AER Orientation and Mobility Division

Don't miss the upcoming AER Orientation and Mobility Webinar: Volume 1, Chapter 5 Kinesiology and Sensorimotor Functioning in Orientation and Mobility and Volume 2, Chapter 4 Sensorimotor Facilitation in Orientation and Mobility

Join Anne T. Riddering, PhD, OTRL, CLVT, COMS for a two-part exploration of sensorimotor functioning as part of the Foundations of Orientation & Mobility Chapter Author Webinar Series.

Based on Volume 1, Chapter 5 and Volume 2, Chapter 4, this session examines how sensory information and motor skills work together to support effective movement throughout the lifespan.

Join us June 25, 2026 at 7:00 PM
Register Now:https://zurl.co/E1C8n

Congratulations to Our 2026 O&M Award Recipients!

The AER Orientation and Mobility Divisionis very pleased to announce the 2026 recipients of the Janet Barlow Environmental Access Service Award, the Sandy Kronick Distinguished Service Award and the Lawrence E. Blaha Memorial Award.

Lukas Franck was selected as the 2026 Janet Barlow Environmental Access Service Award recipient.


Jamie Maffitt was selected as the 2026 Sandy Kronick Distinguished Service Award recipient.

Rev. Dr. Gene Bourquin was selected as the 2026 Lawrence E. Blaha Memorial Award recipient.



Congratulations to our award recipients!

We are grateful to those that made nominations for these awards. It is always challenging to decide between individuals who have been nominated, whose work and contributions have brought so much to the field. We are also very grateful to the Awards Committee for their time in soliciting nominations, making challenging choices, and arranging recognition for the recipients. The Awards Ceremony will occur on Thursday, July 30th, 2026, at 7pm at the 2026 Association for Education & Rehabilitation of the Blind & Visually ImpairedInternational Conference in Louisville, KY with a reception immediately following. We look forward to being able to come together in person and celebrate these distinguished award recipients!

Announcing our 2026 Blasch Scholarship Recipients!

The AER Orientation & Mobility Division would like to congratulate our 2026 recipients of the Donald Blasch Scholarship; Mathew Gabriell Almodovar Morales and Beth Carillo.


Mathew Gabriell Almodovar Morales

My name is Mathew Gabriell Almodóvar Morales, I am 26 years old and I am originally from Añasco, Puerto Rico. I have a Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology with a concentration on Refereeing and Personal Training from the University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez. I have a Master's degree from The Ohio State University in Kinesiology with a concentration in Adapted Physical Education and an Orientation and Mobility Certification from OSU as well. I have been working with communities with disabilities since 2021 in community-based programs in Puerto Rico and the USA (mostly PR) and have presented and worked in different workshops/conferences across Puerto Rico, United States and Colombia. I am compromised to providing opportunities and advocacy for individuals with disabilities specially communities that lack of services and opportunities the most in order to continue supporting and serving them.

Beth Carillo

I am a graduate student in Orientation and Mobility at Portland State University with over ten years of experience in public education. I work at Tacoma Public Schools providing 1:1 support for a student who is blind and have promoted blind awareness and White Cane Day for a more inclusive community. I interned at the SOAR Program through the Lighthouse for the Blind in St. Louis, MO, supporting college-bound students. My master’s research focuses on tactile symbology and tactile map development for Sound Transit and will present this work at SOMA/SWOMA. I am excited to begin an internship at the VA Blind Rehabilitation Center in June 2027. I am committed to promoting independence and access as a future COMS. It is an honor to receive this scholarship, and I am deeply grateful to my family and Dr. Amy Parker for their support.

The O&M Division presents two scholarships in the amount of $1000.00, annually when funds are available to two outstanding students who are enrolled in AER accredited programs. Thank you to all of the applicants and the judges that helped make this years scholarship selection an engaging success.



