Some people with visual impairments assume they would never benefit from using a white cane, or from orientation and mobility instruction, because they do have a fair amount of functional vision. Mike Desposati, an Orientation and Mobility Instructor from Helen Keller Services for the Blind, will give an introductory session on various uses for a white cane or orientation and mobility instruction, Saturday afternoon, March 11, at the 24th Annual HPS Network Conference.
Sometimes white canes are used to detect obstacles or uneven surfaces, and for some, they are simply used as a way to identify a visual impairment to the general public. Orientation and mobility instruction is about much more than using a white cane or learning key routes around the neighborhood.
Mike Desposati has served, and professionally worked in, the field of visual impairment for more than 20 years. He is also on the faculty of Hunter College where he teaches students training to become teachers of the visually impaired or orientation and mobility instructors.