Abstract
A project team at Guide Dogs NSW/ACT, Australia designed, tested, and statistically validated over a five-year period, a client evaluation tool to assess the progress or achievement of adult clients (18+ years) who participate in orientation and mobility (O&M) programs (including Guide Dog programs). The tool is administered at the commencement of the client’s mobility program and again at its conclusion to provide a pre/post measure. The tool comprises two parts. Part 1, completed by the O&M specialist, measures the degree of vision impairment; client complexity, and the environmental complexity in which the training is being conducted. Part 2 includes the mobility specialist’s rating of the client’s skill and confidence level; and the client’s rating of their own skill and confidence as well as a rationale for their ratings. The tool appears effective in measuring client outcomes for all types of O&M program in any environment; is quick and easy to use, and non-invasive. The paper includes the results of the tool applied by 57 O&M specialists to 361 clients from July 2014 to July 2015 revealing significant improvements in skill and confidence post-program.