Orientation and mobility training promotes people moving around the community and workplace safely and independently. Orientation and mobility training is particularly useful for people who are blind or vision impaired, or those who have had a stroke or an acquired brain injury.
Specialist staff tailor orientation and mobility sessions to suit a person’s needs and training can be provided in the work environment. It can provide practical experience in the workplace in areas such as:
- identifying entry and exit points
- negotiating steps
- identification of workplace layout.
Trainers may also assist the individual to use other orientation or mobility aids such as canes, low vision aids, electronic devices and Guide Dogs.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
To assist people with orientation and mobility issues a workplace should ensure pathways are clear of clutter or trip hazards, consider the workplace layout and conduct regular safety audits to identify and address any barriers impacting staff mobility.
When considering orientation in the workplace the following sources may be useful:
References
Guide Dogs NSW/ACT 2011, Continuous Accessible Path Of Travel, Guide Dogs NSW/ACT, Sydney, viewed 2 March 2011, http://www.guidedogs.com.au/what-we-do/orientation-and-mobility/obstacles-and-hazards.
Vision Australia 2010, Orientation and mobility training, Vision Australia, Enfield, viewed 2 March 2011, http://www.visionaustralia.org.au/info.aspx?page=584#mobility.