Which professional is commonly needed to support blind students in outdoor settings?

• A. Orientation and mobility specialist
• B. Speech-language pathologist
• C. Occupational therapist
• D. Physical therapist

Answer: (A)

Navigating outdoor spaces safely and independently is taught by an orientation and mobility specialist. This professional trains students who are blind or visually impaired to move around the real world with confidence, using skills like cane use to detect obstacles, orienting to directions and landmarks, and crossing streets safely. They also teach how to plan routes, use environmental cues, and handle field trips or community travel, all geared toward independent travel in outdoor settings.

Other specialists focus on different areas: speech-language pathologists work on communication and language skills, occupational therapists address daily living activities and fine motor tasks, and physical therapists concentrate on movement and physical function. While each plays an important role in overall development, the specific expertise for outdoor navigation and independent travel for blind students is found with orientation and mobility specialists.