Orientation & Mobility /Spl Educator

Orientation and mobility (O&M) is a set of skills that help people who are blind or

visually impaired to move around safely and independently in their environment.

O&M skills include:

Orientation: Knowing where you are and where you want to go

Mobility: Learning how to get there

Using mobility tools: Such as canes, wheelchairs, and human guides

Recognizing landmarks and cues: To help navigate

Protective techniques: To keep safe in unfamiliar areas

Spatial concepts: Realizing that objects exist even if you can’t hear or feel them

Requesting assistance: When needed

Some skills that O&M training teaches include:

Using a cane

Crossing the street

Using public transportation

Social interaction

Map reading

Using assistive technology

A Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS) is a specialist who works with

people who are blind, have low vision, or have functional visual limitations