This study assessed the possibility of guiding a person with blindness and intellectual disability during indoor travel with fewer auditory cues. Results indicated that infrequent presentation of the cues and the provision of extra cues in case of errors maintained high levels of independent moves, albeit of increased duration. (Author/CR)

This manual presents guidelines for teaching students with disabilities necessary skills for safe and independent travel on public buses. Six guidelines for teachers include: (1) participate in bus training; (2) use wise and intelligent judgment; (3) utilize the bus checklist; (4) know and teach bus rules; (5) know bus routes; and (6) know bus…

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…

A 3-YEAR DEMONSTRATION PROJECT WAS DESIGNED TO PROVIDE THE BLIND WITH MOBILITY INSTRUCTION, TO SHOW AGENCIES AND COMMUNITIES THE NEED FOR SUCH INSTRUCTION, AND TO OBTAIN INFORMATION ABOUT MOTIVATION AND MOBILITY. OF THE 73 BLIND PERSONS IN MECKLENBURG COUNTY (NORTH CAROLINA) WHO INQUIRED BY INDIVIDUAL APPLICATION OR WERE REFERRED BY OTHER…

The manual describes a curriculum in orientation and mobility developed as part of the Adjustment to Blindness Program of the Greater Pittsburgh Guild for the Blind. Objectives and learning experiences are listed for the following 10 units: use of sighted guides, basic indoor orientation and cane skills, residential sidewalk travel,…

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…

A survey of 69 people investigated their response to individuals with deaf-blindness holding cards soliciting aid for crossing the street. Results found travelers should stand at the curb facing the street, hold the card up at the shoulder, and the card should first state the desire to cross the street. (CR)

This article investigates the needs of the visually impaired over age 65 population and suggests rehabilitation services that could remedy the implications of age-related visual impairment. These include service-delivery programs that include peer support groups and one-on-one instruction, adaptive communication strategies, and orientation and…

A young blind adult recounts his experiences in using a dog guide, describing psychological adjustment, trials and joys of being a student at a dog guide training center, bonding with the new dog, and adjusting to home life with a dog guide. Suggestions are offered for the improvement of orientation and mobility training. (JDD)

This article describes a three-month orientation and mobility (O&M) program conducted for four potential teachers of individuals with blindness in Taipei (Taiwan). Challenges in residential areas, business areas, buildings, and use of mass transit are illustrated. Although the travel environments were more complex than those in the United…

This study compared the effectiveness of a long cane and a precane device as initial protective devices for preschool children with blindness. The precane device was found to be easier for the children to use, and it protected the children from body contact with travel obstacles better than did the long cane. (Author/DB)

Article discusses research on orientation and mobility (O&M) for individuals with visual impairments, examining constant, variable, and absolute error (descriptive statistics that quantify fundamentally different characteristics of distributions of spatially directed behavior). It illustrates the statistics with examples, noting their…

This article addresses the development of an orientation and mobility (O&M) certification examination by Division Nine of the Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired. It describes the collection of data that establishes the relative importance of the competencies necessary for O&M. (Contains eight…

This manual is intended for people who are preparing to work with older American Indians with visual impairments and who have limited or no training in this area. Emphasis is on basic orientation and mobility skills and daily living skills. Preliminary information covers the following: the eye, definitions, the visually impaired population, and…