Tips are offered for use in an encounter with a dog guide and its blind owner. Tips include approaching the person from the right side, not taking hold of the dog guide's harness, not offering food to the dog guide, and not petting the dog guide without the owner's permission. (JDD)

This study evaluated effects of hand position when the long cane is used to assist travel for individuals with severe visual impairments. Subjects were 15 mobility instructors. The study found that the style with which one holds the cane when using the touch technique does affect detection distance for both surface and object preview. (DB)

White Cane Awareness Month was created to teach the public that the long cane is a tool for maintaining independence and dignity and a symbol of freedom, not of pity or helplessness. Public relations materials were developed, including a demonstration for television stations on use of the long cane and a quiz to distribute at information booths.…

A precane device, called the "free-standing cane," was developed to help children with blindness along with other disabilities. The cane detects obstacles; guides the user's hands into a relaxed, static position in front of the hips; facilitates postural security and control; and offers tactile and kinesthetic feedback. (JDD)

This article describes orientation and mobility skills and strategies used by a woman with deaf-blindness, especially methods for crossing the street safely, using the following main strategies: locating key travel areas; developing communication strategies and systems; and identifying community resources for assistance. (CR)

This article compares two electronic aids that send out an elliptical cone of ultrasonic sound that bounces back as a usable information signal for individuals with blindness. The Polaron is better for people who are predominantly route travelers or with limited hand use. The Mowat Sensor is better for travelers in a variety of environments. (JDD)

A study of eight adults who use dog guides found four themes that described the experience of using a dog guide: increased confidence, increased independence, changed public interactions, and additional responsibilities or inconveniences. Most participants described their dogs as social "ice breakers" that led to increased interaction…

Four athletes who are blind tested the effectiveness of an end-of-the-lane signaling device for swimmers with visual impairments. Swimmers preferred the Aqualert II over the tap stick because it gave them a better idea of the location of the wall, more advanced warning, and allowed them to be more independent. (CR)

This case study discusses how a teacher of three elementary students with congenital blindness motivated her students to increase their mobility. The children were asked to pull a child-sized suitcase with wheels behind them in the hand that was not holding a cane. The successes of the strategy are described. (Contains two references.) (CR)

Responses of 25 mobility instructors to a survey concerning long cane instruction with preschool children with severe visual impairments found that 80 percent favored introduction of cane skills during the preschool years, that 90 percent or more agreed with almost all listed advantages, and that no particular training technique was favored. (DB)

A survey of 69 people investigated their response to individuals with deaf-blindness holding cards soliciting aid for crossing the street. Results found travelers should stand at the curb facing the street, hold the card up at the shoulder, and the card should first state the desire to cross the street. (CR)

A young blind adult recounts his experiences in using a dog guide, describing psychological adjustment, trials and joys of being a student at a dog guide training center, bonding with the new dog, and adjusting to home life with a dog guide. Suggestions are offered for the improvement of orientation and mobility training. (JDD)

A survey of orientation and mobility specialists (N=26) was conducted to determine the mobility devices currently being used with visually impaired and elderly clients. These results were then used to design and develop an effective, commercially manufacturable adaptive-mobility device prototype which was tested with elderly individuals, multiply…

A study was done to identify the level of independent travel considered ideal by three older adults with visual impairments. Results found that the ideal level of functioning is different from that implicitly used in traditional orientation and mobility programs. (CR)

The article reviews the history of orientation and mobility (OM) training for the visually impaired with emphasis on the increasing need for paraprofessional mobility assistants. Results of interviews with OM specialists (N=64) provided information on types of personnel trained, methods of training, and skills taught to OM assistants. (DB)