Orientation and Mobility

Duration

The duration of the programme is entirely based on the progression and objectives of you, as an individual student.

Entry requirements 

During your Pre-Entry Assessment, we will work with you to identify specific areas in orientation and mobility (O&M) you would like to develop or improve. This will form the basis of your initial programme and ensure we are working towards your priorities from day one. Please bring any mobility aids and/or equipment you use at home to the College. Having a spare cane is always a good idea, but we have loan equipment available for emergencies. We can also repair and/or sell you a new cane or tip if necessary.

What does the course involve?

The content and length of the programme will be agreed on an individual basis and could include:

• pre-cane skills.
• long cane and symbol cane skills.
• orientation skills for cane users, guide dog users and low vision travellers.
• travel training including planning journeys and using public transport.
• road crossing skills.
• night mobility skills.
• a chance to try out and learn to use technology in the form of Apps and/or specific pieces of kit like Smart Canes to help you get about safely and independently.

You will have the opportunity to learn safe and independent travel around:

• the RNC campus.
• the places you want to get to in the local community around our Venns Lane campus.
• the city centre including access to the specific shops and facilities you want to use.
• the rail and bus stations.

How you’ll learn

We work with you to build your confidence and skills in independent and safe travel. You will have regular one-to-one mobility sessions where you can increase your skills while learning how to access the RNC campus and the local area. These skills are reinforced by the residential staff who will initially guide, then shadow you around campus. Our teachers specialise in helping you develop your orientation using sensory clues which can include sounds, smells and physical landmarks.

How you’ll be assessed

As your individual objectives will be unique to you, you will have the opportunity to practice the same routes until you feel safe and confident to move onto the next step.

Where will it take me?

Your programme will enable you to become more independent and reach your full potential whilst you are at RNC. Your programme will focus on developing strategies and plans that will provide you with skills that you can use throughout your life beyond RNC.