Exhibit_B-_HUMAN_GUIDE_Techniques.pdf

ORIENTATION

and

MOBILITY

HUMAN GUIDE

TECHNTQUES

Arizona Department of Economic Security Rehabilitation Services Administration Services for Persons who are Blind, Visually lmpaired or Deaf Phone: (602) 266-9286 Fax: (602) 250-8583

What is Orientation and Mobilitv?

"Orientation" refers to the ability to know where you are and where you want to go, whether you're moving from one room to another or walking downtown for a shopping trip.

"Mobility" refers to the ability to move safely, efficiently, and effectively from one place to another, such as being able to walk without tripping or falling, cross streets, and use public tra nsportation.

What do Orientation and Mobility Soecialists do?

Orientation and Mobility Specialists provide training in methods of safe travel at work, in the community and in the home setting to individuals who are blind or visually impaired.

The training promotes independencer êXploration and interaction in the environment. It teaches awareness in develop¡ng environmental cues to execute a safe travel plan.

Orientation and Mobility Specialists can teach an individual who is blind or visually impaired how to travel with a human guide, white cane or guide dog. Because every individual has different needs, they will work with the person who is blind or visually impaired to determine the best option. AII training is individualized to meet the unique needs of each person receiving the training.

Benefits of Orientation and Mobilitv

Movement is important to everyone. Orientation asks the questions:

"Where am I?"

"Where am I going?" and "How do I get there?"

Mobility involves getting there safely and efficiently.

Orientation and Mobility (O&M) begins with understanding where your body ends and the environment begins. rt also includes knowing about relationships between different objects in the environment.

What is Human Guide Technique?

Human Guide technique refers to a method by which a person who is visually impaired (the Follower) and a person who is sighted (the Guide) can walk together safely and comfortably.

Specific techniques and movements are prescribed to allow the pair to negotiate a variety of travel situations safely, Comfortably, and efficiently.

Practice of Human Guide techniques require some time and effort, but will facilitate mastery of the techniques.

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Once the individual is at ease with the technique helshe will be able to negotiate most areas without interrupting conversation or asking unnecessary verbal directions.

The experienced Follower will be able to teach a novice Guide quickly and the experienced Guide will be able to Guide most people who are visually impaired with comfort.

DIRECTIONS for Human Guide Techniquesr

Throughout these instructions

The person who is sighted will be referred to as the Guide.

The person who is visually impaired will be referred to as the Follower.

INITIAL CONTACT and GRASP lo

There are two picturesr The first picture shows the Guide touching the back of the Follower's hand.

The second picture shows the Follower holding onto the Guide's arm just above the elbow. The Follower's arm and the Guide's arm are both at a 90 degree angle.

Guide: Touch the Follower's elbow, forearm, or hand with the back of your hand.

Follower: Grasp the Gulde's arm above the elbow with your fingers on the inside of the arm near the Guide's body and your thumb on the outside near you. Use a firm grasp but do not use excessive pressure.

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ALTERNATIVE GRASPS

When the Follower is a child:

The picture shows the Guide's hand is hanging by the Guide's side. The Follower (child) is grasp¡ng the Guide's wrist.

Follower: Grasp the Guide's wrist.

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When the Follower is in need of some physical support:

The picture shows the Guide's arm bent at the elbow. The Follower's arm is placed inside the Guide's arm at the elbow with the Follower's hand grasping the inside of the Guide's lower arm.

Guide: Bend your arm at the elbow.

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When the Follower is much taller than the Guide:

The picture shows the Guide is much shorter than the Follower. The Follower's right hand is placed on the Guide's left shoulder.

Follower: Rest your hand on the Guide's shoulder.

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STANCE

Guide¡ Stand with your arm relaxed at your side or bent at the elbow.lo Follower: Your arm should be bent at the elbow, placing you a half step distance from the Guide.

The picture shows the Guide's arm at a 9O degree angle. The Follower's hand is grasping the Guide's arm slightly above the elbow. The Follower's arm is also at a 9O degree angle. The picture shows the Follower standing at a half step distance from the Guide.

Tips:

Keeping the elbow bent for long periods of tirne can be uncomfortable for the Guide. Experienced Guides and Followers can often travel just as well with the Guide's hand relaxed by their side.

Walk at a pace comfortable for both the Guide and Follower.

The Guide should not be "dragg¡ng or towing" the Follower and the Follower should not be pushing the Guide.

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NARROW PASSAGE

The picture shows the Guide placing their bent arm diagonally behind their back. The Follower's arm is straightened and is positioned directly behind the Guide.

Guide: Continue facing forward, place your bent arm diagonally behind your back.

Follower¡ Straighten your arm and move directly behind the Guide thus following effectively in a single file.

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TURNING AROUND OT ABOUT FACE

(to turn in a small space, or to avoid confusing the Follower) o t The picture shows the Guide and the Follower facing each other. The Follower is holding the Guide's arm while the other hand is grasping the o ite arm.

