Prerequisites
Since its inception, the NBPCB has recognized that competent instruction in orientation and mobility skills starts with personal mastery of nonvisual cane travel skills. Consequently, the preparation process for individuals teaching under the Structured Discovery Cane Travel (SDCT) model of mobility is heavily focused on the development of personal experience traveling with a long white cane and in learning and using the skills that blind persons depend on for safe and effective travel. Beyond theoretical and academic exposition, Structured Discovery Cane Travel is based on hands-on learning, trust in the effectiveness and appropriateness of nonvisual skills, and an unwavering conviction in the normalcy and capacity of individuals who are blind to control their own independent travel.
Prerequisite Immersion Training
Foundational to this instructional model is the premise that all applicants must learn about the Consumer-Based Model of Rehabilitation (CBMR) and specific Structured Discovery teaching methods and principles through an immersion experience in blindness. Individuals seeking NOMC certification are required to obtain a minimum of four hundred and eighty (480) continuous hours of immersion training at an NBPCB approved orientation center for the blind. The immersion experience must be accomplished in a training setting that includes: (1) nonvisual training for all students; (2) has a core curriculum based on Structured Discovery and problem solving principles; (3) employs the use of blind role models on the instructional staff; (4) is consumer-focused in its approach to rehabilitation; and (5) includes proactive instruction for students in understanding personal and public attitudes and expectations about blindness. Prerequisite immersion training must have occurred within the last five (5) years prior to application. A list of NBPCB approved orientation centers is available through the NBPCB office and web page. The Verification of Immersion form must be included with the application for NOMC.
SDCT Instructional Eligibility
Individuals who learn the theoretical underpinnings of the Consumer-Based Model of Rehabilitation may seek to develop the instructional methods and principles that underlie Structured Discovery Cane Travel through: (1) obtaining instruction through an NBPCB approved university program (see Category A); or (2) completing an instructional apprenticeship under the supervision of a qualified National Orientation and Mobility Certified Trainer (NOMCT) (see Categories B and C). Through this professional preparation, individuals seeking National Orientation and Mobility Certification may qualify for eligibility in one of three categories.
Category A: University Preparation
Applicants under Category A must have received instruction on Structured Discovery Cane Travel methods and principles through training at a university program that is NBPCB board approved. In order for a university program to be approved by the NBPCB board, it must: (1) have core content that is based on Structured Discovery Cane Travel methodology; (2) be consistent with a Consumer-Based Model of Rehabilitation for the blind; (3) include a 400 hour internship teaching with SDCT methods and principles (4) be under the direct supervision of a National Orientation and Mobility Certified Trainer (NOMCT): and (5) require students to undergo 480 hours of immersion training. Applicants must have finished all core academic coursework (including the internship) prior to applying for certification, and application must be made to the NBPCB office within five (5) years of program completion to avoid additional eligibility requirements.
Category B: NOMCT Supervised Agency Apprenticeship
Applicants under Category B must have provided direct mobility instruction using SDCT methods and principles. Individuals must have provided at least 800 hours of apprenticed instruction and have been supervised directly by an NOMCT. Individuals under this category must have at least a high school diploma (or equivalent), must have successfully completed the 480 hours of prerequisite immersion training at a NBPCB approved center, and have provided the 800 hours of supervised instruction within the last five (5) years prior to application.
Category C: Other Agency Apprenticeship
Individuals must have at least a high school diploma (or equivalent), must have successfully completed 480 hours of prerequisite immersion training at a NBPCB approved center, and must have provided at least 800 hours of mobility instruction using SDCT methods and principles. Applicants under Category C must have their mobility instruction supervised by a National Orientation and Mobility Certificant (NOMC). In order to verify the instructional competence of applicants under Category C, the NOMC conducting the supervision must: (1) be pre-approved by the NBPCB office and (2) be monitored by an NOMCT throughout the apprenticeship/internship. All instructional hours used for eligibility must have been provided within the last five (5) years prior to application.