Orientation and Mobility

Specialist Orientation and Mobility Instructors help clients to orientate themselves to their environment, and travel independently with confidence, using other senses, strategies and aids such as a cane or electronic device. 

Guide Dog Instructors can train clients to work with a Guide Dog so that he or she can confidently travel independently.  There are numerous ways for people who are vision impaired to move about safely and independently:

1.  Sighted Guide

Almost every person who is vision impaired travels with a sighted person at some time.  For some people who are vision impaired assistance from a sighted person is not necessary, however, it is important to recognise that individuals may need a guide at some time.   It is always best to ask first, to find out whether or not the person needs a sighted guide. 

2.  Canes

Three types of white canes are available for use, depending upon the purpose.

• ID Cane– this light weight cane is used primarily for identification purposes by people who wish their vision impairment to be recognised by others.
  
• Long Cane – people whose vision loss requires their use of a mobility aid to assist with their independent travel may use a long cane. Each individual’s cane is selected to match his/her height and stride length. The cane is considered an extension of the index finger and is used to probe the environment in front, enabling the user to avoid any obstacles or changes of level.
  
• Support Cane – this is a white walking stick for people who need help with balance or support while walking and who want to be identified as a person with low vision.

3.  Electronic devices

Various electronic mobility devices are used in conjunction with either a long cane or a Guide Dog.

4.  Guide Dogs

Guide Dogs are provided to people who wish to use them as a mobility aid, following an assessment by the Guide Dog Program Coordinator.  Guide Dogs are provided free of charge to people who need them.  Please contact us if you would like to discuss having a Guide Dog.

5.  Low Vision Aids

Various Low Vision Aids are available from the Association’s Vision Management clinics.  The most commonly used low vision aid for mobility purposes is a monocular telescope.