Orientation and Mobility Services
Goal of Service
Orientation and Mobility training enables people who are blind or vision impaired to independently travel throughout the community with safety and confidence, including the use of public transport.
Services Provided
Professional Orientation and Mobility specialists provide assistance to people who are experiencing difficulties in moving about due to vision loss. The most common concerns experienced by people who are blind or vision impaired are managing hazards such as steps and drop offs, crossing roads safely, and using public transport. The RSB’s Orientation and Mobility Staff teach a range of strategies, and the use of various mobility aids, to assist people to manage these challenges with safety and confidence.
Training is provided in the person’s own environment, and programs are individually designed to meet each person’s needs. All training and mobility aids are provided free of charge. Some of the services provided include:
- Orientation to the person ’s home or workplace environment;
- Orientation to new travel routes, in order to maintain independence, or maintain exercise levels;
- Sighted guide techniques to improve confidence when travelling with another person;
- Low vision training to improve the use of the person’s remaining vision;
- Training in the use of senses other than vision, particularly the use of touch, hearing and smell, to assist with orientation;
- Assessment and training in the use of different types of white canes;
- Strategies for crossing roads safely;
- Training in the use of electronic aids and way-finding devices; and
- Awareness training for community organisations regarding the needs of people who are blind or vision impaired.
Location
Our team of highly trained and experienced Orientation and Mobility staff will work with the client in their home, workplace, or local community. The service can also teach clients how to safely use public transport. This service is available in both the Metropolitan and Regional areas of South Australia.
Eligibility
The Orientation and Mobility Service is available to all RSB clients. To be eligible to become an RSB client, a person must be diagnosed by an eye care professional as being legally blind, or likely to become legally blind.
Referrals
People can self-refer for this service, or can be referred by a friend or family member, Doctor, or other health professional, by phoning the Referrals Officer on 8232 2444, or toll-free for Country callers on 1800 675 554 during business hours.
For more information about this or other RSB services, contact the Community Services Division on 8232 2444 or toll-free for Country callers on 1800 675 554 during business hours.
See also:
Independent Living Training
Guide Dog Service
How to Guide People PDF(377Kb) -
How to Guide People Text (6Kb)