Orientation and mobility training combines two separate but interrelated skillsets for traveling safely. Orientation refers to the ability to understand where you are and where you would like to go, whether you’re moving from the bedroom to the kitchen, walking a route from your home to the mailbox, taking a bus from one place to another, or orienting to a new job site or college campus.
Mobility refers to the ability to move safely, efficiently, and effectively from one place to another. This involves walking confidently without tripping or falling, use of public transportation, and crossing the street. Mobility instruction also includes learning the use of essential tools, such as a cane, monocular, or electronic wayfinding technologies. Training in Mobility also includes strategies, such as listening for traffic patterns when crossing the street or utilizing landmarks.
Lighthouse of Broward’s O&M Specialists recognize that traveling independently is accomplished in many ways and once basic skills are acquired, clients can also learn alternate systems for travel, such as Human Guide skills and transit skills using community Paratransit or the fixed-route bus system. Our instructors will work with clients and their dog guides as well.
Here is a list of accessible pedestrian signals in Broward County