What is the primary function of an occupational therapist (OT) in orientation and mobility?

• A. Provides alternate means for physical limitation
• B. Eye exams & correction
• C. Hearing tests & hearing aids
• D. Instruction for daily living skills

Answer: (A)

In orientation and mobility, the goal is to help a person move through the environment safely and independently, even when there are physical limitations. The occupational therapist focuses on providing alternate means to accomplish mobility tasks—using compensatory strategies, assistive devices, and environmental adaptations that make movement feasible and safe. This might include selecting appropriate mobility aids, teaching energy-efficient or safer navigation techniques, and modifying routes or tasks to fit the person’s abilities, so independence is maintained despite constraints.

Eye exams and correction are handled by vision care professionals, and hearing tests and aids are managed by audiology. While teaching daily living skills is within OT’s broader scope, the specific emphasis in orientation and mobility is on adapting movement and travel to the person’s abilities rather than general ADL instruction.