Even though they walk together, Guidance and Mobility There are two complementary processes essential for the autonomy of people with visual impairments:
It is the ability to establish and update one's own body's position in space through the interpretation of sensory information (auditory, tactile, olfactory and proprioceptive).
It is the physical and technical ability to move safely from one point to another in the internal or external environment, using a long cane, tactile flooring and body protection techniques.
Select one of the urban situations below to understand how a blind student interprets the environment with the help of a cane and his remaining senses:
The directional tactile floor (embossed lines) indicates the safe path to follow, while the warning tactile floor (embossed dots) warns of dangers such as steps, guide drops, elevators and crossings. The tip of the cane tracks these textures without interruption.
Instruction carried out by a qualified Social Educator to develop greater autonomy in the user through the correct use of the long cane.
Teaching touch sweeping movements, tip sliding, step scanning and proper grip posture. Continuous practice in indoor and outdoor environments. Adjustment of the correct size of the cane in relation to the student's height and stride.
External training in urban terminals, bus stops and stations in Campinas, developing autonomy for boarding and disembarking.
It guarantees the constitutional right to come and go with free access and safety in the city's transport system. Tactile recognition of vehicle doors, requesting help from the driver/collector and identifying the usual route.
Training for family members, caregivers and the general public on how to correctly guide a blind person without pushing or pulling.
It focuses on the correct posture of holding the guide's elbow or shoulder, passing through narrow doors, climbing stairs and seats. Eliminates constraints on accompanied walks and teaches the companion to respect the pace of the person being assisted.
Training in the use of the remaining senses (hearing, touch of the feet, smell and thermal/wind perception) to identify reference points.
Identification of stores by the sound of doors/music, pharmacies by the aroma and corners by drafts and wall echoes. Basic echolocation allows the student to perceive the presence of walls, pillars and corridors before touching them.
Adaptation of walking for people with visual impairment, optimizing the use of contrast, protective lenses and ambient lighting.
Trains the transition between very light and dark environments, fall prevention and complementary use of the identification cane (green/white). Identification of the student's useful visual field for strategic positioning of the head during the crossing.
Practical external classes on sidewalks in the center and neighborhoods, supermarkets, fairs and shopping malls to consolidate autonomy in the real world.
Ensures self-confidence to carry out grocery shopping, ATM transactions and solo walks. Instruction in social relationships with pedestrians, requesting information on the streets and navigating street markets.
Practical training given individually by a qualified Social Educator.
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Discover the main accessibility devices and resources that help people with blindness and low vision to move around safely:
Aluminum or carbon fiber rods (foldable or rigid) with roller or ceramic tips for soil tracking.
Directional (route guidance) and warning (warning of obstacles, steps and bus stops) floors in differentiated relief.
Sound devices at pedestrian crossings and auditory warnings at urban transport terminals in Campinas.
Fill out the form below to schedule your first assessment with the Orientation and Mobility Social Educator. The service is 100% free for people with visual impairments and residents of Campinas and the metropolitan region.