Overview
While Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialists (COMS) and teachers of students with visual impairment (TVIs) have different training and different roles in the education of students with visual impairments, there are many opportunities to practice literacy skills during O & M lessons. Read on for ideas to get you started.
We read signs while practicing independent movement for orientation and mobility, often in raised print or braille. We write as part of orientation and mobility activities, such as directions or shopping lists. We may access apps to get around. All of these activities involve specialized terms – a special language about movement.
How do you begin to know where you are? Before we can tell someone where we are, we have to first perceive where we are. This includes giving and receiving directions, understanding “key” concepts on tactile maps, and using GPS. Do you know what resources are available to teach these skills?
In this simple idea, a piece of masking tape is placed on the child’s wrist (sticky side out) and the child can attach small things that are found while walking outside. These items can then be woven into a simple story back in the classroom. How can you encourage children to be mindful of their environment when traveling outside?
Learn about the tools designed to aid in evaluating the unique environmental needs of travelers who are deafblind.
