Orientation and Mobility Class -- Fall 2009

Class members with instructor

 The University of Arizona's Visual Impairment Program welcomed a new orientation and mobility cohort to the Fall 2009 semester. Pictured left to right are Dr. Kathy Zwald, Jennifer Skay, Niles,* Cassandra Lundberg, and Alyson Lawani.
*Niles, Jennifer Skay’s dog guide puppy in training, accompanies the class as the students work on their O&M skills. Although dog guide training is not a part of the University of Arizona’s O&M program, the 18-month-old yellow Labrador is able to work on his own skills as a service dog in the class environment. Before long, Niles will complete his training with Jennifer, who has trained 11 other dog guide puppies over the past 13 years. He will then move on to his formal training with a dog guide organization.


September

Making canes

Measuring white tape

Adding loop to cane

Student holding cane outside

 Students constructed their own mobility canes at the beginning of the semester and used them during "under blindfold" lessons around the UofA campus and in the Tucson community.

October

Student negotiates curb

Student and instructor talk

Going down steps

 Taking notes

As their skills increased, students moved into a residential area near the University of Arizona campus to learn O&M techniques and practice in a "real world" environment.

November

Student crossing street Student stepping off curb Locating obstacles with cane Student teaching student
In November, the class began working in a small business area. This brought more traffic, wider streets, and bigger obstacles. Students also continued learning to teach skills to each other.

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