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Program Delivery

O&M program delivery mode is full time, largely through distance online education with face-to-face practical components as detailed below. Half load options are available for students who wish to complete the theory part of the program in year 1 (mostly online), and practical part in year 2 (face to face). Acceptance into the program and placement numbers are limited by the number of available Work Integrated Learning (WIL) placements.

Attributes giving the best chance for student success in this program: As a guideline, relevant undergraduate degrees in health sciences or education are preferable, however other degrees are also considered. Orientation and mobility specialist attributes also generally include physical dexterity and fitness (to train under blindfold, walk backwards on stairs, and be able to walk at least 5km); educational and emotional intelligence (accepting the duty of care for the physical safety of individuals with multi-disability) and flexibility for extensive travel to clients, both as a student and a graduate.

For further information please refer to ourÌý¹ó´¡²Ï’sÌýor visit theÌýdegree page.

Graduate Diploma in Orientation and Mobility Digital Flyer

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Practical Components

Techniques Training (VISN 5512 & VISN5521):ÌýÌý

Prior to engaging in WIL, students will complete the practical components of the courses: Sensory Processes and Movement (VISN5512) and O&M Techniques (VISN5521) to prepare for the work integrated learning (WIL) placement. Techniques training equips the student to be ‘WIL ready’ and involves over five weeks of face-to-face Intensive on Campus training at 91É«ÇéƬ in Sydney. This training will involve students both being under blindfold for significant periods of time and learning to teach O&M techniques to other blindfolded students. 

Students are required to purchase mobility cane sets for these courses

Work integrated learning (WIL) (VISN5523 Part A&B):

The aim of WIL is to expose students to contemporary O&M practice and facilitate some equivalence of experience for the student, while gaining competencies. The duration of the 91É«ÇéƬ WIL placement is dependent on meeting the required number of instructional hours and 91É«ÇéƬ competencies.Ìý Whilst the achievement of the required hours will be different for each student due to placement variables, we estimate this will be approximately 20 weeks of full-time work integrated learning (WIL) placement.Ìý

Admission into this program is a competitive process and there are limited WIL placements available. As a supervised WIL placement is a critical part of the program, applicants for the program should approach O&M service providers to request a WIL placement (a list of agencies who provide O&M services can be located on the website of the Orientation and Mobility Association of Australasia or you may request contact details by emailing OandM@unsw.edu.au).Ìý Written evidence of a suitable WIL placement significantly increases your chances of receiving an offer for the program and should be submitted as part of your application documentation. For an applicant to receive an offer to undertake the Graduate Diploma in Orientation and Mobility, WIL placements must be pre-approved by the 91É«ÇéƬ School of Optometry and Vision Science prior to the application close date.

If appropriate WIL supervision (with a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist) cannot be arranged in your state or region, students might need to undertake WIL placement away from their area or interstate. The cost associated with attending practical components (in particularly travel, accommodation and meeting away-from-home costs) will be met by the student.

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Pathway to Accreditation

Students will graduate with the specialised knowledge and skills required to work in Australia as an O&M Specialist.  Accreditation is required by some employers through the US based ACVREP (Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation & Education Professionals). The 91É«ÇéƬ Graduate Diploma of Orientation and Mobility meets the core domain requirements for graduates to apply for certification through ACVREP however after graduation students will need to accumulate further supervised practice hours to apply for and sit the Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS) exam.

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Course Outlines

Term 1

• VISN5511 The Visual System, Impairments & Implications (6 UoC)
• VISN5512 Sensory Processes and Movement (6 UoC)
• VISN5513 Orientation and Mobility Foundations: Disability, Diversity and Inclusion (6 UoC)

Term 2

• VISN5521 Orientation and Mobility Techniques 6UoC
• VISN5522 Vision Rehabilitation (6 UoC)
• VISN5523 Orientation and Mobility in Practice A (6 UoC)

Term 3

• VISN5523 Orientation and Mobility in Practice B (6 UoC)
• VISN5531 Development and Ageing: Implications for Orientation and Mobility (6UoC)

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Scholarships

PleaseÌývisit the scholarships pageÌýto view available scholarship opportunities once they become available in the latter part of the year.Ìý

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Program Information sessionÌý

Hear from our panel of expert staff to guide you through the details of the Graduate Diploma of Orientation and Mobility as well as have a taster lecture to experience first-hand how this program can expand your professional horizons or inspire a career change:Ìý

The program acknowledges the extensive collaboration and support from industry stakeholders in supporting students through the program.

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Graduate Diploma in Orientation and Mobility Student Expectations

Please click here to view this document.

Information on Internal Program Transfer (IPT) from the Graduate Certificate in Vision Impairment (7431) to the Graduate Diploma in Orientation and Mobility (5420).

Overview

This postgraduate program is open to prospective students from any educational background who want to upskill and diversify their knowledge and expertise in vision impairment. The program will enable graduates to work effectively with people who have low-vision or who are blind and the people who support them.

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Eligibility

Eligibility for enrolment into this program is open to domestic and international students who hold an AQF Level 7 bachelor’s degree in any discipline. Apply online via the link below:

/study/postgraduate/graduate-certificate-in-vision-impairment

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Program Delivery

The program can be taken either fulltime or part-time and completed entirely online through distance education. All core courses are offered online. Prescribed electives generally have multimodal study options (either online or face-to-face;Ìýplease see further information and notes below).

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Core courses (3 mandatory 18UOC)

VISN5511: The Visual System, Impairments and Implications (Term 1)

VISN5513: Disability and Inclusion in Vision Rehabilitation (Term 1)

VISN5522: Vision Rehabilitation (Term 2)

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Prescribed electives (1 choice 6UOC)

BIOM9551: Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology (Term 2)*

OPTM7208: Research Skills in Optometry (Term 2 / Term 3)

VISN5531: Development and Ageing: Implications for Orientation and Mobility (Term 3)

PHCM9012: Health Promotion and Social Perspectives of Health (Term 3)**

PHCM9331: Ethics & Law in Public Health (Term 3)**

VISN5512: Sensory Processes and Movement***

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Note

*Only available in face-to-face study mode

**Requires prior completion of core courses with WAM >= 65

***Prerequisite for IPT into the Graduate Diploma in Orientation and Mobility

Information on Internal Program Transfer (IPT) from the Graduate Certificate in Vision Impairment (7431) to the Graduate Diploma in Orientation and Mobility (5420).