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Orientation And Mobility Skills

Practical skills to get you or your child where you're going with confidence.

What is Orientation and Mobility training?

Whether you’ve experienced long-term low vision, a recent change in vision, or you’re gradually losing sight, Orientation and Mobility training supports you to acquire everyday skills that keep you moving with confidence.

This training is run by qualified Orientation and Mobility Specialists who can tailor a program to meet you or your child’s needs.

A person is standing in the street holding some flowers in one hand and their white cane in their other arm.

What skills can I learn in this training?

Whatever your ultimate destination, qualified Orientation and Mobility Specialists ensure that you can move the way you want, when you want, to get where you want to go.

Each practical technique is carefully selected to keep you going towards your personal goals, both long-term and short-term.

Adult Orientation and Mobility training can support you to:

  • Get around your home and community safely.
  • Navigate through familiar and new environments.
  • Catch public transport.
  • Use way-finding aids to increase your independence.
  • Keep doing the hobbies or activities you love.
  • Increase your confidence and independence.

What skills can my child learn in this training?

We all learn to interact with the world from a young age. Through safe play and exploring new environments with confidence, we learn about ourselves, each other, and how to be part of a community.

For that reason, children need to develop a different set of skills to adults. These skills are taught by Orientation and Mobility Specialists.

Children’s Mobility training enhances your child’s independence to improve their confidence at school, at home, in the community, and even as teens transition into young adulthood.

Children’s Orientation and Mobility training can support your child to:

  • Travel safely through the community, including catching public transport and using mobility aids.
  • Build relationships, including making new friends, interacting with other people in the community, and making the most of existing family relationships.
  • Improve communication, including skills to talk with others, and to use body language or expressions.
  • Build strategies for school and study, including skills to get around the schoolyard, set up desks for class, and complete homework. This training aligns with established school programs.
  • Participate in activities, including reading, playing sport, and learning an instrument.

Prepare for adulthood, including skills to shop for groceries, manage money, cook basic meals, prepare for working life, as well as independent thinking and problem-solving.

How does children's training evolve?

Every program is tailored to your child’s needs, age, and skill level. And, just as kids quickly grow to meet new challenges or embrace new experiences, our programs do the same.

Children’s training can adapt to support your child through their entire school life, from junior years through to Year 12. It introduces different techniques and mobility aids when they become relevant.

Importantly, all training is delivered with a focus on fun. It teaches your child valuable practical skills while encouraging them to enjoy themselves, make friends, be creative, and explore their potential.

Support is usually provided one-on-one in a place where your child is most comfortable, depending on their goals. It could be in your home, at school, or out and about in the general community.

We also offer individual programs, camps, group programs, consulting services, and workshops.

How does adult training evolve over time?

Training is valuable for anyone at any stage of life. We’re always available if you need to refresh your skills or learn new mobility techniques to find your way with confidence. If you or your child’s goals change over time, we adapt our support to suit your needs.

Training can range from one session to several weeks of intensive classes. Depending on the specific skills you hope to learn, you might receive training at home, get out and about to apply your training in the community, learn alongside family members or co-workers, or join us for programs at your local Guide Dogs Centre.

Take the first step towards more confidence and independence.

Let’s get started. Where will you access this training and support?