/97

Contact: Margie Yu
Public Affairs Assistant
PHONE: (323) 343-3047
FAX: (323) 343-6405

 

PROGRAM THAT PREPARES PROFESSIONALS TO HELP
THE BLIND REACHES ITS 30TH YEAR

Cal State L.A. Students Learn Basic Skills on Campus and in the South Pasadena Community

Los Angeles, CA -- June 19, 1997 -- Over the years, South Pasadena residents and business owners may have observed individuals with canes and blindfolds traveling through their community, what they may not have known is that many of these visitors are Cal State L.A. graduate students in the University's Orientation and Mobility Specialist Training Program.

On Monday, June 23, the Orientation and Mobility Specialist Training Program at Cal State L.A., under the auspices of the Division of Special Education, will reach its 30th year of successfully educating and preparing professionals to work with the blind and visually impaired.

Since its inception in 1967, the Cal State L.A. Orientation and Mobility Specialist Training Program has trained more than 300 professionals to teach independent movement and travel skills to blind and visually impaired infants, children and adults. The one-year master's degree and credential program are funded with federal training stipends and registration fees.

In the first quarter of training in the master's degree program, trainees learn the skills of independent travel with a long cane, as well as teach and observe each other. After basic skills are learned on campus at Cal State L.A., students progress to the residential areas of South Pasadena, and later to the business area on Fair Oaks Avenue where they learn how to cross streets at traffic light controlled intersections and use public transportation.

The program is currently recruiting candidates with a bachelor's degree who have a strong desire and demonstrated ability to work with people. There is a particular need for candidates who are bilingual.

For more information, contact Diane Fazzi or Tasha Dean at (323) 343-4411.

 

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