Orientation and Mobility

Orientation and Mobility (O&M) instruction teaches children a true sense of independence, one of the most important skills they will acquire while at The Maryland School for the Blind.

O&M specialists teach children of all ages and abilities how to travel safely – on campus, in the community, in their homes, at their job sites, and any place they need or want to go. Lessons are scheduled during the day or evening hours, depending on the visual needs of the student. O&M is offered as a part of the curriculum and as an IEP service for MSB students.  It is also a statewide service that is available to students with visual impairments who attend public or private schools in Maryland.

O&M training consists of: sensory awareness, concept development, spatial concepts, orientation skills, sighted guide travel techniques, functional use of vision, public transportation, and long cane travel. O&M skills are taught through a sequence of lessons, on a one-to-one basis or sometimes in groups, by a trained O&M specialist with extra support and practice provided at school by MSB staff and at home by the child’s parents.  Lessons are geared to meet each child’s individual needs and abilities. 

Safe travel is only achieved when a child learns how to integrate both their Orientation and Mobility skills as they move through their environment.  Traveling is about safety --- and safe travel leads to independence!

For more information about Orientation and Mobility, contact:
Colleen Calhoon, O&M Supervisor
410.444.5000 ext. 1321   colleenc@mdschblind.org