News
Celebrating New Certifications and Industry Milestones for Orientation and Mobility Specialists
At Guide Dogs Queensland, we are proud to celebrate the recent accomplishments of two of our dedicated Orientation and Mobility (O&M) specialists, Daniel Ellison and Jessica McLeod, who have both successfully completed the extensive training and certification process to become Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialists (COMS) and registration for ROMSA (Registered Orientation and Mobility Specialist of Australasia). This achievement reflects their hard work and dedication to the field and marks an important milestone in their professional journey.
The COMS Certification Process
The COMS certification is awarded by the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals (ACVREP), an international certification body based in the United States. This body ensures that O&M Specialists possess a comprehensive baseline of knowledge across the 12 key domains we instruct in, including mobility techniques, environmental awareness, and adaptive strategies to support individuals with low vision and blindness.
The path to becoming a COMS is rigorous and requires a Postgradute degree in Orientation and Mobility. At the University of New South Wales (UNSW), this qualification is currently offered as a post-graduate diploma. Following the completion of this degree, candidates must undergo a minimum of 350 hours of supervised training in real-world settings. After fulfilling these requirements, candidates can then register to sit for the COMS exam. Upon passing the exam, individuals earn the COMS certification, officially recognising them as qualified Specialists in the field.
In Australia, an additional step is required for O&M Specialists to practice within our local context: registration with the Orientation and Mobility Association of Australasia (OMAA). After receiving their COMS certification, O&M Specialists must register with OMAA to earn the title of ROMSA (Registered Orientation and Mobility Specialist of Australasia). This ensures Specialists are recognised in both international and regional contexts and are committed to maintaining the high standards of the profession.
At Guide Dogs Queensland, we are proud to lead the way as Queensland’s peak body for people with low vision or blindness, setting the standards in the sector by training and employing qualified O&M Specialists. With COMS-certified Specialists on our team, we ensure every client receives service and care aligned with best practice standards.
Advancing the Profession: O&M and NDIS Recognition
In addition to celebrating the achievements of Daniel and Jessica, we are also excited about a significant development for the broader O&M industry. As of April 2025, O&M services are now recognised as a standalone item under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Previously, O&M services were categorised under other professions, but this new recognition allows O&M Specialists to operate as an independent profession.
Stay tuned for updated information when the NDIS releases their new price guide. Until then, everything remains unchanged.
Congratulations again to Daniel and Jessica, and to all the Specialists working tirelessly to enhance the lives of people with low vision and blindness.
