This article reviews research on the biomechanical elements related to the most commonly used long cane technique, the two-point touch, by individuals with blindness or low vision. The use of several natural biomechanical tendencies supports the contention that the technique is inherently efficient. (Contains references.) (Author/DB)

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…

This study evaluated the ability of 40 blind adults to spatially organize large outdoor places using a verbal response survey and a near space lapboard task. The study found a high correlation between performances on the large outdoor environment with and without sighted guide tasks. The lapboard task also predicted performance in the outdoor…

These articles present different perspectives on the eligibility of persons with visual or other disabilities to teach orientation and mobility skills to individuals with visual impairments. Arguments in favor note that they understand their clients' perspective in the learning process; commentators opposed argue that their safety has not been…

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…

The authors discuss the establishment of a program at a state university that prepared teachers of the visually impaired (TVI) and orientation and mobility (O&M) specialists using distance education and intensive, face-to-face instruction. The authors evaluated the self-assessed competencies of 8 participants who completed prescribed TVI and…

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)

Issues related to promoting orientation and mobility training for individuals with visual impairments and diabetes are discussed, including effects of insulin, hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia, the timing of training, complications to the feet, and fluctuations in vision. Major lifestyle changes required by diabetes are stressed. (Author/SW)

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) causes restriction of the visual field, progressive vision loss, and night blindness. This article presents an overview of the most common problems in orientation and mobility (O&M) for individuals with RP, appropriate interventions, vision science discoveries related to RP, and the impact of RP on functional visual…

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 study evaluated variables that determined the safety of 15 cane users who were using the touch technique. The results showed that none of the walkers used a touch technique as described and recommended in the literature, that the detection of obstacles was related mainly to the height of the cane tip during the sweep, and that the early…

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)

In an unfamiliar residential neighborhood, 24 10- and 6-year olds were individually evaluated and compared on their conceptual knowledge of the neighborhood. Findings indicate there are statistical and practical differences between the two age groups. Implications for teaching orientation and mobility to children with low vision are discussed.…

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.)…

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.…