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ORIENTATION & MOBILITY PROGRAM

  student walking with white cane  

What is Orientation and mobility (O & M)?

This is probably one of the most asked questions and you will get as many answers as there are mobility instructors. The definition I use is that "orientation" is knowing where you are and "mobility" is the ability to get where you want to go. That's the simplest answer but it belies the complexity of skills necessary to travel safely and independently in any environment. Orientation and mobility will be different for each student as the instruction is tailored to meet their specific needs and desires. This page will be used to answer (as best I can) any questions you may have regarding O & M. I would also like to share any ideas or suggestions that you have as well. The focus of this page will be on children (since that's my area of expertise) but the answers may apply to other situations as well. Happy traveling!

--Sandra Stirnweis MA, COMC, CLVT, Senior Mobility Specialist

 

What training do Orientation and Mobility Specialists have?

Orientation and mobility specialists complete a university training program. University programs can be completed on either an undergraduate or graduate level. Course work should include physiology of the eye, principles of orientation and mobility, kinesthesiology, audiology, low vision, basic and cane skills, maps and tactile graphics, and implications of other handicapping conditions. Other course work may include Electronic Travel Aids, Environmental Accessibility, geriatrics or child development depending on the focus of the instructor. Braille is also important. Once the university program is complete, graduates take a National Exam to be Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialists.

What is the purpose of the long cane?

The long cane simply provides protection while the person with low vision or no vision travels to their destinations. Many people with limited vision use a cane to provide protection when their vision is unreliable. Others use a cane for identification purposes so that others will know they have a vision difficulty. For people who are blind the movement of the cane as they walk provides information about the environment in front of them. The length of the cane provides information 11/2 to 3 strides in front providing ample reaction time. Children using canes are learning the techniques necessary to be safe independent travelers. They do not always have perfect technique but they develop it over time. It is important for them to travel independently. This reinforces the skills they are using

Why can't they just use a dog guide?

A dog guide is another tool. If the user does not have the skills to travel independently a dog will not solve the problem. Also, if a person is allergic to dogs having a dog guide in the house would not be an option. For people who have the skills to travel independently, the decision to use a dog or a cane is a personal one. There are many dog guide schools throughout the country. Each has a slightly different focus or philosophy allowing the potential dog guide user to choose an agency that fits their criteria. The person who chooses to use a dog instead of a cane makes a commitment to care for the dog and use it every day. The dog cannot become a family pet or the joint responsibility of the entire family. If these things happen the dog can lose its training and be of no value to the user. This often why children, if they have good travel skills, do not use dogs. Trying to tell 1500 high school students not to pet the dog because it is working, exercising it, feeding it, relieving it, brushing it and using it on a daily basis can be a tall order while trying to juggle school, choose a college or vocation, and have a social life. That is not to say that there are not some children who can use dogs. However, the choice is not an easy one. Whether a person chooses to use a cane or a dog, if they are traveling independently they have the same level of independent skills.

Who should receive

Orientation and Mobility Instruction?

IDEA is the governing law that determines all specials education services. According to IDEA all children with a vision impairment should be evaluated to determine the need for Orientation and Mobility instruction. Children should be re-evaluated every three years or when they change schools, neighborhoods, or if a change in their vision should occur. The evaluation will determine if the individual demonstrates difficulty traveling safely and independently in all appropriate environments. You would not expect a five year old to be independently using mass transit systems but you would expect that they be able to cross quiet neighborhood streets by themselves. The amount of residual vision is not as important as how well they travel.

  client crossing street  

What do people who receive

Orientation and Mobility instruction learn?

The student learns all the skills necessary to travel safely and independently in any environment. This could mean traveling independently on the school campus, taking the local mass transit system to their job, going on a cruise, jogging in the park, or flying out to visit relatives. Here are some sample Orientation and Mobility and mobility skills for various ages:

There is a blind child at my daughter's school. What are some basic rules of etiquette?

Here are some simple things to make the interaction between the sighted and blind children as natural as possible

Introduce yourself

Say, "Hi, Jimmy, this is Susie (or Mr. Smith)." Many times, well meaning people ask the blind child to guess who they are. The child may recognize your voice but its more polite to introduce yourself and not make a game out of it. Also, the blind child may be concentrating on getting where they need to go and the distraction of having to figure out who you are makes their mobility task all the more difficult

Wait to be asked for help

The best way to help is to wait to be asked. This is very difficult, especially for very young children. It may seem as if the blind child is struggling but she may be gathering additional information or simply doing it the best way for her. If she doesn't ask for help she doesn't need any. If she does need help say, "how can I help you?" Let the blind child decide if she needs verbal directions, sighted guide or other assistance to accomplish her task

Encourage normal social interaction

Don't be afraid to invite the blind child to your home or to have your child go to the blind child's home. All children share the same interests and play is universal. If you are nervous, invite the parents as well. While the children play you can discuss your concerns. Open, honest, questions are welcome. Don't be afraid to ask and don't stifle your child's curiosity. All of my students know they are blind (or have low vision) and are comfortable discussing it as long as it is not always the only area of conversation. They also like to talk about their favorite TV programs, sports heroes, video games, clothes and everything else

Children imitate adults. You need to set the example. The best way I can think to sum it up is to quote a former student. When asked by a student what it was like to be blind he replied, "It's pretty cool. I think you'd like it."

If you would like more information about O and M, feel free to send us E-mail.

The Foundation for Blind Children. Phoenix Arizona 85020
(602)331-1470 or 1-800-FBC-4870 (1-800-322-4870)
Fax: (602)678-5803 or (602)678-5819
Email: sstirnweis@seeitourway.org