Para-Professionals in Mobility: Long-Term Implications

Abstract

The role of the para-professional in the modern orientation and mobility program is discussed. A brief history of the mobility profession is recounted to give a proper perspective in which to view present and future trends. The para-professional is then compared with his professional counterpart, the certified orientation and mobility specialist. The attitudes, duties, and goals of the mobility specialist and his profession are explored in relationship to those of the para-professional. The author concludes that the profession is too young and the historical trend too contradictory to permit acceptance of para-professionals in the mobility program at this time.