147. Orientation and Mobility in Portugal with Sara Leal
Topics:
orientation, mobility, special education, community building, specialist, rehabilitation center, visual impairments, professional growth, career journey, O&M services in Portugal, outreach services, lifelong learning, education, service development
Orientation and mobility are crucial aspects of leading an independent and fulfilling life for individuals with visual impairments. In Portugal, one individual has been making a significant impact in this field – Sara Leal. Sara is an expert in orientation and mobility, dedicated to helping people with visual impairments navigate the beautiful landscapes and urban environments of Portugal with confidence and independence.
Meet Sara Leal
Sara Leal is a 31-year-old Portuguese professional who has made significant strides in the field of orientation and mobility. Her journey into this specialized domain is a testament to her passion for making a positive impact on the lives of those with visual impairments. Born in Portugal, Sara's educational and professional background is marked by a unique blend of experiences that led her to where she is today.
Sara's academic journey started with a foundation in sports science. She pursued a Bachelor's degree in Sports Science in Porto, Portugal, and throughout her studies, she explored various aspects of adaptive sports, including working with individuals with disabilities like autism and cerebral palsy. Her experiences were diverse, and she was on a trajectory that seemed entirely different from what awaited her.
The pivotal moment in Sara's journey came during the final year of her sports science program when she encountered an unusual project assignment. Students were asked to draw a topic from a jar, which would become the focus of their final project. In a stroke of fate, Sara picked "visual impairments." This unexpected draw set her on a course that would change her life and the lives of many others.
Assigned to a high school in Porto, Sara met one of the very few orientation and mobility instructors in Portugal. Her curiosity was piqued as she discovered the unique role these professionals play. The idea of working outdoors and having an immediate impact on students' lives was profoundly appealing. Sara's interaction with the orientation and mobility instructor was a catalyst for her journey into this specialized field.
One of the notable challenges Sara encountered was the limited availability of academic programs and degrees related to orientation and mobility in Portugal. While her newfound passion was strong, she faced uncertainty about how to pursue it further. Her mentor, the orientation and mobility instructor, acknowledged the lack of guidance on academic pathways in this field. Still, he recognized Sara's enthusiasm and encouraged her to explore her passion.
Undeterred by the lack of formal educational opportunities, Sara embarked on an adventurous quest to chart her own path into the field of orientation and mobility. While her academic journey had already reached its peak with a sports science degree, Sara was determined to find a way to turn her newfound passion into a meaningful career.
And so, her adventure began. With determination and a passion for making a difference, Sara started exploring options, looking beyond traditional academic routes, and seeking guidance from international resources and professionals in the field. That search led her to move to the US and pursue a Master's of special education from Northern Illinois University. Sara studied and worked in different states, Illinois, Arizona and Florida. And a big part of her teaching experience came from working at the Miami Lighthouse for the Blind from 2017 to 2020.
Her return to Portugal was not planned but rather a response to the uncertainty and challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Sara got married while in the U.S., but as the pandemic took hold, it became increasingly difficult for her and her husband, who is also Portuguese, to be together. The unpredictability of the situation ultimately led Sara to make the life-changing decision to return to Portugal. It was a sweet move and one she does not regret, despite missing the U.S.
Impacting O&M in Portugal
Sara's journey from the United States to Portugal is not just a personal narrative but a testament to the influence of O&M specialists in regions where their numbers are limited. In Portugal, the landscape for O&M differs from that in the United States, presenting unique challenges and opportunities.
One of the key differences Sara highlights is the cultural aspect. She observes that many Portuguese people tend to be self-taught and resistant to change, even when presented with the advantages of O&M techniques. She points out that, at times, her students in Portugal would hold on to their existing methods, such as using sticks or umbrellas, even when more effective tools were available.
Sara's experience in Portugal led her to adapt her teaching approach to align with her students' needs and cultural perspectives. In some cases, she had to forgo the traditional step-by-step teaching process and instead provide practical solutions tailored to her students' immediate requirements.
One striking example comes from her experience teaching students in rural areas. These individuals were accustomed to navigating their surroundings independently, using their existing methods. Sara's challenge was to quickly identify what her students needed most urgently and deliver tangible results. This quick-win approach ensured that her students saw the immediate value in O&M techniques, opening the door to further learning and exploration.
The Journey Begins: Pitching O&M Services to the City
After returning from her work in the United States, she embarked on a mission to introduce the city to the world of O&M. The endeavor began with a unique approach – pitching her job to the city itself.
The challenges were evident, especially when the concept of O&M was unfamiliar in her local community. Sara acknowledges that even in the United States, many individuals, including special education directors, were unaware of her role. This unfamiliarity presented a formidable obstacle as she pitched her project to the city.
