People who are blind or visually impaired must learn to orient to their surroundings and move independently and safely across a variety of environments with the use of their remaining senses, learned travel skills and techniques, and mobility tools. An orientation and mobility (O&M) specialist provides training and instruction in these competencies. If your child is not yet working with an O&M specialist, please utilize FamilyConnect’s tool to find services for people who are blind or visually impaired.

four children, two with canes, two without, smiling as their orientation and mobility instructor holds the door open for them

To learn more about O&M, how it is taught, and the essential role of family members in O&M development, explore the following articles:

O&M for Babies Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired

O&M for Preschoolers Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired

O&M for Grade Schoolers Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired

O&M for Teenagers Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired