Karyn Willins

FAQ

Success in Orientation and Mobility is all about knowing where you are, and safely getting to where you want to be. Sometimes it means using an aid such as a white cane, at other times it means using other strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Orientation and Mobility?

Orientation and Mobility (also known as O&M)

is a set of skills designed to maximise safe, effective and independent travel for people who are blind or have low vision. It involves the use of a variety of senses to gather information about the environment, and may also involve the use of a mobility aid such as a long cane.

Understanding Orientation and Mobility

Orientation is all about knowing where you are in space. Mobility is the ability to move effectively from where you are to where you want to go.

An Orientation and Mobility Specialist is a qualified professional who assesses and teaches the skills involved in safe, independent travel, for people who have low or no vision. They are the only allied health professionals qualified to assess the need for, prescribe, and teach the use of mobility aids such as the long cane and miniguide to people of all ages who are blind or have low vision.

COMS stands for Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist.

 It means that the person has been internationally certified by the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation & Education Professionals ( ACVREP).

What ROMSA Means

ROMSA means that the specialist is both a member of the Orientation and Mobility Association of Australasia (OMAA) as well as an internationally Certified O&M Specialist.

Maintaining ROMSA Status

To maintain ROMSA status the specialist must maintain membership with OMAA and undertake ongoing professional development activities toward recertification every five years. 

Specialists who are ROMSA are bound by both the ACVREP and OMAA code of ethics.

Please contact me for information on how to check if a specialist is COMS / ROMSA qualified.

I am qualified to provide Orientation and Mobility Services to NDIS participants.

My Registered Orientation and Mobility Specialist (ROMSA) Number is 0022.

My NDIS Worker Clearance (NDISWC) number is 33298545

Registration pending.

In line with NDIS recommendations.

Fees for Professional development services are negotiated directly with the person / organisation requesting the service” under the fee schedule.

Please contact me if wishing further information.

I am based in Canberra and service the Canberra, Snowy/ Monaro, Eurobodalla, and Bega Valley Regions.

Yes. Orientation and Mobility training is provided in your home area or area where the training is most beneficial. I come to you!

Yes. I have the following:

  • Current Working with Vulnerable People check Registration Number 32977
  • Current Working with Children check Number WWC0174326E
  • NDIS Worker Clearance number 33298545
  • My Police Check is renewed each time my Working with Vulnerable people, and Working with Children checks are updated.
  • Current First Aid Certificate
  • Professional Indemnity, Public and Products Liability Insurance

Latest Articles

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  • 16/07/2026

The Curse of the Banana cane!
Close‑up of a white cane tip showing rust on the metal bearing.
  • 15/07/2026

Relief for rusty tips!

Confidence begins with a single step

At Karyn Willins O&M, we guide you with skill, patience, and practical mobility training that builds independence. Your journey toward safer, more confident movement starts today.

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