Guide: Ask the Follower to "about face".

. Turn to face the Follower.

. Offer your other arm.

. Complete the turn once the Follower has grasped your arm.

Follower: Face the Guide.

. Contact the Guide's other arm.

. Release your original grasp.

. Assume the normal grasp on the new arm.

CHANGING SIDESI

(before stairs or to avoid an obstacle)

Guide: Ask the Follower to change sides and move your arm behind you.

Follower: Grasp the Guide's arm with your free hand above your other hand.

Release your original grasp and slide that hand across the Guide's back to the free arm.

Bring your second hand across the Guide's back to the other arm.

Assume the normal grasp position.

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There are two pictures. The first one shows the Follower grasping the Guide's arm just above the elbow with one hand while the other hand is trailing across the back of the Guide.

The second picture shows the Follower has changed sides and is now traveling on the other side of the Guide.

DOORS

The picture shows the Guide placing their arm diagonally behind their back.

The Follower's arm is straight so the Follower is directly behind the Guide.

The Guide's opposite hand opens the door then the Follower's free hand is holding the door open while they safely move through the door.

Guide: Tell the Follower if the door needs to be pushed or pulled and whether the hinges are on the right or left.

Begin opening the door.

Let the Follower hold the door if indicated.

A simple statement such as, "Your door", will alert the Follower as to the need for an appropriate action, Followen If the door opens on your side, maintain your grasp while supporting the door for yourself.

If the door opens on the Guide's side, with your free hand grasp the Guide's arm above your orlginal grasp as lf you are changing sides.

Brace the door with your newly freed hand.

When you have passed through the door, reverse this process and assume your original grasp.

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STAIRS

There are two pictures shown¡ The first picture shows the Guide is stopped at the top of the stairs. The Follower's free hand is on the stair rail, while the other hand is grasp¡ng the Guide's arm just above the elbow.

The second picture shows the Guide has stepped down onto the first stair. The Follower is standing at the top of the sta irs.

Guide¡ Stop just before the stairs

. Tell the Follower if the stairs are going up or down.

. Move your arm forward, bringing the Follower to the edge of the stairs.

. Allow the Follower to use the handrail if possible.

. The Follower wlll be beside you.

. Step onto the first step ahead of the Follower.

. Stop at the end of the stairs.

. Tell the Follower that you are at the end.

STAIRS (continued)

Follower:

. Bring your toes to the edge of the stairs.

. Start a full step after the Guide.

TIPS ON STAIRS:

W¡th time and experience both the Guide and the Follower will become comfortable with a minimum of verbal directions, only needing to pause briefly instead of taking full stops.

A simple statement such as, "stairs down or stairs up," will suffice.

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SITTING

ol The picture shows the Guide standing beside the chair. The Follower is standing in front of the chair with the back of their knees against the front edge of the seat.

The Follower's hand is grasping the Guide's arm just above the elbow.

Guide: Position the Follower so the back of their knees touch the front of the chair.

Tip: For some Followers it may be helpful to describe the back and arms of the chair.

Follower: Bend to the chair, sweep the seat with one hand, locate the arms and sit.

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AUDITORIUM SEATING

This procedure may be used for seating in an auditorium, stadium, on bleachers or in rows of desks.

Guide¡ Inform Follower you are moving into the row of seatsBegin to sidestep into the row.

Follower: Move up and alongside the Guide as they move laterally into the row.

Guide: Pause when the Follower has entered the row and is positioned directly behind the first seat.

Follower: W¡th the back of your free hand touch the back of the seat in front of you. Continue touching the seats in front as you move along the row with the Guide.

Guide: When arriving at appropriate seats, pause while positioning the Follower directly in front of the intended seat. Inform the Follower they can now sit down.

Guide: When exiting, step around in front of the Follower before establlshing contact.

CARS

The picture shows the Follower and the Guide standing beside the passenger's side of the front door of the car. The Guide is directing the Follower's right hand to the inside door handle. The Follower's left hand is placed on the frame above the open door.

Guide: Indicate whlch way the car ls facing and whether they are at the front or back door, direct the Follower to the door handle.

Follower: Locate the frame above the open door with one hand and the door handle wlth the other.

Sweep the seat wlth your hand before sitting.

BUCKLE UP!

HELPFUL TIPS

a Remember there are differences among people who are blind or visually impaired.

Many people have some remaining useful vision and there are variations in how well people have adjusted to their visual im pa irment.

The best way to know how to be helpful is to ask.

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The History of the White Cane

The white cane is not just a tool used to achieve Independence; it is also a symbol of the citizens who are blind in our society. To honor the many achievements of Americans who are blind or visually impaired and to recognize the significance of the white cane in advancing independence, we observe October 15th of each year as "White Cane Safety Day". Today, the white cane serves as both a tool and a symbol for the people who are blind, but this has not always been the case.

