Orientation is the ability to locate oneself in one's environment. It is a skill that is related to the use of the remaining senses to establish one's position in, and in relation to significant objects in the environment. The process of using the available environmental information to select and follow the correct path is called 'Orientation'. It has been established that when vision or hearing of a person is completely or partially impaired, he has to depend upon his remaining senses to be able to move around freely. The senses of touch, smell and taste can be used to help him to recognize her/his position in relation to the obstacles and landmarks around him in the environment. However it should be noted that Orientation is a cognitive skill and hence like all other skills would require a lot of time and practice on the part of Deafblind student to develop an orientation of his familiar environment as well.

Mobility is defined as “movement from one place to another” not just a particular technique or device. The aim of obtaining freedom of movement, safety in travelling as well as minimizing the level of stress placed. A well-developed mobility facilitates independent movement. Mobility refers to total bodily movement which involves a change in spatial location accomplished in an upright position under one's own power. It describes all situations ranging from moving around within a single room in a house, Thorough travelling from one town to another or even between countries. It is the action of travelling, of going from one place to another. To be mobile, Deafblind person should be able to gather and use sufficient information from the environment to avoid hazards and to reach his destination safely. Thus it is the ability to move in the environment in relation to oneself from one place to another. Orientation and mobility are focus areas of concern for the child who is Deafblind. Safety is also of critical importance to the child. Not only must the environment be made safe for him, but he must feel safe in order to move around on his own. If he does not, he is likely to stay glued to one spot resisting interaction with his environment and the people in it.

In special school children with special needs will be orientated in different activities like community orientation, field trips, organizing festivals and surrounding premises of the organization. Towards mobility CP and severe children will be associated with wheel chairs in school premises and through DDRC, Tricycles, Limbs, callipers, Wheel chairs, Crutches will be provided for better mobility to PwDs. Even for Deafblind children daily orientation and mobility activity will be followed through mobility instructor from DDRC.

Deafblind State Centre