ACVREP COMS key terms

A person's awareness of position in space relative to the environment, including knowledge of where they are, where they want to go, and how to get there.

The ability to move safely, efficiently, and independently from one place to another, typically using a long cane, dog guide, or other travel technique.

A method of travel in which a person sweeps a long cane to detect obstacles and surface changes ahead, providing tactile preview and protection.

The side-to-side sweep path of a long cane, ideally extending slightly wider than the body so obstacles on either side are detected before the traveler reaches them.

A cane method in which the tip stays in continuous contact with the ground, sliding rather than tapping, useful for detecting drop-offs and surface texture changes.

A cane method in which the tip taps alternately on the left and right sides of the body's centerline in a rhythmic pattern to preview the path ahead.

A travel strategy in which the person follows a continuous edge, such as a wall, curb, or grass line, to maintain a straight course and confirm position.

A technique of lightly touching or following a surface, such as a wall or furniture line, with the hand or cane to maintain orientation and detect openings or landmarks.

A method in which a sighted guide offers an arm and walks slightly ahead, allowing the person with vision loss to follow body movements and anticipate turns, steps, and narrow passages.

A person who provides human guide assistance to someone with vision loss, typically using the standard grip on the upper arm just above the elbow.

The process of forming and using an internal spatial representation of an environment, including routes, landmarks, and relationships among locations.

The mental construction of a layout or route based on experience, description, or tactile models, used to plan and problem-solve travel.

The ongoing mental recalculation of one's position and heading while moving, allowing a traveler to stay oriented after turns and detours.

A distinctive, easily recognized feature in the environment, such as a fountain or textured wall, used to confirm location and support orientation along a route.

Sensory information, such as a sound, smell, temperature change, or texture, that signals a location or upcoming feature and helps a traveler confirm position.

The process of selecting and sequencing a path of travel, including identifying landmarks, clues, decision points, and alternatives before setting out.

A lesson technique in which the instructor transports the student to an unfamiliar location and asks them to determine their position and travel to a destination.

The use of orientation strategies and information gathering to resolve unexpected situations during travel, such as blocked paths or lost orientation.

The deliberate use of hearing, touch, smell, and remaining vision to gather information about the environment for orientation and safe travel.

The ability to determine the direction and distance of a sound source, used to align travel, locate traffic, and confirm position.

Vehicles moving in the same direction as the pedestrian's intended path; their sound pattern helps a traveler align with the street and judge when to cross.

The sound of vehicles beginning to move from a stopped position, often used as a cue that the pedestrian signal has changed and it may be safe to cross.

A device that provides non-visual information, such as tones, speech, or vibrotactile cues, indicating when it is safe to cross at a signalized intersection.

The systematic evaluation of an intersection's geometry, traffic patterns, signalization, and hazards to plan a safe crossing strategy.

Crossing an intersection corner-to-corner rather than along the perpendicular crosswalks; generally discouraged unless geometry and traffic conditions clearly support it.

A specially trained dog that guides a person with vision loss around obstacles and to destinations, used with specific handling and obedience commands.

A written plan developed by a team that specifies a student's present levels, goals, services, and accommodations, including orientation and mobility instruction when needed.

A systematic evaluation of a learner's orientation, travel skills, sensory functioning, and environment to determine needs and guide instruction.

An evaluation of how a person uses remaining vision in real environments, informing instructional strategies and environmental modifications.

The defined boundaries of knowledge, skills, and services a certified orientation and mobility specialist is qualified and authorized to provide.

Formal recognition by a credentialing body that an individual has met established education, experience, and examination requirements to practice.

The periodic process of renewing a credential by documenting continuing education, professional activity, or other approved requirements within a set cycle.

Approved learning activities completed after initial certification to maintain and update professional knowledge and skills for recertification.

Ongoing activities such as training, mentoring, research, or conference participation that enhance a practitioner's competence and professionalism.

A formal set of principles guiding professional conduct, including honesty, competence, confidentiality, and avoidance of harm or conflicts of interest.

Agreement to services or participation given by a person, or their authorized representative, after receiving clear information about purpose, risks, and alternatives.

The ethical and legal obligation to protect private information about consumers, sharing it only with appropriate consent or as required by law.

A situation in which personal, financial, or other interests could improperly influence professional judgment or decisions, requiring disclosure and management.

Practicing only within one's training and experience and seeking additional education or referral when a situation exceeds one's qualifications.