Orientation & Mobility
Students who are blind or visually impaired must learn to orient to their surroundings and move independently and safely across a variety of environments with the use of their remaining senses, learned travel skills and techniques, and mobility tools. An orientation and mobility (O&M) specialist provides training and instruction in these competencies.
Service delivery may include:
- Consultation with educational staff and families regarding classroom accommodations, modifications and assistive technology
- Gain information about the world through hearing, smell, touch and awareness of the position and movement of the body
- Learn how to search for objects
- Learn spatial concepts (realizing that objects exist even if they are not heard or felt)
- Protective techniques for added safety in unfamiliar areas
- Use of long cane techniques and other forms of independent movement
Visual Impairment Resources
American Printing House (APH)
The American Printing House for the Blind is the world’s largest nonprofit organization creating accessible learning experiences through educational, workplace, and independent living products and services for people who are blind and visually impaired.
FamilyConnect
People who are blind or visually impaired must learn to orient to their surroundings and move independently and safely across a variety of environments with the use of their remaining senses, learned travel skills and techniques, and mobility tools. An orientation and mobility (O&M) specialist provides training and instruction in these competencies.
Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults (HKNC)
Giving people who are deaf-blind the tools to live, work and thrive in the communities of their choice.
National Federation of the Blind
You can live the life you want; blindness is not what holds you back. The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles between blind people and our dreams.
Teaching Students with Visual Impairments
Extensive resources for teachers and parents of students with visual impairments.
