Orientation and Mobility

Developing skills for people who are blind or have a visual impairment to travel safely, efficiently, and independently throughout any environment. 

**An O&M specialist provides the primary instruction in this area. For all age groups, it is important for the OT to support the goals and instruction provided by the O&M specialist. Collaboration is essential to provide consistent reinforcement of safe travel protocols. At times, specific collaboration for a modified cane grip is needed depending on fine motor capabilities of the students.  

Picture of a door with two white canes crossed like an X and a picture of a person using a cane. Door labeled O&M Supply Room

    • Early travel skills are introduced

    • Beginner self-advocacy skills are introduced

      • help students learn to politely request that others use proper Human Guide technique instead of pushing or pulling them

    • Adaptive mobility device (AMD) or adaptive cane introduced

      • used for a short time to offer immediate protection without the student needing to learn more complex skills

      • long-term travel aids for students with multiple disabilities

    • Collaborate with the O&M specialist to provide consistent instruction to students

    • All supervising adults should use common language and directives that the O&M Specialist has been using

    • Provide practice with directionality and spatial awareness

    • Reinforce understanding of

      • classroom layout

      • location of classroom games and materials

      • provide the opportunity to explore and locate classroom materials with as much independence as is safely possible

    • Continue to follow recommendations of O&M instructor to provide consistent carry-over

    • Possible transition to a standard white cane

    • OTPs should be aware of correct travel concepts to provide good carry-over instruction

    • Reinforce self-determination by encouraging students to advocate for themselves

    • Provide staff education regarding consistent classroom organization of materials

    • Include games to reinforce O&M concepts, spatial awareness, and directionality (e.g., hide and seek)

    • Many students have difficulty managing to carry a lunch tray and use their white cane

      • this requires managing the tray with one arm, without spilling, while using the other arm to sweep the cane from side to side

      • extra practice with a focus on materials management and coordination may be helpful

    • Reinforce goals and skills introduced during O&M lessons

    • Monitor need to additional support if changing classes is difficult

    • Support student advocacy:

      • to request that teachers let them travel more independently

      • to request assistance as needed

    • OTPs may also introduce skills required during community-based activities such as grocery shopping

    • Collaborate with the O&M specialist to practice using AT resources such as the Seeing AI application or Be My Eyes if students are out in the community for O&M can integrate the ECC areas of O&M, AT, and Independent Living Skills

    • Reinforce goals and skills introduced during O&M lessons

    • During O&M high school students may begin to learn how to use public transportation

      • reinforce advocacy skills, organization of items they are traveling with, and community safety skills

    • Orientation and Mobility

    • Physical Therapist

    • General Education Teacher

    • Teacher of the Visually Impaired

    • Special Education Teacher