ACVREP COMS flashcards
ACVREP COMS · Build recall with a focused review session.
32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.
- Orientation definition
- Orientation is the process of using sensory information and environmental cues to establish and maintain one's position and relationship to the surroundings.
- Mobility definition
- Mobility is the ability to move safely, efficiently, and independently through the environment using learned techniques, tools, and problem-solving skills.
- Human guide technique
- The traveler grasps the guide's upper arm just above the elbow, stands a half-step behind and to the side, and moves directly behind the guide in narrow spaces.
- Pencil grip
- The cane is held with the index finger extended along the flat side of the handle, thumb on top, and remaining fingers curled around the handle.
- Touch technique arc
- The cane arc width extends approximately one inch beyond each shoulder, ensuring coverage slightly wider than the body's width during travel.
- Diagonal cane technique
- The cane is held diagonally across the body with the tip forward and opposite the holding hand, used to detect overhead obstacles and in familiar areas.
- Constant contact technique
- The cane tip maintains continuous contact with the ground, sliding side to side, to detect surface changes and drop-offs in complex environments.
- Upper-hand-and-forearm technique
- The forearm is raised to shoulder height with the hand palm-out at face level to protect the head and upper body from obstacles.
- Lower-hand-and-forearm technique
- The forearm is held horizontally at waist level with the hand palm-down to detect obstacles and protect the lower torso.
- Systematic search pattern
- A structured method such as perimeter, grid, or spiral search used to locate dropped objects or reestablish orientation after disorientation.
- Sensory cue categories
- Orientation cues are classified as auditory, tactile, olfactory, kinesthetic, and visual, and are used to confirm position and heading.
- Street-crossing analysis
- Evaluation of intersection geometry, traffic control type, traffic flow, and signal timing to determine a safe crossing strategy.
- Concept development
- Instruction in body image, spatial concepts, and environmental concepts (e.g., left/right, above/below) that underlie effective orientation and mobility.
- ACVREP
- The Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Accessibility Professionals, which administers the COMS credential and other vision-related certifications.
- COMS credential
- Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist, a professional certification attesting that an individual has met established O&M competency standards.
- Certification vs licensure
- Certification is a voluntary professional credential, while licensure is a legal requirement to practice established by a government authority.
- COMS eligibility requirements
- Typically include completion of an approved O&M preparation program, supervised internship or practicum hours, and passing the certification examination.
- Certification examination
- A competency-based exam covering the O&M body of knowledge, including sensory skills, mobility techniques, orientation systems, and professional practice.
- Candidate Handbook
- An official ACVREP document describing eligibility, application procedures, examination administration, and certification policies for candidates.
- Certification cycle
- A defined time period during which a certificant must complete continuing education and renewal requirements to maintain the credential.
- Reporting changes to certifying body
- Certificants must keep contact information current and report changes affecting certification status, such as name or employment changes.
- Informed consent
- Explaining the purpose, risks, benefits, and alternatives of O&M services so the consumer can voluntarily agree to participate.
- Confidentiality
- Consumer information is kept private and disclosed only with consent or as required by law, such as imminent risk of harm.
- Scope of competence
- Practitioners provide only services within their training and expertise and refer consumers to other professionals when needs fall outside that scope.
- Dual relationship
- A situation in which a professional has another significant relationship with a consumer that could impair judgment or exploit the consumer.
- Conflict of interest
- A financial or personal interest that could influence professional recommendations; it must be disclosed and managed appropriately.
- Consumer autonomy
- Respecting the consumer's right to make informed choices about services, honoring cultural, linguistic, and personal preferences.
- Accurate documentation
- Maintaining truthful, complete records of assessment, instruction, and billing; falsification or misrepresentation constitutes professional misconduct.
- Continuing education units
- Credits earned through approved workshops, conferences, or coursework that count toward recertification requirements within a certification cycle.
- CE documentation
- Certificates, transcripts, and attendance records retained by the certificant and produced upon audit or renewal to verify continuing education.
- Lapsed certification
- Failure to complete recertification requirements by the deadline can result in lapsed or suspended certification and may require reinstatement procedures.
- CE provider approval
- Certificants should verify that a continuing education provider or activity is approved before counting it toward recertification requirements.