Since the passing of its resolution in 1964, each 15th of October we celebrate White Cane Safety Day and Blind Americans Equality Day—as I see it, we are celebrating the independence and abilities of individuals who are blind and visually impaired. We celebrate the fact that people with vision loss can go where they want to go, be who they want to be, and go invest in and enjoy the world.
This independence is what the white cane symbolizes. It is also what orientation and mobility (travel) skills enable.
Thus, to celebrate the observance, I have compiled many orientation and mobility (O&M for short) resources and linked them to the question they answer.
General Questions Regarding O&M
- What does O&M entail and what is the purpose of teaching it?
- Who teaches O&M skills?
- Can you tell me what to expect from an O&M assessment?
- What are "kiddie canes," pre-canes, and adaptive mobility devices?
- Can you explain the different types of canes and cane tips?
- What impact might new color canes have on drivers?
- Why does O&M training involve leaving the home and/ or school campus?
- Can individuals who use wheelchairs also use white canes?
- Our child is refusing the cane–what can we do?
- Can you tell me how O&M differs in winter weather conditions?
O&M for Babies Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired
O&M for Preschoolers Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired
- What does O&M entail for preschoolers?
- How can we orient my child to a new environment and help him feel comfortable in it?
O&M for Grade Schoolers Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired
- What does O&M entail for grade schoolers?
- What can we do to promote O&M skill development in our child?
- How will my child orient to the school building?
- How can we teach use of compass directions?
O&M for Teenagers Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired
- What does O&M entail for teenagers?
- How are O&M skills taught to my teen who recently lost vision?
- How can we maximize our teen’s confidence in his travel skills?