Orientation and Mobility

CVRP's Orientation and Mobility Institute of Learning provides the opportunity for transitioning teens who have a vision impairment or blindness to learn new skills, while also applying old skills in an unfamiliar environment. This IOL offers countless opportunities in college and career preparation that are not available in their home of West Virginia.

Students, ages 14-21 from across West Virginia, travel to a different city each year in order to work on their orientation and mobility and independent living skills. In the past, cities visited have been New York City, Virginia Beach, and Nashville. While on the trip, O&M specialists closely supervise the students as they work together and use a variety of technology to travel safely and efficiently. The students are encouraged to explore the different career opportunities that a larger city has to offer and look into some of the steps they may need to complete in order to obtain one of these career options. The skills addressed on this trip reflect goals that the students are working towards as part of their Individualized Education Plans. Before each trip, students meet virtually to participate in planning.