Mobility and Orientation

Safety is always of paramount importance, for this reason the teaching of mobility and orientation must be one pupil to one mobility Officer.

Levels of Ability
Although the aim is to keep the Visually Impaired pupil level with his/her sighted peers, whilst fully developing the child’s potential and mobility skills much will depend on ability, maturity, degree of disability, additional disabilities and experience. The ultimate standard of mobility reached will vary with the ability and determination of each pupil.

Training
Mobility training is the development of two skills, Mobility and Orientation.

  • Mobility is the ability to move efficiently in one’s environment.
  • Orientation is the use of the remaining senses to establish one’s location in that environment.

Aims
The aim of the Mobility programme at St.Vincent’s is to provide the Visually Impaired pupil with the skill and experience necessary to enable them to travel independently with safety and efficiency to the fullest extent of their own capabilities.

Method and Techniques

  • Methods and techniques are tailored tosuit the individual need of each pupil.
  • Keeping parents well informed of pupils progress.
  • Ensuring that those who have contact with pupils are aware of their mobility skills.
  • For the pupil; as much hands on experience as possible in both indoor and outdoor travel methods.

Progression
Considering pupils age: the aim for them to achieve a similar level of independence as closely as possible with their sighted peers, we do this by each pupil working through our own Mobility Attainment Targets. Skills taught are as follows:

  • Pre-cane skills
  • Environment Concepts
  • Sighted Guide work
  • Formal cane training long or symbol
  • Residential Area Travel
  • Quiet Shopping Area
  • Busier Shopping Areas
  • Bus and Train Travel
  • City Centre Travel

Mobility has cross-curricular links with subjects such as PE, Maths, English, Food Technology. Unit Award Scheme AQA Accreditation for pupils 14 plus

 

Pupils mobility and independence development is integral to that pupil’s education progress.