The following
techniques are some of the O&M procedures that may be used immediately:
Sighted
Guide
The sighted guide technique can be used with or without a
cane as a means of travel with another person. The person who
is blind or visually impaired grasps the sighted guide's arm
just above the elbow. Walk approximately a half step behind
and to the side of the sighted guide. This provides clues about
the sighted guide's movements.
Seating
The sighted person indicates where the chair is by guiding
the blind or visually impaired person's hand to the back of
the chair. This simple tip will allow the blind or visually
impaired person to determine the positioning of the chair for
sitting.
Room Familiarization
You may want a room described to you. The room entrance is
used as a reference point for giving directions and in establishing
relationships with other objects in the room. The shape of the
room, location of other doors and windows, the general contents
of the room, and furniture groupings are described. Additional
details such as the location of thermostats, and counters are
noted. If you wish, the style of the room, colors, and other
points of interest are described.
Orientation and Mobility Training
The following techniques can be taught by an Orientation and
Mobility professional:
Pre-Cane
Skills
This training covers techniques for safe travel in the home
or other indoor environments.
Long
Cane Travel
Depending on the individual needs and goals of each person,
long cane techniques, residential travel techniques, business
travel techniques, bus travel techniques, and adaptive cane
techniques can be taught.
Electronic
Travel Aids
Training in the use of electronic devices which provide additional
tactile or auditory information can be provided.
Low
Vision Aids
The use of adaptive optical devices which aid travel vision
may be included in training, if appropriate.
Dog
Guides
Follow-up orientation help for individuals who use dog guides
can be provided.
Return to Orientation
and Mobility page
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