Orientation & Mobility (O&M)

Forward Steps Mobility provides Orientation & Mobility (O&M) Specialist (NDIS Capacity Building) services to adults and children who are blind or have low vision.

O&M is about equipping and empowering people who experience blindness or low vision to become independent, safe and competent travellers within the community. Whether white cane, dog guide, adaptive mobility devices or no mobility aids, our uniquely tailored O&M Specialist services involve assessment and training approaches in the development of skills, techniques and strategies, as well as professional advice, including:

White Cane Training & Assessment
New Travel Routes
Human Guide Techniques
Residual Vision Maximisation
Public & Community Transport
Outdoor Orientation Skills
Indoor Independent Travel Skills
Cognitive Mapping Techniques
Orienting dog guide handlers
Prerequisite dog guide travel route preparations
Sensory, Spatial & Body Concepts
Information & Education
Adaptive Mobility Devices (Wheeled-Walkers, Wheelchairs, Motor-Scooters)
Falls Prevention

messege for screen reader users
below is a slide show of 12 photos, they will change every 3 seconds
the description of the photos are
1, , a Young man named Kushal, walking with a long cane extended out
2, a lady with her dog guide doing some shopping
3, a lady crossing the road using her long cane,
4, a man walking down a path using a long cane
5, a lady and her dog guide walking along a lake
6, a man and his dog guide walking along a lake
7, a Picture of Justin standing with smart phone in one hand and smart cane in the other preparing navigation function
8, Kushal standing next to G-link staff with a tram behind them
9, Frances is seen side profile and from behind crossing a light controlled street crossing with long cane and support cane
10, Anne-Marie seen with long cane ahead and standing whilst descending a travelator
11, Photograph of Pete, Jenny and dog guide Elvis on a bushwalking track walking between two gigantic trees left and right
12, Hailey is seen tactually exploring a 3D map of Fairfield railway station
end of photo descriptions
slide show is below

Our specialised O&M children’s services also extend from preschool to post-school. Just like adults, we recognise that each child possesses unique personalities and strengths, requiring thoughtful, tailored O&M programs. We teach concepts, strategies, skills and techniques, as foundational for developing safe, independent and confident mobility. Learning occurs through creative structured and unstructured approaches, including meaningful everyday living activities. We have a passion for making a difference in every child’s life, through teaching, imparting, equipping and empowering them to connect with and understand their surroundings.

Our compassionate and caring O&M Specialist, Kim Pilic, understands the importance of delivering strengths-based, collaborative training approaches, designed to promote possibilities and successful outcomes. We relish the opportunity to promote inclusive community access. Our reputable services are invaluable for building confidence and transitioning adults and children to independence. We care about people’s lived experiences, as a privileged matter of the heart.

Refer to our About page for more information regarding O&M, our experience, qualifications, heart-centric standpoint and other services.