As a parent of a visually impaired child there are many challenges to meet, one of them being just the simple act of walking freely from one place to the other unassisted. There is therapy available called Orientation and Mobility therapy (O & M). O & M is very important for children and adults with visual impairments. This is what helps them to be able to walk independently in their environment, may it be a common or new environment. If a person with visual impairments is not comfortable in their surroundings it can cause unneeded stress as well as confusion and fear.
What is Orientation and Mobility Therapy?
Orientation and Mobility (O & M) therapy teaches people who are blind or visually impaired how to get around safely and efficiently within their homes, neighborhoods, schools, and communities. O & M therapy involves sensory training, concept development, formal orientation skills, and formal mobility skills.
What age should I start Orientation and Mobility therapy?
It is very important for a child with a visual impairment to get these services started at a young age. The younger the better as it will help them to succeed better. My daughter, Mia, is starting now at age three.
What does the therapist do in Orientation and Mobility Therapy?
O & M may involve learning to feel, smell, listen, and in some cases see an environmental change. The child or adult may be taught how to use a tactile map to learn their environment. A tactile map is a map that has raised surfaces to signify to the person an environment change. They could also be taught to walk with a cane, using their hands and feet to navigate rooms and buildings.
Orientation and Mobility therapy is very important for the visually impaired person. If you have a child or are yourself visually impaired I recommend looking into Orientation and Mobility therapy it may be the thing that makes you or your child independent.
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