Reliability and Validity of O&M Instructor Observations

Abstract

The development of a reliable and valid approach to the assessment of orientation and mobility skills has been difficult to attain. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of quantifying the observations of practicing orientation and mobility instructors in a naturalistic setting. Mobility clients currently enrolled in a rehabilitation center were asked to walk a residential/small business route at the beginning and end of their instructional program. The mobility staff was required to observe the clients’ travel skills and to record events in five critical areas. Results of this experiment suggest that orientation and mobility personnel can develop consistent observation strategies for use as an ongoing evaluation procedure.