Orientation and Mobility

Learning in and out of the classroom

Orientation and Mobility (O&M) encourages the development of safe travel skills. O&M teaches students a true sense of independence…one of the most important skills they will acquire while at MSB.

The O&M staff teach students of all ages and abilities how to travel safely – on campus, in the community, in their neighborhoods, at their job sites, and any place they need to or want to go. In addition, MSB is leading the nation in providing nighttime O&M training to students at MSB and at public schools throughout Maryland.

O&M training consists of: sensory awareness, concept development, spatial concepts, orientation skills, sighted guide travel techniques and long cane travel.

O&M skills are taught through a sequence of lessons, on a one-to-one basis by a certified O&M specialist (COMS). Lessons are geared to meet each student's individual needs and capabilities. Students work to achieve their own personal level of independence as they travel in neighborhoods, local stores, restaurants, and downtown areas using cabs, buses, subways, and light rail.

With instruction in the use of long cane or a variety of other mobility travel aids, students learn to navigate in malls, cross busy traffic light controlled intersections, and seek assistance from the public. As they learn to move safely outdoors and indoors environments, they also learn how to utilize directions and use non-visual cues to locate destinations and become familiar with landmarks.

For more information on O&M, contact:
Colleen Calhoon, O&M Supervisor
(410) 444-5000, ext. 321
ColleenC@mdschblind.org