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Orientation & Mobility
Losing vision is devastating. You used to be able to see that hallway. Not anymore. You used to be able to see that sidewalk. Not anymore. You used to be able to see that curb. Not any more. So how do you find that hallway? How do you stay on that sidewalk? How do you keep from tripping on that curb?
The mobility department continues to make a positive impact on the blind and visually impaired community in Southwest Florida. There has been an increase in VR clients which generally means that young, motivated individuals are joining the ranks of VIP clientele, benefitting from the services we provide. This population helps spread the word in the community about the good work done here.
Mobility continues to work with the transition program during field trips and shopping adventures. These outings have occurred downtown, at the mall, and other locations accessible by buses. Technology has also invaded mobility instruction at VIP. Numerous clients have benefited from GPS training. The AT department has been very helpful in providing guidance to both clients and the mobility specialist at VIP. A number of Clients have actually purchased The Trekker, a rather expensive GPS system designed for blind and visually impaired persons.
Orientation & Mobility is a fancy title for learning how to get around when you can’t see where you’re going.
Orientation is the ability to understand your body’s position and location relative to other points in the environment. Where am I and which way am I facing? Where is that hallway and which way is it running? That’s Orientation.
Mobility is the safe and effective movement of the body. Now that I know where I am, how do I get to where I want to go without falling over things, running into things and hurting myself in the process?
VIP has an Internationally Certified Orientation & Mobility Specialists on staff who can teach you:
- How to get around your home.
- How to walk on sidewalks.
- How to walk down a street with no sidewalks.
- How to locate what you’re looking for. The mailbox?
- How to cross all kinds of streets.
- How to get to and from stores.
- How to shop in stores by yourself.
- How to take public transportation.
When you first lost your vision, you sat around and wondered, “What am I going to do now?” Well, are you ready to travel?! Let’s go!!!
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