Orientation and Mobility
Orientation and mobility (O&M) training is essential for individuals who are blind or low vision to navigate their environments safely and independently. Orientation refers to the ability to know where you are and where you want to go, while mobility involves moving safely and efficiently from one place to another. These skills are vital for fostering independence and confidence, enabling individuals to perform daily activities, travel to work or school, and participate in social and recreational activities. O&M training encompasses various techniques and tools, including the use of human guide skills, white cane use, guide dog preparation, sensory cues, smartphone apps for route-planning, and riding public transportation. The training is provided by certified O&M specialists who tailor the training to each individual’s specific needs and abilities.
Orientation and Mobility
Orientation and mobility (O&M) training is essential for individuals who are blind or low vision to navigate their environments safely and independently. Orientation refers to the ability to know where you are and where you want to go, while mobility involves moving safely and efficiently from one place to another. These skills are vital for fostering independence and confidence, enabling individuals to perform daily activities, travel to work or school, and participate in social and recreational activities. O&M training encompasses various techniques and tools, including the use of human guide skills, white cane use, guide dog preparation, sensory cues, smartphone apps for route-planning, and riding public transportation. The training is provided by certified O&M specialists who tailor the training to each individual’s specific needs and abilities.
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Suggested Types of Activities
Mental Mapping: Practice creating mental maps of familiar environments, such as home layouts, local neighborhoods and frequently visited places.
Landmark Identification: Learn to identify and use landmarks to orient oneself and navigate routes.Â
Environmental Awareness: Develop an understanding of spatial relationships, distances, and directional cues in different environments.
Basic Cane Skills: Learn the different types of canes and their uses. Practice holding the cane correctly and using techniques like two-point touch and constant contact.
Obstacle Detection: Develop skills for detecting obstacles in your path, such as curbs and stairs.
Building Layouts: Familiarize oneself with the layouts of different types of buildings, such as schools, offices, and shopping malls, by identifying key areas and using tactile maps.
Stair and Elevator Use: Practice using stairs and elevators safely, including identifying handrails, buttons, and floor indicators.
Room Navigation: Develop techniques for moving within rooms, including identifying furniture and obstacles and using systematic search patterns.
GPS Devices: Learn to use GPS smartphone apps designed for visually impaired users, such as BlindSquare and GoodMaps.
Public Transportation Apps: Use apps that offer accessible information about public transportation, including routes, schedules, and real-time updates specific to your community.
Route Planning: Practice planning and memorizing routes to various destinations, taking into account landmarks, intersections, and potential hazards.
Crossing Streets: Develop skills for safely crossing streets, including identifying traffic patterns, using auditory signals, and judging the timing of crossings.
Public Transportation: Learn to navigate public transportation systems, including finding bus stops, reading tactile maps, and using auditory announcements.