Considering a Practical Orientation and Mobility Framework to Design Communication Interventions for People With Visual Impairments, Deafblindness, and Multiple Disabilities

Abstract

Communication assessment and interventions for individuals with complex communication needs and concomitant vision loss are enhanced when individuals' movement and orientation needs are considered. This article includes practical suggestions, gleaned from researched interventions, for speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and educators to consider in consultation with Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialists (COMS) and other vision specialists. A framework is proposed to support SLPs and practitioners when developing intervention approaches with individuals who have visual impairments or deafblindness.