Sara's journey received a significant boost when she connected with the vice president of her district. Remarkably, this city official had a personal connection to visual impairment through a family member. This familial link illuminated the importance of O&M services and the need to address the existing gap in her community.
The vice president's insight and empathy were instrumental in gaining support for Sara's project. She knew the people who needed assistance and understood the limitations of relying solely on family and friends. With her backing, Sara's project was set in motion.
The Power of a Growing Community
One of Sara's most cherished achievements has been the creation of a vibrant O&M community. In just three years, her project has flourished, drawing in 22 members who share a common bond and purpose. The community serves as a support system, enabling people with visual impairments to connect, learn from one another, and venture beyond the boundaries of their homes.
This newfound sense of community has sparked a wave of change in Sara's hometown. People who once confined themselves to familiar places are now venturing out and exploring their surroundings. The transformation is evident, with her students meeting in coffee shops, walking together, and participating in activities that were once deemed too daunting.
The project's primary goal is to provide ongoing support to those in need, with an emphasis on fostering a close-knit community. Sara doesn't view her role as one where she eventually works her way out of a job. Instead, she envisions her students staying connected to the services the project offers and participating in an ever-evolving support system.
The project's development, which includes connecting with social workers and expanding into areas such as sports, has further enhanced the social aspect of the program. Sara's initiative has evolved beyond the realm of orientation and mobility, becoming a platform for broad social engagement.
Balancing Dual Roles
Sara's passion for her work extends to her dual roles in Mafra and Lisbon. Lisbon, Portugal, offers a blend of both traditional and personalized O&M services. Sara's work in the city reflects this diversity. The duration and intensity of her work with each client depend on the specific needs and goals of the individual. While some clients require assistance with very specific tasks, like learning a particular metro or train station, others need more comprehensive support, starting from the basics and progressing to more complex skills. She spends two full days at a rehabilitation center, where she provides more traditional O&M services. She no longer stands alone, as another O&M specialist has joined the team. The addition of a fellow specialist is a promising step towards strengthening the O&M community in Portugal, something Sara is eager to promote.
In Mafra, she dedicates three full days to the project she introduced to her hometown. This project has developed into a long-term community-based initiative, where Sara's focus is on supporting and connecting with her students.
Sara customizes her approach based on the unique requirements of each client. She may work with a client for just a few weeks to achieve a specific goal, or she may accompany them on a longer journey lasting several months. The individualized nature of her services allows her to address the wide-ranging needs of her clients, ensuring that they receive the support they need.
Sara's approach extends beyond the content of her sessions; it also encompasses the logistics of her services. She understands the importance of accommodating clients' accessibility needs, including those related to transportation and the practicality of in-person meetings.
To ensure her clients can access her services comfortably, Sara adjusts her session formats based on their geographical locations. In some cases, where public transportation is readily accessible, she may conduct longer, two-hour sessions with breaks. This format helps maximize the time spent with the client while taking into account the commuting time required.
However, for clients residing in areas far from the city center, Sara adopts a more flexible approach. She may offer shorter sessions or recommend that her clients record important information or make notes to support their learning. Sara also encourages clients to involve family members or friends in their lessons to enhance the learning process and facilitate information sharing.
Sara’s Advice to the Community
Sara emphasizes the importance of self-care as the linchpin to thriving in the profession and ensuring that you can continue to make a profound impact on your students. She aptly references the saying, "You can't pour from an empty cup," to underscore the significance of self-care. As professionals dedicated to empowering individuals with visual impairments, O&M specialists often have an inherent desire to give their all, sometimes at the expense of their own well-being. However, this self-sacrificing approach is unsustainable in the long run.
Imagine your energy and motivation as a cup. When you continually pour your resources and passion into your work without replenishing your cup, it gradually empties. Over time, you may find yourself experiencing burnout, exhaustion, or reduced effectiveness. It's vital to remember that, to serve your students to the best of your ability, you must first ensure your cup is full.
This serves as a reminder that taking care of yourself is not a selfish act; it's a prerequisite for becoming the best version of your O&M self. By practicing self-care, you can sustain your passion, energy, and commitment to your students, ultimately making a more profound impact on their lives. Remember, an O&M specialist who invests in their well-being can offer unwavering support, guidance, and inspiration to individuals with visual impairments. So, to become your favorite O&M self, put self-care at the forefront of your journey, and you'll be better equipped to illuminate the path for your students.
Sara's story is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance. She reminds us that sometimes, life's most rewarding journeys begin with a twist of fate, a chance encounter, and a whole lot of determination. Despite the absence of formal academic programs in her chosen field, Sara's passion for orientation and mobility led her to forge her own path.
Her journey is also a source of inspiration for anyone facing challenges and uncertainties in their career pursuits. It teaches us that with dedication and a thirst for knowledge, we can overcome obstacles and find our true calling.