Orientation and Mobility Services

VA&A’s orientation and mobility programs are designed specifically for people with vision loss to increase effective, independent, and safe travel.

What is Orientation and Mobility?

Orientation and Mobility (O&M) is the art of knowing one’s position within an environment and moving safely and independently within this environment. This is an essential skill for people with blindness or vision loss.

We use a coordinated and strategic approach to design and implement O&M programs to assist our clients to achieve their travel goals. Training can be completed individually or in groups and includes readiness for a dog guide.

Your goals are our goals.

Who do we train?

All VA&A clients are unique with different training needs. We are specialists at designing O&M programs to suit clients regardless of eye condition and level of functional vision.

All training programs are age-appropriate and are created to increase independence, freedom, and quality of life irrespective of age and current skill set.

Infants and Toddlers

Babies are visual learners, and when this vision is compromised learning modifications must be implemented. By finding each child’s unique motivation for mobility, our youngest clients develop skills and knowledge of body awareness, spatial awareness and environmental concepts to become confident "age-appropriate travellers".

As these skills develop, infants and toddlers become enthusiastic and capable of safely exploring their immediate surroundings. As a parent or carer, you will also receive the necessary support and space to ask questions regarding your child’s learning and future.

School Age Children

As young children evolve, so too does their O&M program. While earlier skill and concept development is continued, school-aged children are introduced to unfamiliar environments and skill sets in a safe, supportive setting.

This training method ensures your child develops alongside their peers achieving age-appropriate milestones and problem-solving skills.

Long cane training and electronic travel aid training may be commenced as required.

Young Adults

Young adults thrive on independence, therefore O&M programs focus on public transport and travel route training. While developing these advanced travel skills, our clients are given the opportunity to hone their problem-solving skills that are essential for safe, independent travel.

Long cane and electronic travel aid training may also be introduced.

Later In Life

Losing vision later in life can be a challenging and isolating experience. We create programs to get you back into your world, accessing employment and recreational activities, or simply enjoying a trip to your favourite cafe.

This may be coupled with long cane training, effective use of functional vision, and/or electronic travel aid training.