Newsletter Articles, Conference Papers, and Handouts
By Dona Sauerburger, COMS


Step by Step: Systematic Cane Instruction and Assessment
This page has the powerpoint / notes from "Step by Step" presentations 2009-2010

Changing Best Practice - Centralize O&M Innovation?
How can we change O&M best practice when safety requires it?
AER Orientation and Mobility Division Newsletter, Spring 2010

An Introduction to Orientation and Mobility
Special issue on Orientation and Mobility in the VisionAWARE newsletter, July 2008, Volume 2, Number 3
(This series of articles has evolved since it was originally written, and is now authored by VisionAware staff)


Quiet Cars and the Safety of Blind Persons
Presentation at meeting of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Washington, DC, June 23, 2008


"Traditional" O&M in the Modern Environment: Hallmarks of a Quality O&M Program
Presentation for panel regarding "Traditional" O&M and Structured Discovery Learning
National Council of State Agencies for the Blind, April 26, 2007, Bethesda, Maryland

O&M for Visually Impaired Persons with Multiple Disabilities including Deaf-Blindness
by Dona Sauerburger, COMS, Eileen Siffermann, COMS, and Dr. Sandra Rosen, COMS
Principles of working with people with multiple disabilities, including visual and cognitive, hearing, or physical/health disabilities
Proceedings: 12th International Mobility Conference, Plenary Session VI; November 29, 2006, Hong Kong, China


Stages of Learning to Use a Cane
Process of learning to use a cane, and suggestions for overcoming difficulties in achieving proficiency.
Spring 2005 Newsletter
AER Orientation and Mobility Division

O&M University and College Personnel Preparation Programs
Information about programs for preparation as a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS)
Annual booklet published by the
AER Orientation and Mobility Division

Teaching Use of Visual and Non Visual Techniques
Addresses the issue of blindfolding
Part of joint presentation with Dr. William Wiener: "Traditional and Progressive Approaches to Independent Cane Travel"
National Conference for Residential Training Centers for the Blind, Albuquerque, New Mexico, November 13, 2002
Examples of Strategies for Teaching Non-Visual Skills and Use of Non-Visual Information

Decisions, Decisions: Who Knows What's Best for the Client?
Discusses the role of professionals in clients' decisions
National Conference for Residential Training Centers for the Blind, Albuquerque, New Mexico: November 13, 2002

Book Reviews

  • Techniques Used by Blind Cane Travel Instructors
  • The Importance of O&M Skills for Students Who are Deaf-Blind
  • A Pedestrian Safety Guide for Parents and Teachers with Children Who Have Impairments
  • Foundations of O&M, Second Edition
    September, 1999 newsletter
    Metropolitan Washington Orientation and Mobility Association (WOMA)

    O&M Specialists are COOL!
    Ideas for O&M specialists to stay cool in blistering summer heat
    July 1999 Newsletter
    Metropolitan Washington Orientation and Mobility Association (WOMA)

    Association for Travel Instruction Formed!
    Travel Instructors, who provide training for independent travel to people with disabilities other than blindness, form their first association
    May 1999 newsletter
    Metropolitan Washington Orientation and Mobility Association (WOMA)

    Teaching the Use of Hearing
    Ideas and strategies from O&M specialists for teaching blind people to maximize the use of their hearing.
    March, 1999 newsletter
    Metropolitan Washington Orientation and Mobility Association (WOMA)

    Make Your Own Vision Impairment Simulators
    Includes information on functional visual effects by Dr. Duane Geruschat, COMS;
    considerations in the use of vision simulators by Dr. Laura Bozeman, COMS;
    a "vision simulation" involving no vision simulators! and
    how to simulate traveling blind safely.

    January 1998 newsletter, DC-Maryland Chapter
    Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired

    O&M Living History - Where Did our O&M Techniques Come From?
    May 1996 WOMA Newsletter
    AER Orientation and Mobility Newsletter and website

    Teaching O&M From a Wheelchair
    Highlights Pamela Matheson, the first COMS to teach O&M from a wheelchair
    Spring 1995 newsletter
    Metropolitan Washington Orientation and Mobility Association (WOMA)

    Persons with Disabilities Can Teach Orientation and Mobility: A Convert's Perspective
    Essay from a "Point/Counterpoint" column debating whether blind people can be effective O&M specialists
    Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness, January-February 1996

    What Cues do Blind People Use to Recognize a Street in the Absence of a Curb?
    Reports lessons learned from participating in a research project asking blind people to identify the edge of the street -- lessons we can pass on to our students.
    January 1993 newsletter
    Metropolitan Washington Orientation and Mobility Association (WOMA)

    Meet an Orientation and Mobility Specialist
    Highlights the lives of a number of orientation and mobility specialists.
    AER Orientation and Mobility newsletters

    Posters - on-line posters on the SpEdEx website regarding street crossings and deaf-blind people

    Low Vision Specialist Convicted of Practicing Optometry
    An optician who specialized in low vision was convicted of practicing optometry without a license.
    (Has been reprinted in the newsletter of the AER Low Vision Division under the title "Liability: Extreme Example of Providing Low Vision Services Independently")

    DC-MD AER newsletter, March 1990

    Orientation -- What is Our Role?
    Are O&M specialists responsible to find the best routes and transportation options for their students?
    July, 1990 Newsletter, Metropolitan Washington Orientation and Mobility Association

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