Orientation and Mobility Training
Orientation and mobility specialists teach people with vision loss to move around safely by using their remaining vision, auditory cues and/or other techniques (using a white cane, dog guide or a sighted guide). Detecting curbs, crossing streets, riding public transportation, and getting into and out of cars safely are all possible when the correct techniques are used.
Some basic suggestions are provided below:
- Allow ample time to travel and slow your pace to be able to scan with eye and hand movements.
- Choose best-lit and least-cluttered routes, both indoors and outdoors.
- Find alternate routes around dangerous intersections, high-crime and construction areas.
- Look for cues and landmarks to stay oriented to surroundings.
- Use curbing or line up streetlights and use as a guide.
- Look for contrast in sidewalk vs. street to see curbs, asphalt, and concrete.
- Look at corners of steps to see contrast better.
- Mark door handles and steps with reflective tape.
- Watch for stairs, steps, and changes in level.
- Take the elevator to avoid stairs; when on stairs, use railings.
- Wear a brimmed hat for protection from branches.
Even when medical treatment options are not available, by adjusting their environment, using low vision devices, a few safety tips, and retraining the vision they still have most AMD patients are able to maintain active and independent lifestyles.
If you feel that you would benefit from orientation & mobility training ask your eye care professional to be referred to a low vision specialist or contact one of the visual impairment organizations in your country. Please go to the "Region by Region" section of this site to find contact details of our members.
