157. Expanding the Orientation and Mobility Profession in Cairo with Jay Whipple
Topics:
orientation and mobility, global O&M community, sustainable O&M growth, Cairo O&M education, Baseera Foundation, visual impairment services, internship, adapting O&M strategies, accessibility challenges in Cairo, O&M leadership development, international O&M collaboration
Welcome to our blog, where we delve into the transformative journey of Jay Whipple, a distinguished O&M (Orientation and Mobility) specialist, as he played a pivotal role in expanding the O&M profession in Cairo, Egypt. Jay's unique expertise and dedication to the field have made a significant impact on O&M education in Cairo, fostering growth and development where the profession was still in its nascent stages. Join us as we explore Jay's experiences, challenges, and contributions in this blog post, shedding light on the remarkable strides taken to elevate O&M practices in the heart of Cairo.
Meet Jay Whipple as an O&M Specialist
Jay Whipple is a dedicated O&M specialist with a passion for teaching and mentoring. Jay has been actively involved in the field since his graduation in 2005, imparting his expertise to both adults and children in various settings. His commitment extends beyond traditional teaching, as he actively mentors new O&M teachers and contributes to the international growth of the profession.
Jay Whipple's Impact with Baseera Foundation in Egypt
Jay's decision to teach O&M abroad stemmed from an advertisement he found on ACVREP's website. The Baseera Foundation in Cairo sought an experienced O&M specialist to serve as an internship supervisor for a cohort of new O&M students. The Baseera Foundation is an exceptional NGO dedicated to providing services for the visually impaired. Baseera, meaning "intervision" in Arabic, is not only committed to O&M but also offers comprehensive services, including Braille instruction and a fully equipped eye clinic. The collaboration aimed to establish a diploma program for O&M specialists in Egypt, where the profession was still in its infancy. Jay saw this as an opportunity to contribute to the growth of O&M on a global scale.
Baseera's approach aligns with the expanded core curriculum, addressing diverse aspects of life for individuals with visual impairments. From Braille education to navigating government complexities, the O&M program emphasizes the holistic skill set required for individuals to thrive. The profound impact of the expanded core curriculum becomes evident as graduates gear up to take on various roles in the community.
Founded by Doaa Mabrouk, a former O&M specialist, the Baseera Foundation emerged as a beacon of hope in Egypt. Doaa Mabrouk's personal journey, driven by her son's visual impairment, underscores the profound impact a visionary leader can have. Her success story, coupled with her commitment to the visually impaired community, positions Baseera as a transformative force. The organization's long-term vision includes the establishment of a TVI program, further expanding its reach and influence.
The organization, relying on donations and grants, aimed to address the dearth of certified O&M specialists in the country. Jay emphasizes the resourcefulness of Baseera, its connections to government ministries, and its commitment to providing services despite the absence of certified professionals.
Jay spent a transformative 10 weeks in Cairo, from August 11th to October 21st, immersing himself in the culture and contributing to the development of O&M education in the region. During this time, he worked closely with students, guiding them through internships and sharing his expertise to pave the way for a brighter future for visually impaired individuals in Egypt.
Jay's days in Cairo were filled with supervising internships, observing lessons, and offering feedback to the cohort of students. With three Baseera Foundation locations, Jay traveled between Dokki, Heliopolis, and Alexandria, working closely with students to adapt teaching strategies to the unique challenges of Cairo's urban environment.
One of the significant challenges Jay faced was creating internships in a country where the O&M profession was still developing. The initial lack of a defined structure prompted a comprehensive assessment period, where families brought their children for evaluations. With the students having completed coursework for over a year, he played a crucial role in designing and supervising internships, ensuring a balance of practical, hands-on experience to complement their theoretical knowledge.
Jay worked closely with a cohort of 14 students, helping them develop teaching strategies tailored to the unique urban environment of Cairo. The collaboration with Dr. Emerson at Western Michigan University provided additional support, contributing to the success of the program.
Despite being the first cohort, the students in the program were accomplished professionals from various fields, showcasing the success of Baseera's outreach efforts. Jay commends the resilience of Baseera, operating in a bureaucratic system and continually working to raise awareness about visual impairment and accessibility issues. Overcoming challenges such as obtaining approvals for mall and subway lessons, Jay highlights the advanced planning required to execute seemingly routine activities in the context of Egypt's awareness of visual impairment.
