Let's Get Moving Orientation and Mobility for Preschool Children Susan S. Simmons, Ph.D. Sharon O'Mara Maida, M.Ed. Just as you learned some technical terms when your child's eye doctor explained your child's visual impairment, we'd like to introduce a few new terms to you. Over the next few years, as your child grows and develops, many people will help you encourage your child to learn about and explore the wonderful world around her. You may already be acquainted with a teacher of the visually impaired, someone who will play an important role in your child's education. Orientation refers to knowing where you are by using clues from your environment.
Mobility means moving safely from place to place in a graceful and efficient manner.
An Orientation and Mobility Specialist teaches people who are blind or visually impaired the specific skills they need to determine where they are and how to independently, safely, and efficiently go where they want.