O&M in the Golden Age with Anna Peskin
Jan 24, 2022
Do you know that one in three individuals who has a visual impairment is over the age of 65? And yet they often receive the least amount of funding services for that population. Have you ever wondered why the discrepancy and possibly even what we can do about it? And if you're working with visual impairments who are over the age of 65, some challenges to think about and some ways to overcome them? Well, today you are in for a treat, because that is exactly what we are getting into.
If you've ever wondered what it's like to work as an Orientation and Mobility (O&M) specialist, you're in for a treat. In a recent conversation, Kassy sat down with Anna, an O&M specialist working for a nonprofit, to discuss the ins and outs of her daily routine. From working with clients of all ages to navigating unpredictable schedules, Anna shares what makes this career both exciting and challenging.
A Flexible, Dynamic Career
Anna describes her work as a mix of structured and unstructured elements. Though she has an office at her center, she also travels frequently to meet clients where they are—whether in their homes, schools, or other community settings. Unlike traditional teaching roles, Anna works with clients on an as-needed basis, meaning her schedule is always evolving. Some clients visit her center, while others require her to travel, sometimes up to an hour away.
One unique aspect of her role is that she is contracted out to school districts that don’t have a dedicated O&M specialist. This allows her to continue working with school-aged children while also supporting older adults. The variety keeps her work fresh and engaging.
Balancing Scheduling Challenges
Working with an older population comes with its own set of challenges. Anna highlights the importance of flexibility, as older clients are more likely to cancel appointments due to weather conditions or health concerns. While this can make planning difficult, it also allows for occasional unexpected breaks in her schedule, which she doesn’t mind.
Kassy notes that O&M specialists are a unique bunch—they enjoy working independently and often thrive in environments where they don’t have to be in the same place all day. The unpredictability of the job can be both a blessing and a challenge, requiring adaptability and patience.
Funding and Its Impact
One of the more frustrating aspects of Anna’s work is dealing with funding limitations. Since her clients receive services through different funding sources—state programs, grants, and other allocations—she sometimes has to pause services until additional funding is secured. This can disrupt the continuity of training, particularly for older clients who may need consistent practice to retain their skills. Despite these hurdles, Anna finds the work deeply fulfilling.
The Importance of Continued Learning
Anna will be presenting at an upcoming symposium, where she’ll be diving deeper into how to evaluate and work with older clients. Kassy emphasizes how valuable this knowledge is, especially since resources on O&M for older adults are limited. If you’re an O&M specialist or considering a career in the field, attending Anna’s presentation could be incredibly beneficial.
Supporting O&M Professionals
For O&M specialists looking for additional support, there’s good news! The Allied Independence community has put together a set of eight remote O&M lesson plans, which can be used for virtual or distance learning. These plans, designed by professionals in the field, are customizable and easy to implement in just five minutes.
Final Thoughts
Being an O&M specialist is a rewarding career that offers flexibility, variety, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on people's lives. Whether you're working with young students or older adults, each day brings new challenges and opportunities for growth. If you're interested in learning more, be sure to check out Anna’s symposium presentation and explore the resources available through the Allied Independence community!
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