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FAQs

Q: WHY IS ORIENTATION AND MOBILITY IMPORTANT FOR MY CHILD?

A: Orientation and mobility is a set of skills taught to help your child become aware of the space around them and to move safely, comfortably and independently within that space. The following are some of the key elements to O&M: concept building, body and spatial awareness, sensory development, maximizing residual vision, systematic searching, route planning, map reading and soliciting aid. All of these skills provide your child with increased independence and confidence.

Concept building provides your child with the basic knowledge required to move safely in the environment. These can include: positional concepts such as right, left, behind, in front; body concepts such as the body parts and their relation to each other; and environmental concepts such as the movement of traffic and setup of a block.

Body awareness teaches your child about parts of the body, their function and their spatial relationship to each other.

Spatial awareness teaches your child how far away two or more objects are from one another.

Sensory development teaches your child to be aware of the sounds, smells and textures of objects around them and to relate that information to a specific place or area.

Maximizing residual vision is the use of scanning, tracing and tracking to optimize your child’s remaining vision. Scanning is the movement of the head and eyes to search for objects. Tracing is the ability to visually follow lines in the environment, such as hedge lines, roof lines or baseboards. Tracking is the ability to visually follow a moving object.

Systematic searching teaches your child how to search an area in an organized and efficient way using the eyes or hands.

Route planning teaches your child to outline and safely travel from point A to point B using landmarks, clues and cues from the environment.

Map reading teaches your child how to transfer information from a diagram, map or model into the real environment. To use this skill effectively your child must be able to understand the use of symbols as representations of real objects. Cardinal directions north, east, south and west are taught as part of map reading skills.

Soliciting Aid teaches your child how to safely and effectively ask for assistance when traveling. O&M instruction also teaches your child some important social skills such as: appropriate public behavior, effective speaking and listening skills and eliminating “typical” behaviors such as rocking and eye poking.

Q: DOES MY CHILD HAVE TO USE A CANE?

A: Not everyone enjoys using the white cane, and it is true that not every visually impaired individual requires the use of the cane. However, the white cane acts as a probe, bumper and identification tool that will ultimately keep your child safe. For each new child seen, the orientation and mobility instructor performs an in-depth evaluation of their visual, cognitive and travel abilities. Once the instructor determines that a child will benefit from the use of a white cane and has the cognitive abilities to learn the skills involved, it is important that you reinforce the importance of the cane to your child. In return, your child will see it as a positive tool rather than a social hindrance.

Q: WHEN CAN MY CHILD APPLY FOR A GUIDE DOG?

A: Like white canes, dogs can be of great benefit to many people, however not every visually impaired individual should have a guide dog. As with any animal, a guide dog needs a great deal of care. Food, water, exercise and a place (and time) to relieve have to be provided on a regular and consistent basis. Visits to the veterinarian may not be reimbursed by the guide dog school. Guide dogs require further care, however, as they need to be worked on a regular basis to maintain their skills. For most schools, the minimum age of a dog guide user is 16 years. However, because of the limited travel required in a high school and the high number of distractions, many schools will not provide a dog to an applicant still attending high school. Most importantly, your child must be able to travel independently without a dog. The dog helps to navigate the travel area, but only the dog handler knows the destination. Your child must be able to use their white cane safely and independently to travel around their neighborhood, cross streets and ride public transportation before applying for a dog. If your child states that he/she would like to get a dog in the future, it is important to learn their white cane skills now.

Q: WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR MY CHILD WHEN THEY ARE ON LESSONS?

A: The orientation and mobility instructor is fully responsible for your child when they are out on lessons. At the beginning of each school year, the instructor needs your permission before driving your child into the community.

Q: WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP MY CHILD PRACTICE THEIR SKILLS?

A: Like any acquired skill, orientation and mobility requires practice. Your child should be using their cane everywhere they go. While many visually impaired individuals do not use their cane while inside their home, your child should be protecting themselves in some manner each time they take a step. It is necessary for your child to use the cane as much as possible and for you to reinforce the concepts and skills taught by the instructor. Keep in mind that the skills being taught will keep your child safe for the rest of their lives. They are taught so that your child can be as independent as possible.