Independent Trave (Go Where You Want or Need To Go)

Trained Orientation and Mobility Assistants and Orientation and Mobility Practitioners assist beneficiaries/clients to learn the skills and techniques of safe and independent indoor and outdoor travel, including maintaining orientation, navigation across a variety of terrains, planning trips and use of various modes of public transportation. Training Facilitators take advantage of the variety of transportation options and interesting destinations available in the Msunduzi municipality Area, using lessons to "normalize" independent travel by beneficiaries. Field trips are offered.

Beneficiaries/clients engage in a training programme that will teach them everything from good functional cane technique through full independent travel. Teaching starts with daily one-on-one instruction, with beneficiaries/clients gradually becoming more independent in keeping with their developing skills. Utilizing the long cane, they are taught established and effective techniques to recognize curbs, locate and manage stairs and interpret environmental cues. They learn to use regular modes of transportation, such as buses, trains, taxis, and airplanes, and to efficiently and appropriately articulate their needs to drivers and companions. Beneficiaries/clients learn to plan routes and trips in a variety of challenging situations.