A survey of orientation and mobility specialists (N=26) was conducted to determine the mobility devices currently being used with visually impaired and elderly clients. These results were then used to design and develop an effective, commercially manufacturable adaptive-mobility device prototype which was tested with elderly individuals, multiply…

Provided is a practicum report on a travel training program initiated at the Ray Graham Training Center (Chicago, Illinois) for 40 trainable mentally handicapped young adults. The center is described in terms of the geographic area and clients served, staff roles, parent role, and curriculum. It is noted that a prime impetus for the development of…

This article describes orientation and mobility skills and strategies used by a woman with deaf-blindness, especially methods for crossing the street safely, using the following main strategies: locating key travel areas; developing communication strategies and systems; and identifying community resources for assistance. (CR)

A study was done to identify the level of independent travel considered ideal by three older adults with visual impairments. Results found that the ideal level of functioning is different from that implicitly used in traditional orientation and mobility programs. (CR)

This handbook is designed to assist teachers in obtaining a degree of awareness and sensitivity to another culture. It was specifically developed for the teacher traveling in a foreign country. The introduction examines the role of the teacher in traveling, identifies some of the reasons for teacher travel abroad, and looks at the impact of the…

The purpose of Project COMPETE is to use previous research and exemplary practices to develop and validate a model and training sequence to assist retarded youth to make the transition from school to employment in the most competitive environment possible. The taxonomy described in this project working paper focuses on instructional objectives in…

This curriculum presents lessons on the use of public transportation and is intended to encourage special education teachers and paraprofessionals to incorporate the skills and concepts of public transit usage into the educational program of elementary school children with disabilities. Six sequential lessons culminate with a trip using public…

Owners of laser canes and Sonicguides were surveyed to determine whether these devices were used in employment settings. Of the 94 respondents, 74 were still using their electronic travel aids: 36 percent used the devices to travel to and from work, and 49 percent used them on the job. (SEW)

This study gathered data on orientation and mobility services from questionnaires of 15 Iowa teachers serving visually impaired students and 11 supervisors of vision programs. Results indicated a lack of knowledge on the subject, a recognized shortage of qualified staff and services, and a need for students' skills evaluation. (PB)

Analysis of 41 questionnaires completed by graduates of either undergraduate or masters degree programs in orientation and mobility training of people with visual impairments found that most respondents were still active as mobility instructors, most were in school programs, and most expressed a need for more knowledge of training students with…

The Georgia Academy for the Blind curriculum guide covers orientation, cane skills, and travel skills. Chapter two, on low vision utilization, includes indoor, outdoor, and night low vision lessons checklists. Chapter three covers postural development and motor coordination. Chapter four, on concept development, covers body image, spatial…

Randolph Technical College (RTC) and the Division of Services for the Blind of the North Carolina Department of Human Resources have cooperated for two years on a program to provide blind students with the opportunity to receive instruction in a traditional classroom setting on a college campus. Problems encountered in the early stages of the…

To study the needs for orientation and mobility training in Los Angeles County, project a comprehensive training program, and demonstrate a model service in representative regions, 51 blind adolescents (23 girls and 28 boys) ranging in age from 13 to 21 were given an average of 108 class periods of intensive, individual training by orientation and…

Ten articles treat mobility aids and training for the blind. The following subjects are discussed: "Development of Mobility Programs Which Used Canes as Aids,""Expansion of Mobility Training to Children and Aged,""Basic Techniques Essential to Orientation and Mobility,""Long Cane Training: Its Advantages and Problems,""The Cane as a Channel for…