Frequently Asked Questions

What do Mobility & Independence Specialists do?
They provide age appropriate, ongoing training which teaches children and young people (C&YP) with a visual impairment, to move safely and efficiently in their home, school, work and community settings, as independently as possible.

They teach everything from basic skills to enable independence in indoor and campus environments to cane training and safety skills.  They will usually provide training on issues such as sighted guiding for those working with the C&YP as well as for their families.

They can also advise on useful strategies which can facilitate independence in daily living such as personal care and home skills.

Mobility & Independence Specialists give advice to improve physical access to the environment.  They regularly work with other professionals to share expertise and knowledge about their students.  They may be involved in helping their students to access leisure and community services.

Are these workers always called Mobility & Independence Specialists?
No they can be called Mobility Officers, Mobility Specialists, O&M Teachers, Rehabilitation Workers and Specialist Workers for the visually impaired. 

Who do Mobility & Independence Specialists work for?
In a recent survey, we found a variety of employers, including, Local Education Departments, Social Services Departments, Charities such as RNIB (Royal National Society for the Blind), Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, as well as Freelance workers.

Who do the Mobility & Independence Specialists work with?
Mobility & Independence Specialists for C&YP work with those who are age 0-19 years old within the Education system.  These children may be in mainstream education, Independent schools, special schools for those with a visual impairment or other special education.  They may have a visual impairment as their only disability or more complex needs such as physical or learning disabilities. 

There are many Rehabilitation Workers in Social Services departments, whose primary responsibility is working with adults.  Some of these workers may provide a level of service to C&YP.

How do I qualify as a Mobility & Independence Specialist?
At this time there is no required qualification for Mobility & Independence Specialists who work with C&YP.  The most common route is to qualify as a Rehabilitation Worker and then to specialise in working with C&YP through a post qualifying course (this is not however mandatory)  See Courses section

There is a great deal of work going on in the field at present looking at National Training Standards and we hope that this will clarify the situation.  Until then please consider, as an employer or potential worker in the field, the level of risk associated with Mobility & Independence training.  We would ask you to consider whether your experience or a particular course prepares you adequately for the role.  If in doubt please feel you can contact us at MISE and we will be happy to discuss your situation.

Where would I be based?
Many Mobility & Independence Specialists are based in Local Authority areas in mainstream and special schools.  Others are based in Special Schools for children with a visual impairment and these can be operated by Local Authorities or Charities.

What would be useful courses for Continuing Professional Development?
We are often asked to work with quite complex individuals in a variety of contexts. The role is also quite varied and requires much flexibility. See Courses section

Issues for Continuing Professional Development may be medical advances, Technology, complex special needs such as Autism, Risk Assessments, Lone Working, new legislation………. the list goes on!

Please look at the courses section and do tell us about any future events or training that you have particularly enjoyed.  This is an interactive website and its usefulness will reflect the number of professionals who contribute.

Why join MISE?
Joining MISE gives you the opportunity to network with other professionals in the field, exchange ideas and support each other. 

We hold two annual conferences which have speakers from a variety of different fields of work.  We consult with members about current issues and represent them on various committees wherever possible.

The cost of membership is £5 per annum and each conference is £10, representing excellent value for money.

As a member you will also have access to our database of professionals across the UK and Ireland.  You will also have access to the Forum which is a secure area on the website. See Contact and Join