Free O&M Workshop in Danville to provide more than just training!

WHAT: Orientation and Mobility Workshop for all ages
WHEN: Saturday, July 30th
TIMES: Session One: 10 AM – noon; Session Two: 1 PM – 2:30 PM
WHERE: Boyle County Library, 307 W Broadway, Danville, KY

This workshop is for individuals who have a vision impairment and wish to improve their confidence and safety in traveling around their home, school, work, and community. All ages and skill levels are invited. You are welcome whether you have received training in the past, or if this will be your first experience. Registered participants who are blind or visually impaired and attend at least 2 hours of training will receive a $40 Wal-Mart gift card upon completion. Maximum registration is limited to 6 morning and 6 afternoon visually impaired participants; registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.
 
The University of Kentucky’s Orientation and Mobility graduate program, in conjunction with the Bluegrass Council of the Blind, Kentucky School for the Blind, and the Kentucky Division of Blind Services, is providing a free workshop on using a white cane and the skills and issues related to safely traveling in the community. The two- to three-hour workshop will include both group and individualized instruction provided by University of Kentucky’s Orientation and Mobility program, including UK professors who are certified Orientation and Mobility Specialists, as well as graduate students in this specialized program.

There will be two sessions, a morning session from 10 AM – 12 noon and an afternoon session from 1 – 2:30 PM. Participants are welcome to register for one or both sessions, with each session providing different concentrations of training. Lunch will be provided for those who register for both sessions, but only one gift card will be awarded per individual participant.
 
Each participant will receive a brief assessment to identify their personal travel goals and needs, and to determine their current skill levels. Topics covered in this workshop will include the following indoor and outdoor skills and techniques:
• Human guide instruction, including use of stairs and doorways
• Protective techniques, and trailing
• Search patterns and locating dropped objects
• Familiarization to new environments
• Problem solving techniques
• Introduction to use of the cane
• Cane techniques including locating and traveling on steps and drop-offs
• Requesting or refusing assistance
• Sidewalk and outdoor route travel
• Use of visual skills during travel
• Intersection awareness

Please complete this brief registration, or contact Theresa Thomas at 859-259-1834 to find out more information or to register over the phone. We look forward to meeting with you!