This 7-minute video was created by Elina Mullen, Ed.D. and demonstrates different types of equipment for various sports, such as hockey, racquet games, and more.
Source: Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Orientation and Mobility Resources
These sites explain the techniques, general importance, and necessity of Orientation and Mobility (O&M) training for people who are blind or visually impaired. The resources here cover the importance of O&M training, services and resources, specific skills, and how to assist someone who is blind or visually impaired if they need help.
What is Orientation and Mobility (O&M)? VisionAware provides this overview of the concepts and the professionals who provide this training.
Source: VisionAwareSighted guide techniques with illustrations. A PDF is also available.
Source: Community Eye Health JournalAuthors Perla and Ducret explain how the design of an O&M program for students with multiple disabilities should start with understanding the child's most basic needs, such as communication, safety, independence, and consistency.
Source: International Council for Education of People with Visual Impairment (ICEVI)In your education of (and advocacy for) others, you may find these talking points helpful for getting the message across that orientation and mobility are important lifelong learning processes. This link presents both English and Spanish text.
Source: Texas School for the Blind and VIsually ImpairedThis PowerPoint presentation focuses on the learning styles of children with visual impairments with and without additional disabilities and on early orientation and mobility development.
Source: Provincial Resource Centre for the Visually Impaired (British Columbia)This booklet is written by a cane traveler and covers aspects of cane travel, such as Getting the Cane Ready, Actually Walking Around, Public Transportation, and Times and Places without the Usual Landmarks.
Source: National Federation of the Blind (NFB)This section of AER's website has information about the skills and responsibilities of O&M Specialists, a list of training programs, a job exchange, and information about current issues in the field, such as environmental access.
Source: Association for the Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AER)Tips for familiarizing a child with his or her environment from a wheelchair or stroller.
Source: FamilyConnectThe CEC's Division on Visual Impairment and Deafblindness advances the education of children and youth who have visual impairments or deafblindness. Browse selected articles and position papers here.
Source: Council for Exceptional ChildrenIf you are exploring the idea of guide dog for yourself or a loved one, begin with this overview by VisionAware on what guide dogs can and can not do for their users.
Source: VisionAwareIn addition to spotlighting her certifications and experiences, Sauerburger's website contains numerous resources and strategies of interest to Orientation and Mobility practitioners.
Source: Dona SauerburgerDan Kish is the first certified blind Orientation & Mobility Specialist in the world. Read his theories on echolocation along with a collection of media and autobiographical pieces about or featuring Daniel and his work with clients and partners
Source: World Access for the BlindDan Kish is the first certified blind Orientation & Mobility Specialist in the world. Read his theories on echolocation along with collection of media and autobiographical pieces about or featuring Daniel and his work with clients and partners
Source: World Access for the BlindImportant factors to consider when adapting a home or school environment for accessibility, including safety, social factors, and diversity of sensory features. Also available in RTF printable version.
Source: Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired (TSBVI)This article from CEC's DVI Quarterly offers ideas on how to build play/exploration environments, how to highlight landmarks, and how to design mini-travel routes in a child's day.
Source: DVI Quarterly, 2005O&M Specialist Dona Sauerburger outlines strategies when encountering an unfamiliar intersection, requesting assistance, and teaching tips for instructors.
Source: Dona Sauerburger: Orientation and Mobility SpecialistThe basics of orientation and mobility; includes a video.
Source: VisionAwareDr. Fredric K. Schroeder advocates early and consistent cane use by very young children who are blind in this Braille Monitor article.
Source: National Federation of the BlindThis is a directory of guide dog schools in the United States.
Source: American Foundation for the Blind (AFB)