Independence...

is having the skills necessary to live your life as you choose.

Orientation and Mobility

"Orientation" is knowing where you are; "mobility" is going where you want. In infancy, O&M Specialists work with families to help their child reach out and explore their immediate surroundings. As the child grows, skills include an understanding of spatial and positional concepts, moving smoothly through home and school environments, crossing streets and using alternative forms of transportation. The long cane, low vision devices and electronic travel aids are important components of this program.

Activities of Daily Living

Children need to manage their own day-to-day activities in order to achieve independence. Adaptations for dressing, grooming, cooking, eating, managing money, cleaning and play are taught by Rehabilitation Teachers in the home or at school. As the child masters each personal skill, self-esteem and independence grow.

Independent Living Program

Another way the Foundation for Blind Children promotes independence is through its Independent Living Program, a unique program designed for the benefit of high school age students who are blind or visually impaired living in Arizona. Skill areas included in the curriculum are cooking, grocery shopping, home management, street-crossing exercises, money management and hands-on vocational experience. The program is designed to help students enhance their daily living skills, knowledge and use of community resources, social and personal development, use of leisure time and work experience.