History of Orientation and Mobility Training for the Visually Impaired
Introduction
Being blind or visually impaired might depressed the person having the disability. Through the help of the interventions that aiming to provide them with the necessary help like the use of the four techniques that can aid in make their traveling easy even if they are alone. Some of them are guided dog, sighted guide, electronic guide and long canes.
Consequences of Being Blind
There are many aspects of blindness that are important to recognize and there is a growing interests on the consequences of being blind among the Third World Countries, like in Ghana. The education and training for the blind became the initial action of the government to support the blinds to perform as a normal person and earn income for their living. The education and training among the blind is important for the development of the entire society. Unfortunately, the progress of blind in Ghana cannot be assured towards success. Being blind can be the disadvantage of an individual against the other people. Apparently, the Braille writing system and/or sign language of the blinds seems like a mystery code for the public because of its secrecy in the public education. The government of Ghana cannot afford to fully support and implement the special needs of the blind. The Schools for the Blind in Askropong-Akwapim and Wa, in Northern Ghana are the examples of institutions for the blind, that supports the development of the blind towards their full potential and achieve their optimum effectiveness. The job market is one of the problems of the blind and the use of the technologies such as the computers might be the weaknesses of the blind. In terms of social relationship, the blinds can experience sexual harassment (Dogbe, 2004).
The unpleasant realities have negative effects for the blind person’s economic livelihood, quality of life, and social standing. Eventually, all the weaknesses or disadvantages of the blinds can reflect on the negative image of the blind in general. Moreover, they will suffer in the society if the government neglected their rights and the society maltreated them. The associations that supports the blind in Ghana are expected to formulate the effective programs and activities should center in the philosophy of empowering the blind people.
Orientation and Mobility
The consequences in being visually impaired are reduced through the help of the orientation and mobility for the disables. However, there are fears, concerns, questions or comments about traveling alone. Therefore, the visually impaired person should learn during orientation and mobility training. The use of a dog in traveling helps the person learn the right direction and can defend themselves because of the trained canines. The bark of the dog is very useful for the person because of their connection that can be established during their orientation and mobility. On the other hand, the use of a sighted guide is more advantageous than the use of dog, because, the visually impaired person can talk to the guide. Only the guide should be trustworthy and very well trained on the profession. Electronic travel aids are much similar to a dog, only that it has no life. These guides will make the travelling a lot easier like the use of electric doors in which the visually impaired person can enter easily. And lastly, the canes are long sticks that can be wielded by a visually impaired person. By tapping the roads or floors in front or by his side, the visually impaired person can detect if there is a presence in front of him. This might be the hardest part of the orientation because aside from feeling the environment, the person should also be more sensitive in terms of hearing, particularly when he/she is crossing the bridge.
Conclusion
Blind or visually impaired people must learn to cope with the surroundings and must learn on how to travel and be independent. All the things that a visually impaired people can learn are included in the orientation and mobility of the organization for the blind. They must master it hard to fight the consequences of being blind and also have a normal life. It is not discrimination but a way on how to help the people like them.
References:
Dogbe, L., (2004) Do Not Turn a Blind Eye to Blindness… The Consequences of Being Blind in Ghana, Bulletin of Medicus Mundi Switzerland, No. 92 [Online] Available at: http://www.medicusmundi.ch/mms/services/bulletin/bulletin200401/kap02/13dogbe.html [Accessed 11 October 2010].
Paradise, S.F., Jr. & Piscitello, J., (2006) Orientation & Mobility IEP Objectives Bank & Evaluation Checklist, New York State School for the Blind [Online] Available at: http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/specialed/nyssb/departments/OandMObjeclist.doc [Accessed 11 October 2010].
Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com
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