Blog Post; August 2025

2026 Graduate Diploma in Orientation and Mobility and the Graduate Certificate in Vision Impairment

UNSW School of Optometry & Vision Science is inviting applications for its 2026 intake of the Graduate Diploma in Orientation and Mobility (O&M), a one-of-a-kind program in Australia designed to equip professionals with the skills to support people who are blind or have low vision in navigating their environments safely and independently.

Applications for the Grad Dip in O&M 2026 intake close 15 October 2025, however applications for the Graduate Certificate in Vision Impairment will remain open until early next year.  With limited places available, prospective students are encouraged to apply early. Please click here for more information.

 

Open letter to the membership of OMAA

Re: Letter from NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission, received by OMAA Standards Committee 12 March 2025: update to clarify OMAA’s current position

The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission informed OMAA in March 2025 of the much sought-after change to required qualifications to meet the criteria for Orientation and Mobility Specialists within their system as:

“Orientation and Mobility Specialist

This profession is associated with the below registration group(s):

· 0128 Therapeutic Supports

· Any registration group listed under ‘Other Professions’

In addition to the requirements above, this profession must also meet the following requirements:

Required qualifications / experience: Registered Orientation and Mobility Specialist by the Orientation and Mobility Association of Australasia”

Click here to read the complete open letter.

We will continue to communicate and update OMAA membership as we progress.

Yours Sincerely,

Kay Daly

OMAA President

On behalf of the OMAA Executive Committee

 

Response from OMAA Professional Standards Committee to NDIA July 2025 Price Guide

The Orientation and Mobility Association of Australasia (OMAA) is the registration body for Orientation and Mobility (O&M) Specialists in Australia. The Professional Standards Committee (PSC) of OMAA gathers voices from a range of stakeholders and informs OMAA direction on management of standards of practice in the profession of O&M, and reports to the Executive Committee.

Click here to read the complete open letter which can be used by plan managers to clarify conditions of payment.

We will continue to communicate and update OMAA membership as we progress.

Felicity Gates ROMSA

Orientation and Mobility Association of Australasia

Chair, Professional Standards Committee

 

Disability Discrimination Act Review Consultation Now Open

The Attorney General’s department has published a consultation considering a range of issues to be addressed in a review of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA). This review process is in response to recommendations resulting from the Disability Royal Commission published in 2024. The aim of the review is to examine whether the DDA is fit for purpose. It invites feedback and ideas on updating the definition of disability used in the legislation, and the potential implementation of positive duty, naming just two aspects.

The government invites the following groups to share their views on this important area for reform:

  • people with disability
  • families, carers and kin
  • advocates
  • service providers
  • employers
  • unions
  • small business
  • legal professionals
  • education providers
  • academia
  • the broader community.

There are two ways to contribute to the consultation. There is an issues paper to which you can respond, and a shorter survey. The consultation closes on 24 October 2025. To find out more visit the DDA Review website.

Thank you to Guide Dogs Australia for this article.

 

Upcoming Conferences

The VISCON conference will contribute 8.5 PD hours towards COMS recertification with ACVREP.

  • National Deafblind Conference 2025: Filling in the Gaps and Joining the Dots: University of Sydney, Australia, 27-28 November 2025.

Attendance is free. For all information and to register to attend online or in person, visit the Conference website.

Please be aware that this conference does not offer COMS credits.

Early bird registration is now available, and you will earn 18 CEUs (Continuing Education Units).

 

Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

  • OMAA Community of Practice Meeting, 19 August 2025, Orientation & Mobility for Children

AEST: 1.30pm – 3:00pm

WA: 11.30am – 1.00pm

QLD: 1.30pm – 3.00pm

NZ: 3.30pm – 5.00pm

Click the link below to take you to the zoom meeting:

https://zoom.us/j/99946030878

Mini-presentations include:

  • How to run engaging classroom workshops for different age groups
  • Using AI to spark curiosity and build O&M skills
  • Mobility aids for little travellers — canes, tips, AMDs, and the “cane belt”
  • A bite-sized overview of go-to O&M assessment tools
  • Making O&M playful and fun — ideas that kids and you will love
  • Supporting children with multiple impairments — getting started with confidence

 

  • Foundations of Orientation and Mobility Series

The AER Orientation & Mobility (O&M) Division is excited to announce a new Webinar Series inspired by the recent release of the fourth edition of our beloved textbook Foundations of Orientation and Mobility, Editors- William Wiener, Robert Wall Emerson, and Bruce Blasch.

This long-anticipated series launches on Thursday, September 4, 2025 (EDT) with a session led by Dr. Wall Emerson. Each session will spotlight the work of a chapter author and/or co-authors, offering deep dives into the essential principles of each chapter.

  • Session Format: 60–90 minutes
  • Credits: ACVREP credits available (included with AER membership)
  • Access: Most sessions will be live and recorded for the AER eLearning platform; some may be pre-recorded and available on-demand
  • Q&A Opportunity:  Sessions will offer an opportunity to ask questions of chapter authors. Some sessions will offer a live Q&A, while others will extend the opportunity to follow up with chapter authors via email.

Find out more and register for the first session here.

You can find other PD opportunities at the OMAA website.

Are you hosting or attending an upcoming CPD event? Would you like to be able to earn points towards ACVREP recertification at the same time? Click here to find out how you can register your event.

 

Job Vacancies

Have you looked at the Job Vacancies page on the OMAA website recently? You’ll find position vacancies listed for various agencies and locations across Australasia so remember to check it out.

 

ACVREP Resources 

A reminder that you can access free copies of the Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness (JVIB) and the Journal of Special Education via your ACVREP account. Simply log in to My ACVREP and you can access the journals here.

Thanks to Cindy Wilson at Guide Dogs NSW for this reminder!

 

Other News

  • In exciting news for South Australian O&M Specialists and their students, Can:Do 4Kids is creating an innovative Community Outdoor Play and Sensory Area at their Noarlunga Centre. It aims to provide a unique, supportive space for children with sensory and developmental challenges, including those who are blind or have low vision. It will consist of four therapy zones, including an orientation and mobility facility incorporating road safety components. Construction is expected to commence later this year. You can learn more about the project here.
  • Big news for footy fans! Telstra has launched an accessible technology system for blind and low vision AFL fans to follow live games by physically feeling every movement, after previously being reliant on sound. The technology translates the movement of the ball on-field to a Touch and Track tablet. Users can then follow the game with their fingers by using a small metal ring on a trackpad that replicates the ball’s movement. Click here to find out more.
  • National Gallery of Australia delivers a monthly online program for people who are blind or with low vision. Each session includes audio description of works of art in the NGA’s collection and presentations by specialist staff, along with poetry and music to enhance the listening experience.

 

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