Innovating Orientation and Mobility for the Visually Impaired with Leader Dogs for the Blind
Innovative approaches that assist people with visual impairments in their quest for increased independence are becoming more and more necessary as the field of orientation and mobility (O&M) develops. The 2025 Orientation and Mobility Online Symposium offers to close the gap between residential training programs and practical applications for learners, as well as gaining insights from fellow Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialists with the updated and new teaching strategies to use.
The Evolution of O&M Throughout the Years
Erica Ihrke shares Orientation and Mobility’s development as a profession over the last 25 years showing how the field has changed to meet the needs of its learners. In the beginning, O&M was frequently seen by learners as a one-time process: master the fundamentals, and you're on your own.
But it became evident over time that there is no one-size-fits-all strategy for O&M. Since the needs of learners change as they age and their surroundings change, it's a lifelong journey that calls for constant training and assistance
The dynamic changes in the environments where learners live and travel are a major factor in these shifting needs. In light of evolving traffic patterns, urbanization, and a greater dependence on public transit, O&M professionals must reconsider conventional teaching strategies and offer training that is more flexible and responsive to the current environment.
Since learners’ needs change over time, Erica stresses the value of encouraging them to come back for additional training. In order to make sure that learners are equipped to handle the difficulties of a changing world, this sustained assistance is necessary.
Adapting to the Learner’s Needs
Leslie explains about Leader Dogs’ one-week residential program, which provides intensive, hands-on training. This program focuses on building essential travel skills while also helping learners work toward their personal goals.
With their innovative approach to adapting to the learner’s needs, Leader Dogs for the Blind focuses on:
Client Feedback: Many clients who come to Leader Dogs don’t qualify for other programs, or find them less effective. Residential models can be more beneficial for building foundational skills.
Residential Model: Leader Dogs offers a one-week program providing 25-35 hours of direct instruction, allowing clients to develop essential skills quickly.
Complementary Support: The intensive residential model works well alongside other itinerant services. Clients are better prepared for ongoing, less frequent sessions once they’ve built a solid skill foundation.
Continuous Evaluation: Leader Dogs is always listening to clients’ needs and evaluating how best to support them.
Real-World Focus: The team strives to address real-world challenges and collaborate with others to provide comprehensive support for clients with visual impairments.
Check out Leader Dogs Orientation and Mobility Programs:https://www.leaderdog.org/programs/orientation-and-mobility/
The Future of Orientation and Mobility
The role of technology has been prominent over the last decade, and has been continuously making day to day tasks easier and effective. Orientation and Mobility isn’t a stranger when it comes to incorporating technology for our learner’s development.
Leslie and Erica dive deep into the growing impact of technology in Orientation and Mobility (O&M). As new innovations like Metta glasses and various types of wearable technology are being developed, these devices offer promising new ways to help individuals with visual impairments navigate the world.
However, both Leslie and Erica emphasize a crucial point:
Technology as an Accessory, Not a Replacement:
While these new technologies offer exciting possibilities, they are not intended to replace core O&M skills. The foundational skills learned through traditional O&M training—such as understanding spatial awareness, navigating using landmarks, and learning to orient oneself in various environments—remain essential. Technology should be seen as a tool that complements and enhances these skills, not a crutch that replaces the need for hands-on, real-world training.
Adapting to Emerging Technologies: The Case of Self-Driving Cars
One of the most significant technological advances that could transform the field of O&M is the development of self-driving cars. However, these changes also pose new challenges for O&M professionals, as they will need to understand how to incorporate these technologies into their training programs.
Metta Glasses and Wearable Tech:
Metta glasses, which are designed to provide real-time environmental feedback through sensors and augmented reality, represent a cutting-edge advancement in assistive technology for individuals with visual impairments.While these devices hold significant potential, Leslie and Erica underscore the importance of grounding their use in practical skills that O&M specialists teach. These devices can supplement traditional training, providing additional layers of support to clients, but should not be the sole focus of their O&M training.
Standing Alongside Innovation
Leslie and Erica offer valuable advice as a STEP FORWARD for fellow O&M Specialist. Leslie encourages professionals to continue learning, seeking out opportunities for growth, and staying updated on new technologies and research. She also emphasizes the importance of collaboration and mentorship within the O&M community.
““Just continue to learn, put yourself out there, be vulnerable, ask questions. It’s always good to have mentors in the field. I know I certainly do.””
Erica advises O&M professionals to listen carefully to their clients, be open to trying new approaches, and reach out to colleagues for support. Both presenters stress that O&M professionals must be adaptable and open to innovation as the needs of clients evolve.
““I would encourage listening, right? Listening to really meet those needs, and then in listening, reaching out to collaborate, you know, with the community of professionals.””
Embracing Innovation While Honoring Tradition in Orientation and Mobility
The work of organizations like Leader Dogs, and the dedication of professionals like Leslie and Erica, is a testament to the power of collaboration, lifelong learning, and the commitment to providing clients with the best possible support. By listening to clients, staying engaged with the latest advancements, and always striving to improve, we can ensure that O&M remains a dynamic, forward-thinking field that truly serves the needs of those we work with.
As we look to the future, it’s clear that adaptability, creativity, and client-centered approaches will be key to shaping the next generation of O&M services.
Topics: orientation and mobility, leader dogs for the blind, future of orientation and mobility, orientation and mobility specialists, COMS, adaptability, mobility skills, mobility training, visually impaired, people with visual impairments, o and m training programs, orientation and mobility online symposium, allied independence, lifelong learning, technology, assistive technology, learner independence