Families
Helping people with vision impairment to move safely and independently through any environment is usually known as 'orientation and mobility'.
Orientation and mobility (O&M) is even more important to individuals who are deafblind. Movement offers them a chance to:
- Broaden their awareness of the environment
- Gather sensory information
- Communicate
- Make choices.
Some deafblind children learn to move independently outdoors, use a cane, cross streets and use public transport. For others, O&M may allow independent movement in the classroom or home.
Mobility devices that may help people who are deafblind include:
- Guide dogs
- Handheld electronic travel aids (that detect objects through sonar or laser signals)
- Canes
- Wheelchairs.