Throughout history, the cane, staff, and stick existed as traveling aids for people who were blind or visually impaired. Dating back to biblical times records show that a shepherd's staff was used as a tool for solitary travel. People who were blind used such tools to alert them to obstacles in their path. For centuries, the "cane" was used merely as a tool for travel and it was not until the twentieth century that the cane, as we know it today, was promoted for use by people who are blind as a symbol to alert others to the fact that an individual was bl i nd.

This new role for the white cane had its origins in the decades between the two World Wars, beginning in Europe and then spreading to North America. James Biggs of Bristol claimed to have invented the white cane in L921. After an accident claimed his sight, the artist had to readjust to his environment. Feeling threatened by increased motor vehicle traffic around his home, Biggs decided to paint his walking stick white to make himself more visible to motorists. It was not until ten years later that the white cane established lts presence in society. In February, 1931, Guilly d'Herbemont launched a scheme for a national white stick movement for people who were blind in France. The campaign was reported in British newspapers leading to a similar scheme being sponsored by rotary clubs throughout the United Kingdom. In May 1931 the BBC suggested in its radio broadcasts that blind individuals might be provided with a white stick, which would become universally recognized as a symbol indicating that a person was blind or visually impaired.

In North America the introduction of the whlte cane has been attrlbuted to the Lion's Clubs International. In 1930, a Lion's Club member watched as a blind man attempted to make his way across a busy street using a black cane. W¡th the realization that the black cane was barely visible to motorists, the Lion's Club decided to paint the cane white to increase its visibility to oncoming motorists. In 1931, the Lion's Club International began a national program promoting the use of white canes for persons who were blind Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, persons who were blind had walked with their canes held diagonally in a fixed position, so the role of the white cane became a symbol as an identifier.

When the veterans who were blinded during World War II returned to America, the form and use of the white cane were further altered in an attempt to help return veterans to participatory lifestyles at home.

Doctor Richard Hoover developed the "long cane" or "Hoover" method of cane travel. These white canes were designed to be used as mobility devices returning the cane to its original role as a tool for mobility. However, it maintained the symbolic role as an identifier of independence for people who were blind or visually impaired. During this period, the white cane began to make its way into government policy as a symbol for people who were blind.

The first special White Cane Ordinance was passed In December 1930 in Peoria, Illinois. It granted pedestrians who were blind protections and the right-of-way while carrying a white cane. In 1935, Michigan began promoting the whlte cane as a visible symbol for persons who were blind. On Februa ry 25, 1936, an ordinance was passed by the City of Detroit recognizing the white cane. To promote the new ordinance, a demonstration was held at City Hall where people who were blind or visually impaired were presented with whlte canes. The following year, Donald Schuur wrote the provision of a bill and had it proposed in the Michigan State Legislature. The proposal gave the carrier of the White Cane protection while traveling on the streets of Michigan. Governor Frank Murphy signed the b¡ll into law in March, L937.

During the early 1960's, several state organizations and rehabilitation agencies serving citizens who were blind or visually impaired of the Unlted States urged Congress to proclaim October 1sth of each year to be White Cane Safety Day in all fifty states. This event marked a climactic moment in the long campaign of the organized movement by persons who were blind to gain state as well as national recognition for the white cane. On October 6, L964, a joint resolution of the Congress, HR 753, was signed into law authorizing the President of the United States of America to proclaim October 15th of each year as "White Cane Safety Day." The resolution read, "Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives that the President is hereby authorized to issue annually a proclamation designating October 15th as White Cane Safety Day and calling upon the people of the United States of America to observe such a day with appropriate ceremonies and activities." W¡th¡n hours of passage of the congressional resolution, President Lyndon B. Johnson went down in history as the first to proclaim October 15th as White Cane Safety Day.

The Presidential proclamation emphasized the significance of the use of the white cane as both a tool and a visible symbol. In the first White Cane Proclamation President Johnson commended people who were blind for the growing spirit of independence and increased determination to be self-reliant and dignified. He said in part: "A whlte cane in our society has become one of the symbols of the blind person's ability to come and go on his own. Its use has promoted courtesy and opportunity for mobility of the blind on our streets and highways. "

Durlng most years since L964, the President has proclaimed October 15th as White Cane Safety Day. On October 15, 2000, President B¡l¡

Clinton again reminded us of the history of the white cane as a tool, and symbol of blindness: "With proper training, people using the white cane can enjoy greater mobility and safety by determining the Iocation of curbs, steps, uneven pavement, and other physical obstacles in their path. The white cane has given them the freedom to travel independently to their schools and workplaces and to participate more fully in the life of their communities. It reminds us that the only barriers against people with disabilities are discrimlnatory attitudes and practices that our society has too often placed in their way.As we observe White Cane Safety Day let us recall the history of the white cane, its emergence as a tool and a symbol through history; a staff of independence. Let us also recall the events that have permitted us to celebrate October 15th as White Cane Safety Day."

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