VIDBE-Q Volume 68 Issue 4
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The first definition of literacy encompasses many skills and concepts that are
taught and practiced during O&M instruction with learners with visual impairment.
For example, gathering information about what is in one's environment to establish
and maintain one's place in that space is extremely important in being able to plan
and travel a route to move from point A to point B. Methods of information
gathering, such as listening for environmental clues, speaking with others to solicit
information, reading signs, and writing down directions, are all based within
literacy. The second definition of literacy embodies the primary goal of O&M
training, which is to help learners with visual impairment be confident, safe
travelers, regardless of their age, ability level, and level of visual functioning. The
hope is, by the time students are finished with their O&M training, they will be
secure in their knowledge and application of O&M concepts and skills to help
them move about in the world during their routine (e.g., day-to-day) and not-so-
routine (e.g., vacations) travel.
As you think more about how O&M and literacy are linked, think about
opportunity. Opportunity is key in supporting students in their learning, and how
students experience what they are learning can be a powerful thing for students
themselves, their families, and their teachers in terms of significance,
memorability, reinforcement, and affirmation. Developing environmental literacy,
creating and reviewing O&M experience books, reading and using signage and
