Graduate Diploma
Orientation and Mobility (O&M) is the practice of enabling people with low vision or blindness to know where they are, so they can get where they want to go safely.
Orientation and Mobility (O&M) is the practice of enabling people with low vision or blindness to know where they are, so they can get where they want to go safely. O&M specialists work with people of all ages, tailoring interventions to suit the needs of the individual client, including people with additional complexities such as health conditions.
Work integrated learning placements form a significant portion of the program and provide opportunities for students to undertake supervised placements at partner organisations such as health facilities, education settings and other relevant agencies. Students are exposed to a wide breath of experience and upon graduating, you will be able to able to demonstrate clinical competence with various populations of individuals with blindness and low vision, allowing you to work across a wide range of organisations that provide O&M services.
You will complete a supervised Work Integrated Learning (WIL) placement in an agency providing O&M services. Face-to-face WIL placement components are a critical component of the degree and may be completed in a student's home state where possible. WIL placements, however, are dependent on the availability in industry, and thus students must be prepared to travel within their state to see clients in different locations and on some occasions may need to undertake a WIL placement interstate.
The theory component of this program is offered through distance online education. There are five weeks of face-to-face techniques training at UNSW in Sydney and approximately 20 weeks of full-time equivalent WIL placement.
You 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 UNSW Graduate Diploma of Orientation and Mobility meets the core domain requirements for graduates to apply for certification through ACVREP however after graduation you will need to accumulate further supervised practice hours to apply for and sit the Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS) exam.
For further information, please visit the program FAQs" data-click_title="RichText" data-click_name="visit the program FAQs">visit the program FAQs.
The Graduate Diploma in Orientation and Mobility will provide graduates with specialised knowledge, and critical and analytical skills to support lifelong learning. It provides practical experience as part of the process for graduates to apply for industry certification and to work as an O&M specialist with clients who have low vision or blindness.
Study with the School of Optometry and Vision Science
UNSW Optometry and Vision Science is the largest school of optometry in Australia. We are committed to forming partnerships within the ophthalmic industry and across the healthcare sector. The School is committed to translational research that will lead to practical applications and significant improvements in community eye health.
The minimum entry requirement for this program is an AQF level 7 bachelor's degree in any discipline. Undergraduate degrees from a health science and/or teaching background are generally an advantage.
In order to comply with organisational requirements students will need to have an NDIS Workers Screening Check, which in most states includes a Working With Children Check (WWCC), criminal history check and abide by the immunisation and safety protocols from the relevant health authorities for students in training. Requirements will be outlined specially to students when placements are secured for that student. The cost associated with this work experience will be met by the student.
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If you're completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.
If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College's Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
The minimum entry requirement for this program is an AQF level 7 bachelor's degree in any discipline. Undergraduate degrees from a health science and/or teaching background are generally an advantage.
In order to comply with organisational requirements students will need to have an NDIS Workers Screening Check, which in most states includes a Working With Children Check (WWCC), criminal history check and abide by the immunisation and safety protocols from the relevant health authorities for students in training. Requirements will be outlined specially to students when placements are secured for that student. The cost associated with this work experience will be met by the student.
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If English is not your first language, you'll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College's Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
The UNSW Graduate Diploma in Orientation and Mobility is the only program of its kind in Australia. Currently there are a lack of O&M specialists in Australia, particularly in rural areas. There is the opportunity of working in non-for-profit rehabilitation organisations, the private sector, in research and overseas, i.e. Singapore, Africa and the Pacific Islands are in need of O&M specialists.