Member-only story

Supporting Orientation and Mobility for Students Who Are Visually Impaired: A Comprehensive Guide

Albert Camus

·4.3k Followers· Follow

Published in Partners In O M: Supporting Orientation And Mobility For Students Who Are Visually Impaired

5 min read

100 View Claps

6 Respond

Save

Listen

Partners in O&M: Supporting Orientation and Mobility for Students Who Are Visually Impaired

by Pamela H. MacKellar

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	102052 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	336 pages

Orientation and mobility (O&M) is the ability to safely and independently navigate one's environment. For students who are visually impaired, O&M skills are essential for success in school and beyond. O&M instruction helps students to develop the skills they need to travel independently, explore their surroundings, and participate fully in all aspects of life.

This comprehensive guide provides strategies and resources to support O&M development in the classroom and beyond. The guide covers topics such as:

* The importance of O&M * The components of O&M instruction * Strategies for teaching O&M skills * Resources for O&M instruction

The Importance of O&M

O&M is essential for students who are visually impaired to:

* Access the curriculum * Participate in extracurricular activities * Travel independently * Explore their surroundings * Gain confidence and independence

O&M skills help students to develop a sense of spatial awareness, learn how to use landmarks and cues, and travel safely and efficiently. O&M instruction can also help students to improve their self-esteem and confidence.

The Components of O&M Instruction

O&M instruction typically includes the following components:

* Cane travel: Students learn how to use a cane to safely and independently navigate their environment. * Route planning: Students learn how to plan and execute safe and efficient routes. * Environmental awareness: Students learn how to use their senses to gather information about their environment. * Problem solving: Students learn how to problem-solve and adapt to unexpected situations. * Assistive technology: Students learn how to use assistive technology to enhance their O&M skills.

Strategies for Teaching O&M Skills

There are a variety of strategies that can be used to teach O&M skills. Some common strategies include:

* Demonstration: The instructor demonstrates the skill for the student. * Guided practice: The instructor provides verbal or physical cues to help the student practice the skill. * Independent practice: The student practices the skill independently. * Feedback: The instructor provides feedback to the student on their performance. * Technology: Technology can be used to support O&M instruction in a variety of ways, such as providing visual aids, auditory cues, and GPS navigation.

Resources for O&M Instruction

There are a number of resources available to support O&M instruction. These resources include:

* Certified orientation and mobility specialists: Certified orientation and mobility specialists (COMS) are professionals who are trained to provide O&M instruction to individuals who are visually impaired. * Schools for the visually impaired: Schools for the visually impaired provide specialized O&M instruction to students who are visually impaired. * Community rehabilitation programs: Community rehabilitation programs offer O&M instruction to individuals who are visually impaired. * Assistive technology centers: Assistive technology centers provide information and training on assistive technology that can be used to enhance O&M skills.

O&M is essential for students who are visually impaired to safely and independently navigate their environment. This comprehensive guide provides strategies and resources to support O&M development in the classroom and beyond. By providing students with the skills they need to travel independently, explore their surroundings, and participate fully in all aspects of life, we can help them to reach their full potential.

Partners in O&M: Supporting Orientation and Mobility for Students Who Are Visually Impaired

by Pamela H. MacKellar

4.9 out of 5