Orientation and Mobility

Here’s what our students have to say…

“Mobility lessons are all about learning routes to places that you want to go and you choose where you go so it can be the cinema, shops or into town. You can learn how to use buses and trains, it’s great because the Mobility Officers listen to what you want and tailor it to your own needs.” Mike Fleet.

 Watch the introduction to ILS and mobility video;

Duration of programme

The duration of the programme is entirely based on the progression and objectives of you, as an individual student.

Entry Requirements

During your Pre-Entry Assessment we will work with you to establish which specific areas in Orientation and Mobility (O&M) you would like to develop or improve; this will form the basis of your initial programme and ensure we are working towards your priorities from day one.

Course Information

The content and length of the programme will be agreed on an individual basis and could include the following areas:

• Pre-cane skills
• Long cane and symbol cane skills
• Orientation skills for cane users, guide dog users and low vision travellers
• Travel training including planning journeys and using public transport
• Road crossing skills
• Night mobility skills

You will have the opportunity to learn safe and independent travel in the following areas:

• RNC campus
• Local amenities
• City centre
• Rail and bus stations

Teaching Methods

We work with you to build your confidence and skills in independent and safe travel. You will have regular one-to-one mobility sessions where you can increase your skills whilst learning how to access the RNC campus and the local area. These skills are reinforced by the residential staff who will initially guide, then shadow you around campus.

Our teachers specialise in helping you develop your orientation using sensory clues which can include sounds, smells and physical landmarks.

Assessment Methods

As your individual objectives will be unique to you, you will have the opportunity to practice the same routes until you feel safe and confident to move onto the next step.

Progression Opportunities

Your O&M programme will enable you to become more independent and reach your full potential whilst you are at RNC. Your programme will focus on developing strategies and plans that will provide you with skills that you can use throughout your life beyond RNC.

Student timetables at RNC

We recognise that all of our learners are individuals, which is why no two students will have the same timetable. As well as your core area(s) of study, you will have a mixture of ICT Skills, Independent Living Skills and/or Braille on your timetables, dependent on your individual needs, goals and objectives.

Here’s what the teachers have to say…

“As independence teachers we get a real buzz from seeing a student walking back from the local shops when they had never left campus on their own before the start of their mobility programme; or when we get a text from a student who is so pleased with themselves because they have just used the train to travel home for the first time. But everyone has their own goals and abilities and it can be just as gratifying to watch some walk from their hall of residence to the Learning Hub without needing to be guided there.” Stephanie Mackey, Teacher in charge – Mobility, Independence and Braille.