We use cookies and related technologies to enhance your experience on our website. You agree to our use of cookies by closing this message box or continuing to use our site. What Are Cookies?
Certificate in Orientation and Mobility, Salus University
Role at the University:
Chair, Blindness and Low Vision Studies
Associate Teaching Professor, Blindness and Low Vision Studies
Clinical Specialty:
Low vision rehabilitation
Orientation and mobility
Selected Representative Publications:
Maffit, J., Bourquin, G., & Perla, F. (In press). Accessible Pedestrian Signals: An Evaluation Tool. Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness.
Maffit, J., & Perla, F. (2025). Screening for Blindness and Low Vision Services: Reflections on Development, Implementation, and Preliminary Data. Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness, 119(1), 75-81.
Perla, F., & Maffit, J. (2024). A Practical Guide to Problem-Solving Instruction in Orientation and Mobility. The New RE: view, 2(1), 63-69.
Lueders, K, Perla, F, Maffit, J., Vasile, E., Jay, N., Kaplan, J., & Hanuschock, W. III (2020). Remote Instruction for Students Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired: Experiences of Preservice Interns. In: R.E. Ferdig, E. Baumgartner, R. Hartshorne, R. Kaplan-Rakowski, & C. Mouza (Eds.). Teaching, Technology, and Teacher Education during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Stories from the Field (p.795-800). Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE). Retrieved November 3, 2020 from https://www.learntechlib.org/p/216903/.
Perla, F., & Maffit, J. (2019). A Case for Student-Created Portfolios in O&M. Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness, 113(3), 311-319.
Ton, C., Omar, A., Szedenko, V., Tran, V. H., Aftab, A., Perla, F., Bernstein, M. J., & Yang, Y. (2018). LIDAR Assist Spatial Sensing for the Visually Impaired and Performance Analysis. IEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering, 26(9), 1727–1734.
Perla, F., & Maffit, J. (2015). Student Portfolios in OM: A window into the child’s learning experience. International Journal of Orientation & Mobility, 7(1), 44.
Perla, F. (2012). Whose learning is it? Fostering student ownership in O&M. International Journal of Orientation and Mobility, 5(1), 28-33.
Perla, F., & O’Donnell, B. (2010). O&M Family Booklet (CDRom), American Printing House for the Blind.
Perla, F. (2008). Orientation and Mobility and the question of ownership. AER Journal, 2(1), 27-30.
Perla, F., Fiorentino, T., & Fiorentino, R. (2007). Reflections on collaboration in Orientation and Mobility (O&M): A mother, her son, and their O&M instructor share their thoughts and experiences. DVIQ, Council for Exceptional Children, 52 (3), 17-20.
Perla, F., & O’Donnell, B. (2004). Encouraging Problem Solving in Orientation and Mobility. Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness, 98(1), 47
Perla, F., & O’Donnell, B. (2002). Reaching out: Encouraging Family Involvement in Orientation and Mobility. RE:view, 34(3),103-109.
Perla, F., & Ducret, W.D. (1999). Guidelines for teaching orientation and mobility to children with multiple disabilities. RE:view, 31(3), 113-120.
O’Donnell, B., & Perla, F. (1998). Visual preview of the environment: Strategies for the child with low vision. RE:view, 30(3), 117-124.
Perla, F., & Ducret, W. (1998). Orientación y movilidad para niños con discapacidades múltiples: Un Punto de Partida, Discapacidad Visual Hoy, 4(6), 2-8.
Perla, F. (1993) Memorias de un bastón que fue caballo, El Cisne,3 (31).
Professional Affiliations & Certifications:
Certified Orientation and Mobility (ACVREP)
Certified Low Vision Rehabilitation (ACVREP)
Teaching Awards:
2019, Presidential Medal of Honor, Salus University
2018, Outstanding Educator in the College of Education and Rehabilitation
2017, PennDel AER Elinor Long Educator of the Year Award (ELEY)
