PLANNING FOR O&M INSTRUCTION THAT SUPPORTS ELEMENTARY GRADE LEVEL LITERACY

Diane L. Fazzi, Ph.D., COMS

Orientation & Mobility Specialist Training ProgramCalifornia State University, Los Angeles

2010 AER Conference – Little Rock Arkansas

Rationale for Connecting Literacy with O&M Instruction

•Language is a tool for understanding simple and complex concepts about the world

•Conceptual understanding promotes desire to travel

•Written and oral communication enhance travel experiences

•Curriculum and collaboration are enhanced by integrated instruction

•Added value to O&M time with young learners

Literacy Components

Reading Writing Listening Speaking

Supporting Literacy with O&M

Reading Concepts about print Vocabulary development Concept development Identify types of everyday print

information Literary response and problem

solving Writing

Organization Spelling Describing experiences Identify details about setting and

events

Supporting Literacy with O&M

Listening Follow one- and two-step oral

directions Restate oral directions Ask questions to clarify

information Relate experiences in logical

sequences Speaking

Describe people, places and things

Share and ask for information

Describing experiences

Activities

Sample

Orientation and

Mobility

Easy

Literacy Activities

Ideas for Designing O&M Lessons

The Process Review Academic Standards

for student’s grade that relate to literacy

Consult with teacher/family Decide upon timing Develop unit ideas that

embed O&M activities

Example 1 – 1st Grade O&M Student

Review Grade Level Academic Standards

Consult/Develop Related O&M IEP Goal or Unit

Identify Learning Activities

Grade 1: English Language Arts (Reading) Content Standard1.0 Word Analysis, Fluency, and Systematic Vocabulary Development

1.3 Understand that printed materials provide information

Student will locate printed signage on familiar school campus.

Student will match replica signage to locations on school campus where they are posted.

Familiarize to school Practice routes between key locations on school campusLocate and take photos of key informational signs on campusConstruct mapShare map with 1st grade classmatesUse map for small group treasure hunt

Example 2 – 3rd Grade O&M Student

Review Grade Level Academic Standards

Consult/Develop Related O&M IEP Goal or Unit

Identify Learning Activities

Grade 3: English Language Arts (Writing) Content Standard2.0 Writing Applications (Genres and Characteristics) 2.2 Write descriptions that use concrete sensory details to present and support unified impressions of people, places, things or experiences.

Student will use the long cane to travel the four sides of a home area residential block

Student will describe key features of a familiar residential block

Practice cane skills in residential block travelEmphasize orientationCreate a tape of interesting sounds found along the blockCollect small samples of leaves, grasses, etc.Construct an auditory and tactile mapCreate a mystery adventure story involving travel in the block – use map and recording to add sensory details

Example 3: Now You Try!1st Grade O&M Student

Review Grade Level Standards

Consult/Develop O&M IEP Goal or Unit

Identify Learning Activities

Grade 1: English Language Arts (Writing) 2.0 Written and Oral English Language Conventions

1.8 Spell three- and four-letter short-vowel words and grade-level appropriate sight words correctly.

Student will use visual skills to locate…

Student will use monocular to read…

General Ideas for O&M Activities that Support Literacy for Older Students

•Complete applications – transit or job

•Speak to a group – provide an in-service

•Listen critically - attend a conference on technology/visual impairment and summarize and critique

•Interview others – summarize key points from interview of skilled travelers

•Write reflections – keep a travel journal

•Research and report – advocate for a change related to an environmental hazard at school or in the community

Q & A ?