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College of Education, Dept. of Early Childhood, Special Education and Counselor Education Orientation & Mobility (M.A.)

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University of Kentucky's O&M program and AER Accreditation Council announce a 30-day public comment period for comments regarding the accreditation review of University of Kentucky's O&M program. Comment period will close at 11:59 p.m. Eastern on March 28, 2025. Send questions or comments to: accreditationinfo@aerbvi.org. All comments will be kept in strictest confidence.

What can you do with this degree?

The Master of Arts Program in Orientation and Mobility (O&M) prepares individuals to provide instruction related to knowledge and skills for independent travel for children and adults with visual impairments. These learning and instructional topics include:

  • Use of canes, dog guides, and adaptive mobility devices
  • Instructional and assessment techniques regarding independent and assisted travel
  • Sensory and motor development and environmental concepts
  • Advanced travel for intersections, bus travel, and other complex environments

For candidates who have not already completed prerequisite courses in visual impairments in another program at the University of Kentucky or another university, such as in a Teacher of the Visually Impaired program, these three courses can be taken concurrently in addition to O&M coursework.

The Master of Arts Program in Orientation and Mobility program is approved by the Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). The curriculum for this program is aligned to ACVREP standards and competency requirements and is currently pursuing AER accreditation.

Delivery Method: Hybrid

Credit Hours: 30

Department of Early Childhood, Special Education, & Counselor Education

Why study with us?

The University of Kentucky has the distinction of offering the only O&M program in Kentucky.

Support for Students

The program is funded through a grant from the Kentucky Department of Education.  Housing for in-person classes may be available at the Kentucky School for the Blind in Louisville or in UK dorms for free or at a reduced rate. 

Hybrid Program

Courses are offered via Zoom in the evenings, in-person weekends in the fall and/or spring, and intensive in-person summer courses. This allows individuals who work full time during the day, such as teachers, to still participate in the program.

High Demand

The graduate program addresses a critical shortage of qualified and certified O&M specialists throughout Kentucky and nationally. There continues to be unfilled positions to provide services to children and/or adults who are blind and visually impaired. Professionals in O&M are often employed in school districts, rehabilitation agencies, VA Hospitals, and as independent contractors.

Nationally Recognized Faculty

The Visual Impairment Program Faculty are recognized by national and state agencies and educational systems for commitment to preparing O&M and VI professionals to teach individuals with visual impairments.

Check out our other Visual Impairment Program: Teacher Preparation Program

What You'll Study

Delivery Method: Hybrid

Credit Hours: 30

The O&M master’s program uses a model with synchronous classes offered via Zoom in the evenings and 1-3 in-person weekends in the fall and/or spring. BVI 621 and 622 are blindfold classes that require extensive in-person sessions in the spring and summer near the University of Kentucky in Lexington and Kentucky School for the Blind (KSB) in Louisville. The O&M master’s program consists of a total of 30-graduate credit hours.

All candidates start the program in the fall and will take the O&M courses over a two-year time span. The degree program may take longer to complete if the candidate takes more than a semester to finish the internship requirements.

Year 1

Fall

  • BVI 580: Introduction to Visual Impairment** (3)
  • BVI 583: Braille Code I** (3)
  • CED 525: Human Growth and Development (3)

Spring

  • BVI 620: Foundations of Orientation and Mobility (3)
  • BVI 621: Introduction to Skills and Techniques in Orientation and Mobility (2)

Summer

  • BVI 622: Advanced Skills and Techniques in Orientation and Mobility (2)
  • BVI 623: Orientation and Mobility with Children (3)
  • BVI 624: Technology in Orientation and Mobility (1)

Year 2

Fall

  • BVI 626: Methods in Orientation and Mobility (3)
  • BVI 582: Anatomy and Physiology of the Eye (3)**

Spring

  • BVI 627: Orientation and Mobility for Individuals with Complex Needs (3)
  • BVI 628: Assessment in Orientation and Mobility (3)

Summer

  • BVI 629: Practicum in Orientation and Mobility* (1)
  • BVI 720: Internship in Orientation and Mobility* (6)

* Fall, Spring, or Summer

**Course is a prerequisite.

How to Apply

Note: Despite being a hybrid program, please select "On Campus" when you reach the Plan of Study section of your application.

Deadlines

Applications are only accepted on even years. The Fall2026 deadline for admission is March2, 2026.

Program Requirements

In-person Requirements

Attendance of in-person meetings is mandatory for all candidates! This includes 1-3 weekends a semester, several additional weekends for spring (Year 1), and approximately 12-15 days in June and July (Year 1).  In Year 2, candidates complete a 30-hour practicum requirement. After finishing the other coursework, candidates will complete a 350-hour internship placement to fulfill the requirements for eligibility for certification through the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals.

Candidates are responsible for their own transportation to and from classes. Housing for in-person classes may be available at the Kentucky School for the Blind in Louisville or in UK dorms for free or at a reduced rate. Additionally, many internship placements offer housing or stipends.  

Program Materials/Technology Requirements

  • PC or Mac computer with Technical Requirements as recommended by the UK Online Technology ServicesBlindfold
  • Headphones or earbuds
  • Webcam, microphone, and access to high-speed internet

Application Requirements

Apply to the Graduate School

All candidates must have a minimum 2.75 overall or 3.0 GPA in the last 30 credit hours to apply and include the following in their application:

  • Resume/CV
  • Personal/Biographical Statement (1-2 pages on why you want to be an O&M Specialist)
  • Double spaced, 12 point, Arial or similar font
  • Official transcripts from all previous universities or colleges
  • Two (2) references

I'm Ready to Apply

Questions?

Want to Learn more about the O&M program? Feel free to contact Donna Lee with any questions you might have regarding this program. We can’t wait to hear from you!

Donna Brostek Lee

Clinical Associate Professor
(859) 257-1520
donna.b.lee@uky.edu

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