The development of the Sonic Pathfinder, a new electronic travel aid, is described. The aim has been to produce an aid that gives the user useful information for safe, stress-free travel rather than to provide an electronic surrogate for vision. (Author/CL)

Eight learning disabled males (16 to 17 years old) participated in a driver education unit via a visual response system, allowing students greater response and feedback. After the conclusion of the unit, all Ss scored above the criterion established by the Digest of Ohio Motor Vehicle Laws. (CL)

Retinitis pigmentosa is a rod-cone dystrophy, commonly genetic in nature. Approximately 60-80% of those with retinitis pigmentosa inherit it by an autosomal recessive transmission (Brilliant, 1999). There have been some reported cases with no known family history. The symptoms of retinitis pigmentosa are decreased acuity, photophobia, night…

The article describes a curriculum for the visually handicapped which provides instruction in the four basic facets of landmark travel. The concepts included in the curriculum are: (1) learning the concept of landmarks, (2) remaining oriented to landmarks, (3) following direction based on landmarks, and (4) giving verbal directions based on them.…

This article proposes an approach to teaching street crossing to students who are visually impaired that considers the risks, ambiguity, and complexity of today's intersections. Thirty or 40 years ago, street crossing was a straightforward task for travelers with visual impairments (that is, those who are blind or have low vision). The…

Some aspects of assistive technology can be enhanced by the application of virtual reality. Although virtual simulation offers a range of new possibilities, learning to navigate in a virtual environment is not equivalent to learning to navigate in the real world. Therefore, virtual reality simulation is advocated as a useful preparation for…

An orientation and mobility curriculum for multiply handicapped deaf students incorporates instruction in environmental awareness concepts, orientation reference systems, route planning, and auditory training. Instruction frequently includes a solo travel experience. The roles of the classroom teacher and of the mobility instructor are noted. (CL)

The Connecticut Precane is a device made from plastic plumbing tubing and is used in orientation and mobility instruction with young blind children. It can be customized to the appropriate length, and runners made from curved tubing glide over surfaces without tending to change direction. A parts list for precane construction is included. (JDD)

This article describes a group training program for sighted trainee orientation and mobility (O&M) instructors in South Africa, where the need for O&M instructors is great and the availability of services is limited. The outcome was positive and encouraging and provides the initiative for the findings to be more broadly applied and for…

This article describes the Community Service Program (CSP) established in 1998 by the Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults. The CSP, which consists of a team of professional service providers, provides rehabilitation teaching, orientation and mobility services, and job development services, and help in accessing…

This article documents the important role of orientation and mobility training in achieving self-esteem and self-confidence in individuals with visual impairments. Orientation and mobility training is described as including motor development, sensory skills development, concept development, and orientation and mobility skills development. (JDD)

Russell C. Williams was a key figure in the progression of orientation and mobility from the Army's immediate response to the servicemen and women who lost their sight during World War II to a recognized profession delivering individualized instruction to visually impaired people throughout the world. Blinded in combat while serving in the U.S.…

Mobility training refers to activities that will better help the sightless move within the environment with a minimum amount of assistance. Activities that have been successfully used with blind students in self-contained classes are described. (JN)

This article describes the history and characteristics of the Connecticut Pre-cane, designed to protect young blind children and teach them early mobility techniques. A case study illustrates typical uses, and 12 step-by-step lessons in cane travel are provided for use with young children by the mobility instructor. (DB)

A vocational training program for trainable mentally retarded youth and adults provided instruction on functional skills, travel training, and independent living skills in addition to supervised performance in part time jobs in the community. The program expanded into small business subsidiaries for boat cleaning and detailing and marine serving.…