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Orientation and Mobility: A Student’s Perspective
What does Emma think about the ECC area of O&M?
The ECC or Expanded Core Curriculum consists of the knowledge and skills needed by a student with a visual disability to access core content areas. Everyone involved in the life of a student with a visual disability should seek to learn as much as possible about the ECC which is organized into the nine areas listed below
Nine Areas of the E.C.C.
ECC a Student’s Perspective Introduction (first post in this series)
- Compensatory Access
- Sensory Efficiency
- Assistive Technology
- Orientation and Mobility
- Independent Living Skills
- Social Interaction Skills
- Recreation and Leisure
- Career Education
- Self-Determination
- Final Thoughts
Orientation and Mobility
Orientation is the ability to know where you are in your environment and where you want to go. Mobility is the ability to move safely and effectively while traveling utilizing sighted guide, cane skills or a guide dog.
Orientation and Mobility is the set of skills needed for students, who are visually impaired to know where they are in their environment and to move safely and independently while traveling.
As Dr. Seuss wrote, “You have Brains in your head
you have feet in your shoes
you can steer yourself in any direction you choose.”
Vision Aware, a website hosted by APH (The American Printing House for the Blind) provides an overview and brief history of Orientation and Mobility.
By Nancy Moskowicz
