Theresa, a 66-year-old Manhattan resident diagnosed with glaucoma and uveitis, is regaining independence through specialized vision rehabilitation services. Her fluctuating vision, sometimes allowing her to recognize faces, no longer confines her to relying on family and friends for everyday tasks like walking and shopping in her neighborhood, thanks to Orientation and Mobility (O&M) training.
O&M training is a vital component of vision rehabilitation for the nearly 20 million people in the United States living with blindness or low vision, providing skills for safe, confident, and independent living. The training is tailored to individual needs, considering the degree of vision loss, personal goals, and abilities. It’s conducted by Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialists (COMS), highly trained professionals who address the nonvisual, visual, physical, cognitive, and psycho-social aspects of mobility.
The process encompasses three key areas: orientation, environmental and spatial awareness, and mobility. Orientation focuses on helping individuals understand their surroundings using senses like sound, smell, and touch to create mental maps. Environmental and spatial awareness builds a deeper understanding of spaces – homes, offices, streets, public transportation – and how to navigate them safely. Mobility training teaches the practical skills of traveling between locations, often incorporating white cane training.
COMS employ a variety of instructional techniques, including inquiry-based learning and direct instruction, recognizing that no single approach suits every learner. They utilize both non-visual techniques, such as auditory and tactile cues, and visual techniques to optimize any remaining vision. The goal is to develop self-confident, independent travelers capable of problem-solving in real-life settings. A COMS completes an extensive educational program, including a supervised 350+ hour internship, and must pass a rigorous certification exam.
While many employment opportunities are now remote, O&M training frequently includes on-site training to help individuals navigate their work environments safely and efficiently. The training extends beyond the home and community to include schools and workplaces. Some individuals may choose to supplement O&M training with the assistance of a guide dog, which requires additional specialized training.
Assistive technology is too increasingly integrated into O&M training, offering further support for individuals with vision loss. Theresa now utilizes a red and white cane, glare-resistant sunglasses, and a brimmed hat to navigate her neighborhood, stating, “I am much more comfortable and independent in my home and community. VISIONS helped me to gain back much of the independence that I felt that I may have lost.” She regularly attends the VISIONS Center on Aging and has formed modern friendships there.
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock offers an online Master of Arts degree program in Orientation and Mobility, preparing professionals to provide these services to individuals who are blind or visually impaired.
