Who's Who: Orientation and Mobility Specialist

In part one, Orientation and Mobility Specialist Debra Lackey discusses her work with students who are deaf-blind.  In parts two and three, Ms. Lackey and a student prepare for and go on a mobility lesson together.

View parts 1, 2, and 3 below on this webpage, or click on the lower right-hand corner to watch on YouTube.

Part 1 of 3 (Video length 9:34 )


  • Are there any names or acronyms for your discipline?
  • What is Orientation and Mobility, and while kinds of services do you offer a student who is deaf-blind?
  • Is there a difference between what you were trained to do and what you actually do for students who are deaf-blind?
  • What can an Orientation and Mobility Specialist bring to a student's educational team?
  • How do you communicate with other team members, and why is this so important?
  • Are there any misconceptions about your discipline you would like to clarify?

Part 2 of 3 (Video length 9:46)

  • At school, Ms. Lackey assists Francisco Pereda with math concepts and new vocabulary, while connecting work with the earning of money to both save and spend.
  • Francisco practices using a cane independently before their trip to the bank and lunch.

Part 3 of 3 (Video length 9:51)

  • Francisco uses his Braille transcriber to communicate with the bank teller and make a deposit into his savings account.
  • Francisco and Ms. Lackey order and pay for lunch at a fast-food restaurant.