One Step Forward: O&M Drop-In Forum for Adults 55 and Over

One Step Forward: O&M Drop-In Forum for Adults 55 and Over


Jan 13

One Step Forward is a 6-week drop-in open discussion forum for students new to orientation and mobility (O&M) who have questions or fears about orientation and mobility training or are simply curious and would like to connect, learn, and converse. Each week, students will engage with each other and LightHouse Orientation & Mobility Specialists Jennifer Huey and Sarah McIntyre, developing comfort and confidence through conversation about O&M. Topics will be planned for each conversation, but this discussion group is for you, so if an O&M topic is on your mind, bring it to the group! This is an opportunity to pose your personal thoughts and questions about learning skills for independent travel.

Who should attend? This 6-week class is for LightHouse students 55 years and older who have not received O&M training, or who have received very little and are not currently participating in O&M training but are curious, “almost ready,” or maybe are ready but are waiting to begin in-person training. This group may also appeal to you if you are looking to connect with other peers who share an interest in O&M and want to discuss the benefits of training. The best thing is, you don’t need any O&M experience to participate!

What to expect each week: Group conversation will focus on a planned topic, but there will also be time to ask questions that are relevant to you. Because this is a drop-in class, you can commit to just one class, all six, or as many as you want. The decision is yours! Participate if the topic is of interest or if you just want to connect and listen. All we ask is that you are open-minded and are interested in taking one step toward independent travel. This forum will use the Zoom platform, but any student with access to a telephone is welcome to join by calling in. Our goal is to make this program low-tech, user-friendly and approachable. The first meeting will be held December 9, 2020 from 10:00-11:00, and the planned topic is “Exploring Covid-safe strategies for navigating the holidays.”

Dates for upcoming meetings and planned topics for conversation:
December 9, 2020: Covid-safe holiday strategies
January 13, 2021: Defining training goals and priorities: New year, new you!
January 27, 2020: Training opportunities: Understanding the differences and intersection between LightHouse services
February 10, 2021: O&M in and around the house: movement and tactile awareness
February 24, 2021: O&M in and around the house: sound
March 10, 2021: What’s stopping you? Exploring the white cane and potential barriers

Class Details:
When: December 9, 2020 – March 10, 2021. Six Wednesday morning meetings (Dec. 9; Jan. 13 & 27; Feb. 10 & 24; March 10).
Time: 10:00 – 11:00 am
How to Participate: Zoom, either via phone or the Zoom app
Cost: It’s free!

RSVP to Jennifer Huey at JHuey@lighthouse-sf.org or Sarah McIntyre at SMcIntyre@lighthouse-sf.org.

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