O&M Level 1 - Program Planning
Once the assessment information is collected, the team can develop IFSP/IEP goals and begin to plan a program of instruction. Refer to O&M Movement Program Planning for a planning tool to assist in the process. Goals should target functional outcomes for the learner, resulting in the learner gaining access to something or someone as a consequence of the movement or travel.
The following factors should be considered when planning the instruction:
- Begin in infancy to encourage movement;
- Use the learner's functional vision and hearing;
- Use and continue to expand the learner's motivations;
- Use functional communication systems that match the student's learning style;
- Provide initial movement and travel in environments that are simple, uncluttered, and use all available sensory information;
- Encourage appropriate levels of independence and interdependence;
- Provide collaboration and instruction with an O&M specialist, physical and occupational therapists, vision specialist, school team, and the family.
- In addition, movement devices, designed to motivate interest in movement, should be considered.
Movement and Travel Environments
The O&M Specialist will work with the team to design an individualized program of instruction. For most children, simple and uncluttered environments will help the child understand and use available sensory information. Movement activities should be provided in environments that are functional. This may include simple bordered areas for play, use of reference points, and end points with distinct smells, textures, and temperatures.
Movement Devices
A movement device is any device that offers movement to the child to enhance proprioception and vestibular function, both of which assist the learner in the development of understanding of the body and the environment. Examples of devices to encourage movement include:
- Rocking chair
- Scooter board with a bolster
- Swing
- Hammock
- Therapy ball
Again, the O&M Specialist will be able to work with the team to identify appropriate movement devices designed to address individual student needs.
