Applications should be completed by the student's school district.

Subject: Access in Motion (AIM) Orientation & Mobility Hub Opportunity – Roanoke, Virginia

Dear Parent or Guardian,

Your child's school division has the opportunity to participate in Access in Motion (AIM), a specialized Orientation and Mobility (O&M) instructional program designed for students who are blind or visually impaired. AIM provides intensive, hands-on instruction in real-world community environments to help students build the travel and independence skills needed for success at school, at home, and in the community.

What is Orientation and Mobility?

Orientation and Mobility instruction teaches students how to:

• travel safely and confidently in a variety of environments

• develop spatial and environmental awareness

• plan and follow routes

• cross streets safely

• problem-solve while traveling

• use mobility tools, including a long cane when appropriate

• increase independence in school and community settings

About the Access in Motion Program

Students will work with qualified Orientation and Mobility professionals in authentic community settings throughout Roanoke. Instruction is individualized and focused on each student's unique needs and goals.

Location: Roanoke, Virginia

Dates: April 15–16

Time: 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. each day (arrival between 8:00 and 8:15)

Lunch and snacks provided. Students must dress appropriately for the weather and a day of walking. Students will also receive a complimentary long cane to take with them after the event.

Through guided practice and real-world travel experiences, students will have opportunities to strengthen their independence, confidence, safety skills, and decision-making abilities.

What Parents Can Expect

During the two-day program, students may participate in activities such as:

• neighborhood travel

• route planning

• street crossings

• locating destinations

• community travel experiences

• independent problem-solving activities

• public transportation

• safe use of mobility tools and techniques

• following the program, the school division will receive documentation regarding the instruction provided and the student's participation and progress

• Participation in post-event survey

Why Participate?

Independent travel skills are essential for lifelong success. Students who develop strong Orientation and Mobility skills are better prepared to:

• access their educational environments

• participate more fully in community activities

• build confidence and self-advocacy skills

• prepare for future employment, college, and independent living opportunities

Questions?

If you have questions about whether your child is eligible to participate, please contact your child's Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments (TVI), special education case manager, or school division special education office.

We are excited about the opportunity to help students develop the skills and confidence needed to travel safely and independently.

Sincerely,

Amanda Thompson | Access in Motion Program Coordinator

"Building independence through movement, confidence, and community access."