Advanced Orientation and Mobility Training

Course Aim

To provide an advanced orientation and mobility course to update and refresh professional skills and competencies, identifying relevant theory and modern practice issues, to fully equip mobility specialists in all aspects of orientation and mobility intervention

Course Objectives

At the end of the course you will be able to:

  • Describe the theory behind mobility practice – with and without a mobility aid
  • Describe and demonstrate the range of mobility aids available
  • Explain and compare relevant cane skills
  • Discuss and explain a range of issues and factors influencing mobility practice
  • Compare and demonstrate various teaching examples and options for mobility

Course Information

This is a two-day course for any mobility qualified visual impairment professional ie. rehab workers and mobility officers who work in social care, voluntary or education sectors, who want to update and refresh their O and M skills. This will be an ‘hands on’ active and practical course employing a range of teaching methods, working both indoors and outside, that will give delegates the opportunity to practice basic mobility skills, and incorporate modern techniques and equipment into their practice. The course will examine mobility theory, assessment, route planning, use of the senses and the application of various cane techniques, also comparing modern canes and tips, including electronic mobility devices. The content of the course will also examine teaching methods in mobility, giving the chance for mobility professionals to look at their own methods and compare training strategies and learn from professional colleagues, and discuss various mobility practice issues.

Two Day Course Programme: 9.30am – 4.30pm

Day One

SESSION ONE: 9.30AM – 11.00AM

  • Welcome and introductions
  • Course aims and objectives
  • Definitions and description of orientation and mobility
  • The theory behind mobility practice
  • The mobility ‘journey’ – the process
  • How mobility theory influences learning
  • The ‘person’ skills and considerations to inform mobility practice

SESSION TWO: 11.15AM – 12.45PM

  • Using the senses and the body in mobility, including functional vision
  • Mobility – assessment and planning
  • Pre-cane skills – teaching sighted guide, free-walking, trailing and squaring off

SESSION THREE: 1.45PM – 3.00PM

  • Indoor mobility – considerations and what skills
  • Practical exercise
  • Which cane or mobility device?
  • Comparing canes and matching skills
  • What to look for in a cane – characteristics of a cane

SESSION FOUR: 3.15PM – 4.30PM

  • In-depth look at canes – symbol, guide and long canes
  • Which cane tip – choice and selection of cane tips
  • Mobility exercise – Practical session

4.30 CLOSE OF DAY ONE

Day Two

SESSION ONE: 9.30AM – 11.00AM

  • Working with walking sticks and cane accessories
  • Cane skills training – strategies and options
  • Route planning and risk assessment

SESSION TWO: 11.15AM – 12.45PM

  • Using hi-tech mobility devices – factors for use
  • Hand held electronic mobility devices
  • Comparing standard and hi-tech mobility devices – a practical session

SESSION THREE: 1.45PM – 3.00PM

  • Mobility – what teaching methods available to you
  • Issuing UV shields and using monoculars

SESSION FOUR: 3.15PM – 4.30PM

  • Mobility – assessing progress and outcomes
  • Course Evaluation

COURSE CLOSES 4.30PM