Orientation and Mobility

Definitions

“Orientation” refers to knowing where you are and where you want to go, whether you’re moving from one room to another or walking downtown for a shopping trip. “Mobility” refers to the ability to move safely, efficiently, and effectively from one place to another, such as walking without tripping or falling, crossing streets, and using public transportation (source: APH ConnectCenter).

You may be aware of what O&M services are, and you may have received O&M services through your IEP while in school. O&M services are also available to adults. Secondary school O&M services are continuous, and services depend on the needs of the student. Services can range anywhere from once per month to two times per week. Adult O&M services are received on an as needed basis. Simply meaning, if you require it, you can apply for it, and you should receive the services until you no longer require them.

An example of when an individual may request O&M services as an adult is when starting a new job. Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) services through the Department and Human Services can offer individuals training in traveling to their employment and navigating their new building. Once the individual knows their route and navigation of the building, these services will end.

Guiding Questions

• Have you received O&M instruction through educational services?
• Are you aware O&M services are available as an adult? (After exiting high school)
• Did you know you can request O&M services to become familiar with when entering, returning, or retaining employment? (TN Vocational Rehabilitation Services)
• Have you explored what services are available to help setup and learn the navigation of a new home?

Resources

National Federation for the Blind (NFB) Free White Cane Program – NFB offers individuals who are blind or have vision loss a free white cane to aid them with their travel. A simple application form is all that is needed. A new cane can be requested every 6months if needed.

Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Services (Department of Human Services) – Orientation and Mobility is one service that can be received through VR services. Although VR is aimed toward employment, the Department of Human Services offers Independent Living Services for the blind and visually impaired that also includes O&M services that can assist with navigating your new or existing living space and navigating the community and/or community buildings.

The Star Center – The Star Center offers “safe and effective travel” training throughout the state of TN. To apply you only require an eye doctor’s referral.

Leader Dogs - Orientation and Mobility Training – This program provides individuals with the skills needed to travel safely using a white cane in a much shorter time frame than traditional O&M programs. The one-on-one instruction is tailored to each client’s capabilities, allowing individual needs to be met.‍

Teen Orientation and Mobility - Leader Dogs for the Blind- This program is a week of O&M for teens, and they bring an adult supporter with them. The teen works on their O&M skills while the adult supporter gains resources, networks with other adult supports and build some empathy by experiencing a little bit of blindness with some vision simulators. 

Teen Summer Camp - Leader Dogs for the Blind- This program is specifically for 16- and17-year-olds and is a week of fun camp activities. We of course sneak in some O&M and learning but it’s a great opportunity to try new things and meet new people.

Guide Dogs for the Blind – Orientation and Mobility Immersion Program – This program is for individuals interested in learning orientation and mobility skills for safe, independent travel, including those skills that are most relevant to guide dog mobility.

NFB Training Centers – NFB is affiliated with three training centers within the USA. You do not need to live in the training center's state, and funding is available for travel to and from it. The training centers offer a variety of programs for all ages that help build blindness skills and encourage independence.

Orientation and Mobility: Tips for Getting Around when Blind or Low Vision This resource from APH helps users understand more about how to use O&M to get around. 

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