Orientation and Mobility Competency Agreements From 1983 to 2019: A Comparative Analysis of Professional Standards

Introduction: In 1983, Mark Uslan, Everett (Butch) Hill and Alec Peck conducted research to identify the competencies essential to the practice of the orientation and mobility (O & M) profession. This study compares the levels of agreement to those standards by O & M professionals in 2019. Methods: In a 1983 study, Uslan et al. interviewed practitioners to determine the goal areas and competencies that underlie the profession. In 2019, an institutional review board approved this study to compare current practice competencies related to O & M with the competencies documented in the 1983 study. The survey methodology utilized the survey used by Uslan et al. to determine if current practitioners have similar levels of agreement with the competencies and if there have been shifts in the ranking of their importance. Results: Survey data are surprisingly similar between the 1983 and 2019 evaluation of competencies, with some changes in the relative importance of some categories. The results indicated the current relevance of the competencies for the O & M profession in the twenty-first century. Discussion: The evidence indicates that the professional standards reported in 1983 remain extant and viable in the twenty-first century. As the profession develops, it is important these standards be revisited periodically to ensure they reflect the core standards of the O & M profession. Implications for Practitioners: It is evident that professionals support all original competencies and those competencies remain viable. Universities should be certain that all competencies are being taught to meet the requirements for quality services.