Orientation and Mobility

What is Orientation and Mobility?

Orientation and Mobility (O&M) is a profession specific to blindness and low vision that teaches safe, efficient, and effective travel skills to people of all ages:

"Orientation" refers to the ability to know 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 being able to walk without tripping or falling, cross streets, and use public transportation.

Orientation and Mobility Specialists

An Orientation and Mobility (O&M) Specialist provides instruction that can help you develop or re-learn the skills and concepts you need to travel safely and independently within your home and in the community. O&M Specialists provide services across the life span, teaching infants and children in pre-school and school programs, as well as adults in a variety of community-based and rehabilitation settings.

Types of Canes

The following are three different types of cane in which students may use.

Rigid Mobility Cane

Designed primarily as a mobility tool used to detect objects in the path of a user. Does not fold.

Mobility Cane (Foldable)

Designed primarily as a mobility tool used to detect objects in the path of a user. Can fold into 3 or 4 sections

ID Cane

Used primarily to alert others that the user is visually impaired, but not to the extent where they require a long cane or other variant.

Types of Cane Tips

Rolling Marshmallow Tip

High Mileage Rolling Ball Tip

Marshmallow Tip

Pencil Tip

Where to purchase Canes and/or Cane tips

Ambutech - https://ambutech.com/
Maxi-Aids (Canes) - https://www.maxiaids.com/search?q=canes
Maxi-Aids (Cane Tips) - https://www.maxiaids.com/search?q=Cane+Tips

NFB Free White Cane Program

This program gives families the opportunity to obtain a free rigid (non-folding) white cane. It must be more than six months since your previous request for a white cane.

Free White Cane Program - https://www.nfb.org/programs-services/free-white-cane-program

Alternative mobility devices (AMDs)

Alternative mobility devices have been developed that provide full protection for people who are either unable to use the cane reliably or move it correctly, either because of physical limitations (including difficulty or pain when moving the wrist) or cognitive disabilities.

The following are examples of AMDS that may be used for traveling

Orientation and MOBILITY Apps for Travel

Blind Square

Seeing Eye GPS

Aira

Lazarillo

Report abuse