Full-time traineeship opportunity for orientation and mobility specialist

Paul V. Sherlock Center on Disabilities is seeking a graduate student interested in becoming an Orientation and Mobility Specialist (O&M).

This traineeship opportunity will include participation in a two-year part-time master’s degree in the Vision Studies/O&M track at UMASS Boston’s Vision Studies M.Ed. Program and participation in the Paul V. Sherlock Center on Disabilities’ Traineeship Program.

Eligible applicants will:

  • Have a bachelor’s degree.
  • Have a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
  • Have documented experiences with persons who have disabilities.
  • Be enrolled in the Vision Studies: Orientation and Mobility Track M.Ed. program at UMASS Boston.
  • Be a Rhode Island resident.

Traineeships:

  • Will result in National Certification in O&M offered by the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals (ACVREP).
  • Will provide opportunities to learn about national, state and local disability initiatives.
  • Will provide a stipend of $2,000 per semester (fall and spring) to cover additional expenses not covered by the UMASS Boston Grant (OSEP).

Students:

  • Must complete master’s degree in Vision Studies: Orientation and Mobility and obtain National Certification offered by ACVREP in O&M.
  • Will participate for an additional six hours per week on Sherlock Center projects from September to June.
  • Must participate in a monthly seminar.
  • Two years of service commitment for every year of funding received (four years) per UMASS funding grant requirements.

Initial inquiries must include:

  • Letter of intent expressing your interest in students with visual impairments and your interest in participation in the traineeship opportunity.
  • Letters of interest should be emailed to Stefanie Davit by Sept. 10, 2025.
  • Participants must be accepted to the UMASS Boston Vision Studies: O&M Track for the fall 2025 semester. This opportunity is available contingent upon grant funding to the UCEDD.
     

For additional information, contact Stefanie Davit.