Orientation and mobility is a term that is used when referring to our ability to find our way or navigate our environment and being mobile with the physical ability to move about safely.
A person with little or no vision can negotiate their environment if they are familiar with the layout of the room or building and placement of fittings and furniture within. In an unfamiliar environment a person may need sighted guide support including and understanding of spatial awareness and developing a directional sense,
Orientation and Mobility Instructors can train people in building confidence using their remaining senses and learning techniques and strategies to get themselves around safely with or without a mobility aid.
Lipspeaker UK have trained staff who can help to orientate you to a new place of work or unfamiliar areas at work.
- How to move about safely with or without a cane or guide dog
- Walking in and out of train, tube or bus stops
- Known cycle paths, street signage
- Following the same routes and different routes to, from and around an office to build up a ‘map’
- Negotiate any automatic doors, escalators and moving walkways
- Location of lifts, canteen, rest rooms etc
- Location of fire exits, stairs and emergency help points
- Linked arm grip, the deafblind person links their arm through yours
- Holding elbow grip, the deafblind person holds your arm just above the elbow
- Hand on shoulder grip, the deafblind person places their hand on your shoulder