Orientation and Mobility: Getting Around

Orientation and Mobility instructor shows a woman how to use her white cane — Learning to use the white
cane with an O&M instructor

Orientation and Mobility (O&M) is a profession specific to blindness and low vision that teaches safe, efficient, and effective travel skills to people of all ages:

“Orientation” refers to knowing where you are and where you want to go, whether you’re moving from one room to another or walking downtown for a shopping trip.
“Mobility” refers to the ability to move safely, efficiently, and effectively from one place to another, such as walking without tripping or falling, crossing streets, and using public transportation.

Orientation and Mobility: Navigating Your Environment with Confidence

Orientation is knowing where one is in space and how to safely get from point A to point B. Independently orienting when one is blind or has low vision can present a variety of challenges. Orientation and Mobility (O&M) skills, which help individuals navigate their environments using non-visual information, can empower children and adults who […]

Closeup of disabled sidewalk entry on a cold sunny day, yellow markings

Visual Scanning with Low Vision

Living with vision loss can make everyday activities—from walking across a parking lot to finding an item on a shelf—more challenging and potentially less safe. Obstacles, drop-offs, glare, and reduced contrast sensitivity can all interfere with mobility and increase the risk of falls. Fortunately, using organized scanning techniques can help individuals with visual impairments make […]

Mastering the White Cane: Mobility, Safety, and Fall Prevention

Learning to use a cane is a vital step toward fall prevention and independence for people who are blind or have low vision. But which type of cane is right for you? Should you use a white cane if you have some sight? And what exactly do White Cane Laws require? This article empowers you […]

Walking with a Human or Dog Guide

When walking indoors or outdoors, individuals who are blind or have low vision may choose to use the assistance of a guide, whether it’s a human or a guide dog. While friends or family members may instinctively offer help in ways that feel natural, such as holding hands or resting a hand on their shoulder, […]

Person holding their arm extended in front of their face finds an open cabinet door

Body Protection Techniques to Avoid Injury When Blind/ Low Vision

When navigating various environments, people who are blind or visually impaired face unique challenges that can increase the risk of injury. However, using a white cane in addition to proper body protection techniques can significantly reduce the likelihood of accidents. These techniques, which involve positioning your arms and hands to serve as buffers, are essential […]

Transportation

Traveling when blind or low vision can have its share of adventures. Check out the articles in this section to learn about using ride-share and public transportation, including trains, busses, and air travel.

Driving

Can a person drive with low vision? Learn about driving safety and bioptic driving, including bioptic driving rules and regulations.