Orientation and Mobility (O&M) specialists instruct clients (mainly, but not limited to, clients with low vision and blindness) on how to move about their environments in a safe, efficient and graceful manner. OTs and PTs may encounter clients with visual impairments or blindness in the course of their work. Therapists in acute settings could start working with clients with low vision/blindness in basic orientation and mobility skills and concepts within the ward. This helps with discharge planning and determining if the client is likely to pick up sufficient O&M skills for independence. Therapists working in the community will also benefit from learning how to assess if their clients will benefit from O&M, identify when cane users might need to develop their skills, and how to best work with an O&M specialist.
