Join our 4-part introductory series, happening each Monday in October from 1-3 pm at Vista Center in Santa Cruz and online. Led by Vista Center Orientation and Mobility Instructor, Chris Williams, this Orientation and Mobility (O&M) group training course is designed to empower individuals who are blind or visually impaired by providing essential skills for navigating their environments safely, confidently, and independently—without or with a cane.
What Clients Will Gain:
- Improved Mobility Skills: Clients will learn non-cane techniques, including human guide methods, protective strategies, and hand-trailing, to move more safely and effectively in a variety of environments.
- Enhanced Spatial and Sensory Awareness: Through guided exercises, clients will strengthen their ability to use sound, touch, and other senses to interpret their surroundings and maintain orientation.
- Introduction to Cane Use: Participants will gain foundational knowledge of long canes, including how to choose and use one effectively for identification or mobility purposes.
- Orientation Skills: The course introduces concepts like cardinal directions, route planning, landmarks, mental mapping, and spatial referencing, equipping clients with tools to navigate both familiar and unfamiliar spaces.
- Route Planning and Real-World Navigation: Clients will learn how to prepare for travel—using maps, apps, schedules, and problem-solving techniques—to independently manage trips and handle unexpected situations.
Overall Benefit:
Participants will leave the course with greater confidence, practical navigation strategies, and foundational mobility skills that promote increased independence in daily life, whether navigating indoors or outdoors, alone or with assistance.
Schedule of Classes:
- October 6: Introduction to “O&M” + Non-Cane Mobility Skills and Practice
- October 13: Overview of Sensory, Spatial and Environmental Awareness and Exercises + Long Cane Basics
- October 20: Orientation Strategies and Skills + Exercises
- October 27: Route Planning and Problem-Solving
Interested in joining? Register today! Spaces are limited.