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The Importance of Orientation and Mobility Skills for Students Who Are Deaf-Blind. DB-LINK Fact Sheet.

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Bibliographic Details
Title: The Importance of Orientation and Mobility Skills for Students Who Are Deaf-Blind. DB-LINK Fact Sheet.
Language: English
Authors: Gense, D. Jay, Gense, Marilyn, National Information Clearinghouse on Children Who Are Deaf-Blind, Monmouth, OR.
Availability: DB-LINK, 345 N. Monmouth Ave., Monmouth, OR 97361. Tel: 800-438-9376 (Toll Free); Tel: 800-854-7013 (Toll Free/TTY); Fax: 503-838-8150; e-mail: dblink@tr.wou.edu; Web site: <http://www.tr.wou.edu/dblink>.
Peer Reviewed: N
Page Count: 10
Publication Date: 1999
Sponsoring Agency: Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (ED), Washington, DC.
Contract Number: HO25U20001
Intended Audience: Parents; Practitioners
Document Type: Guides - Non-Classroom
Descriptors: Adjustment (to Environment), Children, Deaf Blind, Educational Environment, Electromechanical Aids, Elementary Secondary Education, Evaluation Methods, Family Environment, Interdisciplinary Approach, Mobility, Mobility Aids, Orientation, Teaching Methods, Teamwork, Travel Training, Visually Impaired Mobility
Geographic Terms: U.S.; Oregon
Abstract: This fact sheet about students who are deaf-blind provides information on orientation and mobility (O&M) training. It begins by describing orientation and mobility skills, and emphasizes the need for a team approach in the development and implementation of O&M instruction. Instructional strategies are described, including initial assessment of O&M skills, program development and implementation, and evaluation. The basics of mobility skills are then addressed for guided travel, protective techniques, trailing, mobility devices, dog guides, electronic travel aids, and wheelchair mobility. Tips are provided for working with interpreters, and practical strategies for families and team members are listed, including: (1) provide opportunities for exploring all areas of the student's environment; (2) encourage experiences on a variety on surfaces; (3) allow full participation in activities; (4) make full use of "reference points"; (5) encourage independent travel; (6) be sure lighting is adequate for children who have residual vision; (7) make use of physical boundaries; (8) provide opportunities for problem-solving; and (9) encourage association of familiar toys and objects with the environments in which they may be used. (CR)
Journal Code: RIEMAY2000
Entry Date: 2000
Accession Number: ED436058
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:This fact sheet about students who are deaf-blind provides information on orientation and mobility (O&M) training. It begins by describing orientation and mobility skills, and emphasizes the need for a team approach in the development and implementation of O&M instruction. Instructional strategies are described, including initial assessment of O&M skills, program development and implementation, and evaluation. The basics of mobility skills are then addressed for guided travel, protective techniques, trailing, mobility devices, dog guides, electronic travel aids, and wheelchair mobility. Tips are provided for working with interpreters, and practical strategies for families and team members are listed, including: (1) provide opportunities for exploring all areas of the student's environment; (2) encourage experiences on a variety on surfaces; (3) allow full participation in activities; (4) make full use of "reference points"; (5) encourage independent travel; (6) be sure lighting is adequate for children who have residual vision; (7) make use of physical boundaries; (8) provide opportunities for problem-solving; and (9) encourage association of familiar toys and objects with the environments in which they may be used. (CR)