Article

Orientation and mobility training aims to facilitate independent
functioning and participation in the community of people with low vision.
OBJECTIVE: (1) To gain insight into current practice regarding orientation and
mobility training, and (2) to develop a theory-driven standardized version of
this training to teach people with low vision how to orientate and be safe in
terms of mobility. STUDY : Insight into current practice and
its strengths and weaknesses was obtained via reviewing the literature, observing
orientation and mobility training sessions (n = 5) and interviewing Dutch
mobility trainers (n = 18). Current practice was mainly characterized by an
individual, face-to-face orientation and mobility training session concerning
three components: crystallizing client's needs, providing information and
training skills. A weakness was the lack of a (structured) protocol based on
evidence or theory. NEW THEORY-DRIVEN TRAINING: A new training protocol
comprising two face-to-face sessions and one telephone follow-up was developed.
Its content is partly based on the components of current practice, yet techniques
from theoretical frameworks (e.g. social-cognitive theory and self-management)
are incorporated. DISCUSSION: A standardized, tailor-made orientation and
mobility training for using the identification cane is available. The new
theory-driven standardized training is generally applicable for teaching the use
of every low-vision device. Its acceptability and effectiveness are currently
being evaluated in a randomized controlled trial.

Langue : ANGLAIS