Eric Shaw
Blasch Scholarship Committee Chair

Upcoming O&M Foundations AER Webinar: Volume 2, Chapter 6
Orientation and Mobility Services in the Early Childhood Years

Join Wendy Sapp, Ph.D., COMS and Tanni L. Anthony, Ph.D. for this engaging session in the Foundations of Orientation & Mobility Chapter Author Webinar Series, focused on supporting our youngest learners through exploration, play, and purposeful movement.

June 11, 2026 at 7:00 PM

Register Today: https://zurl.co/QUzDB

Based on Volume 2, Chapter 6, this webinar highlights how O&M services during the first six years of life lay the foundation for future independence and mobility skills.

Discover how creativity, collaboration, and child-centered instruction can help young learners confidently explore their world.

Upcoming AER Webinar: Mapping to Belonging: Sidewalk & Accessibility Data - Visibility to Action

Hosted by the O&M Division’s Environmental Accessibility Committee, this innovative session explores how data mapping and lived experiences can work together to improve accessibility, advocacy, and independent travel.

Presented on May 27, 2026
Register Now: https://zurl.co/oLNJI

Learn how projects like OpenSidewalks, AccessMap, and AVIV ScoutRoute are transforming the way we understand pedestrian access and community inclusion. Through demonstrations and discussion, participants will explore how storytelling and civic data can shape more accessible environments for everyone.

Upcoming O&M Foundations Series AER Webinar: Volume 1, Chapter 3: Low Vision for Orientation and Mobility and Volume 2, Chapter 2: Improving the Use of Low Vision for Orientation and Mobility

Join Jamie Maffit for a comprehensive session in the Foundations of Orientation & Mobility series.

This 60-minute webinar will take a deep dive into assessment and instruction for learners with low vision, including:
- Interpreting clinical eye exams and functional vision data
- Understanding the impact of lighting, glare, and environment on mobility
- Strategies to enhance functional vision for safe, efficient travel
- Instructional differences for congenital vs. adventitious low vision
- Emerging advancements in vision and their implications for O&M

Strengthen your ability to support learners through a multisensory, individualized approach to mobility and independence.

Join us on Thursday, May 28, 2026 from 7:00 – 8:30 PM ET
Register Today: https://zurl.co/cJniS

Last Call for Early Bird Savings!

Time is almost up! Early bird registration for the AER International Conference 2026 ends May 14, 2026.

Join professionals from across the field of blindness and low vision for powerful learning, meaningful connections, and sessions designed to inspire your work.

Don’t miss your chance to save and secure your spot today! Register now: https://zurl.co/Ax5Ea

Upcoming O&M Series AER Webinar: Volume 1, Chapter 13: Administration, Assessment, and Program Planning for Orientation and Mobility

Join Michael Bina for an in-depth session in the Foundations of Orientation & Mobility series, focused on building and managing high-quality, learner-centered O&M services.

Join us on Thursday, May 14, 2026 from 7:00 – 8:30 PM ET
Register today: https://zurl.co/2VZPG

Strengthen your systems. Support your learners. Lead with confidence.

Upcoming AER Foundations of Orientation and Mobility Webinar: Volume 2, Chapter 16: Teaching Orientation and Mobility to Learners with Vision and Hearing Loss

Join Dona Sauerburger and Gene Bourquin for this practical and interactive session in the Foundations of Orientation & Mobility Chapter Author Webinar Series, based on Volume 2, Chapter 16: Teaching O&M to Learners with Vision and Hearing Loss.

This webinar is designed to help you turn knowledge into action when working with students who are deafblind. Come ready to think, discuss, and learn, this session includes scenario-based learning and collaborative problem-solving.

Submit questions in advance: [email protected]

Join us April 30, 2026 at 7:00 PM EDT
Register Now: https://zurl.co/Nh3Yy

Orientation and Mobility Awards Criteria Email [email protected] for more information and nominations. Lawrence E. Blaha Memorial Award Lawrence E. Blaha Memorial Award is given every two years. Selection Criteria: The individual must have at least ten years of experience in the field of blindness and must have distinguished himself...