282—15.15 (272) Orientation and mobility specialist.
	 15.15(1) Authorization. The holder of this license is authorized to teach pupils (see Iowa Code section 256B.8) with a visual impairment, including those pupils who are deafblind.
	 15.15(2) Provisional orientation and mobility license. The provisional license is valid for three years. An applicant must:
	  a.   	 Hold a baccalaureate or master’s degree from an approved state and regionally accredited program in orientation and mobility or equivalent coursework.
	  b.   	 Have completed an approved human relations component.
	  c.   	 Have completed the exceptional learner program, which must include preparation that contributes to the education of students with disabilities and students who are talented and gifted.
	  d.   	 Have completed a minimum of 21 semester credit hours in the following areas:
	 (1) 	 Medical aspects of blindness and visual impairment, including sensory motor.
	 (2) 	 Psychosocial aspects of blindness and visual impairment.
	 (3) 	 Child development.
	 (4) 	 Concept development.
	 (5) 	 History of orientation and mobility.
	 (6) 	 Foundations of orientation and mobility.
	 (7) 	 Orientation and mobility instructional methods and assessments.
	 (8) 	 Techniques of orientation and mobility.
	 (9) 	 Research or evidence-based practices in orientation and mobility.
	 (10) 	 Professional issues in orientation and mobility, including legal issues.
	  e.   	 Have completed at least 350 hours of fieldwork and training under the supervision of the university program.
	 15.15(3) Standard orientation and mobility license. An applicant must:
	  a.   	 Complete the requirements set forth in subrule 15.15(2).
	  b.   	 Verify successful completion of a three-year probationary period.
	 15.15(4) Renewal of orientation and mobility license. An applicant must:
	  a.   	 Complete six units earned in any combination listed below.
	 (1) 	 One unit may be earned for each semester hour of graduate credit, completed through a regionally accredited institution, which leads toward the completion of a planned master’s, specialist’s, or doctor’s degree program.
	 (2) 	 One unit may be earned for each semester hour of graduate or undergraduate credit, completed through a regionally accredited institution, which may not lead to a degree but which adds greater depth and breadth to present endorsements held.
	 (3) 	 One unit may be earned for each semester hour of credit, completed through a regionally accredited institution, which may not lead to a degree but which leads to completion of requirements for an endorsement not currently held.
	 (4) 	 One unit may be earned upon completion of each licensure renewal course or activity approved through guidelines established by the board of educational examiners.
	  b.   	 Submit documentation of completion of the child and dependent adult abuse training approved by the state abuse education review panel. A waiver of this requirement may apply under the following conditions with appropriate documentation of any of the following:
	 (1) 	 A person is engaged in active duty in the military service of this state or of the United States.
	 (2) 	 The application of this requirement would impose an undue hardship on the person for whom the waiver is requested.
	 (3) 	 A person is practicing a licensed profession outside this state.
	 (4) 	 A person is otherwise subject to circumstances that would preclude the person from satisfying the approved child and dependent adult abuse training in this state.
Exception:  An orientation and mobility specialist is not eligible for any administrative license in either general education or special education.