Psychosocial: COMS TEST: Domain 8 -Use of Senses

tracing (visually following a stationary line), scanning (systematic eye movement to search for a stationary object) & tracking (visually following a moving object)
. The O&M specialist can provide lessons geared towawrd maximizing visual efficiency, in conjunction with instruction in other sensory training and mobility tools, like: long canes and ETA’s, and travel technique which maximize safety and efficiency of movement. A discussion with student about the functional implications of his/her visual impairment.

Tracing, scanning, & tracking with a device; reduced visual field & possible eye strain
Make sure to have a discussion with student about his/her optical device, discuss most effficient use and proper care for the device.

1. localization and stabilization: alignment with the eye, device & object. Localize w/o device then w/ device; stabilization difficult for balance (esp. motor impaired). Reduced power to attempt larger field and lead to proper use.

2. focusing: instructor should focus before student use. turn dial quarter turn to establish clarity.

3. scanning: systematic pattern of search, based on location & characteristics of object.

4. tracing: view through telescope while moving head to trace outlines of object.

5. tracking: maintaining constant alignment of eye, device and object while it is in motion. Easiest when object is at a far distance because relationship between visual field & object.

1. localization and stabilization: Have the learner rest the viewing arm on a stable surface or use both hands whi.e observing an object.

2. focusing: instructor focuses device prror to learner use

scanning: move device in opposite orientation of object characteristics

tracing: Teach a systematic pattern of exploration, i.e. clockwise, left-right, etc.

tracking: Begin with following people at a distance, increasing speed gradually

1. eccentric viewing: use of off-center or paramacular area of vision for a clearer view.

2. scanning: using eye muscles to move visual focus across a stationary field.

3. tracking: using eye muscles and head movement to maintain visual focus on a moving object.

4. tracing: using eyes muscles to follow a stationary line.

1. 
   eccentric viewing: ask learner to look directly at instructor’s face and describe detail, shifting eyes in all four directions for each description.

2. scanning: learner should be taught to scan for a specific object, using both head & eye.

3. tracking: follow the shoulder of the person in front of them & watch for the rising or lowering to indicate ramps or stairs. Street crossings; watch cars at an intersection

4. tracing: follow baseboards to break for locating appropriate door.

truncated domes, surface changes (horizontal & vertical)

Truncated domes identified with constant contact (cane or foot) or touch-&-drag for location & size. Surface changes can be used with any cane technique, foot/hand exploration

A learner can use time-distance estimations to determine approximate location of destination.

A learner can use kinesthetic & proprioceptive information to make accurate turns by recognizing gaps in stimuli of the surrounding environment.

Describe how a learner can use kinesthetic and proprioceptive information from slopes to maximize O&M skills.

Echolocation is defined as the use of reflected sounds to detect the presence of objects such as walls, buildings, doors and openings. Sometimes reffered to as obstacle perception.

Active echolocation is creating a sound with the intention of recognizing its auditory reflection.
while passive echolocation is the recognition of reflected sounds from objects in the environment.

The factors affecting echolocation include degree & type of hearing loss, ambient auditory distractors

Strategies for helping to develop echolocation include exposure to echoes, explore variety of sounds at different distances

Environmental factors that create source sounds include traffic, weather,and urban canyons

cane technique, footsteps, fingersnaps, clickers

1. sound shadow: created by objects between learner and attending source of sound

2. sound masking: loud sound that can mask the presence of other auditory information in the environment

3. Doppler Effect: The increase of frequency of sound produced by compression of sound waves & shortening of wavelengths as distance decreases between sound source & object

1. sound shadow: learner next to traffic control that may be shadowing parallel traffic

2. sound masking: jack haffmer may mask sound of traffic

3. Doppler Effect: Sound from 18-wheeler freight trucks