Orientation and Mobility Practitioners: A Comparison Study of Changes in Demographics

Abstract

Introduction: Three early studies from 1974 to 2000 provided information on demographics and salient characteristics of the profession of orientation and mobility (O&M). The current study compared demographic information from those studies with data from a survey instrument administered in 2019. The purpose of this article is to examine changes in demographics that have emerged in the ensuing years. Method: The questionnaire was disseminated using Qualtrics. It was distributed to practitioners in the profession via all available professional electronic discussion groups and was advertised on the websites of the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals (ACVREP) and Association for the Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AER). Findings: The number of O&M practitioners who responded to the survey was 628. Data indicate that the O&M profession is still predominantly Caucasian, and females continue to be in the majority and have expanded within the profession. The percentage of O&M practitioners working in school settings increased by 14% from earlier studies, and respondents had a median age of 41–50 years. Discussion: The results of this study show that the profession remains primarily female, mostly Caucasian, and 65% of practitioners are 41 year of age or older. O&M practitioners continue serving school-age students, thereby supporting results from previous studies. Finally, salaries of O&M practitioners have positively increased over time after accounting for inflation. Implications for Practitioners: Current characteristics of O&M practitioners have implications for recruitment of more diverse young professionals to serve the diversity of those they teach. It is evident the field should try to increase diversity within its ranks to mirror the diverse population they serve. Moreover, O&M salaries have kept pace or exceeded inflation, and thus the profession continues to be attractive in recruiting qualified and diverse professionals.