A peripatologist taught 102 blind and partially sighted individuals of all ages mobility and orientation techniques. Volunteers assisted with transportation, followup, consultation, and direct teaching of mobility. Over a 3-year period, the number of lessons per client varied from one to 86, and the number of hours spent by the instructor in…

The use of the Sonicguide and the Laser Cane in concept development programs for blind young adults is examined. (Author/SBH)

Several school districts participated in a project providing orientation and mobility instruction to 50 visually handicapped students. Students received four to five lessons a week and were instructed in long cane usage. Tactual maps were used for orientation. Evaluation by their instructor and an outside expert rated 21 of 27 students as having…

This article reports the findings of a survey of 37 orientation and mobility specialists who serve preschool-age visually impaired children. It presents demographics of the children and the specialists involved in long cane instruction and identifies the factors related to the decision to begin this instruction. (Author/DB)

This article reviews research on the biomechanical elements related to the most commonly used long cane technique, the two-point touch, by individuals with blindness or low vision. The use of several natural biomechanical tendencies supports the contention that the technique is inherently efficient. (Contains references.) (Author/DB)

Four blind adults were observed to determine the extent of the natural movement of their centers of gravity in relation to arc height during the two-point touch technique for long cane travel. The Ss learned and practiced a modified technique using their center of gravity as much as possible. (Author)

This self-study and evaluation guide on orientation and mobility services (dog guide program emphasis) is one of 28 guides designed for organizations undertaking a self-study as part of the process for accreditation from the National Accreditation Council (NAC) for agencies serving the blind and visually handicapped. Provided are lists of…

Owners of laser canes and Sonicguides were surveyed to determine whether these devices were used in employment settings. Of the 94 respondents, 74 were still using their electronic travel aids: 36 percent used the devices to travel to and from work, and 49 percent used them on the job. (SEW)

Tangible tools needed by the instructor of orientation and mobility techniques for people with visual impairments include cane repair tools, a tape measure, a stopwatch, labeling materials, raised-line drawing equipment, a bicycle, compass and map, mace, and evaluation tools. (DB)

UNITS, ACTIVITIES, LESSON PLANS, AND RESOURCE MATERIALS TO HELP ELEMENTARY TEACHERS REINFORCE INSTRUCTION IN BASIC PRE-CANE MOBILITY AND ORIENTATION SKILLS ARE PRESENTED. APPENDIXES INCLUDE A DEFINITION OF TERMS, AN ORIENTATION AND MOBILITY CHECKLIST WITH TEACHER INSTRUCTIONS, SUGGESTIONS FOR GUIDING BLIND INDIVIDUALS, AND SUGGESTED SUMMER…

This paper offers principles of mobility education for students with visual impairments, stressing that mobility training is a shared responsibility among teachers, parents, and the mobility specialist. It notes that the basis for mobility education is independent travel as a reachable goal, that the purposes include providing the child with a…

The article describes application for visually impaired persons of widely used Electronic Travel Aids--the Lindsay Russell Pathsounder, the Mowat Sensor, the Sonicguide, and the C-5 Laser Cane. In addition, a research review provides insight into the issues affecting future use of the devices. (Author/CL)

To increase the professionalism of mobility instructors for the visually handicapped and to improve practice, the following areas need to be considered: a forum for dialogue and dissemination of information, a central resource for information, public relations materials explaining cane mobility, and a means of identifying the professional. (Author)