Introduction: This study analyzed survey responses from 114 orientation and mobility (O&M) specialists regarding the content and procedures they used in completing O&M assessments. Methods: O&M specialists completed an online survey in 2020 on their assessment practices for children and youths who are visually impaired. Results: Over…

The final report details accomplishments of a New York City demonstration program to train handicapped students to travel independently on public transportation. It is explained that three major objectives were attained: five new replicators were identified during each of 3 years, replicators followed the program description, and replicators…

A travel training program in which college volunteers teach handicapped pupils to use public transportation decreases transportation costs and increases the students' independence. (CL)

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)

This article suggests ways that families of children with visual impairments can promote the travel skills of their children. Topics covered include ways to share information during travel, involving children in travel, involving children with nondrivers, helping adolescents who will not drive gain increased independence, and supporting young…

Tangible tools needed by the instructor of orientation and mobility techniques for people with visual impairments include cane repair tools, a tape measure, a stopwatch, labeling materials, raised-line drawing equipment, a bicycle, compass and map, mace, and evaluation tools. (DB)

In this study, a system was designed for monitoring learning progression and observing how an instructor directs a student's attention toward goals, such as landmarks and shorelines, on mobility routes. Results indicate the system was effective in monitoring the learning progression of 16 students (ages 3-14) with blindness. (Contains references.)…

The paper proposes teaching travel skills to developmentally disabled persons based upon the principles used to teach orientation and mobility to blind people. The approach emphasizes success orientation, sequencing, fading, individualized instruction, and in vivo instruction. Content includes environmental concepts, recovery techniques,…

The special issue contains papers and a panel discussion from the fourth annual symposium on media technology exploring applications and innovations for severely handicapped students. Papers cover such topics as marketing, microcomputers, the audio-tutorial system, evaluation of instructional materials, and teacher made materials. (DB)

A survey of 120 orientation and mobility instructors found that 75% have taught their students to use alternative mobility devices. The type of device taught most often was a two-shafted device (such as the Connecticut precane). Other devices included riding toys, upright push toys, and probing devices. (Author/CR)

This paper presents methods for visually impaired pedestrians assessing safety of street crossings in the absence of traffic controls, considering both limited detection ability and the difficulty of judging when approaching traffic is distant or slow enough to allow crossing. Alternatives for "uncrossable" streets and teaching methods are…

A survey of 217 AER-certified orientation and mobility specialists (COMSs) found the median annual income for full-time employed COMSs was $39,000. Of the respondents, 63.7 were women, 91.5 percent were white, and the median age was 43 years. The majority entering into the field had master's degrees. (Contains references.) (CR)

An orientation and mobility curriculum developed in Tulare County, California, includes 30 units for legally blind, partially sighted, multi-impaired, and low functioning sighted students in grades K through 12. Each section includes eight steps to teach basic concepts. Assessment guidelines are used to determine strengths and deficiencies. The 30…

The first in a series of health education modules for physically handicapped students (grades K-12) presents curricula for safety and survival education. An introductory section reviews descriptions and safety considerations for specific disabilities and discusses procedures for developing individualized health incentive modules in safety…

This product consists of a manual, gameboard (with two sides), card decks (with addresses for starting point and destination), and manipulatives (four game pieces, flag marker, cut-out game pieces--people and bus). Only the manual has been processed and filmed here. This product presents a language-based approach to teaching map, transportation,…