- 6-12 Short & Sweet
- Snapshots
- Wrap Up
- SERVICES in your area
- RESOURCES
- Short & Sweet
- Snapshots
- Wrap Up
- SERVICES in your area
- RESOURCES
– the ability to move around safely, effectively and confidently
The primary aim of Orientation and Mobility (O&M) is to equip a person who is blind or vision impaired with the skills, strategies and understandings; to travel independently, safely, effectively and efficiently; in a wide range of physical and social environments.
O&M is made up of two main elements; orientation and mobility.
Orientation quite simply means understanding your current position in relation to your starting point and your destination. People with sight are able to use vision to establish and maintain orientation by observing physical landmarks and clues in the environment. People who are blind or vision impaired must use their other senses and judgement to maintain their orientation and to establish non-visual landmarks and clues.
Mobility is the process of moving from point A to point B in a safe, effective, efficient and confident manner.
It is impossible to understate the importance of O&M for a child who is blind or vision impaired.
(Anthony, T et al 2004)....the foundation for O&M skills is built during infancy and early childhood. Therefore, the first 3 years of life are the optimal time to facilitate and promote the sensory, conceptual and motor framework needed for independent travel.
The ability to move about safely, effectively and independently is a cornerstone of independence throughout childhood, adolescence and adulthood. For children who are blind or vision impaired, there are important skills, concepts and strategies to learn about O&M which will underpin their overall physical, social, emotional and psychological development. The most important environment for a child 0-5 is the home environment and the daily routines associated with the home. The family is in the pivotal position to encourage the development of O&M skills throughout infancy and childhood. Therefore it is essential that families develop an understanding of O&M and how it relates to the development of the child and long term indpendence.
You might come across the term "Developmental Orientation and Mobility" (DOM). This is a program of O&M that is matched to your child's level of development. DOM takes into account the important physical, social, emotional and psychological developmental milestones of childhood and adolescence. DOM specifically involves the assessment and development of motor, sensory, and cognitive skills; spatial, body and environmental concepts; as well as specific O&M skills, strategies and understandings that support safe, effective and efficient travel.
Orientation and Mobility Instructors (OMIs) are professionals who have completed a qualification in O&M. OMIs are qualified to provide an assessment and training in the various skills, concepts and startegies that will equip your child to maximise their independent mobility in an age appropriate way. Much of this work will be with the family to encourage O&M in the home and community. For example, trips to the supermarket to do the weekly shopping, a visit to friends and relatives, going to playgroup or day care.
It is important that your child is assessed by a qualified OMI so that they can tailor a program according to your child's individual needs. Some of the common areas assessed by OMI's are:
The assessment of the OMI will provide valuable information to develop a formal program of O&M. However, there are some practical steps you can take to enhance your child's O&M in the home and community.
Develop an expectation of age appropriate independence. For example two year old children are famous for testing the boundaries of independence. This is a normal part of child and human development. A two year old child who is blind or vision impaired may need to be encouraged to test those same boundaries of independence.
Establish areas in the home so the child can play and explore with confidence. This means having clear travel paths between key areas of the house, choosing furniture that is safe eg no sharp edges on coffee tables, the layout of the home should remain consistent, choosing furnishings which are tactilely interesting to help with orientation eg. mum's chair in the loungeroom is a leather chair. This assists the child to establish the connection between objects and place.
The link between O&M , social skills and independent living skills(ILS).There is a close connection between O&M, Social Skills and Independent Living Skills. For example the routine of having breakfast involves moving from the bedroom to the kitchen (O&M); eating and drinking; using a cup, fork and spoon(ILS); interracting with family members(social skills); clearing up after breakfast(ILS); and moving out of the kitchen(O&M). It is important to recognise the connection between daily routines such as this and the development of age appropriate independence. For children 0-5 years the opportuntiy to learn through play and the daily routines of the home will establish a solid foundation for life.
– the ability to self-manage everyday tasks
– the ability to effectively communicate, understand and interact with others
– the ability to use a range of low and high tech equipment including braille
Description of Braille and Visual Efficiency to go here.
Description of Functional Compensatory to go here.