282—22.12(272) Orientation and mobility authorization.
	22.12(1) Authorization. The holder of this authorization may teach pupils with a visual impairment (see Iowa Code section 256B.2), including those pupils who are deaf-blind.
	22.12(2) Initial orientation and mobility authorization. The initial authorization is valid for three years. Degrees and semester hour credits shall be completed through a college or university accredited by an institutional accrediting agency as recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. An applicant must:
	a. 	Hold a baccalaureate or master’s degree from an approved state 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 gifted and talented.
	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.
	f. 	Have completed the background check requirements set forth in rule 282—13.1(272).
	22.12(3) Standard orientation and mobility license. An applicant must:
	a. 	Complete the requirements set forth in subrule 22.12(2).
	b. 	Verify successful completion of a three-year probationary period.
	22.12(4) Renewal of orientation and mobility license. Applicants must meet the renewal requirements set forth in rule 282—20.3(272) and 282—subrule 20.5(2).
	22.12(5) Exception. An orientation and mobility specialist is not eligible for any administrator license in either general education or special education.
[ARC 5322C, IAB 12/16/20, effective 1/20/21; ARC 5803C, IAB 7/28/21, effective 9/1/21]