Metropolitan Washington Orientation and Mobility Association
Contracting Orientation and Mobility Specialists
Below is a list of orientation and mobility specialists willing to contract privately. Listed with their name and contact information are:
The geographical area in which they prefer to work (may be flexible -- some are willing to travel beyond the suggested area);
Some of their professional qualifications;
Any special areas of interest.
No attempt has been made on our part to verify any of the qualifications of the instructors except certification by the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals (this can be verified at ACVREP's directory). It is up to the agencies or individuals desiring instruction to make their own decision concerning the suitability of the instructor.
Geographical area: Fairfax and Northern Virginia
Qualifications: Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist and Teacher of
Students with Visual Impairments. Over 10 years of experience; M.A. and dual certification from University of Northern Colorado
Special interests: Works with all ages, but specializes in serving preemies,
infants, young children and students; pre-mobility and full mobility training, sensory integration, developmental support, adaptive technology,
braille, academic and expanded core curriculum instruction.
Geographical area: Montgomery, Howard, P.G., D.C. Arlington, Falls Church, Vienna, Frederick
Qualifications: Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist; BS in Rehab (O&M); over 15 years of experience
Special interests: Experience with adults and kids... very basic sign skills.
Geographical area: Baltimore/Washington
Qualifications: Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist, 12 years experience, M.Ed. from the University of Pittsburgh ('94)
Special interest: Kids, adults, multiple disabilities
NOTE: Available summers and limited times during school year
Geographical area: Baltimore/Washington
Qualifications: Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist; MA Western Michigan University ('90)
Special Interests: Children / adults who are blind and have additional disabilities
Jacquelyn Pavelko
13156 Morning Spring Lane, Fairfax, VA 22033
(269) 330-3433
Geographical area: Eastern West Virginia, Northern Virginia, DC, and Southern MD
Qualifications: Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist; Master's of Art in O&M; over 15 years of experience
Special interest: Experience with infants, school-aged, and adults.
Company owner of llc Mobility Etc.
Geographical area: Washington, DC
Qualifications: Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist, 10 years experience
Special interest: Adults; Metrorail and bus travel; guide dogs
Geographical area: MD, DC, VA
Qualifications: Over 25 years' experience teaching mobility skills, and providing low vision therapy services to people with visual and other disabilities.
Limited sign language proficiency.
Over a decade of service to people with multiple disabilities.
Special interest: Adults 18-108, and enhancing independence through the use of visual efficiency, low vision devices, and technology.
Geographical area: Anne Arundel, Prince Georges, and Montgomery Counties, Washington DC
Qualifications: Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist, M.A. from Western Michigan University, more than 30 years of experience
Special Interests: Teaching street-crossing; O&M for people with both hearing and vision loss (skilled in American Sign Language)
Geographical area: Anne Arundel County, Montgomery County, Washington DC, Howard and Prince Georges County.
Qualifications: Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist; M.A., Western Michigan 1985
Special Interests: Children and adults; use of public transportation; and experience with dog guides.
Geographical area: Between DC & Baltimore areas
Qualifications: Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist, Masters in Special Education from Vanderbilt University with specialization in O&M; Maryland teachers certification in Visual Impairment; 24 years' experience in O&M with people aged 12 to 90