Orientation
and Mobility Training
Traveling with low vision or blindness
Orientation and Mobility is the backbone of all clinic and rehabilitation services. After an initial assessment of existing skills, we provide the necessary training and adaptive equipment needed to travel safely and efficiently in various environments. All O&M services are self-paced, flexible, and individualized.
Enroll in O&M Training
Training explores:
White cane skills
A cane can be used to help individuals navigate changes in terrain and identify objects that may otherwise be a tripping hazard. The cane also allows the user to gauge changing elevations and can function as a cue to others that the person using the instrument is living with low vision or blindness. This allows others insight into how to support or offer help when needed. With proper training, the cane can prove to be a vital instrument for providing more opportunities for independence. NewView can help individuals to learn the proper techniques for utilizing the cane to promote safe movement and travel.
Indoor travel
This training helps NewView clients to learn how to navigate offices, malls, grocery stores, schools, doctor’s offices, and more. Indoor travel is an essential skill on the path to independence. Being confident in navigating daily tasks like grocery shopping or going to a doctor’s appointment allows clients to be independent, whether they do these tasks alone or not.
Street crossing
Most of our clients cannot drive, so being able to safely cross a street to get to a bus stop, meet an Uber, or simply continue on to their destination is essential. Our clients often experience a significant confidence boost upon gaining the orientation and mobility skills to cross the street independently.
Route travel in residential areas
Many NewView clients utilize public transportation or rideshares like Uber or Lyft. In order to safely travel independently, it is essential to have the skills to get from a bus stop or where the rideshare stops to their home. Route travel training explores best practices for traveling in residential areas with low vision.
Route travel through businesses and industrial areas
In order to live an empowered and fulfilling life, we believe our clients should have the confidence to do things like attend concerts, go shopping, meet friends for lunch, attend meetings, and more. Being able to safely navigate downtown OKC or Utica Square in Tulsa are just two examples of business and industrial route travel.
Navigating public transportation
Public transportation is one of the most essential components of independence. Clients learn to navigate bus routes, how to orient themselves once they reach their stop, and more. This opens the door to being able to commute to work, doctor’s appointments, dinner with friends, or anything they might choose to do. This training also explores the variety of transportation options and resources available through EMBARK and other ride-sharing services.
Directional orientation
Even with perfect orientation and mobility training, it is easy to get turned around when navigating an unfamiliar space. Just like when you’re driving, one wrong turn can result in being way off route. The key to O&M is directional orientation. Knowing cardinal directions is a major component to comprehensive O&M training.