In addition to supervising internships, Jay had the privilege of teaching a course there. The course focused on adapted arts and sports, providing students with a holistic understanding of O&M in diverse contexts. He also engaged in presentations to raise awareness and support Baseera's growth. His dedication to mentoring went beyond traditional boundaries, actively engaging with students to foster a deeper understanding of the field.
Adapting O&M to Varied Environments in Egypt
Reflecting on the differences between O&M education in the USA and Cairo, Jay emphasizes the need to adapt teaching strategies to the sensory-rich environment of Cairo. The constant flow of traffic, diverse sounds, and unique urban challenges necessitated a holistic approach to O&M education, emphasizing the synthesis of sensory information to navigate the environment effectively.
Jay highlights the essence of O&M education, emphasizing the adaptability of skills to diverse environments. The beauty of O&M lies in the ability to utilize learned strategies to navigate surroundings effectively, irrespective of the absence of a perfect environment. Learn how students embraced the challenge of a constantly changing environment, where obstacles one day might be entirely different the next, showcasing their remarkable ability to adapt.
Jay shares instances where students showcased exceptional skills in the face of unexpected challenges. From negotiating traffic with running motorcycles to encountering live chickens on the sidewalk, students demonstrated their ability to adapt swiftly. The emphasis on developing processes and strategies, rather than memorizing specific locations, proved to be a key factor in the students' success.
Cairo also presents unique accessibility challenges, notably the scarcity of quality canes for visually impaired individuals. Despite suboptimal tools, students showcase their resilience and adaptability. The language barrier is navigated with commendable efforts to translate English instructions into Arabic, underscoring their dedication to mastering O&M.
Building Sustainable O&M Leadership in Egypt
Post-program, the 10 students are diligently gearing up for the O&M certification exam. Despite the significant time difference between Cairo and Phoenix, Jay remains actively engaged, facilitating study groups and offering his expertise to guide them through this crucial phase. The collaboration between Jay and Baseera continues, emphasizing the shared commitment to empower the students in their pursuit of becoming Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialists (COMS). Many are also expected to find employment within the Baseera Foundation.
Jay's vision extends beyond the immediate program impact. Through ongoing communication, he collaborates with Baseera to ensure a structured approach to the development of O&M in Egypt. The focus is on fostering a self-sustaining system where certified professionals emerge as leaders, guiding future cohorts. The aim is clear—to create a legacy where Egyptian O&M specialists become pioneers, contributing to textbooks and shaping the profession in their homeland.
Recognizing the challenges faced by the visually impaired community in Cairo, Jay emphasizes the urgency of O&M education. With a profession often perceived as obscure, the goal is to break boundaries and strengthen it globally. By expanding the O&M community outside the United States, Jay envisions a more inclusive and accessible world for individuals with visual impairments.
Jay emphasizes the critical need for O&M specialists globally and invites professionals to explore opportunities with Baseera. The organization's rapid growth signals a demand for skilled individuals, and Jay, despite the time difference, remains committed to assisting with recruitment and support. His encouragement to prospective O&M specialists echoes the urgency and the unique opportunity to contribute to a growing field.
O&M Excellence: Embrace Adaptability, Prioritize Processes for Success
Jay's foremost advice centers on adaptability. He emphasizes the importance of breaking away from rigid teaching methods learned in graduate school. Instead, he advocates for a dynamic approach that involves analyzing the environment and understanding students' abilities. The essence lies in making it work, even if perfection is unattainable. The beauty of O&M, according to Jay, lies in its adaptability and the teaching of generalizable processes.
In Jay's perspective, O&M is more about the process than the product. He encourages practitioners to focus on imparting processes rather than fixating on achieving a perfect outcome. This approach, he argues, equips students with the tools to navigate diverse environments independently. The ability to teach processes empowers students to apply their knowledge effectively, even in situations where instructors cannot accompany them.
In conclusion, Jay Whipple's impactful journey in Cairo exemplifies the boundless potential for expanding the O&M profession globally. Through his collaboration with the Baseera Foundation, the seeds of O&M education have been planted in the vibrant landscape of Cairo, nurturing a future where visually impaired individuals can navigate their surroundings with confidence. As Jay emphasizes adaptability and the teaching of processes, the O&M community is reminded that excellence transcends borders.