Support for Parents:
Mobility

Mobility training aims to help pupils develop the skills and techniques to move around in a variety of environments, independently, safely and confidently.

The mobility curriculum provides each pupil with a broad range of experiences and encourages the development of skills that allow them to learn from these experiences. Exploration, on a very practical level, helps them learn about the world and how it works. Training is offered in short blocks or continuously - dependent on individual needs. Mobility independence is encouraged and promoted through our school based colour pass system.

Within School the Department:

• works with pupils from Nursery through to School Leavers at both Craigmillar and Canaan Campuses.
• assesses, devises and delivers individual programmes – where maximising of residual vision is an integral part.
• teaches formal sighted guide techniques and skills for safe indoor travel.
• offers cane training and teaches skills for safe outdoor travel - starting in the local area eventually progressing through to City Centre travel.
• develops awareness of roads and road safety and teaches skills for use of public transport.
• teaches how to ask members of the public for information and/or assistance, e.g. for shopping.
• teaches routes required for pupils to access work experience or college placements or specific routes to access leisure pursuits.
• plays an important role in post-school transition.

Additionally the Department:

• provides extensive staff training.
• liaises closely with other School Therapists, Care Staff regarding mobility targets and progress and other Mobility professionals.
• refers pupils for home area training.
• assesses pupils on Link Scheme placements.
• where required, provides consultancy services for other agencies.
• provides mobility training and assessments at Birmingham and Edinburgh Universities.
• is involved in research development projects.
• provides professional student placements.
• advises and supports parents/families to support mobility programmes.