O&M Environmental Complexity Scale

Abstract

There is a need for standardised measures that can be used in Orientation and Mobility (O&M) research and practice worldwide. This paper proposes a six step O&M Environmental Complexity Scale. The Scale is founded on an understanding that there is symbiotic interplay between the environment and the people who live in it. Complexity escalates with increases in physical components, pace of movement and social codes, and with a shift from predictability to unpredictability, requiring a higher level of cognition and engagement from the traveller. O&M specialists and researchers are invited to trial the O&M Environmental Complexity Scale, and to contribute to refining this research tool .