Which human senses are primarily utilized during OandM training?

In Orientation and Mobility (O&M) training, the senses that are primarily utilized are touch, hearing, and proprioception. These senses are essential for individuals, particularly those with visual impairments, to navigate their environments effectively.

Touch plays a critical role as it helps individuals understand the texture and stability of surfaces, detect changes in elevation, and interact with their surroundings through tactile feedback. Hearing is equally important, as it allows individuals to perceive auditory cues from their environment, such as traffic sounds, the movement of pedestrians, or other important signals that inform them of their surroundings. Proprioception, or the body's ability to sense its position and movement, is vital for orienting oneself in space and making coordinated movements.

Utilizing these senses helps O&M practitioners teach individuals how to independently navigate in different environments safely and effectively. Therefore, this combination of touch, hearing, and proprioception is fundamental during O&M training to enhance spatial awareness and mobility skills.